2013 Mazda 2?

[Klayfish]

Long story short, I'm seriously considering buying a Mazda 2 to replace my current daily driver '96 Volvo wagon. Bought the Volvo last year as a beater, and it's been great. It had been in my plans to replace it late this year, early next. But as gas prices continue to climb, I'm seriously considering pushing that timeline up. The Volvo gets 23mpg, and I've put 22,000 miles on it in the year I've had it. With gas now at $4/gallon and climbing, it's becoming quite frustrating every time I fill up. So while I had initially planned on getting more of a sports car (used MS3 for example), I'm probably going to go the more practical route and the Mazda 2 is at the top of my list. Besides, I've got a '90 Miata in the garage for playtime anyway. (spin)

I can get a base Sport model for around $14k plus tax/tags, which is exactly what I want. However, before I seriously look at plunking that money down now, I was trying to find out if there would be any changes to the 2 for 2013 worth waiting for. Anyone heard? Is it going to get a SkyActive motor? Anyone heard what the release date for the car is going to be? Price?

 

[fam]

My guess (only a guess) is its doubtful on skyactive for 2013 for america...plus skyactive will usually be a few grand more than current models so gas savings may or may not calculate out financially youd have to check. Whats your normal speed on your 22k a year...if its an even 60mph you can get 40+mpg, if its 70+ youre going to be 34-35 mpg. The little 2 doesnt do well at super fast speeds since its so underpowered and shaped like a dome. ;-) It does amazing in the city with a light gas pedal. Eventually all mazda's will get skyactive, but mazda is working on building a plant in mexico for the 2's because the yen is so strong they are losing money on them in mexico...so if it may very well be a mexican skyactive if you choose to wait.

 

[Klayfish]

Thanks fam! I figured all Mazdas would get Skyactive at some point. But like you said, it's a matter of when and what cost.

My commute to work is 25 miles each way, all suburban driving. There's some stop signs/traffic lights, but the great thing about my ride to work is that a lot of it is cruising a lightly used suburban road at 45-55mph. I leave so early in the morning that on my way in I'm just about the only car on the road. Even going home, very light traffic. And the road is curvy in spots, so I get to have fun there. Anyhow, that makes for near ideal fuel mileage conditions (steady cruising 45-55mph). The rest of the miles come from using the Volvo as our general weekend "beater". Since it's an old, cheap car we don't care about racking miles up on it. With 3 young kids, we also have a live in nanny, and she uses the Volvo on her personal time. If I buy a 2, I'll probably just keep the Volvo to use as the beater...or sell it and buy another crap can that gets better gas mileage. So I'd guess I'll put 16k per year on the Mazda, with the rest being put on my beater.

 

[fam]

Here's the kicker..the 2's sweet spot is 45-55mph cruising and does perfectly fine in occasional stop and go traffic. In fact...the stretches in my 2 from getting gas and getting to work home is that environment and I can get 41-to even 50 in 7 mile bursts but my average goes back down to 35 when I get on the interstate and go 65-72mph...so....honestly get a 5 speed and go grab one now if you can get a deal...or hell...come buy mine ( i want a new veloster anyway lol)

 

[DrWebster]

My commute to work is 25 miles each way, all suburban driving. There's some stop signs/traffic lights, but the great thing about my ride to work is that a lot of it is cruising a lightly used suburban road at 45-55mph. I leave so early in the morning that on my way in I'm just about the only car on the road. Even going home, very light traffic. And the road is curvy in spots, so I get to have fun there. Anyhow, that makes for near ideal fuel mileage conditions (steady cruising 45-55mph).

You're gonna get great gas mileage, don't worry. That's very similar to my commute (though it's all freeway, not suburban roads) and at 55mph I average 40mpg over the course of a tank...and my car's an automatic even. The worst tank I ever got was like 33mpg, and that was in the worst of possible conditions (like 10 degrees outside, winter fuel, slogging through slow traffic in the snow, etc).

If they're not gonna do Skyactiv for the 2 in 2013 (which I'm starting to think at this point), then your best bet would be to buy a 2 now. Once they start making them in Mexico the quality will go down. We're debating trading in my wife's 6-year-old 3 sedan early for another 2, just so we can be sure to get a Japan-built one.

 

[Racebrewer]

Hi Fam,

If you get a Veloster. Get a red one. Then it can be a Red Velobster.............. Just like the restaurant chain.......

Sorry. A buddy of mine got a Veloster and I keep beating on him.... LOL
John

 

[fam]

lol cant get another red car..itd have to be gray or blue ;-) Come buy my 2...free H&R springs, racing tires and wheels....armrest installed....tinted....domo sticker!!!!!

 

[Max Archer]

FWIW you should be able to get way better than 14K for a sport. I only paid 14,500 for my Touring.

 

[PGTBrow]

Last time I was at the dealer for service the manager told me the 2013s will be from Mexico and supposed to be a Diesel tagging along with the new gen.

 

[arcxer]

I thought they already have SkyActiv Demio in Japan. 1.3, 63 kW (~85hp) -- would be hard sell in the US.

 

[KZL_99ES]

http://www.mazda.co.uk/upload/country/en-gb/pdf_downloads/specs_brochures/mazda2/Ebro_MAZ2_10_09_bro_V1_GBR_EN.pdf

the UK brochure for ya

56 mpg for the diesel would be nice!!!