Mazda 3 Sport GX vs. Golf vs. Civic? Longevity etc.

[thetim]

Hi all,

I'm currently looking at getting a new car.

I was looking at the 2012 Mazda 3 Sport GX (auto) with the convenience package to get the cruise control, etc. I had one quote for $451/month taxes incl. for 60 months including winter tires on steel rims.

I'm wondering how long I could expect the Mazda to last. I guess I read the 'bad stories' online of people having bad paint, or being glad to be rid of their Mazda, etc. Is this a car that'll last 200,000+ km? What's it worth later, etc.

I had considered the VW Golf, which has a fantastic interior, etc., but kind of have the niggling suspicion that it'd end up costing a fortune to keep running after the 4-5 year point. I mean, I'm sure some people are lucky and it's fine - but my worry is, what if I'm not one? They also seem to have the best paint, lately.

The new Civic is kind of blandish, but drives ok, and I know I could get one for $21,500 all-in, and probably a bit cheaper. None really in stock at the moment is the issue (so a few weeks or more wait) and annoying the LX model (the popular one) doesn't have the variable intermittent wipers that other cars in the class have (although Toyota seems to have deleted those from the lower-end model trims as well). Upgrading to the EX doesn't seem to make sense, as when I drove that, the sunroof really ate into the headroom.

I'm having a hard time making up my mind - and just worried about making a wrong choice. I've been driving an older Corolla, which as been great and would buy the new one - but the new one has been made too large and too cheap by Toyota, in my opinion. Don't know why they messed with what was a comfortably sized car.

Thoughts?

[zmz3]

Mazda - possible rust issues, will pass 200,000km if you maintain, like most cars... and a lot of other parts depend on how you drive you car... ie transmission, tires, shocks

VW - known for issues with electrical components, the parts are super expensive and repairs are even higher due to the complex design... it's not just Golf that is affected by those electrical, Jetta, New Bettle and Passat are known for those as well...

Civic - probably most reliable of the three you want to choose. Design and interior is horrible for 2012 and to me that is a deal braker. Honda does seem to have cheap brake rotors and pads on their new cars... family owns CRV, Accord, Civic and all seem to need brake replacement rather quickly...

You can of course be lucky and not see issues with VW's electrical components, but if you do, and a lot of people have, you can hate the day you signed that contract.

If you are going the Mazda route, I'd suggest taking a very good look at the new SkyActiv models, usually GS trim... they are $500 more I believe? but so much more worth it. Transmission and Engine drive a lot better than the previous powertrain models. It is a really solid value. Did I mention fun to drive?...

I'd test drive the three cars more, get a feel of what really is good for you in terms of design, handling, fuel etc... most cars these days are reliable, and if you are financing, it wont hurt to purchase an extended warranty, especially for VW.

Good luck!

[113GT]

Mazda does not have "rust issues" it was a problem on the 2004-2009 mazda 3 only due to i guess its bumper design, but i know tons of people with mazda 6, tribute etc and no rust issues.

As far as reliability, you can surpass 200,000 km no problem if you maintain it properly...this goes for any car. Honda is no exception to this rule...if its not properly maintained, it will most likely never see 200 000 km.

I test drove all these cars before getting my 2011 3 GT, and have to say the mazda 3 was the best in overall comfort and ride quality and was a ton of fun to drive. the civic was smooth but felt soooo cheap and nothing much really changed from the prev. gen....just an uglier interior and even more blander ride with the eco settings and all.

the mazda 3 is probably more expensive but its worth it. It doesnt hold its value as well as the civic or golf....but its not a big difference either, they hold their value just not AS well as the honda or vw

[zzz3]

Mazda does not have "rust issues" it was a problem on the 2004-2009 mazda 3 only due to i guess its bumper design, but i know tons of people with mazda 6, tribute etc and no rust issues.

I already have a very small rust spot on my roof (its covered by vinyl now). a few other 2010+ members have complained about rust. the worst i have heard is mcguyver's though, he told me his 2010 speed had rust in the side mirror area when he replaced them iirc. If you get a mazda3, or any japanese compact for that matter, its a good idea to rust proof.

Also don't pay for the winter/tire steelies from the dealer, its probably a rip off (see the sponsors here). Put your money towards the skyactive instead. The gx sport is good on fuel (almost 30mpg combined), but the skyactive will not only be better, but will also be available with more optional features and a much better (faster than gx 5AT) 6spd. transmission.

with all that being said i would still choose the mazda3 (especially skyactive) over golf/civic; fun to drive, cheap and reliable so far

[XTOTHEL]

451/m sounds like a lot about 27k for a Sport GX?

[thetim]

re: 451/m sounds like a lot...

Well, that included winter tires & rims, and was with $0 down. I'm not sure what the price was, as the salesman just left monthly payment numbers on my machine, and for 60/84 months with $0 down.

Personally - I'm just really worried about making a choice I'll regret. I've driven like all the cars, there are things to like and dislike about them all. And you never know what you're getting til you get it, either - i.e. can order a new Civic/Mazda and maybe the thing rattles like crazy, or maybe it fits you like a glove.

[DualSoul]

At 27K for a GX, I'd deal with another salesman...

[Jackal]

My last car was a 2002 Civic LX. It was great on gas but didn't have a lot of zip. The interior was boring but functional and I don't think they have improved the design much. After a while I needed to replace parts on the car like the catalytic converter and other parts or spend close to $500 on maintenance costs. In the end I thought why not enjoy a new car instead of spending all this money on maintaining it. After I got a CEL for the engine I decided to sell it. The CEL ended up being the computer needed replacing for $1000 but everything worked great. So after finding that out, I bought my Mazda.
FYI I ended up selling my Civic to my sister and it's been running great after I spent about $3000 in 6 months on the car in maintenance and repair costs.
As for buying a Mazda my only complaint might be the fuel consumption. Of course my Civic had a 1.8 L engine while my current car is a 2.5 L. If I were you I'd spend a bit more and get the Skyactiv engine.

[zzz3]

At 27K for a GX, I'd deal with another salesman...

should be closer to 22k lol, even with financing and 0 down.

[boyracer]

Out of the 3, I'd go with the 3. I had a VW GTI in the past, so true about the electrical. Once one thing fails, other things start to break down one after another.

[Astig02]

re: 451/m sounds like a lot...

Well, that included winter tires & rims, and was with $0 down. I'm not sure what the price was, as the salesman just left monthly payment numbers on my machine, and for 60/84 months with $0 down.

Personally - I'm just really worried about making a choice I'll regret. I've driven like all the cars, there are things to like and dislike about them all. And you never know what you're getting til you get it, either - i.e. can order a new Civic/Mazda and maybe the thing rattles like crazy, or maybe it fits you like a glove.

Even for 60/84 that's too much!
You can go to mazda.ca and check the MSRP. U can get the GS-SKY with the Luxury package with that price!
As many have said, get your winter tire package from other sponsors here! They cost less and they give you a good deal on winter special!

I just both my mz3 last almost 2 months ago and i have no complaints except the fuel econ (2.5 AT) and the noticeable road noise and bumpy ride on bad roads but other than that its all good.

If i were you, i'll definitely pick up the new Mz3 SKY active, 6 speed M/AT.

How about the 2012 subaru impreza?? It's all wheel drive and they have a new engine (good on fuel too)

GL!

[thetim]

should be closer to 22k lol, even with financing and 0 down.

With auto, convenience package and taxes and all?

[Jeff-TheBiz]

should be closer to 22k lol, even with financing and 0 down.

Not likely..

IF the financing was 0% that would mean you would have paid $17,875 for a car with an MSRP of $20,195.. and that is IF it were 0% which it is not..

Even for 60/84 that's too much!

Not 'Even for a 60/84' more like especially for an 60/84.. that means you would be paying $37,884 after your done?? WTH?



Please note... this quote is not from me....

[sol_searchin]

VW's had electrical problems pre 2001, all the newer ones are fine. I would go with the Golf hands down, refined, quality materials, solid feel etc etc I have owned Honda's/Mazda's/VW's and out of the 3, VW is #1 for me when it came to overall experience. Drive all of them and go with the one that you like driving because your going to be the one in it 100% of the time, not us lol.

[XTOTHEL]

aren't golfs made in mexico? one of the reasons why i got a 3 was because it came from japan XD..i don't know if there is actually a difference, but it does in my mind.

[sol_searchin]

If your worried about reliability an extended warranty on any of the 3 cars mentioned is what you need.

[sol_searchin]

Not sure were the new golfs are assembled now a days (Majority of parts are from EU and assembled were ever), I don't get the argument were car's assembled in 1 country (which most are automated now anyways) are better than another. I'm sure they don't hire the mexicans you see picking potatoes in the field just as much as they don't hire just any japanese.

aren't golfs made in mexico? one of the reasons why i got a 3 was because it came from japan XD..i don't know if there is actually a difference, but it does in my mind.

[Akiba48]

Hi all,

I had one quote for $451/month taxes incl. for 60 months

Go somewhere else, I pay $395/month taxes incl for 60 for the Sport GX...and that's including the rust proof that I got jipped on, and CWP paint.

[113GT]

I already have a very small rust spot on my roof (its covered by vinyl now). a few other 2010+ members have complained about rust. the worst i have heard is mcguyver's though, he told me his 2010 speed had rust in the side mirror area when he replaced them iirc. If you get a mazda3, or any japanese compact for that matter, its a good idea to rust proof.

Also don't pay for the winter/tire steelies from the dealer, its probably a rip off (see the sponsors here). Put your money towards the skyactive instead. The gx sport is good on fuel (almost 30mpg combined), but the skyactive will not only be better, but will also be available with more optional features and a much better (faster than gx 5AT) 6spd. transmission.

with all that being said i would still choose the mazda3 (especially skyactive) over golf/civic; fun to drive, cheap and reliable so far

hm, wierd that you have a rust spot on your roof, maybe something hit the roof and caused the paint to chip...but your statement is so wrong, every car will rust....japanese cars are not more prone to rust than other makes.

and if your buying steelies at the dealer, just ask them for a discount, thats what i did and they matched the torontomazda3 sponsors pricing...so i saved on shipping as well since i live in montreal.

though i do agree, go for the skyactiv if you dont want to spring for the 2.5...the price difference is so small and the skyactiv is much better in economy.

[mazda72]

Im on my 4th Mazda and no complaints whatsoever. My Protege5 was very reliable and I traded it in at around 200k km.
Like I said, Ive never had any any issues , I had a little bit of rust in the wheel well area but what do you expect from a 9 year old car.

My great experience with these cars keep me coming back. Now I own a 2011 3 Sport GX and I just adore that car fun to drive , looks great, very nice interior , excellent crash tests and Im sure it will prove to be very reliable.

One con would be just slightly higher fuel economy than the competition and maybe slightly weaker paint than other cars but nothing to worry about too much ,other than that its a great car. Make sure you get it rustproofed and put some 3m hood protection on it to keep away the stone chips.

A word on VW, my friend bought a golf, he got rid of it after 2 years due to the many electrical problems hes had. He drives a Civic now.

[nepal1344]

Just a thought, I've had my 2008 GS 2.0L for 4yrs now 82,000 kms and have not been very nice to it. That being said it still runs and drives like it did the day i bought it. It's been down the drag strip, towed extremely heavy things an nothing has fazed this car. Best car I've ever owned.