Before I go any further, let me say thanks to all that contribute to these forums. This place was an invaluable tool in my quest to find the perfect commute car. Now, that we've got two Mazda's...figured it was about time I introduce myself 
Late last May, my fiance' was using my truck for her daily 80 mile roundtrip commute. With gas prices at the time, it was getting rather pricey.
So, I started searching for a good commute car for her daily grind. Of course, the research began online...looking at the usual suspects...
Corolla
Civic
Elantra
Cobalt
But, the Mazda 3 kept popping up and getting rave reviews. Having never even considered Mazda, I added it to the 'test drive' list. The reviews were so good, actually I added it to the test drive 'last' list. Sure enough, after driving the others...the Mazda blew them out of the water. And I was able to get a deal right at invoice for her 06 3s...with auto (she didn't want a manual). Only other option was the side airbags.
Fast forward to a couple weeks ago...her 3 now has just over 14k absolutely zero defect miles on it, and is averaging better than 30 mpg mixed. Keeping in mind, down here in the sunshine state, she's usually running 80+ on the freeway...sometimes 90+ when passing. She absolutely loves this awesome little car!
Given the stellar history of her car, and my need for a reasonably economical company car (new business), and something fun to replace my motorcycle I sold a few weeks ago...the Speed3 really had my attention. A few phone calls, and an 80 mile drive later...and I was headed back home in my new Cosmic Blue Speed3. This little beast is a blast!
I'd just finished washing, polishing and waxing both cars prior to these pics...so mine doesn't have the magnetic signs on the doors, but it really is my company car...I'm diggin it :woohoo:
http://www.gulfcoastgeek.com/cars/index.html
Late last May, my fiance' was using my truck for her daily 80 mile roundtrip commute. With gas prices at the time, it was getting rather pricey.
So, I started searching for a good commute car for her daily grind. Of course, the research began online...looking at the usual suspects...
Corolla
Civic
Elantra
Cobalt
But, the Mazda 3 kept popping up and getting rave reviews. Having never even considered Mazda, I added it to the 'test drive' list. The reviews were so good, actually I added it to the test drive 'last' list. Sure enough, after driving the others...the Mazda blew them out of the water. And I was able to get a deal right at invoice for her 06 3s...with auto (she didn't want a manual). Only other option was the side airbags.
Fast forward to a couple weeks ago...her 3 now has just over 14k absolutely zero defect miles on it, and is averaging better than 30 mpg mixed. Keeping in mind, down here in the sunshine state, she's usually running 80+ on the freeway...sometimes 90+ when passing. She absolutely loves this awesome little car!
Given the stellar history of her car, and my need for a reasonably economical company car (new business), and something fun to replace my motorcycle I sold a few weeks ago...the Speed3 really had my attention. A few phone calls, and an 80 mile drive later...and I was headed back home in my new Cosmic Blue Speed3. This little beast is a blast!
I'd just finished washing, polishing and waxing both cars prior to these pics...so mine doesn't have the magnetic signs on the doors, but it really is my company car...I'm diggin it :woohoo:
http://www.gulfcoastgeek.com/cars/index.html
