Always great to see another Mazda 3 review. I couldn't agree with you more regarding the price points. I got my '21 3 manual for basically 28 brand new, and although I will be passing it on to my youngest in a year, I love this car more than I have any other car I've owned. The only one that came close was my '86 911, but I ain't made of money and this 3 has done so much more for me. Appreciate your honesty, Zack. Great vid.
When I was shopping for a car earlier this year I looked at this trim and ultimately bought a non-turbo with the premium plus package. I couldn’t justify spending nearly $40K on a little more power and a few tech goodies.
Yes I found a turbo premium plus mazda 3 for $31,000 brand new in March this year. Wish I could've bought it, was a 2023 model that failed to sell. It was the precise color interior/exterior I wanted too. Didn't have the money for it until last week unfortunately due to issues with an insurance claim at my house in March. I had to pay out of pocket $35,000 due to State Farm being criminal scammers back then. Now the same Mazda 3 for 2025 costs $38k MSRP. 2024 one I was looking at was $36,900. I cannot justify these prices even IF I wanted to spend that on a car. I'd sooner remodel half my house before doing that. I still need a new car, but I'll stick to driving my 2008 piece of crap German car for the time being.
@@user-gz4ve8mw9l$31k is a steal for the premium plus trim. I just wish the signature headlights were an option as well, the same that they offer for the turbo premium plus.
I have a ‘25 NA sedan. For an auto it’s slick. Never hunts gears and real low RPM when cruising on the hwy but will downshift without hesitation when you dip into it. Plenty of power for a compact sedan. I believe the turbo gets 250hp with 93oct and 227hp with 91octz. This reminds me of the classic fun to drive compacts of the 90’s as long as you stick to the lower trims.
I drove a 21 Mazda 3 sedan while my 2019 Mx-5 RF Club was getting its transmission replaced (under warranty) super comfy little car, really nice interior with great materials. 40k is much too steep for this class of vehicle. I’d recommend going with the standard engine and getting the options you want. It’s a fantastic car! Looks even better in soul red and the hatchback body style (blind spots be damned) They’re a great value slightly used as well.
The only problem is you can't get AWD outside the top 3 trims. You can't get a heated steering wheel, which is very important to me outside the highest trim. Bose speakers used to be in the top 3 trims, not locked behind the highest trim exclusively. You can't get a black exterior for the AWD non turbo trim and it has mandatory red interior. If you can't get the features you want, why pay $25-$35k for a car? None of which are unreasonable to expect for the price.
@@user-gz4ve8mw9l I totally hear you. When I drove the 2021, it had the Bose. My Mx-5 has it, and it sounds great. Thankfully I’m in Florida and can get away with FWD/no heated seats. Mazda’s a small company, which could be a reason why their options can be so limited. I’m so bummed the only cool color for the MX-5/mazda in general is soul red. We need some yellows, dark greens, purples. There’s enough black/white/gray cars on the road
My '22 hatchback still has the 12V outlet as well. Handy for dashcams. Glad to hear yours is holding up. My turbo is fine so far, but at my current rate it'll be 35 years before i find out if it reaches 300k miles. Don't drive every day, and i put more miles on the Miata this year than the 3. Shame the base turbo isn't available anymore, mine was 33k and the sedan was 32k. Pretty good deal, considering it still gave heated seats, heated steering wheel, Bose upgrade, and HUD.
There is the Carbon Turbo, but I don't like how Zircon Sand looks on the 3. The sedan starts at just over $32,000, but Mazda omitted the Bose sound system.
I recently got a 2021 sedan turbo. I love this thing. It’s the perfect balance of power and luxury and I think it looks really nice and the seats are so so comfortable. Oh and the speakers are great too. If you get one used it’s a better value proposition since they haven’t changed these much since 2021 so mine feels pretty new
picked up a new 2023 mazda 3 turbo pp sedan for 31k otd after taxes. Dealer gave me an 8k discount so it was hard not to pass up on it. Love it so far.
I bought my 21 Turbo PP used with 3k miles for around 32k and I love that thing. I’m at 34k miles now and aside from valve stem seals and a battery that were covered under warranty it’s been great to me. For 40k I wouldn’t buy it, but used it was one hell of a deal
Nice review! There are a few little things I wish I had on my '23 like the active steering assist and the 360 cam, but overall I'm really glad I snagged one of the last non-turbo Premium AWD sedans, as it does have stuff like the adaptive headlights, Head Up Display, and Bose audio. The cylinder deactivation must be working as I'm hitting 40 mpg on the highway, which makes the 12.7 gal fuel capacity quite livable! And unlike, say, the 152 hp 2 liter boxer in the Subaru Impreza, I think the 191 hp Skyactiv 2.5 provides an ideal balance of power and fuel economy.
I rented a hatch two weeks ago when I was traveling out west. I loved the way it drove and handled, great steering great brakes. What killed it for me were the tiny door apertures , just not a fun car to get in and out of, especially having had back surgery. Which is a shame because it’s one of the few new cars on the market that I like
Having owned a 2007 Mazda 3 sedan for 14 years I have a soft spot for this model. Mine had a few niggles, not entirely the manufacturer's fault, but rarely let me down, usually just a dead battery after I hadn't driven it for weeks. I like the front end/grille, much smarter and more aggressive than mine had. Not sure why it needs a turbo though, this is not a big vehicle. Mine was a 2.0 liter engine and had plenty of power. I replaced it a month ago with a Chevrolet Bolt EV.
I have a 325hp garage queen Mazdaspeed3, tastefully modded, that I've owned since new. I barely drive it anymore as I'm WFH and I have an SUV for daily tasks, and sometimes think it's time to sell. I'm also getting older too and the Speed is a hardcore car. I've test driven the 3 Turbo multiple times but still cannot bring myself to trade the MS3 in for one. The Turbo has the looks you want, the interior is A+, even the power is enough (that little dynamic pressure turbo hits hard on the low end), but I just don't get any buzz from driving it.The MS3 is dated in so many ways but it feels almost like it has a soul; this thing just doesn''t, it feels like a highly refined commodity car.
I agree, at nearly 40k it really isn’t as compelling as the base models. However if you can find a certified 23 model year in the mid 20k range like I did, it makes way more sense.
I have the carbon turbo 2024 sedan I love it! I had a cx-5 non turbo premium plus and I justified getting the turbo you feel it around town and on the highway.. btw my carbon turbo was 34k...
It's likely detuned for fuel economy and reliability. This is a commuter car, not a sports car. It doesn't need 300hp. The Camry hybrid has electric motors assisting it.
He did kinda misspeak on the car. On regular gas it retards the timing to make only 227hp and 310lb-ft. Put premium in it and it makes much more, 250hp and 320lb-ft. Although by and large Mazda seemed to prioritize torque with a low pressure turbo instead of a peaky high pressure unit.
Jb4 piggyback or DrTuned and you're on your way there. The old auto trans just kills the fun in this car though. On jb4 felt like 280-290hp butt dyno. Real tunes are always better but DrTuned wasn't out yet at the time
a 300 hp Mazda 3 would be the Mazda 3 Speed... since mazda doesnt seem to make new sports cars like before, they focus on elegant, simple, refined cars now
Honestly I hate how the sedan doesn’t get black (or dark) headliner like the hatch. Also the cool red interior with the dash and door pieces. Another disappointing factor is the lack of vents and charging ports for the back. This is upscale according to Mazda. But give us nothing for the people in the back. Oh and they get to ride on a torsion bar 😂. But I agree with you. High 30s for this just isn’t worth it. You still get that amazing interior at base. The N/A is more than enough in the sedan or hatch. I had the CX5 with it and it was okay in that. The turbo just isn’t needed. Especially since this is NOT a mazdaspeed3 replacement, and I’m okay with that. But man it’s just a v6 equivalent motor borrowed from a 3 row crossover. Yeah it’s torquey but it runs out of steam at like 4800rpm.
I agree. The Mazda 3 looks nice on the outside, but once you are inside it, it feels like a starter car that happens to have nice design and materials. The backseat is not a good place to be.
They've been doing that for ages, my mum's got a Mazda 3 from like 2011 and it's the same deal, weird carpet material, the inside seems to be poorly insulated as well cause the inside always used to feel warm even with the heater off. The dash is ridiculously oversized as well
Wish they offer the TURBO with a Manual Trans. Mazda WAS good offering most of the trim levels with manual option. Wouldn’t mind a hatch but must be turbo due to where I live. Too many hills.
I know a lot of people are wondering why they ever pay 40k for one of these. Every other manufacturer has gone up as well. If I had to put this car in comparison, it will be the civic type R. With dealer mark ups, the Mazda will be a better pick especially leather seats, heated seats, and so on. The only reason why I say no to the Mazda turbo because it’s an automatic.
What I don’t get about Mazda is that they offer basic to premium/sporty in every model except the Miata ( no power boost higher trims). If they had this motor in the Miata at 300 hp they could easily charge 10k more and it would sell.
My original sports car got totaled by drunk driver back in 2022. I was looking for something sporty with AWD. I paid 37k for 23 hatch turbo. Car market was crazy. I wish I got a used S4 Audi. Would’ve been cheaper and faster.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but I thought you could only get the premium plus package in the turbo sedan. I have a 24 NA sedan with the preferred package, but I would have upgraded if I could.
Turbo comes on the top 2 trims in the USA at least. You can't get it outside that here. AWD is available on the top 3 trims. I wish AWD was available on the S preferred. As I dislike the forced exterior/interior colors for 2.5 S Carbon trim and 2.5 Carbon Turbo trim. Why pay such an obscene amount for a car you don't get to pick the color on?
@@user-gz4ve8mw9l I thought you could get AWD on the preferred sedan? I agree about the forced colors. I got the Platinum Quartz Metallic which I think looks great. Just would have liked the option to get the Premium Plus trim.
@@KidNato I don't want an SUV I fit comfortably in practically any sedan or hatchback from a decade and a half ago, the only problem is that in eastern Canada any car that old is now a rust bucket
These cars can be had for MUCH less than the 40k scare pricing presented here. Fact is some people want a nicer car but not a larger car. Nobody else does that as efficiently as Mazda. Nobody complains when an M2 costs upwards of 50k or more.. oh, ITS A BMW!! Alrighty, prepare for massive depreciation and ungodly repair bills if you decide to keep it. Want to spend less then 30? You have options. Lots of plasticky, slow, ugly, CHEAP options. Also, wake up. It’s almost 2025. 2008 pricing is never coming back.
For all americans, just learn to drive manual cars, I dont know why in USA is allowed to make the driving classes with automatically gearbox, what do you learn by doing that ?
Always great to see another Mazda 3 review. I couldn't agree with you more regarding the price points. I got my '21 3 manual for basically 28 brand new, and although I will be passing it on to my youngest in a year, I love this car more than I have any other car I've owned. The only one that came close was my '86 911, but I ain't made of money and this 3 has done so much more for me.
Appreciate your honesty, Zack. Great vid.
When I was shopping for a car earlier this year I looked at this trim and ultimately bought a non-turbo with the premium plus package. I couldn’t justify spending nearly $40K on a little more power and a few tech goodies.
smart and practical
Yes I found a turbo premium plus mazda 3 for $31,000 brand new in March this year. Wish I could've bought it, was a 2023 model that failed to sell. It was the precise color interior/exterior I wanted too. Didn't have the money for it until last week unfortunately due to issues with an insurance claim at my house in March. I had to pay out of pocket $35,000 due to State Farm being criminal scammers back then.
Now the same Mazda 3 for 2025 costs $38k MSRP. 2024 one I was looking at was $36,900. I cannot justify these prices even IF I wanted to spend that on a car. I'd sooner remodel half my house before doing that. I still need a new car, but I'll stick to driving my 2008 piece of crap German car for the time being.
@@user-gz4ve8mw9l$31k is a steal for the premium plus trim. I just wish the signature headlights were an option as well, the same that they offer for the turbo premium plus.
same here
Did you buy a front wheel drive sedan with a premium plus package? I thought you could only get that with the turbo.
I have a ‘25 NA sedan. For an auto it’s slick. Never hunts gears and real low RPM when cruising on the hwy but will downshift without hesitation when you dip into it. Plenty of power for a compact sedan. I believe the turbo gets 250hp with 93oct and 227hp with 91octz. This reminds me of the classic fun to drive compacts of the 90’s as long as you stick to the lower trims.
I drove a 21 Mazda 3 sedan while my 2019 Mx-5 RF Club was getting its transmission replaced (under warranty) super comfy little car, really nice interior with great materials. 40k is much too steep for this class of vehicle. I’d recommend going with the standard engine and getting the options you want. It’s a fantastic car! Looks even better in soul red and the hatchback body style (blind spots be damned) They’re a great value slightly used as well.
The only problem is you can't get AWD outside the top 3 trims. You can't get a heated steering wheel, which is very important to me outside the highest trim. Bose speakers used to be in the top 3 trims, not locked behind the highest trim exclusively. You can't get a black exterior for the AWD non turbo trim and it has mandatory red interior. If you can't get the features you want, why pay $25-$35k for a car? None of which are unreasonable to expect for the price.
@@user-gz4ve8mw9l I totally hear you. When I drove the 2021, it had the Bose. My Mx-5 has it, and it sounds great. Thankfully I’m in Florida and can get away with FWD/no heated seats. Mazda’s a small company, which could be a reason why their options can be so limited. I’m so bummed the only cool color for the MX-5/mazda in general is soul red. We need some yellows, dark greens, purples. There’s enough black/white/gray cars on the road
With this engine a 6 speed auto still makes sense in 2024. It’s got a lot of torque so you don’t really need any more gears.
My '22 hatchback still has the 12V outlet as well. Handy for dashcams.
Glad to hear yours is holding up. My turbo is fine so far, but at my current rate it'll be 35 years before i find out if it reaches 300k miles. Don't drive every day, and i put more miles on the Miata this year than the 3.
Shame the base turbo isn't available anymore, mine was 33k and the sedan was 32k. Pretty good deal, considering it still gave heated seats, heated steering wheel, Bose upgrade, and HUD.
I miss my Miata. I'm quite jealous!
There is the Carbon Turbo, but I don't like how Zircon Sand looks on the 3. The sedan starts at just over $32,000, but Mazda omitted the Bose sound system.
I recently got a 2021 sedan turbo. I love this thing. It’s the perfect balance of power and luxury and I think it looks really nice and the seats are so so comfortable. Oh and the speakers are great too. If you get one used it’s a better value proposition since they haven’t changed these much since 2021 so mine feels pretty new
picked up a new 2023 mazda 3 turbo pp sedan for 31k otd after taxes. Dealer gave me an 8k discount so it was hard not to pass up on it. Love it so far.
I've been waiting for him to review a mazda 3 sedan
I bought my 21 Turbo PP used with 3k miles for around 32k and I love that thing. I’m at 34k miles now and aside from valve stem seals and a battery that were covered under warranty it’s been great to me. For 40k I wouldn’t buy it, but used it was one hell of a deal
Nice review! There are a few little things I wish I had on my '23 like the active steering assist and the 360 cam, but overall I'm really glad I snagged one of the last non-turbo Premium AWD sedans, as it does have stuff like the adaptive headlights, Head Up Display, and Bose audio. The cylinder deactivation must be working as I'm hitting 40 mpg on the highway, which makes the 12.7 gal fuel capacity quite livable! And unlike, say, the 152 hp 2 liter boxer in the Subaru Impreza, I think the 191 hp Skyactiv 2.5 provides an ideal balance of power and fuel economy.
I rented a hatch two weeks ago when I was traveling out west. I loved the way it drove and handled, great steering great brakes. What killed it for me were the tiny door apertures , just not a fun car to get in and out of, especially having had back surgery. Which is a shame because it’s one of the few new cars on the market that I like
Love Mazda and these still look good but it needs a refresh soon.
Weird that it fails the BFB test given how they took cup holders so seriously they included some right on top of the engine
Having owned a 2007 Mazda 3 sedan for 14 years I have a soft spot for this model. Mine had a few niggles, not entirely the manufacturer's fault, but rarely let me down, usually just a dead battery after I hadn't driven it for weeks.
I like the front end/grille, much smarter and more aggressive than mine had.
Not sure why it needs a turbo though, this is not a big vehicle. Mine was a 2.0 liter engine and had plenty of power.
I replaced it a month ago with a Chevrolet Bolt EV.
Never thought I’d see the day where a compact car cost $40k. I’d rather buy a CPO Lexus at that price.
I think the sweet spot for the 3 is the Carbon Turbo which is more 33-34k.
I have a 325hp garage queen Mazdaspeed3, tastefully modded, that I've owned since new. I barely drive it anymore as I'm WFH and I have an SUV for daily tasks, and sometimes think it's time to sell. I'm also getting older too and the Speed is a hardcore car. I've test driven the 3 Turbo multiple times but still cannot bring myself to trade the MS3 in for one. The Turbo has the looks you want, the interior is A+, even the power is enough (that little dynamic pressure turbo hits hard on the low end), but I just don't get any buzz from driving it.The MS3 is dated in so many ways but it feels almost like it has a soul; this thing just doesn''t, it feels like a highly refined commodity car.
Mazdas are just lovely cars they are cute as hell
That's a cool 3 turbo! Thanks Zack!
What’s with the cupholder engine cover maybe they would fit the big friggin bottle test
The video for the people that didn’t purchased the turbo and this guy is trying to make you feel better 😂
I agree, at nearly 40k it really isn’t as compelling as the base models. However if you can find a certified 23 model year in the mid 20k range like I did, it makes way more sense.
I agree about black wheels. To me they look like a car with no wheel covers!
I have the carbon turbo 2024 sedan I love it! I had a cx-5 non turbo premium plus and I justified getting the turbo you feel it around town and on the highway.. btw my carbon turbo was 34k...
$40k for a Mazda3?! Hell freaking no! It's a nice car but $40k is ridiculous
Short answer? No
Long answer?
@@skeetskeet9601nnnnnnoooooooooooo.
@@skeetskeet9601nooooooo.
Eh, the equivalent cars at $38k aren’t much better.
Why does this not have 300 horsepower? A 2.5 is a large 4 cylinder and that turbo is barely adding power. The na camry hybrid has that much power.
It's an SUV engine, Mazda doesnt have the resources to tune it for HP.
It's likely detuned for fuel economy and reliability. This is a commuter car, not a sports car. It doesn't need 300hp. The Camry hybrid has electric motors assisting it.
He did kinda misspeak on the car. On regular gas it retards the timing to make only 227hp and 310lb-ft. Put premium in it and it makes much more, 250hp and 320lb-ft. Although by and large Mazda seemed to prioritize torque with a low pressure turbo instead of a peaky high pressure unit.
Jb4 piggyback or DrTuned and you're on your way there. The old auto trans just kills the fun in this car though. On jb4 felt like 280-290hp butt dyno. Real tunes are always better but DrTuned wasn't out yet at the time
a 300 hp Mazda 3 would be the Mazda 3 Speed... since mazda doesnt seem to make new sports cars like before, they focus on elegant, simple, refined cars now
You also need to consider the cost to turbo a N/A model and all the risk when this turbo 3 is ready to go and realiable!
40k for a mazda 3. The car market is cooked.
I'd either take a hybrid sport touring civic over a loaded mazda 3 for 5k less, or for 3k more get an accord hybrid touring
Honestly I hate how the sedan doesn’t get black (or dark) headliner like the hatch. Also the cool red interior with the dash and door pieces.
Another disappointing factor is the lack of vents and charging ports for the back. This is upscale according to Mazda. But give us nothing for the people in the back. Oh and they get to ride on a torsion bar 😂.
But I agree with you. High 30s for this just isn’t worth it. You still get that amazing interior at base. The N/A is more than enough in the sedan or hatch. I had the CX5 with it and it was okay in that. The turbo just isn’t needed. Especially since this is NOT a mazdaspeed3 replacement, and I’m okay with that. But man it’s just a v6 equivalent motor borrowed from a 3 row crossover. Yeah it’s torquey but it runs out of steam at like 4800rpm.
Not having the vents in the back is the biggest drawback of my car. I'd get sick if I had to ride in the back of mine.
I agree. The Mazda 3 looks nice on the outside, but once you are inside it, it feels like a starter car that happens to have nice design and materials. The backseat is not a good place to be.
Thank You for reviewing a sedan.
Whats wrong the 6 speed? If it ain't broke. Then it could gear hunt.
I just wish Mazda would put actual carpet in their vehicles instead of whatever cheap velcro crap they use.
They've been doing that for ages, my mum's got a Mazda 3 from like 2011 and it's the same deal, weird carpet material, the inside seems to be poorly insulated as well cause the inside always used to feel warm even with the heater off. The dash is ridiculously oversized as well
I have a cheap Versa SV (Canada) and missing just few shananigans like adaptive cruise, 360 camera, memory seats 😅
i got the 2.0 Sedan in red.
And its the best car i think, Also own a c class.
I like the mazda more
Wish they offer the TURBO with a Manual Trans. Mazda WAS good offering most of the trim levels with manual option. Wouldn’t mind a hatch but must be turbo due to where I live. Too many hills.
i absolutely love mazda 3s.
but i'd rather get something else for 40 grand.
I know a lot of people are wondering why they ever pay 40k for one of these. Every other manufacturer has gone up as well. If I had to put this car in comparison, it will be the civic type R. With dealer mark ups, the Mazda will be a better pick especially leather seats, heated seats, and so on. The only reason why I say no to the Mazda turbo because it’s an automatic.
What I don’t get about Mazda is that they offer basic to premium/sporty in every model except the Miata ( no power boost higher trims). If they had this motor in the Miata at 300 hp they could easily charge 10k more and it would sell.
My original sports car got totaled by drunk driver back in 2022. I was looking for something sporty with AWD. I paid 37k for 23 hatch turbo. Car market was crazy. I wish I got a used S4 Audi. Would’ve been cheaper and faster.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but I thought you could only get the premium plus package in the turbo sedan.
I have a 24 NA sedan with the preferred package, but I would have upgraded if I could.
Turbo comes on the top 2 trims in the USA at least. You can't get it outside that here. AWD is available on the top 3 trims. I wish AWD was available on the S preferred. As I dislike the forced exterior/interior colors for 2.5 S Carbon trim and 2.5 Carbon Turbo trim. Why pay such an obscene amount for a car you don't get to pick the color on?
@@user-gz4ve8mw9l I thought you could get AWD on the preferred sedan? I agree about the forced colors. I got the Platinum Quartz Metallic
which I think looks great. Just would have liked the option to get the Premium Plus trim.
Mazda 6 RIP
40k made in Mexico? Heck no for a compact is crazyyy. I might only buy a base model. For 40k you can get a much better car elsewhere
The sedan has vastly better back seats than the hatch if you don't have the sunroof
the AWD is probably why you don't feel the power difference in the motorway
👍
40 thousand what???
That small car for $40k, hell no!
Fantastic car but not worth $40k.
Hatch > Sedan
Nah the hatch back seats are basically unusable
@@My_Old_YT_Account if you need big back seats then I am not sure what you are doing looking at compact class cars.
Try a CX-5 instead.
@@KidNato I don't want an SUV
I fit comfortably in practically any sedan or hatchback from a decade and a half ago, the only problem is that in eastern Canada any car that old is now a rust bucket
Design is nice but needs more power and tech to justify that 40k.
I like it looks sharp 😎🔪👍
it doesnt feel like the mazda 3 it used to be
I can get a Acura Integra for that price
Love Mazda. But no.
Mazda are excellent cars but they are too small for tall folks
These cars can be had for MUCH less than the 40k scare pricing presented here. Fact is some people want a nicer car but not a larger car. Nobody else does that as efficiently as Mazda. Nobody complains when an M2 costs upwards of 50k or more.. oh, ITS A BMW!! Alrighty, prepare for massive depreciation and ungodly repair bills if you decide to keep it.
Want to spend less then 30? You have options. Lots of plasticky, slow, ugly, CHEAP options. Also, wake up. It’s almost 2025. 2008 pricing is never coming back.
Heck, even a 30k Tesla Model 3 highland is a better deal than this lol.
For all americans, just learn to drive manual cars, I dont know why in USA is allowed to make the driving classes with automatically gearbox, what do you learn by doing that ?
Why does it look exactly the same as every other mazda car for the past 10 years