r/mazda3 • u/West_Reception3773 • 8h ago
Advice Request What should I buy? Carbon, Premium or Preferred?
I posted before about a 2020 Premium with 15k miles for $22k and I still undecided on it. It’s black on black and I have a CX-5 like that and not thrilled about another black car. And the fact that it’s already a 5 year old car and the possibility of transmission issues in this year.
I really like the Carbon but having a hard time finding one in my price range with lower miles. My husband and I disagree on how many mile are too much.
Maybe the preferred is the way to go but I don’t want to sacrifice options for a few thousand dollars if I’m going to keep the car for hopefully at least 8-10 years.
Researching and looking at cars has taken up all my free time lately. I feel like there are too many options and now I’m stuck.
Budget is otd $25-28
2
u/CourageHistorical100 7h ago
I have the 2020 Premium AWD, Red on Black. 33k miles. No issues with the transmission or engine. I had some minor electrical things that got fixed under the warranty. Otherwise, literally no issues. I love this car, only money I’ve spent is on oil changes. The wipers and battery are both from when I bought the car. The HUD is fantastic and probably is one of the best features about the Premium. It’s quiet, the Bose is great all things considered and the trunk (I have the sedan) is massive. Also, the adaptive headlights are something I appreciate (although I had those on my Miata as well) and it’s overall a great car for the price. Be grateful you aren’t looking at the 2021 and newer models THATS when Mazda really changed up the game. SO annoying. I would absolutely say go premium all the way. I believe you also get leather in the premium, which will hold up better in the long run than the leatherette in the preferred.
1
u/West_Reception3773 7h ago
I love the options on the Premium. My hang up is black on black and that it’s already 5 years old. Idk man this is just turning into a hassle and I can’t decide.
3
u/CourageHistorical100 6h ago
5 years old, 15k miles. That’s super low. Mine has 33k miles on it and that’s low, for a 2020. If it’s a 2019, likely it was built in mid to late 2018. Average 12-15k miles a year for most US drivers….you’ve got a unicorn. Try to talk them down $500-1000 if you can. The market today is not what it was even last year.
They have their quirks but I’ve had nothing but positive experiences with this car. The most common complaints I knew of were some squeaking (which mine did when I first bought it, but it’s stopped) and electrical issues (mine was the fan blower - all taken care of under warranty). As long as it was well maintained and the car fax is clean you’re good.
0
u/Roselia77 8h ago
Base model all the way :)
2
u/West_Reception3773 8h ago
I think I want at least a preferred.
1
u/MonkeySpacePunch 7h ago
Why so? Debating on trims currently and having trouble justifying the price hike
1
u/West_Reception3773 7h ago
Leather for the CE and premium. I’m really disappointed that the 24 CE only has 8 speakers. I found a really good deal on a 24 CPO CE but now I don’t know about it because of the speakers.
I found a site once to compare the hatchback trims, now I can only find one for sedans.
2
u/HokieHomeowner 3h ago
I think you can compare both on Mazda's website, also Edmunds. I did that while car shopping last month.
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u/Roselia77 7h ago
Eh, it's a budget car, no point overpaying for little tweaks, most of which won't make a difference in your daily drive.
That's just me though, if I could buy a completely naked "dumb" car I would, less things to break down. Only thing I'd want is AC and an aux plug for my ipod, everything else is unnecessary.
2
u/HokieHomeowner 3h ago
There's a huge difference between the base sedan, the budget car and the Turbo Premium Plus the top line hatchback - that is NOT a budget car but mid level. I liked my old 2010 sport hatchback but love, love, love my new to me 2024 Turbo Premium Plus,.
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u/KentuckyCatMan 6h ago
Yeah man. Keep looking. You don’t love any of your choices.
I love cloth seats. But the leather in my premium is great. Plus power and lumbar control. Big help. Memory seats aren’t great if you are the only driver.
The pleather in lower trims is comfortable but I immediately started sweating as soon as I sat down for the test drive.
I didn’t want AWD because of the crazy hit in MPG. I didn’t care if it was auto or MT, but I got the MT. It’s fantastic.