What is the 2008 mazda 3 like in the winter

Question

im thinking about buying one and i live in ny and want to know what it really drives like in the winter

Answer 1

Ask consumer reports?  Look for safety ratings. Talk to a dealer.  Front wheel drive cars are usually better in snow.

Answer 2

I live in Kentucky out in the country, pretty hilly around here.  My Mazda 3 (hatch) did great this year.  The car is front-wheel drive and will go as well as any front-wheel drive car- or better; my car was able to drive in bad weather on days when my hubby's Acura TL had to stay home.  I had a Tribute before and I did not miss it one bit.  4WD is only useful if the snow plows don't come your way and you must drive in it.  In ice, it doesn't matter what you drive.  You might consider skipping the optional front air dam, it looks cool but if you have snow, it could hamper you a bit. PLUS it has traction and stability control!

Answer 3

My friend has the sedan, which made it through its first Syracuse winter with no problems without snow tires, but she's getting them for this winter.  I ordered the hatchback, which I'll get late in the fall, and I plan on using snow tires based on her experience.

Snow tires are a good investment, as the factory all-seasons are supposedly not very good in snow.  You may not even need snow tires, depending on the type of snowfall you get where you live.  I'll need them in Syracuse, but we get more snow here than most of the state.

I think you'd be absolutely fine in a Mazda3, just like any other front-wheel drive vehicle.

Answer 4

The best way to find out is from consumer reviews.  Google  "2008 mazda 3 reviews".  That should give you a pretty good idea about the car.  You can also have a set of winter or wet tires for the winter.  The extra set of tires can be mounted during the winter.  Rims without tires could go as low as about 3-400.  Winter tires usually cost a little more, but only by 20-30 on average.

Answer 5

The previous answers have you covered on the snowy scenario. I can comment on my experiences where consecutive cold days offer a biting wind and bitter cold temperatures. The car starts every time, the heated seats are divine. lol.  The car is capable, quiet and toasty when driven in extreme temperatures. I have been able to count on it to take myself and my only child in her car seat without incident for the last 3 years. The factory battery has greater than a 90% charge for cold cranking amps and everything works the way it should when you need it most.  I would recommend the Mazda3 because it is a 4 season car capable of transporting you and your loved one(s) from point A to B leaving no doubt a well built car surrounds family and friends in the harshest of circumstances. Cheers.