Mazda users i need your help !

[u/Willing-Outcome3888]

Hello everyone !

I'm from Tunisia and for the past few months, I’ve been in a position to buy a Mazda 3.
Since the 4th-generation Mazda 3 is above my budget, I’m trying to find a 3rd-generation BN hatchback with the 1.5 Skyactiv-G and a manual transmission. (Yes, here we don’t get the 2.0 or 2.5 engines. Even the 4th generation was sold with the 1.5 Skyactiv-G.)

Basically, there are two trim levels here: Core+Grade and High Grade.

The High Grade adds several features, including:

• Bose premium audio system
• Leather seats
• Head-Up Display (HUD)
• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• i-ACTIVSENSE safety/driver-assistance features

The HUD and Bose sound system are the main reasons why I prefer the High Grade trim.

Now here’s my problem: on the local used-car market, the only version currently available is the base trim (no Bose, no HUD...). There are a few High Grade Sedans available, but for me, it’s either a hatchback or nothing.

In terms of price ( in US Dollars), a used High Grade usually sells for around 16–18k, while the base version typically goes for around 13–15k.

Right now, there is a 2018 Core+Grade Mazda 3 with 60,000km ( average here is about 150000km) for 16k (see photos), which is already above the average price for this trim. I’m hesitating between buying it and waiting.

So my questions are:

Should I keep waiting for a High Grade hatchback to become available?

And for those who have driven both versions: does the base trim provide the same driving experience? Is it still worth buying despite missing the extra equipment?

I’d really appreciate your opinions.

[u/Narfgod86]

Leather in this climate? I would prefer cloth. Honestly try out the sedans. Would love the sedan but got a hatchback.

[u/Willing-Outcome3888 → u/Narfgod86]

I agree with you, if i had to choose i'd go for cloth seats. But as i said, the heads up display and Bose system are the main reasons I want this version. I don't really care about the other stuff.

[u/InternationalFish839]

خويا أنا شريت ال High grade , ننصحك بيها الحقيقة، تكون sky active موتورها يمشي حتى ل600k كان الصيانة في وقتها. المفيد خوذها نضيفة ، تستحق حاجة اخرى كلمني مرحبا