GreenMaxVE

Well I traded my maxima into the dealer for a new Mazda3 hatchback tonight. Repairs were getting too costly and it was cheaper to get a new car. So if anyone's looking for a VE 5-speed w/ 157K miles & rebuilt VTC's, the dealer mentioned that it was going to the DC/Baltimore Manheim auto auction. I'll probably hang around for a little before switchin to the MZ3 boards. later

internetautomar

iTrader: (30)

bye.
and it's NEVER (well except maybe in my case) cheaper to buy another car than to repair it.

maxitech

iTrader: (7)

Mazda3 hatchback? Weak, dude. Although the 6 is OK. Just think, for the price of the new mazda you could have had a next-to-new maxima.

Phatsta

well almost

internetautomar

iTrader: (30)

you're right. I forgot about body damage

todamax

iTrader: (6)

Never say never. There are Porsche 928's out there with broken timing belts that will cost over 10K to put back on the road. The sad part is the car is worth that or less. Its not very uncommon in the sport import market...

internetautomar

iTrader: (30)

used motor is still cheaper

VEvolution

I heard having a new car is like paying for major repairs each month

Unless your getting a Geo or something, I really don't see how it would be cheaper to get a new car over maintaining a used one.

I was really close to saving up for a new Jap sports car once I got really tired of the issues used cars have.. Maybe something around the likes of a Z/G35 etc. But then reality struck me of the uninspired styling of most new cars and what a waste of money it would be to get them(in my financial situation), that I just decided to get the VE 5spd, and mod it little by little.

Good luck with the Mazda...

Hectic

iTrader: (20)

my dad's got a black mazda 3 hatch. anyway, personally i think the dipstick doesn't even deserve a reply. registered in 01 and has 134 posts?? some 3rd gen enthusiast he is..

TeacherKP

I feel your pain. I am in the process of deciding to keep or sell 92GXE, 110K Miles.

nismosleeper

iTrader: (11)

So being a 3rd gen enthusiast means being a post *****?....

VEvolution

Not really, but having a 100 or so posts in almost 5 years is not being the most enthusiastic about ones car.. Unless they know everything, then thats a different story.

tripleGmax

iTrader: (8)

never heard of you, post some pics of your old and new ride.

GreenMaxVE

Who says I don't know everything. haha. So to be enthusiastic about ones car means that you must post a lot on the forums. Sorry I didn't read that rule when I signed up for maxima.org. Honestly, everything was starting to fail on the maxima. It needed new struts, ps pump, ball joints, exhaust studs, plus the wheels wells were rusting out. I couldn't see putting ~$3000 in repairs into a car that was rusting out. So I put it toward a new car with less problems. I need my car for getting to work and there is no alternate mass transit available, so a newer, more reliable car was a must. My car was bone stock and bought used. I don't have any pictures, but it was an Emerald Black (dark green) 94 SE 5-speed. Of couse I'll post pictures of my first new car after this weekend.

Greeny

iTrader: (43)

Probably looked a little like this...

GreenMaxVE

Yes, just like that. Minus the splash guards. Clearcoat on the wheels was chipping and even after multiple waxings the body clearcoat was erroding off the car. PA & WI winters were not nice to it. Nice engine bay, oh I had ABS.
Looks good.

Greeny

iTrader: (43)

Yeah my clearcoat was peeling on my wheels too..I just got some silver/chome paint and they look much better now,for stock se wheels anyway..

Hectic

iTrader: (20)

ok, maybe i was a little harsh. good luck with the 323. 1st gear's pretty snappy...

internetautomar

iTrader: (30)

he/she could have just been adept at searching or had very few problems

tripleGmax

iTrader: (8)

cool.
go and brush your shoulders off.

VEvolution

We both know that goes against physics

You crack me up tripleG

Preach456

i used to be a mazda tech at jim ellis mazda in chamblee, and although it hurts to see u leave the maxima domain, u r going to a good place

stephencu2004

That is exactly how I feel about it been there ansd won't do it again.

MaxKlinger

Congrats, the Mazda 3 is a really nice car. A buddy of mine bought one last year...did you get the 2.0L or 2.3L model? 5-spd or auto?

The 2.3L MZ3 with a stick runs about even with my 96 Maxima GXE automatic.

The Mazda 3's are getting a reputation for a few problems already. Many of them have fuel management problems and chronically run rich. My friend is still having this problem after taking it in for warranty claims - he's only getting 14-20mpg when he should be getting 35-35mpg. The automatic transmissions are very weak and many of them have had early failures - however, these seem to be mostly among the very first models produced. The 5-speeds are fairly good but from what I understand they don't take well to any additional power; there have been a lot of guys who have blown up third gear.

I actually joined Mazda3forums.com (among the many other boards I'm addicted to) about a year ago. I suggest you do the same to keeo yourself informed. They're not as good as Maxima.org though.

GreenMaxVE

Here are some pics as promissed. It's a Mazda3 5-door with 5-speed, touring edition (the touring comes with side air bags and air curtains). Like all 3 hatchbacks, it has the 2.3L.





It doesn't have quite the same torque as the old VE, but the HP is the same as the VG and the Mazda is ~350 lbs lighter. It goes pretty well, but I'm still breaking it in so I'm not revving above 4K.

VEvolution

Congrats.. Lookin' good. Im really feelin these new Mazda designs. Any future mod plans?

ColombianMax

iTrader: (7)

Not really my type of car but there nothing like the feeling of having a new car. I know my mom would love it, she likes hatchbacks. by the way how much did that dealer appraise your old Maxima for?

wmeacham

Nice Mazda. Hope you enjoy.