06-07 sp23 or 09 Neo

[3sum]

Hey all,

Just wondering what you guys/girls would do?
I need a new car for work, as mine is no longer practical. It needs to be a hatch .

I was looking at the Focus, because they are so damn cheap, but they seem to be built poorly (in South Africa), and have a fair few mechanical problems. I understand they are the same as our cars mechanically, but for some reason they have more problems.
I like the mazda 2, but its a bit too basic in the cabin and theres no centre arm rest
The Fiesta is nice and very well built, but the steering felt too vague and it wasn't as easy to drive as the 2. (Maybe ill give it another go).

So that brings me down to either a current shape 3 neo, or an 06-07 sp23. They are both roughly the same price, although a bit over budget.
I like the sp23 because of the extorior styling, climate control, cruise control and 2.3L. The only negative is that it would have 40 -60K on the clock.

I like the new gen 3 because its new, looks OK in black and has a nice interior.

So, should I re-consider a fiesta?
Get an sp23?
or current shape neo?

[Vaku]

personally, id get an 06-08 SP23 lux with low k's/warranty remaining.

BUT I understand the cool factor because its the "new one"

the SP23 would be a better car, and because its at the end of the series it has all the improvements and such.

why not even post your car up and offer a trade + cash for an SP23 hatch? someone might need the extra $$ and it could save you a bunch.

[3sum]

Very true.
What annoys me the most is that I just finished paying off my current car, and now I have to put myself in debt again. Its like an evil cycle.

I must admit, I did love driving the mazda 2. Its so easy to chuck around and drive. Its also 5-7K cheaper than the 3's.
Maybe I'll get over the basic interior...............
I hate decisions.
The other advantage of the 2 is that I wont be in debt......

[Vaku]

might knock this one down to 26k?

2008 MAZDA 3 SP23 BK Series 2 Private Cars For Sale in NSW - carsales.com.au

looks the goods! 13,000ks

also, good price.

2005 MAZDA 3 SP23 BK Series 1 Private Cars For Sale in NSW - carsales.com.au

or 2009 model

2009 MAZDA 3 NEO SPORT BK Series 2 MY08 Cars For Sale in NSW - carsales.com.au - carsales.com.au

$23k

or.. maybe you can get a loan? for a cool 2.3mil

2006 MAZDA 3 MPS SPORTS BK Series 2 Private Cars For Sale in NSW - carsales.com.au

I can give you good feedback on the 2 as I owned an current model genki for a year, FANTASTIC car.
however, fantastic for the CITY.

if you plan on long drives, overtaking at high speeds, going up hills.. its a struggle.

and no arm rest SUCKS, you can import one from the UK but.. meh..

but if its just for the city etc, suburbs, brilliant car.

[Bradesy89]

get the sp23. you wont have nearly as much fun in the 2... and the new 3 has to much smile :P...

[3sum]

I have noticed that cars a more expensive in Victoria compared to NSW and SA. Especially SA!

I like the idea of an arm rest from the UK.....

Im going to take them all for a road test again and hopefully make up my mind.
In the mean time, start looking in the FS section for car parts. Mines getting de modded.......slowly.

[Vaku]

I have noticed that cars a more expensive in Victoria compared to NSW and SA. Especially SA!

I like the idea of an arm rest from the UK.....

Im going to take them all for a road test again and hopefully make up my mind.
In the mean time, start looking in the FS section for car parts. Mines getting de modded.......slowly.

sorry I just assumed you were in NSW?

well, just get the 2 then OR.. road trip to nsw ;P

here you go --- > Centre Arm Rest Accessories for New Mazda 2 2007 - 2009 & http://www.lifestylemazdaparts.co.uk...st_DF71-V0-630 & http://www.teamtorquesteer.co.uk/maz...t-armrest.html

order it now and have mazda fit it on delivery for you.

[3sum]

I can fit it myself. I dont need mazda 'mechanics' to destroy my car .

Your very helpful Vaku.

I wish it was as easy as just getting the 2.

[Vaku]

yeah I just meant save some hassles and get them to do it for free as part of the deal ;P

take the 2 for a GOOD drive, you will have your answer after that!

id still go with the SP23 tho..

[Sux2bu]

sp23

[_sallz]

sp23 ftw

[3sum]

Hey all,

I was really keen on getting a polo GTI. They can be had for 17k, which is fairly good considering that its a 1.8L turbo.
Being a turbo and all, it should be really easy to get extra power out of it with little pain to the wallet. I heard you can get 150kw with a chip from APR or Oettinger!!

Then I read this thread: Polo Problems & Fix Register - VWwatercooled Australia
and it put me completely off VW. Why can't Germans, or Europeans for that matter, build cars with decent electrics?!?
Its seems most of their problems stem from the electrics.

Sure, their built like a bank vault, but what good is that when nothing works?
I'd rather my plasticy Jap car that works.

So..........sp23 or m2 still at the top of the list.
maybe an MPS3

[Bradesy89]

mps3 if u can afford, cept id hesitate to get a fwd turbo. other than that.. sp23!

[julessp23]

Go the SP23 all the way.

[3sum]

found my car: 2004 NISSAN CUBE BZ11 Cars For Sale in VIC - carsales.com.au - carsales.com.au

I think they look awesome.

[Vaku]

LOL that guage cluster looks like its from a 1/64 scale model!

[fox]

i have a new gen M3, and i would strongly recommend the sp23!

[Matty R]

I wouldn't rule out the 2 so quickly, I know the interior is a little basic but they are cheap and so much fun to drive :-)

[3sum]

I took the Cube for a test drive today and I LOVED it!!!!

Its so ugly it looks cool. Its got a bucket load more character than the 3 and is 100% more practical.

Admitiedly, the 3 is built a lot better and is a shitload faster. This thing is S L O W. But fun

I found one with 25K km and a 12month warranty for $16500.

Now I just have to get rid of my car before I can get it.

[Bradesy89]

your not serious? the thing is but ugly....