[BMWUltimateDriv3r]

I'm thinking of trading in my car but I want something reliable and isn't a total chore to drive.

[ragingclue]

What do you mean by being "a chore to drive"? SVT Focus > 1st Gen Mazda3

In my most humblest of opinions of course....

[BMWUltimateDriv3r]

I do not want a Focus.

[Red Bread]

I bought my sister's 2006 3i sedan when she moved out of the country. I call it Shitbox, but it's actually a good little unit. I put tires and new brakes on it and it's remarkably fun.

The shocks suck, they have random rebound control and it is really under damped. But it actually handles well once you realize that, does awe inspiring e-brake induced oversteer and you can drive it at 11/10th's and no one will care.

A buddy has a 2012 MS3 and while it's fast, Shitbox is more fun, largely because it's 600 pounds lighter. Against all reason, I think I'm going to trade it on an F55 Mini Cooper though.

[BMWUltimateDriv3r]

How is the road noise?

[Red Bread]

Reasonable. Quieter than my M Coupe, louder than our 135i or X1. Like a lot of light cars, there's not a ton of insulation, especially in the fender wells. Changing from crap Kumhos to Michelin A/S3's made things much quieter. I've got a Yakima roof rack on it that's probably louder than the car itself.

[KLH]

Bought my 2006 Mazda3 5 door in 2006 and still have it.
It's been a great car for me. All I've done is change the oil and plugs on a regular basis and replace the tires and brakes. Oil changes are a PIA. I've had some passengers complain that it's too small and rides rough. Like the Z4, clearance can be an issue and you've got to pay attention, or you'll trash the front bumper on curbs and dips.

[Meeni]

Of the japanese cars this is one of the most enjoyable. You get a car that is not deadly boring and 95% of Toyota reliability. A pretty solid performer for a commuter. The older S (2.5) is pretty hungry on gas.

[Red Bread]

Good point, even my i gets pretty poor mileage.

[greech]

I work for Mazda, and have owned a gen 1. They're fun, basic transportation. If you are looking for something you can drive daily, a set of adjustable shocks, summer tires and rear sway bar will wake the car up big time. Anything suspension and braking wise from the Speed3 will switch over as well.

[ragingclue]

I have not met a person who didn't like theirs as a daily. The impression I got from most of them is they'll go forever and they aren't terrible to drive. Sounds like a good combination to me.