The 2014 Mazda3: Green Car of the Year Nominee

The redesigned 2014 Mazda3, complete with a full SKYACTIV platform and i-ELOOP technology (giving it an amazing 41 mpg), has been nominated for 2014 Green Car of the Year, presented this year at the 2013 LA Auto Show by Green Car Journal. 

Of course, we've known how well the new Mazda3 performs (and how good it looks performing well...), but what’s interesting about this nomination is that the contest is almost always filled with electric vehicles, and the Mazda3 is one of three gasoline-powered cars to be nominated this year.

Stop by Parks Mazda to take a look at the 2014 Mazda3 and test that mpg rating yourself!

Mazda3 Making Cross-Continental Journey

On August 3, Mazda will be sending eight Mazda3 hatchbacks out for the ultimate test drive. They will be driving from Hiroshima, Japan to Frankfurt, Germany—a journey that lasts for 30 days and covers 9,300 miles, two continents, five countries, and more than 30 cities!

The first continental tour was in 1977 when German reporters drove two Mazda 323 hatchbacks. Thirteen years later in 1990, four Mazda 626s set out on the Peace Tour. This year, the 3rd cross-continental journey will be called “Mazda Route3” and uses the same route.

Starting in Mazda's hoetown of Hiroshima, the pack will take a ferry to Russia, starting its journey inVladivostok.  From there, the convoy will travel through the plains of Siberia and visit remote villages and UNESCO world heritage sites before moving on through Belarus, Poland, and finally Germany. You can follow along on the tour’s dedicated website.

The 2014 Mazda3 Is Here

The new Mazda3 is Mazda at its absolute best.  The vehicle is stunning, but it's also a performer. 

Debuting earlier this week via a live Xbox Live feed, the newest addition to Mazda's 2014 line-up adds aggressiveness and technology you just can't get from anyone else, and especially in the segment the Mazda3 competes.

Like the beautiful, new 2014 Mazda6, the 2014 Mazda3 utilizes Mazda's Kodo design and integrates several new features that enhance every aspect of driving.

Whichever Skyactiv engine you choose, be it the 2.0L or the 2.5L, the new Mazda3 will deliver all of the engine's performance while maintaining maximum efficiency based on current conditions.  Active grille shutters open and close to make the car more aerodynamic and keep the engine as cool as it needs to be.  The Active Driving Display features a line-of-sight data area for the driver, while new safety-intensive apps make for a safer ride.

Want to learn more about the wonderful 2014 Mazda3?  Keep up with us on our Facebook and Twitter pages to see the latest information.

Auto Insurance Tips

One often overlooked and very important aspect of car shopping is auto insurance.  We thought we'd help you out a little bit and provide some useful tips for this forgotten, costly expense.

Shop around.  The obvious first suggestion is to shop around.  It's incredible how big the differences can be between quotes.  If it's possible, try to get an unbiased source to provide you with quotes, but no matter what, always make sure you're dealing with a licensed agent.

Hidden discounts.  There are so many discounts that people never know they could be receiving.  Things such as having anti-lock brakes and daytime running lights can ever lower your cost.

Paying the premium.  Always pay your premium on time and in full (even if there's a dispute), as there's no grace period for automobile insurance.  Also, if you increase your deductible, you can lower that premium.

Want more tips?  The NC Department of Insurance has a very helpful (yet lengthy) guide.

Buy or Lease?

If you're looking for a new Mazda, you might still be up in the air about whether or not you will decide to purchase your new car...so we thought we'd weigh some pros and cons on buying and leasing to get you going.

When you lease a vehicle, you have less to worry about and pay for in regards to maintaining it.  You’ll also be driving the newest model available at the time of the lease, and you can do that continuously.  Finally, you don’t ever absorb the full depreciation costs of the car, but only for the length of your lease.

When you finance a vehicle, you own it, and after some time you will no longer have to make payments on it.  You don’t have to worry about any penalties and your insurance is less limited, and you are also able to build equity based on your vehicle’s depreciation rate.

Both buying and leasing have their disadvantages as well, such as paying back interest when a car is purchased, or higher insurance costs for a leased vehicle.  The fact of the matter is that there are an endless number of factors to consider when deciding between financing or leasing, so outlining both the benefits and disadvantages in terms of priority can be of benefit when making your decision.

Parks Mazda is glad to help answer any questions you have on purchasing your next vehicle.  Feel free to contact us or simply stop by!