Used 2005 Mazda MAZDA3 S Hatchback for Sale near Tucson, AZ

bought this car used in August 2008 with 51,800 miles on it; I've had it now for 18 months and have put about 12,000 miles on it since then. I originally wrote a review a week after I bought it but figured an update might be in order... Handling is probably this car's best attribute. It's enjoyable just to drive the 3 around town running errands, with quick, precise steering, an absurdly tight turning circle and moderate body roll. The 2.3-liter engine provides reasonable pick-up but won't win you many drag races; still, it's just fine for me. The interior is well built on the whole and looks and feels nicer than you might expect in a <$20k car. However, since I bought it a few annoying rattles have developed, mainly from the glovebox door and somewhere along the headliner, that make the car feel less solid than it used to. I've had no mechanical/maintenance issues with the car other than a burnt out signal light. My main complaint about my 3 is road noise. It's very noisy, even at low speeds; on the highway you practically need to yell to keep up a conversation. Admittedly this is partly due to what I think is a bent right front wheel on my car, but I've heard complaints about road noise from various Mazda3 reviews so I think that's a pretty consistent issue. Other lows include a jittery ride (the payoff for such good handling), and poor rear seat space, at least for anyone over 6ft tall. Otherwise, this is a sporty, practical car that looks good and is reasonably sparing with fuel (I get about 18mpg city, 25mpg combined). Definitely recommended if you enjoy driving but need something practical!

Handles very well, but not so quick. Great manual transmission. Very spacious vor a compact car

Most people would not call a Mazda3 fun and exciting, but they probably have not driven one. This car is very quick and the handling is acceptable. With the right upgrades this car can be more then one would think!

test drove just about every car in its class (Civic, Corolla, etc..) and loved this one more than any other. Better handling, more responsive throttle, and smother ride update (11-6-11) i bought this car used in 08 with 31k and i have now owned this car for 3.5 years and put 80k on it in that time, maintenance and reliability have really been impressive. the biggest issues were a clutch around 95k (i live in a very hilly city, and i had modified the car to make more power so i wasnt upset that the oem clutch made it around 100k) and a set of struts around 105k (i had the car lowered for more than 50k before they went out so again, one of those parts i expected to have to replace but lasted longer than i thought)

Quick comfortable car with plenty of gadgets. Heavy on fuel though.