In this post you will learn why I might consider buying the new Mazda 3 with Skyactiv technology. I recently read a review in Car & Driver magazine about the Mazda 3 with skyactive technology. It stated it is a fun, fast, reliable car with fuel efficiency to boot. But am I really ready to trade in my car and get this car? Will I be better off waiting a year or two and getting it used as this is a new technology that was recently released this year. As you can see from the picture the car is sharp looking and it comes with some stylish accessories also. The car and driver review rated the Mazda very high in its ride, handling, and fuel efficiency. It placed 2nd out of 6 compact cars in a recent comparison test. One of the editors even described it as a budget based BMW due to it’s excellent ride and feel. Consumer reports also gives this car two thumbs up with high reliability marks. This just makes me happy that my radar is on point in picking high quality yet frugal products. On the other hand I definitely do not want another car payment and I do not want to add to my car Timeline total . What a dilemma I am stuck with?
How much Fuel Efficiency:
Realized 40-45 MPG in Highway
14 Miles per gallon better than my current car in the highway
28 MPG in the City
8 Miles per gallon better than my current car in the city
As you can see the fuel savings will be far superior to what I am currently getting. But is the trade off better? I will be getting a new car and not have to worry about it breaking down on Interstate 95. But on the other hand higher insurance costs and a monthly payment. I think I have to find a few hundred dollars in the budget to finally update my 14 year old car that was given to me by the Mrs. I can probably get a good 4 grand for her car as it is the color green like money and it even sports a cool moon roof which will not hurt the trade in value.
2012 Mazda3 i Grand Touring SkyActiv-G Sedan
Base price (with destination): $23,095
Price as tested: $24,495
(Options include $1400 tech pkg)
Engine: 16-valve DOHC I-4
Displacement: 2.0 liters
Power: 155 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque: 148 lb-ft @ 4100 rpm
Drive: Front-wheel
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Fuel economy: 28/40 mpg (city/highway)
Car Review provided by Automobile Website: Mazda 3
As you can read I am leaning towards getting it because it will be a better / safer mode of transportation and I can recoup some of the costs by driving with great fuel efficiency for many years. My current commute is about 25 miles each way to work and home and if this car really puts up the numbers as mentioned by Car and Driver I can most likely cut my gas bill in half. After doing a fuel savings test for both cars I will list a few money savings stats below:
Camry | Mazda 3 | |
Fuel / Price per gallon | 3.15 | 3.15 |
Average MPG per Car | 27 | 40 |
Miles Driven per Year | 13,000 | 13,000 |
Plan to own my car 5 yrs | ||
Annual Fuel Costs | 1,517 | 1,024 |
Cost Savings per Yr | 0 | $493 |
Cost Savings for 5 yrs | $2,464 |
After 5 years I will save $2,464 in just fuel costs at the $3.15 current price at the pump. If gas happens to sky rocket to $4 dollars per gallon my savings will also increase with the new car. In addition if my commute time goes up in the future I will not be worried as I have a more modern, reliable, and greener car. On top of that I will be going back to my roots of Mazda products, as my first two cars that I ever owned were the Mazda RX7 and the 626. In part two of this post I will discuss negotiation figures with Mazda dealers to give you more details on the new car development and also I want to test drive it soon.
Here is a link to another Mazda 3 Auto guide car review: MZ3 Skyactiv
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@younginvestor- I agree with you that's why I wrote this post. I am struggling with the concept of when is it best to buy new, as I am now more aware of all the depreciation that happens to new cars in the firs 2 years. No matter which way you look at it I am spending more to go new than keeping my old car, just have to decide if now is the time to make the leap. What are you driving now a days?
Seems like a pretty good car, especially the fuel efficiency, which is good for both your wallet and the environment
Wow that car gets GREAT gas mileage! Didn't know that about that car.
@Michelle-Yes it does, I will let you know when I test drive it how it rides.
Really useful to read the words of a blogger interested and interested in any particular subject matter: and especially many people who hold generally different beliefs can find very little to disagree with all of this.