Mazda questions...

[krnchonnom]

hello, New to the forum here.

Iam thinkin of getting a mazda. Iam debating between 3 and the 6 series.

Both of them look very good and attractive.

I read up on all diferent articles in this site and it seems like Mazda's are reliable. If you were to compare the toyota corolla and 3, what is better? Without any bias.

I dont want a weak car that has a hard time pulling. One with good power and speed. A nice comfy inside room for my 6'0 body.

I researched for the new car quoted on yahoo autos, and the invoice is about 16k. Think the dealer would go down on the price for 06 models?


On your opinion, whats your suggestions on them?(as far as the models) I know this is a mazda 3 thread. But any input would be appreciated.

I cant think of too much to say(tired after work), but I will ask more later on.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Antonio DiMarco]

Easy answer- Drive them

hello, New to the forum here.

Iam thinkin of getting a mazda. Iam debating between 3 and the 6 series.

Both of them look very good and attractive.

I read up on all diferent articles in this site and it seems like Mazda's are reliable. If you were to compare the toyota corolla and 3, what is better? Without any bias.

I dont want a weak car that has a hard time pulling. One with good power and speed. A nice comfy inside room for my 6'0 body.

I researched for the new car quoted on yahoo autos, and the invoice is about 16k. Think the dealer would go down on the price for 06 models?


On your opinion, whats your suggestions on them?(as far as the models) I know this is a mazda 3 thread. But any input would be appreciated.

I cant think of too much to say(tired after work), but I will ask more later on.

Thanks in advance!

The easiest thing to do is test drive both the Corolla and 3. I'm sure you'll find the 3 is the winner in terms of interior design and driveability. The Corolla is good. But it has no personality.

In terms of reliability, the Corolla is probably a bit better in terms of being trouble-free without much care and feeding. I typically describe a Mazda as being a cross between a Toyota and a VW. It has the reliability and solid engineering of a Toyota, while having the personality of a VW. That said I've own 5 Mazdas and everyone of them has been a rock in terms of reliability- but I also maintain(ed) them religiously.

Bottom line, as long as you take care of your Mazda it will take care of you. That means keeping up with periodic service and babying it a little. A Toyota is a machine, designed to take you from point a to point b. A Mazda is more emotional and involving.

I'm sure people love their Toyotas, but not for the same reason people love Mazdas. You want a tool for commuting, buy a Toyota, you want a car that will get your blood pumping, buy a Mazda.

One other thing to consider: while other automakers like VW are now dropping personality in favor of bread and butter- i.e. trying to emulate Toyota (Newest Jetta looks more like a Corolla and the Passat is emulating the Camry), Mazda is going in the opposite direction by offering unique cars that are fun to drive.

Oh and I'm 6'2, 198 lbs and both my 3 and 5 are VERY comfortable.

Hope this helps.

Drive them though.

 

[krnchonnom]

Thanks! Well said~

 

[RHAGEL]

I agree with what was said above. The Corolla is going to have a smoother ride and get better gas mileage, but otherwise I would say that the 3 is better in most every other aspect. I was deciding between the 3 and 6 and ended up with the. The reasons: most likely it will have a higher residual because of the popularity and gas prices, it gets better gas mileage and it feels smaller and handled better and it is also cheaper. Otherwise they are both great cars, sometimes I wish I would have gotten the 6 but I love my car anyway.

 

[daveg3956]

we test drove all the cars similar to the 3 and picked mazda. love the car. however, is anyone finding the clutch slipping after less than 3 years and only 28k?

 

[RHAGEL]

we test drove all the cars similar to the 3 and picked mazda. love the car. however, is anyone finding the clutch slipping after less than 3 years and only 28k?

Did you buy it used? If so, you may want the dealer you bought it from check it out. Otherwise, I have heard some people complain about premature clutch wear. It's not overly common but it happens. If it does need to be replaced I would talk to your dealer. The clutch warranty is on 10k, but they may be nice and help you out.

 

[tsunami]

wish i had seen this thread sooner...

i have a 04 mazda3 hb and my gf has a 04 corolla S. she has had her car in the shop prob 4-5 times for quality issues and hers is dealer maintained. I do all my own maintance i have put in a sound system and perf/suspension mods and its a first model year car and i haven't been to the dealer once (i did have a cel for the fuel system but it went away on its own after i reset the ecu... )

basically toyota quality isn't what it used to be and mazda's is on the up swing!!

 

[RHAGEL]

I have read a loy about Toyota quality issues recently. Part of it is to blame on their success. Their factries are so overrun they are making mistakes left and right. I don't like Toyota anyway, they have no imagination (minus Scion) there cars are boring and safe (as far as design goes). Thay gives them negative points in my book.