All of this assuming that the luxe version doesn’t add too many fragile extras.

You’re joking, right? Buy one and learn the difference between price and cost.

1. Bargain

a pair of initial-named dorks

I thought Mazda’s push upmarket was a mistake from day one.

So, Roe is dead in the US, right?

I’m with you 100% and I have nothing to add except my praise for dropping a sick Sun Also Rises ref in there.

It’s hard to believe, isn’t it? But here they are at #1, beating not just Toyota, but Lexus, too:

I don’t know what market you’re in, but here in Canada the newest AWD hatch A3 is 2011. I can see how an off-lease A3 could be better value for money than a new Mazda3 if they are available elsewhere.

I’m an old guy who grew up when open homophobia was not just the norm, it was literally considered a moral imperative. To be called “gay” or “fag” were among the worst insults.

Compared to what?

There’s no reason to get the Mazda3 when the CX3/CX30 exists.

WHOA! Ridiculous. I wrote “I think it was The Straight Pipes”, then thought “let me go check” and I searched “Straight Pipes Mazda Honda” and got that video, copied the link, edited out the “I think it was”, and never realized the error.

For a while they were atrocious for rust. For about 5 years I don’t think I saw a 2nd gen 3 that wasn’t riddled with cancer. They’ve been much better for a long time now.

The FD is on par with the 911's design

I can appreciate that. It’s not a hot hatch - even the turbo version. The GTI is going to be a more visceral driving experience.

I remain shocked at the continued lack of market success for the 4th generation Mazda3. Earlier versions of the car were instrumental in keeping the company afloat, and the 3 retains some dedicated fans, but the overall market for small passenger vehicles has moved away from it.

I don’t see how I disproved anything.

08/27/21 —— 1727

It’s a great car. I said: “As great a car as it’s been”. It’s interesting to me that a company that also makes 2-seat mid-engine sports cars has decided that its 4-seat GT will remain the performance halo for the brand.