View Poll Results: Which would you prefer to own?
Voters: 72. You may not vote on this poll
2007 2.5 Altima or 2007 2.3 Mazda 3?
01-15-2007 | 07:38 PM
#43
Originally Posted by Moog-Type-S
I voted wrong....I was assuming Altima V6.......
Sice we are talking 4cyl. I'd go with teh 3
Sice we are talking 4cyl. I'd go with teh 3
i made the same mistake.Side note: the '07 Altima 3.5 sounds like a great car
01-15-2007 | 07:40 PM
#44
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Originally Posted by dom
Not sure how I missed this thread but when did you decide to buy now?
01-15-2007 | 09:20 PM
#46
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Originally Posted by mrsteve
My girlfriend has a Mazda 3 Hatch fully loaded (leather, navi) and I LOVE it.
The turning radius on the car is ridiculous!! Can pull a U-Turn on a dime with that thing!!
01-16-2007 | 12:20 PM
#49
Originally Posted by Street Spirit
What do you like about it? How long has she had it?
The turning radius on the car is ridiculous!! Can pull a U-Turn on a dime with that thing!!
The turning radius on the car is ridiculous!! Can pull a U-Turn on a dime with that thing!!
The steering feel is very tight. It handles very well for a car with 205mm wide tires. I like the styling and the utility of the design. The hatch with folded rear seats gives plenty of room for everything but your largest items. The quality of the materials feels very good as well. The leather is holding up excellently even with the dog in the car quite often.
The turning radius is bad-ass as well. It's amazing how tight it is. The only thing I don't like is that at speeds around 70-80mph the engine can get a little buzzy because it's revving pretty high. Although I suspect this is normal for a 4-cylinder car; I've never owned one before. She gets pretty good gas mileage too.
She has a manual transmission and the shifter has a pretty long throw compared to my CL Type-S. It's also regularly difficult to engage reverse.
The head lamp projectors are fantastic and while they offer a 4 stage leveling adjustment I never touch it. They are always raised as high as possible.
She purchased the car last Spring with about 24,000 miles on it. It's a MY2004. I believe she paid ~$14,500. Great deal IMO. If only the car had a little more power I'd prefer it 100% over my CL.
01-16-2007 | 11:56 PM
#52
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Originally Posted by slo007
How about an Acura in that poll? This is an Acura forum.... 
Maybe at some point down the line, but not as my next car.
This isn't a "what if" kinda poll; I am actually actively considering the vehicles listed as a purchase in the very near future.
01-17-2007 | 01:57 AM
#55
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Originally Posted by Street Spirit
It's not in the poll because I'm not considering another Acura as my next vehicle.
Maybe at some point down the line, but not as my next car.
This isn't a "what if" kinda poll; I am actually actively considering the vehicles listed as a purchase in the very near future.
Maybe at some point down the line, but not as my next car.
This isn't a "what if" kinda poll; I am actually actively considering the vehicles listed as a purchase in the very near future.
01-17-2007 | 08:05 AM
#57
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From: Windsor, ON, Canada
Originally Posted by slo007
Why are you on this site then?
- derrick (who may be looking elsewhere later this year
)PS Just helped buy a 2007 TSX for my GF last month. I'm still loyal to Acura.
01-17-2007 | 08:15 AM
#58
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From: Windsor, ON, Canada
^ Street Spirit ... I was at the Detroit Autoshow the other day ... the Altima coupe is quite nice ... think about it ... (subliminal message)
You'd have to drive to see if it's your cup of tea or not. But it can be optioned out very nicely.
You'd have to drive to see if it's your cup of tea or not. But it can be optioned out very nicely.
01-17-2007 | 08:23 AM
#59
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Hey Derrick! Dan and I went to the Detroit Auto Show too. Too bad we didn't catch you there! We spent the night in Windsor.
As for potential cars --- coupes are out. And your message wasn't very subliminal!
As for potential cars --- coupes are out. And your message wasn't very subliminal!
)
01-17-2007 | 08:36 AM
#61
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Well thanks for calling me then too! Pffff.
Awww....I would've loved to have met up with you. We had quite the Windsor experience! 
EDIT: BTW, I'm really glad I got to see all the cars close up. Pictures posted here just don't do some cars justice -- they can hide a lot of the lines (I find).
01-17-2007 | 08:36 AM
#62
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^ bishes, didnt wait till friday when i will be going there!
I like the fact that some of us dont have Acuras in Car Talks. Most of the discussions arent so heavily biased towards Acura then.
Anywho, i cant wait to check out the new Altima.
I like the fact that some of us dont have Acuras in Car Talks. Most of the discussions arent so heavily biased towards Acura then.
Anywho, i cant wait to check out the new Altima.
01-17-2007 | 08:39 AM
#63
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Originally Posted by Crazy Sellout
^ bishes, didnt wait till friday when i will be going there!
I like the fact that some of us dont have Acuras in Car Talks. Most of the discussions arent so heavily biased towards Acura then.
Anywho, i cant wait to check out the new Altima.
I like the fact that some of us dont have Acuras in Car Talks. Most of the discussions arent so heavily biased towards Acura then.
Anywho, i cant wait to check out the new Altima.
We left for Windsor last Saturday and went across the border to the show on Sunday.As for the Altima (I'm assuming you're talking about the coupe) -- that's exactly one of the cars I was referring to in my Edit above. There were definitely some lines to the car that I didn't realize were there based on having only seen pics. I was glad I got to see it in person.
01-17-2007 | 08:54 AM
#64
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So it seems that a lot of people who voted against the Altima aren't really anti-Nissan quality, they're just anti-Altima-sedan. A lot of people suggested not getting a first year Nissan, or not getting the Altima at all, but then suggested I wait for the Altima coupe in '08.......both a first year model and still a Nissan.
01-17-2007 | 08:57 AM
#65
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From: Chicago Burbs
Originally Posted by Street Spirit
We left for Windsor last Saturday and went across the border to the show on Sunday.As for the Altima (I'm assuming you're talking about the coupe) -- that's exactly one of the cars I was referring to in my Edit above. There were definitely some lines to the car that I didn't realize were there based on having only seen pics. I was glad I got to see it in person.
Well yes the coupe but i also want to sit inside the new Altima sedan. From the pictures, the interior looks really improved. My mom is looking for a replacement car for her 98 altima.
01-17-2007 | 08:59 AM
#66
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Originally Posted by Crazy Sellout
Well yes the coupe but i also want to sit inside the new Altima sedan. From the pictures, the interior looks really improved. My mom is looking for a replacement car for her 98 altima.
The woodgrain is hideous. They have a few different Altima models and colours there for you to check out anyway.
01-17-2007 | 09:51 AM
#67
Originally Posted by slo007
Why are you on this site then?
Because I own an Acura and last time I checked the ownership or interest in Acura wasn't a prerequisite for registration on this forum.
01-17-2007 | 10:03 AM
#68
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Like I said before, this poll really should be a 2007 Mazda 6 2.3 version vs. the 2007 Nissan Altima 2.5 because both are within the same car size and not the Mazda 3.
Mazda 3 should be compared with the Nissan Sentra.
Mazda 3 should be compared with the Nissan Sentra.
01-17-2007 | 10:08 AM
#69
Originally Posted by 04EuroAccordTsx
Like I said before, this poll really should be a 2007 Mazda 6 2.3 version vs. the 2007 Nissan Altima 2.5 because both are within the same car size and not the Mazda 3.
Mazda 3 should be compared with the Nissan Sentra.
Mazda 3 should be compared with the Nissan Sentra.
Why? This poll is between two cars she is interested in. That doesn't mean she needs to cross-shop cars that are the same size.
01-17-2007 | 10:14 AM
#70
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Originally Posted by mrsteve
Why? This poll is between two cars she is interested in. That doesn't mean she needs to cross-shop cars that are the same size.
She should include the Honda Civic, 4cyl Accord, and either a 4cyl Camry or Corolla on that list too.
01-17-2007 | 05:43 PM
#72
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Originally Posted by mrsteve
The steering feel is very tight. It handles very well for a car with 205mm wide tires. I like the styling and the utility of the design. The hatch with folded rear seats gives plenty of room for everything but your largest items. The quality of the materials feels very good as well. The leather is holding up excellently even with the dog in the car quite often.
The turning radius is bad-ass as well. It's amazing how tight it is. The only thing I don't like is that at speeds around 70-80mph the engine can get a little buzzy because it's revving pretty high. Although I suspect this is normal for a 4-cylinder car; I've never owned one before. She gets pretty good gas mileage too.
She has a manual transmission and the shifter has a pretty long throw compared to my CL Type-S. It's also regularly difficult to engage reverse.
The head lamp projectors are fantastic and while they offer a 4 stage leveling adjustment I never touch it. They are always raised as high as possible.
She purchased the car last Spring with about 24,000 miles on it. It's a MY2004. I believe she paid ~$14,500. Great deal IMO. If only the car had a little more power I'd prefer it 100% over my CL.
The turning radius is bad-ass as well. It's amazing how tight it is. The only thing I don't like is that at speeds around 70-80mph the engine can get a little buzzy because it's revving pretty high. Although I suspect this is normal for a 4-cylinder car; I've never owned one before. She gets pretty good gas mileage too.
She has a manual transmission and the shifter has a pretty long throw compared to my CL Type-S. It's also regularly difficult to engage reverse.
The head lamp projectors are fantastic and while they offer a 4 stage leveling adjustment I never touch it. They are always raised as high as possible.
She purchased the car last Spring with about 24,000 miles on it. It's a MY2004. I believe she paid ~$14,500. Great deal IMO. If only the car had a little more power I'd prefer it 100% over my CL.
Thanks for the specifics! I like hearing these kinds of things.
I noticed the sound of the engine too. It doesn't sound like other 4 cylinders I've driven -- it's definitely more high pitched or 'tinny', as Dan describes it. It doesn't have a deep growl....
01-18-2007 | 01:14 PM
#74
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Originally Posted by Crazy Sellout
^ bishes, didnt wait till friday when i will be going there!
I like the fact that some of us dont have Acuras in Car Talks. Most of the discussions arent so heavily biased towards Acura then.
Anywho, i cant wait to check out the new Altima.
I like the fact that some of us dont have Acuras in Car Talks. Most of the discussions arent so heavily biased towards Acura then.
Anywho, i cant wait to check out the new Altima.
01-21-2007 | 09:08 AM
#75
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Weird factoid about the Mazda3:
http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/19/m...-to-break-ins/
Boo! Shame on Mazda not to fix current cars ... now it's on the 'net .. easy for crooks to experiment on where to dent the door to get the car to unlock. 
I suppose it's not as bad as not fixing trannys ...
http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/19/m...-to-break-ins/
We debated on posting this because we always seem to get nailed in the comments for advertising a new way to break the law, but we feel it's important information for Mazda3 owners and we're encouraged by Mazda's reaction to the situation so far. First the deets: it appears that a few owners of the Mazda3 have come back to their vehicles to find their valuables missing but no visible signs of breaking and entering like shattered glass or broken locks. The only clue left by thieves is a big dent in the front passenger door. Canadian website MobileMag.com got the skinny from an anonymous Mazda dealer that if one hits the passenger door hard in just the right spot it will affect the lock assembly mechanism and unlock the doors. Mystery solved.
Mazda has been aware of and working on this issue since October of 2006, and this month it began installing a "countermeasure" in all Mazda3s being built in Japan. For those who have already had their cars broken into, in some cases Mazda has agreed to install a reinforced door lock assembly and a protective plate to prevent the same break-in from happening again, though it has not offered to repair the dents. At this point, Mazda does not consider this "trick" a defect in the product and it hasn't decided whether or not all Mazda3s will be called back to have the countermeasure installed.
Mazda has been aware of and working on this issue since October of 2006, and this month it began installing a "countermeasure" in all Mazda3s being built in Japan. For those who have already had their cars broken into, in some cases Mazda has agreed to install a reinforced door lock assembly and a protective plate to prevent the same break-in from happening again, though it has not offered to repair the dents. At this point, Mazda does not consider this "trick" a defect in the product and it hasn't decided whether or not all Mazda3s will be called back to have the countermeasure installed.
I suppose it's not as bad as not fixing trannys ...
01-21-2007 | 09:19 PM
#78
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I'm a dedicated Nissan fan. I've owned 2 of them and am completely obsessed with the Muran o and Z... When I first started looking at cars (before I considered a used car), I was EXCITED to go drive the Altima. I drove 8 cars in one day to decide which one I liked. Out of all of them, the Altima was my 2nd LEAST favorite!! (only better than the manual trans. Camry...that one SUCKED). Unless you buy it fully loaded, the interior is UGLY...and even if you DO get it fully loaded, you can get MUCH better cars for the money. My best friend has a Mazda 3...great car.
01-21-2007 | 09:26 PM
#79
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Maybe I should have been more specific:
Altima - 3.5 wasn't bad, but 2.5 was GUTLESS. The 4-cylinder is also extremely noisy, and not in a good way. Turning radius was good for a big car. Felt HUGE when I was driving it. Climate control was great. All the air vents were in the middle of the dash...very unattractive. Lots of rear seat room.
3 - Has a lot of go thanks to the smaller size. Controls make sense and I like the look of them. Not a fan of the new clear tails, but that can be changed easily. Tons of headroom. Feels just as big inside as the Altima (or close) without the extra body length.
Altima - 3.5 wasn't bad, but 2.5 was GUTLESS. The 4-cylinder is also extremely noisy, and not in a good way. Turning radius was good for a big car. Felt HUGE when I was driving it. Climate control was great. All the air vents were in the middle of the dash...very unattractive. Lots of rear seat room.
3 - Has a lot of go thanks to the smaller size. Controls make sense and I like the look of them. Not a fan of the new clear tails, but that can be changed easily. Tons of headroom. Feels just as big inside as the Altima (or close) without the extra body length.
01-22-2007 | 02:42 PM
#80
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Originally Posted by derrick
Weird factoid about the Mazda3:
http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/19/m...-to-break-ins/
Boo! Shame on Mazda not to fix current cars ... now it's on the 'net .. easy for crooks to experiment on where to dent the door to get the car to unlock. I suppose it's not as bad as not fixing trannys ...
http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/19/m...-to-break-ins/
Boo! Shame on Mazda not to fix current cars ... now it's on the 'net .. easy for crooks to experiment on where to dent the door to get the car to unlock.
I suppose it's not as bad as not fixing trannys ...