Getting a Mazda 2 this weekend, looking for last minute advice

[AdamGM]

Greetings,
first time here

I am almost certainly getting a Mazda 2 this weekend. I have test driven both the automatic and manual transmissions and am having trouble deciding. Currently I am leaning toward the manual because it's a lot cheaper and if something goes wrong, a clutch is much less expensive to fix than a transmission. It seems Mazda is pretty well known for their manual transmissions and some reviewers have not been so sure about the automatic. Any opinions on this?

Also, the back is a bit tight. Any major regrets here? Anything I should know?

Finally, and much less significantly, I am debating between the green and metro grey. I like the green a lot but not sure if it is making too big of a statement or if I'll outgrow it (I'm 27). Mostly for fun... what do you guys think?

Thanks in advance!

Any other opinions about things I didn't mention would be GREATLY appreciated, this is my first new car!

(I am getting a 2012 with the upgraded package for cruise control, speakers, key, etc)

 

[djsyndrome]

I only drove the manual, but it's one of the better transmissions I've driven. The shifter is direct if a little rubbery but has very positive engagement. Clutch action getting out of first is a bit tricky on wet pavement but fine on dry.

Mine is blue; I really wanted the green but the only ones they had on the lot at the time were automatics, so I went with the next best thing. The gray is nice and very deep looking; not flat like the black and red.

I'm not sure if the trims are the same in Canada as the US, but in my case the $1400 saved on the sport outweighed the cruise control and foglights I'd never use, although sometimes I wish I had the nicer seat fabric of the touring.

Good luck and please let us all know how it goes!

 

[arcxer]

Greetings,
I am almost certainly getting a Mazda 2 this weekend. I have test driven both the automatic and manual transmissions and am having trouble deciding. Currently I am leaning toward the manual because it's a lot cheaper and if something goes wrong, a clutch is much less expensive to fix than a transmission. It seems Mazda is pretty well known for their manual transmissions and some reviewers have not been so sure about the automatic. Any opinions on this?

I'd say buy manual, unless something prevents you from it. Like me: I'd buy manual, except I had plans on other family members driving it, and they're not thrilled with stick shift. Therefore, automatic. It's OK, although AT is pretty ancient (4 speed). Still better than some of those CVTs out there, IMHO.

Also, the back is a bit tight. Any major regrets here? Anything I should know?

It's OK to carry my whole family of 4, including my wife sitting in the back (she's not big, but not small either). It's not a minivan, but you already know that, don't you?

Finally, and much less significantly, I am debating between the green and metro grey. I like the green a lot but not sure if it is making too big of a statement or if I'll outgrow it (I'm 27). Mostly for fun... what do you guys think?

I'm 43, I bought Spirited Green and I haven't regretted it a single time. It's cheerful, it's very easy to spot on a crowded parking lot (unlike any other color). Don't care about making statements -- I just like it. Also, it's easy to spot in traffic -- this green is unique, when I see one, I instantly know it's Mazda2.

The only problem I see -- it might be to conspicuous for cops willing to ticket you. But it never happened to me, so it's just hypothetical.

 

[fam]

If the canada versions dont come with an armrest thats a must to make it comfortable (I had the dealer throw it in, shipped to me @ time of purchase during negotiations)..costs 140 usd or less from dealer's here with their markup.

Auto is outdated 4 speed (what were they thinking) but depending on how you drive, the auto might get better mileage as 5 speed makes driving more spirited a little easier but yes the shifter on the 5 is great...but...the clutch feel is among the hardest 5 speeds to master added to the fact the exhaust is so quiet from 0-3k rpms, its tough to judge it by the "buzzing" but after a month youll be fine. 5 speeds are cheaper and its not a chore for me to drive it at all.

Green vs gray...its like a Hawaiian shirt vs a suit. I too like the green but figured id grow out of it after 6 months to a year then get sick of it staring at it every day....but if you love the color go for it, definitely unique.

Trunk is tight but the back seats are fine, they are really really close in room to the mazda3's ive owned...adults will fit fine...kids do have the ability to kick you through the seat so be warned...seats fold down to make quite a nice space for random things...for groceries its fine...we have a mazda5 for big stuff so its never been a problem.

Good luck on the 2 purchase...

 

[AdamGM]

Thanks for all the replies, I think I'm sold on the manual... probably the green too

If the canada versions dont come with an armrest thats a must to make it comfortable (I had the dealer throw it in, shipped to me @ time of purchase during negotiations)..costs 140 usd or less from dealer's here with their markup.

This is a great point and I actually don't remember if there was an armrest... I'll definitely ask and look into that!

 

[joshb003]

I'd go with green! I chose true red, but would have chosen green if possible. Grey is so plain... lol

 

[firespirit]

Just putting in my two cents... I have a green 2011 and I LOVE it, of course I'm also 24 and a female. My son fits in the back seat and my boyfriend in the front just fine and dandy. I have the automatic because this is what I was approved for (first car loan/first new car), but if I had my choice I would've gotten the touring model with the manual transmission.

The thing I dislike about the 2 is that while it's great for city, it falls on its face (mpg-wise) on the highway due to the fact that there are too little gears for the poor thing to run through and at 70mph you are cruising around 3K RPM.

You'll love your 2 and I bet you won't regret the Spirited Green Metallic! If you can, I'd opt for the touring model because you get alloy wheels, a rear spoiler, chrome exhaust tip, cruise, fog lights, and steering wheel controls as well as a nifty interior... And DEFINITELY get the arm rest! You'll thank me for that later

 

[Max Archer]

I love the gray (They call it Silver here, not sure if it's got a different name in the Canadian market) on mine. It's a perfect color for the car and doesn't get dirty as quickly as others, and it shows off the creases in the body really well. Plus, between the color and the styling, it reminds me a lot of small European cars, which actually makes it stand out quite a bit from everything else around anyway.

I tried the back seat of my own car and it was better than I expected. Leg room isn't as bad as it looks, but headroom can be a problem. Anybody over 5'10" or so is going to be uncomfortable.

And yeah, the armrest should be stock. You'll also probably find yourself wanting the cargo net.

 

[AdamGM]

Just putting in my two cents... I have a green 2011 and I LOVE it, of course I'm also 24 and a female. My son fits in the back seat and my boyfriend in the front just fine and dandy. I have the automatic because this is what I was approved for (first car loan/first new car), but if I had my choice I would've gotten the touring model with the manual transmission.

The thing I dislike about the 2 is that while it's great for city, it falls on its face (mpg-wise) on the highway due to the fact that there are too little gears for the poor thing to run through and at 70mph you are cruising around 3K RPM.

You'll love your 2 and I bet you won't regret the Spirited Green Metallic! If you can, I'd opt for the touring model because you get alloy wheels, a rear spoiler, chrome exhaust tip, cruise, fog lights, and steering wheel controls as well as a nifty interior... And DEFINITELY get the arm rest! You'll thank me for that later

Thanks

You think the fuel economy is bad? They are advertising highway at 6-7 which seems pretty decent to me...

 

[AdamGM]

I love the gray (They call it Silver here, not sure if it's got a different name in the Canadian market) on mine. It's a perfect color for the car and doesn't get dirty as quickly as others, and it shows off the creases in the body really well. Plus, between the color and the styling, it reminds me a lot of small European cars, which actually makes it stand out quite a bit from everything else around anyway.

I tried the back seat of my own car and it was better than I expected. Leg room isn't as bad as it looks, but headroom can be a problem. Anybody over 5'10" or so is going to be uncomfortable.



And yeah, the armrest should be stock. You'll also probably find yourself wanting the cargo net.

I commute with 2 guys who are a little on the taller side but, I think it's doable because I'm only 5'8.5" or so and that gives a little more room to the person right behind me.

I honestly don't remember if the arm rest was in there or not.. it wasn't something I consciously looked for, although I don't remember seeing it either.

 

[AdamGM]

I'm 43, I bought Spirited Green and I haven't regretted it a single time. It's cheerful, it's very easy to spot on a crowded parking lot (unlike any other color). Don't care about making statements -- I just like it. Also, it's easy to spot in traffic -- this green is unique, when I see one, I instantly know it's Mazda2.

hehe
I've been consciously looking at the colours of cars around me the last few days and I've noticed how they are practically ALL black, white or grey... I think I'll be going for the green...

 

[genericmoniker]

Give the blue a look.

Highway fuel economy is awesome, just be prepared to stay in the slow lane. (whistle)

 

[AdamGM]

Just found this thread:
http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/show...A-2-Yesterday-(HELP-!!!-Big-Problems-Already)

anyone know if this is still an issue? I live in Canada...

 

[fam]

Youve already got half of the posts that guy has ever made, he's in the minority. The 2 is a good car. Its not a mercedes in sound deadening but for 16k there is nothing better new.

 

[jonlep]

Hey !
I have a GS green model 2011 with manual transmission. I bought it used a couple of weeks ago.
This manual transmission is the best I've drivin so far. Fuel economy is better with the manual also. I only filled up the tank once but got 7.2L/100km (almost all city driving)
Color is only a question of taste. It was not my first choice but it was the only color available I found in GS trim with MT.

good luck with your purchase

 

[firespirit]

Thanks

You think the fuel economy is bad? They are advertising highway at 6-7 which seems pretty decent to me...

No, overall fuel economy is GREAT (especially compared to my Taurus), however it could be better if the gearing for 4th was lower. You get better fuel mileage if the RPM's were lower at higher speeds. I am extremely happy with my fuel mileage as it averages to be 32mpg and not light footing it ever. Plus you can't beat filling up with only 9 gallons!

 

[firespirit]

There is a TSB on the noise and they will insert some grease within the bushings to quiet the noise - no biggie!

 

[AdamGM]

Thanks all
I'm going to see what the price differences are between the GX with the convenience package and GS, mostly I just like the fog lights and the sportier look but I guess you could do that afterwards yourself for cheaper on the GX...

 

[jonlep]

one thing I don't like about the GX is the interior panel of the doors are only in plastic, the GS looks more upgrade as well as the seat with the red piping looks better on the GS.

 

[AdamGM]

It will mostly come down to what the monthly payments will be. If I can get the sport I will.