I am planning on purchasing a new Mazda 3. l was wondering what model l should buy to fully experience all that the car has to offer. Is the cheaper ''i'' model enough? or should l go for the sport ''s'' model for a couple more grand? What about in terms of ''touring'' and ''grand touring''? pros and cons anyone? l know it is a lot of questions... but l just wanna make sure I am not spending anymroe money than l need to! THANKS!

Mada RX
Which has a different type of engine, great power & real strength.
And a mind blowing style!!

The ''i'' model comes with the smaller 2.0L engine. The ''s'' comes with 2.3L. The 2.0L is pretty preppy, but it does not hurt to get the bigger engine. However, if mpg is ur primary concern, u might want to stick with the ''i'' touring. Also, ''i'' gets 16'' alloy while the ''s'' gets 17.

From my experience looking at the used car market, most used car buyers look for the 2.3L Mazda3, so resale may be an issue for the ''i'' model if u do not plan on keeping it for a long time.

You will want to go with the touring since it is packaged very well. If u get the strip base & adds basic options on, u will come out even with the touring.

The GT is nice if u want a car loaded with options. But like l said before, the touring model has nice package without breaking the piggy bank. It is a matter of how much u want to spend & what u want in the car. But if u want the best bang for the buck, l suggest the ''s'' touring.

Beware that if u want a hatchback, u must get the ''s'' anyway as the ''i'' is only available in Sedan form.

Go to mazdausa.com & price one out, then search the dealer inventory & take one for a test drive. You wo not be disappointed.

l have a Mazda3 hatchback. It is trunk is slightly smaller than sedan is but is much better accessible. It is more practical.

Go for a ''s'' model with 2.3 liter engine. It is not just that it has more power, it is much better equipped & fuel economy differences r minimal compared to 2.0 liter. Also, ''s'' models have anti-lock brakes standard across the range.

Now, within the ''s'' level, I'd opt at least for Touring model. And l have one good reason - it has a dynamic stability control (DSC) & traction control (TCS) systems that can save ur live in emergency situations (sudden avoidance manuovers, on a wet road & in snow, it is almost like having an all-wheel drive). These systems help a great deal when drivin It certainly saved my life - sudden sharp avoidance manouver at about 70 mph. Normally my car would have start skidding. DSC & TCS will not make onyone a better driver but they're great safety feature. It is certainly worth 500 bucks over the price of ''s Sport'' trim.

Grand Touring offers leather steering wheel, on-board computer, automatic climate control (touring has a manual aircon), anti-theft device, HID lapms, items that one can live without.

To sum up, l think ''s Touring'' hatchback will be the best choice. You will not compromise the safety of the car & will save appr. 1500 bucks compared to Grand Touring.

Check out the links & see for yourself
http://mazdausa.com/MusaWeb/displayPage.action?pageParameter=modelsSpecs&vehicleCode=M3H
http://mazdausa.com/MusaWeb/pdf/specs_features/veh_specs_M3H.pdf

l would go with the l Touring with the ABS/SAB/SAC Pkg. The l model is enough. The s model gives u fog lights, sport style grill, 8 HP more, & ground effects. So it just depends on if those options r important for the extra money. Now basically the Grand Touring (which only comes in the s model) gives u heated leather seats, rain sensing windshield wipers, different gauge lighting, & xenon headlights. The moon roof is available on any model & trim level. Also the ABS/SAB/SAC is standard on the s models. Also u get 16'' alloys on the l & 17'' alloys on the s.

l believe the previous have answered everything but ur final point. '' l do not want to spend anymore money than what l need to.'' My answer to ur question will not qualify as a sales response but rather from the standpoint of a consumer. If a sun roof costs $,1000.00, l could live without it. In a Mazda, traction control is nice to have in a Mazda3 but not necessary, not if u have to part with ur money for this feature, & here is why. If u were considering to purchase a Mazdaspeed3 this feature would be necessary because of the power of a turbocharged engine running through the front wheels, it still has a yeoman is job of maintaining steering for the purpose of maneuverability. Again, it is a nice feature, however, the Mazda3 is a low powered economy car with cat-like reflexes. So the dynamic stability control is a truth, but it would be better suited in a more powerful & larger vehicle, like an SUV. Therefore, in my opinion it is not needed. l think that the air bag system in the front & back r necessary & is a good spend. Heated seats r good if u r cold natured, leather seats r hot in the summer, so if u live in a hot climate, a cooler fabric would be better to live with.

If they have an upgrade for the tires, not a bad deal or if u can swap them out that would be better. l am convinced that the Goodyear Eagle GSA tires r hazardous & would ultimately test whatever safety option u purchased sooner than later.
Lastly, if u can have installed led blinkers on ur rearview mirrors, it increases visibility of ur vehicle exponentially. Along with a light adjusting mirror, the name slips me, but if u have any eye sensitivity to light, bright lights from trucks can be disturbing & blinding in the rear view mirror of a smaller car.