[Farfetched]

Looking to get a new daily driver. Kind of narrowed it down to these two. Looking to spend a little under 10k. Hatchback for ease of carrying things. I know the fit has better gas mileage, but is it that much better? Obviously either way it would have to be used. Pros/cons of each? Years I should avoid?

Big thanks in advance.

[dared3vil0]

IMHO, Neither. 2007 Mazda 3 sedan *** 5 spd *** only 40000kms *** LOCAL ** MUST SEE!! (http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/rds/ctd/3131628604.html)

[kwy]

The Mazda seems a little bigger, they're not really quite in the same class. I've always liked Mazda's interiors, and it's a quick car for what it is.

[CorneringArtist]

Fit probably has better gas mileage, but probably carries only 60% of what a Mazda3 can (can someone with a Fit actually confirm this?). I drive a 2011, and I make Ikea flatpack furniture my bitch.

[Matlock]

IMHO, Neither. 2007 Mazda 3 sedan *** 5 spd *** only 40000kms *** LOCAL ** MUST SEE!! (http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/rds/ctd/3131628604.html)

Not a hatch.
I love hatchbacks. I can fit a chest of 5 drawers in mine, no problem.

[SILVERBULL]

I love the Fit's "magic seats" and I think it can actually fit more big things than the Mazda because the inside has more vertical room when the rear seats are down.

[Matsuda]

I love my mazda 3 hatch, its been extremely reliable and mileage is ok. The hatch is quite handy with hauling stuff around.

[EvoFire]

I have a 1st Gen 3, my friend has a Fit. To be honest I think his hatch might hold be better at holding stuff than mine. The tallness of the Fit really helps.

But if you want to talk gas mileage. Mazda3 gas mileage is not that great.....

[LP700-4]

Fit because fuel economy and gotta have that vtec yo.

[PDKGD3]

Honda over rated the gas mileage on the fit. I don't think I personally know anyone with a fit that gets more then 420/450 on a 40L tank.
I get about 380 every fill up, but that's because I'm a ricer.

[spoonek4]

I get about 370km/33L fill up after 92000km on the clock. It's a practical car IMO, cheap on insurance & could be better on gas mileage but can't complain. I basically just did maintenance to it. Engine oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid, clutch fluid, coolant, spark plugs etc.

None of the water pump, CV boot, seals are leaking, no problem with wheel bearings so far. Coils are fine so far thank God. CEL didn't come on a single time and nope I didn't remove the bulb...

I always carry tools, spare wheels & tires etc for myself & for my brother when I go track day. Good enough for me. I don't need to haul lumber with it lol...

[Farfetched]

I actually do like the 3 for looks and styling. But its hard to ignore the gas mileage.

[RabidRat]

I used to get about 450km out of a 44L fill-up on my Mazda3 GT (2.3L).

Off-topic but the Mk5 GTI is fking horrible on gas!! 480km for a 52L fill wtf?! Even my S2000 gets 420km out of 42L!!

[felixy69]

fit is more fun to drive....mazda 3 has MORE for the price

[EvoFire]

I used to get about 450km out of a 44L fill-up on my Mazda3 GT (2.3L).

Off-topic but the Mk5 GTI is fking horrible on gas!! 480km for a 52L fill wtf?! Even my S2000 gets 420km out of 42L!!

You should be glad you didn't buy a Mazdaspeed 3 then. Can't even break 400km on 45L, granted its almost all city driving.

[Great68]

You should be glad you didn't buy a Mazdaspeed 3 then. Can't even break 400km on 45L, granted its almost all city driving.

You don't buy a Speed 3 for fuel economy.

Mine makes me glad I bought one every time I put my foot to the floor.

[dygital]

I would get a mazda 3. I love how they look, especially in white

[Lowered_Klass]

Just go out and drive them both.

See which one feels better to you.

I have a 2011 Fit, which is my daily driver. Great on gas, and the fold flat seats are super handy. It's surprizing what I can fit back there (pardon the pun!)

As for my gas mileage, I could probably squeek out 500km to a 40L fill if I pushed it right to empty. But keep in mind, most of my driving is in stop and go traffic/city driving.

[westopher]

I used to get about 450km out of a 44L fill-up on my Mazda3 GT (2.3L).

Off-topic but the Mk5 GTI is fking horrible on gas!! 480km for a 52L fill wtf?! Even my S2000 gets 420km out of 42L!!I get about 420 due to my shitty commute in my mk5. Its fucking retarded, but I am also tuned, and I don't really pussyfoot it too often.

[EvoFire]

You don't buy a Speed 3 for fuel economy.

Mine makes me glad I bought one every time I put my foot to the floor.

I didn't , but it seriously isn't that great. Though, it works GREAT on the highway the few km I've driven. The passing and merging power is unreal, plus economy is MUCH better on the highway. I won't be surprised if I can surpass the highway rating.

[Great68]

I didn't , but it seriously isn't that great.

It's in the same ballpark as the other turbo 4-bangers in the class (GTi's WRX's).

I'd say the fact that the Speed 3 makes over 100 more HP and 130 more ft/lb than a standard 3, and averages only a few L/100k more than a standard 3 is pretty damn good.

[68style]

The Mazda3 and Fit aren't really that comparable, Mazda2 is the Mazda equivalent.

That said, the Fit is a piece of garbage compared to the Mazda3. I am not talking out of my ass, I've owned both. Fit is SO weak and slow, handling is marginal, does not get anywhere close to what Honda claims for gas mileage... I hated that car so much although I drove a lot on the highway so maybe that didn't help since passing speeds are not its strong point.

Mazda3 isn't that powerful either, but it does rip off the line fairly quickly... and it handles okay... WAY more fun to drive and way more standard features for your money... and because it's a Mazda you should be able to pick up a used one cheap.

[RE-Jo]

1 vote for Mazda 3. Really practical, and relatively fun to drive. I could fit a 46" LCD with complete packaging with the rear seats folded.