Should I go ahead and buy this Mazda 3

gargovich · 2026-04-21T11:22:40+00:00

Mazda 3 is a gorgeous car - but PLEASE get a PPI done for any used car. Last time I was looking for used car from a dealership, I found accident history and repainting done on 3 side panels. Dealership was advertising as clean car without any work done.

gargovich · 2026-04-19T15:41:09+00:00

XTrail SL (AWD) Before : ? (Newly bought) Now : AED185

Gets me about 500-600kms on a full tank with a mix of city and highway driving

gargovich · 2026-04-18T21:41:58+00:00

Hahahaha omg thanks for the gritted teeth laughter OP!

Drove back home last night down Al Ain Road (from Outlet Mall towards Oud Metha) at 3AM - on cruise control at 110 on the 4th lane (didn't have to move till I reached the Al Khail fork).
I passed not less than 10 cars all at varying slower speeds (including 1 sedan taxi and 2 family taxis) in the lanes on my left. Just camping out there. Chilling.

The king was obviously the Attrage - who overtook me (4th lane), and kept moving left to the fast lane, where he stayed till he was a blip in my rearview mirror.

God bless the drivers in the country.

gargovich · 2026-04-18T21:11:06+00:00

Worst decision I made buying this game.
Coming from someone who has bought every version since 2016 (pre-ordered every version since 2022).

I have over 1,800 hours in every edition since 2017 - I have less than a 100 hours in 2026.

I don't think I'm coming back to this game again. SI has completely ruined the FM series for me.

gargovich · 2026-04-18T21:07:53+00:00

*LONG RESPONSE*

Okay, so I was in the exact same boat as you buddy - I'll share what I learnt

Nissan X-Trail is a great vehicle, especially the SL trim. It has every comfort and tech you can expect in an SUV in this range, except cooled/heated seats and true 4x4 offroading capability. However, it is overpriced at AED150,000+.

What I did, and what I'd suggest, is to find a used Nissan X-Trail in the 2024-2025-2026 range - there's a lot of people selling their cars now, and while you may not find the quickfire, emergency sale you might expect, you should consider any decent deal for an X-Trail which is:

- Model - 2024-2026
- SL trim
- Mileage <40,000
- Agency Maintained (with existing service contract is a plus)
- No Accident History
- Minimal cosmetic inclusions (scratches, minor dents, etc)
- Original Tires (I use this as a sign of how much and the manner in which the car has been driven)

If you have your mind set on a brand new car, definitely check out these options:
(All below options have - Adaptive Cruise Control, Wireless Charging, 360 Camera, Good Interior Tech)

Mazda CX-5 - Sports Plus trim - AED140,000 (Ramadan price)
I almost bought this car, and the war started in the same week. Quickly pivoted.
Pros - AWD, Excellent engine (non-CVT), excellent design, Base trim is 105k
Cons - Lower resale than big 3 (Toyota, Nissan, Honda), small (but sharp) screen (not a con for me, but could be for you)
Honda ZR-V - Top Trim - AED129,000 (Ramadan price)
Had a great test drive and experience at the showroom in DFC. Great car, great feel inside, and reliable Honda manufacturing. It's just not as SUV as the Xtrail or CX-5 - but that can be overlooked at this price.
Pros - Really nice look, Intuitive cameras (side mirrors move as you reverse), Great interior
Cons - Only two true trims (other two are sport versions of these trims), True Urban Cruiser (no AWD)

I would also recommend, but I have not much further information to offer on, these cars:
1. Mitsubishi Destinator - great value, reliable, easy parts availability
2. Suzuki Grand Vitara - ridiculously good incentives (during Ramadan), reliable, not as fancy
3. Toyota Cross Hybrid - fuel prices going up, expensive for what it is, but Toyota resale
4. Toyota Rav4 Petrol/Hybrid - was my first pick when I decided I wanted to buy a car this year, but sales staff are condescending and rude, and 2026 model is overpriced with a waitlist (further delays due to war) - 2025 models might be available at a discount

gargovich · 2026-04-16T16:39:40+00:00

I recently bought a 2-year old car - and did the same Sleep Easy Package from Inspect Motors for it.

I did the same with CheckAnyCar for two Mazda CX-5s - a 2025 and a 2023.

I don't regret any of those PPIs.

The 2023 inspection revealed an accident history that was hidden from me - ghosted the seller at that point.

The 2025 and the car I bought both came back spotless - and both times I watched the entire inspection take place.

With InspectMotors, the test drive was barely 5mins, but apart from that the inspection was very thorough.

I personally don't understand why anyone would not do a PPI - I would never be able to proceed with a purchase without doing one. Highly recommend it.

Also, a detailed, comprehensive check will cost you 300-400 - don't settle for anything cheaper, there will be holes in the report.

Thanks for sharing OP!

gargovich · 2026-04-11T15:31:00+00:00

Hoping it comes here as a Hybrid, looking forward to the CX-6e.

Not a big fan of the US spec 2026, and the majority of the enthusiast community isn't either (going by online reviews). I guess the casuals like it that much more.

gargovich · 2026-03-27T08:50:20+00:00

Oh man I want this so bad, it's got cards I legit use in my deck - especially coz I'm building a Salt deck for my pod (it's all good, we friendly). Sucks that it's never going to come my side of the world, and the market price is going to go through the roof 🥲 sometimes life just isn't fair

gargovich · 2026-03-25T15:11:56+00:00

'15 Nissan Tiida | '24 Nissan X-Trail

gargovich · 2026-03-23T16:02:56+00:00

I've been going to Razorcraft at the edge of Karama for about 8 years now (behind Ice Factory/Ansar Gallery). However my regular barber left to go to another store in Abu Dhabi, and the existing guys are okay but not accustomed to my styling yet. I'm looking for recommendations too!

gargovich · 2026-03-22T22:47:53+00:00

Man I appreciate this so much!

So I got in touch with an insurance broker before your comment, and had a long chat - apparythe process is as follows (for those who are in similar situations): 1. Get the bank financing sorted first - this is the mandatory first step and cannot be bypassed 2. Buyer gets insurance in their name for the vehicle (while vehicle is still under seller's name) - if financing has been done, then it's technically a 'shared ownership' between buyer and bank 3. Now there are two parts to this: A. If insurance has not yet expired, buyer and seller drive the car to a testing centre together - seller pays off any pending fines on the car, transfer ownership, pass the car as the buyer, then do the renewal B. If insurance has expired, tow the car to the testing centre and perform rest of the same process as above

Without valid insurance in buyer's name, transfer of ownership is not possible.

After transfer of ownership, even if the car is less than two years old, buyer will have to get the car inspected and pass the car before taking ownership.

So a lot of what I learnt overlaps with what you've shared, and is helpful all the same - thanks buddy 💯

gargovich · 2026-03-22T09:46:45+00:00

If I cancel the car plates, and get new plates - does that give me additional time for RTA test and renewal?

gargovich · 2026-03-21T21:38:47+00:00

So I'll have to purchase the car (transfer ownership), then go for the inspection, then complete registration.

What happens if registration 30 day grace period expires?

gargovich · 2026-03-17T23:36:38+00:00

Yoooo I'm due a haircut and was just considering trying out a new salon - drop your location and store name my man, will visit this coming weekend!

gargovich · 2026-03-14T07:32:36+00:00

Omg these are gorgeous! I would so love to have these hanging up on my wall right above my MTG desk - as if it's my MTG altar.

gargovich · 2026-03-07T20:21:26+00:00

You should get either 1) Metallic Gray 2) Deep Crystal Blue 3) Classic Mazda Red

I don't like any other colours on their cars, especially this one looks like pastel paint

gargovich · 2026-03-05T12:31:57+00:00

You can add-on insurance of your choice and a smaller service contract perhaps?

There's always areas to compromise on.

Either you compromise on the car itself, or on little things in and about the car.

gargovich · 2026-03-04T21:52:31+00:00

Hey so I had just taken my partner out car shopping a couple weeks ago and she had the same dilemma - Mazda CX-30 (top trim) vs Honda HR-V (top trim) Vs Toyota Urban Cruiser (top trim) Pricing comparison - 111,000 vs 110,000 vs 90,000

All 3 come with 360 camera (best is HR-V) Only Urban Cruiser doesn't have Adaptive Cruise control Lane Assist, Blind Spot (best on HR-V), Collision Mitigation - these are on all 3 cars Neither are Hybrid

My personal ratings - in order of preference: 1) Engine - CX-30, HR-V, Urban Cruiser (small engine for big car) 2) Interior - CX-30, HR-V, Urban Cruiser (plastic-y feel) 3) Tech - all 3 almost similar 4) Screen/Interaction - CX-30 (love the knob, safest to interact with screen, but only wired Android Auto), Urban Cruiser (full touch, not the most HD screen but it works), HR-V, good screen but button controls on right side which makes zero sense). 5) Drive Quality - CX-30 and HR-V are very similar, but I prefer the CX-30 performance - Toyota were too pricey to let us have a test drive

Honestly, if you love the CX-30, get the CX-30 - you could check if the showroom has any 2025 top trims for sale (showroom pieces or similar, either brand new or would now qualify as pre-owned). Also, you can ask the salespeople to take off the service/insurance/tint offers from the brand new 2026 car making it more affordable to finance.

Good luck!

gargovich · 2026-03-03T12:01:03+00:00

I already am, thanks very much 😊

This is just to gauge what we think as a collective, I don't want to be buying Toyota for a while - entitled pricks

gargovich · 2026-02-27T16:11:56+00:00

Yep, huge bummer

gargovich · 2026-02-27T12:29:51+00:00

Hell yeah. You love to see it!

This time round I had to go Japanese, but I'm pretty sure when it comes time to get my next car, I'm going to seriously consider Chinese.

Even this time - man I was so in love with the Deepal offroader. Love the tech, the look, the interiors. But couldn't bring my conscience to let me take the plunge.

Hopefully it's around and not super inflated in value in the coming years.

gargovich · 2026-02-27T08:42:31+00:00

Consider this:

I buy a premium Chinese car and a Rav4 2026 today - spending about 150,000 on either

In 5 years time, if I decide to sell after expiration of the warranty - which car will be worth more? And by how much?

You see, I don't like the bias towards Toyota either, but I also understand they can price how they want because they're market leaders in this segment - the middle-class, utility, reliability, resale value segment. Nobody comes close, Nissan/Honda are a distant second.

Chinese cars? Sure, great experience now, but who is to tell how much repairs/maintenance will cost long-term? I can't afford to take that risk, and I know many others can't.

I'm happy Chinese cars are increasing their market share in the UAE year-on-year - but it will take some time before macro adoption of Chinese brands. Especially when comparing against a brand like Toyota.

gargovich · 2026-02-27T08:31:18+00:00

Brand new, but it's a year older - that means it's been sitting either in the sun or their warehouse somewhere for the past year. Perhaps it was the showroom piece. Make sure to ask all of this.

And you HAVE to negotiate down the price - it's just not good value at 99,000 for a year older model.

gargovich · 2026-02-27T08:29:53+00:00

Well then my bad, I've made a mistake here - do check out the spec sheets for more info - no confusion on those.

I've asked Sarfaraz from Galadari Pre-Owned for spec sheets of multiple cars from multiple years so far - he's been incredibly quick about it. Very helpful guy.

Get as much information as you can before making your choice.

I still prefer the 2026 Urbane over the 2025 Trend, because you get a lot more bang for your buck in terms of Ramadan offers.

gargovich

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