Hey all, I just picked up a 2010 Mazda 3 (2.5 Hatchback) and had a few questions. I've been reviewing the forum and can't wait to get involved.

That being said - i have two questions for you all.

1)Do you think i got a good deal? 31k miles, certified pre-owned, $17,500? Car is in great condition, not a scratch/dent one. Runs and drives perfect. 6 speed manual. What do you think?

2) The car has basically new snow tires on it (I live in Colorado so that is a bonus). I am wondering if i should take good care of the snow tires and put them on each winter (buy summer tires at the end of this winter to put on during the dry months), or if i should just drive the snow tires through their life and get a good set of all-seasons? Does the car handle pretty well on all-seasons on snow/ice?

Let me know what you think.

Thanks,

Nick

 

Nick
Congradulations on your new ride...I've a 2.5L 2011 auto that I'm leaseing and really enjoy the car. However I do miss the manual Transmission which is why I leased the car. Rumors made me second guess buying at the end of 2010 and now that its almost 2014 the facts are a little clearer as to my options when my lease ends this summer.

Keep the Snows for winter use and get summer tires when your snow season ends and you'll have your needs met though it is more expensive have 2 sets of wheel and tires...you'll be glad to have the added traction of snows and better handling dry season summer tires. Here in No VA we really only have 28 days of winter snow and slush during the winter yet I've decided to get a dedicated set of snows even though I have a fine set of all season Michelin Pilot Sport AS3.

There is nothing like have having snow tires on all 4 wheels during and after a snow storm! Ask around the internet sites how people with all season handle going up hills and down them vs having snow tires and you'll hear from those that switched to snow singing no more white knuckle driving down the hills.

 

I 100% agree with geebosa - i've got a second set of rims with winter tires on it - total cost a bit over $1000 with the TPMS and all, but well worth the money for good winter driving.

 

Anyone want to chime in about the best snows i can buy for my MAZDA3s GT HB w/ 2.5L 5 Speed Auto (love the Manual Shift Mode!)

thanx

 

I should have mentioned that part - i've got General Altimax Arctic tires on 16" rims, got them new last winter and am very happy with how they handle in the snow. They are quite squishy in the dry... they grip but feel unstable during quick cornering with the back of the car feeling like it's not planted.

 

I'm planning on getting Nitto NT-SN2 snow tires 205/55/r16 about $100 a tire. Just had someone back into my driverside rear and scrape the bumper cover next to the wheel well. So I've gotta fix that on my own nickle $150 deductible. So tires will have to wait till December. The Nitto NT-SN2 look to be a good fit for the type of snow in the No.VA area. If I were farther north I'd go with the GoodYear Ultra Grip Ice WRT about $114 a tire.

 

I got a set of Goodyear triple tread all seasons work fine