Starting to look at new car options (1:1)

[BrianG]

My current '05 Mazda3 is getting high in the miles (75k) and so I'm starting to look around for new options. 75k is not really high, but I'm not exactly gentle on my cars; I tend to treat the gas pedal like an on/off switch rather than a variable control.

After looking at several vehicles, I'm kinda torn between a Camry XLE v6 and a MazdaSpeed 3. Both have similar HP and torque figures; the Camry has slightly higher HP (268 vs 263) but slightly lower torque (248 vs 280) than the 'Speed3. The Mazda is about $3k cheaper and looks tons better IMO. But, Toyota reliability is tough to beat. The Mazda has a turbo, which tends to need more maintenance than a normally aspirated engine. The Camry is still nice, and will probably attract the law a lot less. I'm not too concerned about resale value since I usually just keep the vehicle as a beater, or just a second car.

What would you do?

Nuff said

[rootar]

the mazda looks fun... and 75k isnt that many miles i have over 200k MORE miles on my truck than your mazda3 currently has

onthe other hand a camry will last 200k+ miles easily, one of my buddies has 310K miles on his old camry and hasnt had hardly any problems.

[Finnster]

lol.. My 02 Mazda has 160K and it still in its stride. @ 80K, I'm not sure I had changed the 1st set of brakes. Drive mine like a race car/ deer battering ram as well. Great cars.


The mazdaspeeds are wicked tho. Camry is boring. Subbys are ok, but my wife has an impreza and I hate it. Nice specs, but the most uncomfortable car I've ever driven. Nothing ever seemed placed quite right, the gear box sucks, and I just don't like the feel of the car driving. Alot more mech probs than I've had w/ my mazda of the same year, and a few more miles. IDK, to ea his own.

[gixxer]

I personally like the mazda speed 3. I have a legacy now but think my next car will be a hatchback.

[BrianG]

@freeze: Yeah, the subey is a fast car, and AWD, but it looks like poop and kinda pricey for what you get IMO.

@rootar: My Mazda, even though it only has ~150HP, is fun to drive. Small, nimble car that's eaten its share of Focuses and Civics with fart can mufflers, and one even had a NOS sticker. Despite the Camry being boring, it still has the power I'd like, but I bet the handling is not as good. And Toyota reliability is a definite plus.

@Finn: I have changed the brakes on mine already (almost $1k!) at ~60k, so that should be good until around 120k I figure. From past experiences with Chevy's/Ford's (and Mazda is a Ford after all), things start breaking down around 100k, and I'd rather not be on a long range trip when that happens.

I stopped at the Toyota and Mazda dealerships and the Mazda is definitely better looking in person. Pictures online don't do it justice. I guess I'm leaning towards the Speed3. The only thing I'm hung up on is the reliability factor of the added complexity of the turbo, intercooler, etc.

[Bondonutz]

My 2cents, It's a lot considering some say I have no sense ?

I'm a big Mazda fan myself, owned several and never was dissapointed . Working in the automotive field for the lat 25yrs I tend to lean towards the Camry.
Reasons;
Mazda parts will be exceeding higher in cost in comparison,general maintinance and labor will also be higher.
Toyota, if and when it'll ever give you problems rest assured they will be minor. Not over engineered like a Honda or Mazda.
The Speed wins the cool factor hands down though.

[snellemin]

The Mazda's are fun to drive. Awesome brakes and lots of ummphhh for the money.

The Toyota will be quieter and is a grown up car. You can always swap out the tires and rims, drop the front by an inch and you have a frun handling car that won't break down.

[MikeW]

Go around the Hyundai (I hate the badge as much as other people here) dealership, ask to test drive a Genesis sedan.

The V8 has TONS of power and 100K mile warranty has not been beaten yet. I was quite surprised after I drove one.... I hate Hyundai's.....

If a big saloon type car doesn't do it for you, test drive the coupe instead. Best bang for your buck right there. Optional LSD is offered, can you say driifftoo?

[BrianG]

lol, well, the Genesis might be a decent car, but it sure as hell better be for $38k. The cars I'm looking at are in the mid $20k range. If I was going to spend that much, I might as well spring a little more for a BMW 135i.

[t-maxxracer32]

ive always been a ford guy and since the new style mustangs came out you could always get an olderr one 07-08 will hella low miles and for a great price.

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...standard=false
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...standard=false
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...standard=false


just a thought

[jayjay283]

You need to get the 2010 Mazda speed 3, I read an article in I think Sept car and driver, some good upgrades over yours and was going to tell you to get it.. funny you posted wanting one a couple weeks later.. its fate !!

[Unsullied_Spy]

I'd stick with the 3 unless you're set on buying a new car. Mazdas are great cars and despite driving the piss out of yours 75k is still nothing.

[rabosi]

Between those two choices, I also vote speed3. I had the same car as you but traded it for a 09 Mazda6 for the wife and my car is 05 Mazda 3i. If you're only running for 75k miles then I don't think the reliability issues you mentioned should be a problem. One thing though, the Mazdaspeed 3 is said to have some pretty bad torque steer. Not sure if that's improved in the new models.

[jayjay283]

yeah they fixed the torque steer..

http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/...t_drive_review