looking to buy a car, need advice

[matt3138]

I'm selling my current car and want to get something that's got good reliability but is fun to drive (so Toyotas are definitely out).

I'm considering a MT Protege5 and MT Mazda3 hatchback. I'd be looking at a 2004 or 2005 Mazda3, as those are the years that might be in my budget.

Can anyone weigh in on any differences in reliability/cost of ownership between those two cars?

 

[superdoughboy4]

Umm... If you want complete reliability, Mazdas are not known for it. They're fun, yes. But reliable? Not exactly.
If you want reliable, Subaru or Honda. Subaru for reliability, and fun.

 

[matt3138]

Really? I thought that Mazdas were more reliable than Subarus.

 

[superdoughboy4]

Nope. I mean, occasionally, you'll see that super old Mazda, but Subie has a name for reliability. People are still driving around in their early 90s Imprezas, Outbacks, and Frontiers.
Shoot. Old outbacks still go for around a grand with over 200k miles on the odometer with the stock block.