So hypothetically.... Finale: NEW MAZDA 3!!! PICTURES INSIDE!!!

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Boundary Layer

Boundary Layer

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GTP_Brent
Since I'm posting this in the Cars in General forum, I'm sure you all can already see where this is headed.

I've just accepted a job as a junior mechanical engineer at a large local aerospace company to commence in early May, right after I get out of university. My current beater of a car simply cannot be trusted to make the daily commute in... plus, it is ugly as sin.

So, given a budget of around $20 to $25k CDN what might you purchase? I'm just trying to enlighten myself to some alternatives I haven't considered yet.

I'm in no way opposed to used cars, but I'd like to stay in the 2004 or newer bracket. I'm really looking for something that is practical as a daily driver and in Canadian winters, reliable, and enjoyable to be behind the wheel of. For me that rules out something like.... dunno, maybe an RX-8 or Solstice, etc. Gas mileage is a bit of a consideration, but I still want something that is gonna be fun to drive - I'm basically just ruling out trucks and SUV's with that criteria.

Some cars that are on my radar:
  • new or lightly used 2008 or 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer GTS (love the looks! but need to test one)
  • recent Nissan Altima (preferably with the 3.5... the gas pedal gave me whiplash and I liked it)
  • recent Acura TL
  • new or recent Jetta, Golf, TDI, etc, for which the price is right
  • 04 or 05 WRX
  • new or recent Mazda 6 GS (5dr sport model preferred)
  • used A4 or A6 (doable but would need to hunt for a bit of a deal on anything 06 or newer)
You can see that I've not really narrowed my search to any specific class of car. Open to luxury, economy, sport-ish models, compact or mid-size, etc.

Odds are that if I purchase through a dealer I'll get a lease just so it's less drain on my finances initially because there are going to be other purchases to be made as real life is just kinda starting for me. Then I'll have the option of buying it out at some point in the future (if desired) when the bank account should be considerably healthier.

Thoughts and suggestions?



edit:
Final decision. A 2008.5 Mazda 3 Sport GT w/ sunroof and cloth interior (much nicer than the leather) in Stormy Blue Mica. ...and it wasn't even on that initial list.
See post 62.
 
It looks like you may need to focus a bit harder on what size of car you want, but generally speaking, I get the idea. In terms of whats cheap, I'm slowly becoming convinced by Mazda's game (I'm probably going to buy a Mazda3) in that they built excellent, reliable cars that are modestly quick but certainly fun to drive.

I like the idea of the 6 hatch there, something I'd be considering if I had a bit more money.
 
If I were buying a car it would be a 05' or newer Legacy GT. They have a turbo 2.5l out of the STi and with a chip and tune are almost as fast. Plus they look more grown up than a wrx and have more room. My 2 cents.
 
Subaru put a hold on all sales of 2.5L Turbocharged models in the US (and presumably Canada) until further notice... Apparently there is some huge recall that has to be addressed, and my guess, a lot of engines rebuilt.

Thing is, seems like every one of their cars is a turbo these days...

EDIT: Here it is!

Autoblog: Subaru Issues "Stop Sale" on All Models With 2.5L Turbo
JL sent us over an email from Subaru of America that's instructed dealers to immediate cease sales of all Subaru models equipped with the turbocharged, 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. The directive effects some 2008 and 2009 models built in January and February, including the Forester, Legacy 2.5GT, LTD, 2.5GTB and Impreza sedan and wagon.

The issue involves reports of an "engine knocking noise" that's been affecting vehicles outside the U.S. market, and an initial investigation has found that there is some kind of internal wear that may be causing the noise.

Currently, no U.S. vehicles have been affected, and a Subaru spokesperson told us that the stop sale has been issued as a temporary measure to nip it in the proverbial bud and that once the issue is addressed sales will begin again. You can read the full directive and see the exact production dates of the affected models after the jump.
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YSSMAN
It looks like you may need to focus a bit harder on what size of car you want
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heh, I certainly do. This job came about mighty quick and the offer was good, so these thoughts have only been circulating in my head since Saturday.

I am leaning more towards mid-sized sedans and larger sports sedans, as I think the list more or less highlights. Admittedly the VW's are a deviation from that, but the economy and general bang for buck with them is so good, from what I've heard, that I don't want to ignore them.

I've had too many frustrating experiences with my current '93 Sentra where I've never been able to fit as much in it as I'd like to for camping trips, golfing, general people moving (and doing so comfortably), and so forth, that I do want something larger - however, it has made me pretty good at Tetris.

Thanks for the suggestions so far. I hadn't thought of a Legacy but I do like the idea....
 
And they are AWD for the winters.

lgt34.jpg
 
I'm actually considering something similar (longer timeline though) and I'm pretty well settled on a BMW 330i. For you it might need to be the xi, but then I think there's a price bump for that.
 
Another note, I used to own a 04 TL 6spd, very fun car, luxury and performance but I wasnt a fan of driving it in the winter. Granted I had all-seasons on it (yes they were new) but the big wide tires just made the car float all over the place, same with my brothers Maxima. Great cars in the summer, not so nice in the winter. Maybe winter tires would help but thats a big expense. Something to think about, it still will be one of the nicest cars I've owned and I loved the way it looked, just kinda sucked in the snow.

Picture461.jpg
 
You would likely be able to dig up a Passat for a reasonable price, and as I recall, the Passat 2.0T remains a pretty economical and comfortable choice if you want the "mid-size" style of car. Personally speaking, in the segment it general comes down to the Malibu LTZ, Passat 2.0T and Mazda 6s for what I'd want and the price that you're looking at. Its more or less a matter of making it all work.

Thought:

Have you considered the Ford Fusion at all? They are in fact very good cars (based on the Mazda), and may be cheaper to buy/insure/operate overall. Problem is, you can't get a stick or a hatch, and thats why I tend to drift towards the Mazda...
 
i am in the same boat actually. my list has been

2006+ 350Z w/under 20k miles
2005+ Legacy GT
2006+ Mazdaspeed6
Pretty much any G35 (with a 6MT) but 2006 and newer start getting a little more pricey.
2007 WRX
2010 Genesis Coupe (if I can even wait that long)
and I would really like a 135i but again it's a matter of waiting. I could afford one but It's not that practical.

The only car I would buy new is the Hyundai just because it will be the cheapest of the bunch and I will have already waited a year.

I have heard about some reliability issues with both the MS6 and Legacy GT (via web forums.) But I don't know how substantiated they are.

I don't think I want the WRX either, the looks are fine but I think I would prefer something a little more sleek and a little quicker.

Ultimately for me, it's between cars with a VQ. Either sacrifice performance for a better interior, or go for something that's a little lower quality inside but also has a slight performance advantage. Plus I still might want a sedan.
 
I'd put my money on a Mazda 3 with the 2.0L engine (which is still very fast). You can even afford a Mazdaspeed 3 with that budget. You simply can't deny the utility of the hatchback layout. If you need go-fast performance, it's light, rigid, and powered by a turbo 2.3L for the Mazdaspeed package.
 
Megasoft Office
You can even afford a Mazdaspeed 3 with that budget. You simply can't deny the utility of the hatchback layout. If you need go-fast performance, it's light, rigid, and powered by a turbo 2.3L for the Mazdaspeed package.
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that would give you some serious torque steer fun.


Back to the question...Have you ever thought about the TSX...There relatively cheaper than the TL and imo look better. The interior is also very nice as my dad's younger sisters boyfriend has one and drove me around in it once.
 
Allright, I DO NOT know how much Canada's money to USD is, but I do know, that my cousin just recently bought a BMW 325xi, and LOVES IT. Its got some kick to it, but hugs the road like a bimmer should...

Although, if it was up to me... I'd go with a STi or Civic... The Newer civic seems to have abit more understeer than the older models, and with only 1 extra HP, i see really no reason to go new, but thats your choice... a nice GTi would be pretty sick...
 
Picc84
Allright, I DO NOT know how much Canada's money to USD is,
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its pretty much the same. although prices do not always reflect that. judging by his choices though, i am assumimg a 20k car in the US is a 20k car in canada.
 
Picc84
Allright, I DO NOT know how much Canada's money to USD is...

a nice GTi would be pretty sick...
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I think CND is right around the US dollar right now. I don't know about how much more you will be charged at the dealer...

The GTI is what I'd recommend. It's a great drive, gets great fuel economy and is exceptional at hauling lots of people or stuff. It would probably have the same problem 006r mentioned with his TL; the tires are pretty wide.

The other cars I would be pushing to look at would be a WRX or Legacy/Outback but with that announcement on the 2.5, who knows.
 
M5Power
Infiniti G35.

I wouldn't even think about it - I'd just buy.
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the more i mull this over the more i agree. you kinda pay for unneeded luxury, but it has outstanding value (in that they hardly depreciate) and reliability. and it looks like its fit for someone with much more to spend.
 
TC2004GTS-AP.jpeg

Celica GT-S

For sporty, gas mileage, and decent room. And they can be had for a fairly reasonable amount.

Other suggestion would be this, if you are insistent on AWD.
05outback_xt_1.jpg

Outback XT 2.5 Turbo.

Ground clearance, power, AWD, and a lot of room. Plus ground clearance to go off roading if you insist. My family picked up a low mileage 05 with just about every option, back in late 06, for about 25k USD.

Random thing that popped into my mind, as an alternative to the Celica - Matrix XRS.
 
peeweegary
Have you ever thought about the TSX...
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Actually, a very good nomination. I think the used car market tends to make them hold their value, but a very well-sorted chassis with a great engine/transmission combo. You really can't go wrong there...
 
Just so everyone knows, the used car market is considerably (and I emphasize considerably) more expensive in Canada than anywhere in US. Same goes for brand new cars as well.

I was in the same boat a few months ago, and I ended buying a brand new Lancer GTS. Just so you know, the new lancer GTS requires you to buy snow tires for the winter because the stock tires are essentially summer tires.

Other than that, I considered a brand new Mazdaspeed3, which had the same monthly payments but for an extra year (4 years vs 3) and I decided I liked the Lancer more even though the MS3 is faster. Other than that, i considered a used BMW 325i from like 2003-2004, which I could not find for a reasonable price in my area (what I consider reasonable anyway) and I also looked at a 2003 or 2004 WRX which again I could not find for what I considered a reasonable price. Oh also I was gonna get raped on the MS3 on insurance. I already get raped on insurance with my Lancer being that I pay nearly $4000/year even though I have a fully clean record.

Someone mentioned Infiniti G35. I looked up some in my area and the cheapest I could find for a Coupe with the manual transmission was $30,000 for I think was a 2004 or 2005, some were $33+, the cheaper ones were the sedan or ones with automatic or with lots of km's on them. Also I can only imagine what insurance on that would be. $6000, $7000/year? Then again I don't know how insurance in Manitoba works, but here in Alberta, it is literally rape, and I mean rape.
 
i looked on autotrader.ca and the range for g35s was 17 - 37k. it looks plausible to find a g35 with about 25,000km for about 25,000 dollars.

but then again the 4 wheel drives are generally about 30k and up.
 
Ya, the used car market isn't as friendly here as in the US, but you can still find the odd steal if you look hard enough, wait long enough, and know the right people.

@ Cody
I'm really shying away from the 2 door sports compacts like that Celica because of the boy-racerish-ness of them. There's generally a negative vibe associated with a car like that in Winnipeg because of the cruise nights (ie, city-wide street racing night) that occurs every Sunday in the spring and summer months that endangers the public, destroys or damages property, and takes a few lives every year. I'm not involved in that sub-culture/fad and would just as soon not appear that I am, although, I'm sure it would be a fun car to own.
...I suppose the WRX might receive similar local treatment... but I'm willing to look past it in that case :p

@MustangSVT
I'll be getting a proper set of winter rims and tires no matter what car I buy. The performance difference it makes compared to a compromise (all season) tire is immense.

I have no direct comparison of the insurance rates between Manitoba and Alberta, but I looked up the rates for an 05 G35 coupe (base model) on the MPI rate calculator and it would be between $1800 and $2100/yr depending on a few variables.
But ya, apart from getting one at a police auction, or with a twisted frame and the body panels Frankensteined together with some pop rivets, velcro and used chewing gum, I don't think I'll find a G35 here that meets my budget, which is a shame because I have previously test driven one with my Dad and we both really liked it.

I won't say that I haven't considered a Mazda or MazdaSpeed 3. All my friends and family have been getting them recently though and there's a pile of them on the roads now. My girlfriend's parents own two. Honestly, that's probably all a good sign and testament to the car's quality, but it makes me want to get something different that sticks out just a bit more...
Dunno. I'll have to ponder that. The price is certainly right, and I happen to be close friends with a local Mazda salesman. But if it's gonna be a Mazda, I still favour the 6.

@ peeweegary:
I haven't had anytime to look around at them, but the TSX did cross my mind briefly and I have heard reviews that it drives as well, if not just a little better, than the TL. I'm certain I could find a used one (or an Accord) in my price range. That's another one to keep for my considerations.

@ YSSMAN
I haven't considered anything with the Ford oval stuck on them. I think my Dad would probably disown me :lol:


I really like the Legacy suggestion though... I saw one driving on Pembina yesterday, same colour as the one in the pic, and it really did turn my head. Hopefully that engine issue is resolved.

Thanks for all the suggestions so far.
 
But you dun wants to str33t race? AWww :p

Legacy/Outback is pretty full of win. More so than a WRX in that you won't look like another boy racer, but you'll be about as fast, with more room, power, and luxury. Hell, wouldn't surprise me if insurance was cheaper as well; it was cheaper for my brother to insure an A6 2.7TT Quattro than a WRX.
 
Boundary Layer
@ YSSMAN
I haven't considered anything with the Ford oval stuck on them. I think my Dad would probably disown me :lol:
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Just to make a point, he does realize that the Mazda6 is a Ford product, right? Same chassis as the Fusion/Milan/MKZ, same Duratec 3.0L V6 or MZR 2.3L, etc.

As I recall, the Ford(s) even finished better than the Mazda in initial quality tests...

That being said, I'd still rather have the 6. I like the look and its performance "attitude" much better.
 
Boundary Layer
@MustangSVT
I'll be getting a proper set of winter rims and tires no matter what car I buy. The performance difference it makes compared to a compromise (all season) tire is immense.

I have no direct comparison of the insurance rates between Manitoba and Alberta, but I looked up the rates for an 05 G35 coupe (base model) on the MPI rate calculator and it would be between $1800 and $2100/yr depending on a few variables.
But ya, apart from getting one at a police auction, or with a twisted frame and the body panels Frankensteined together with some pop rivets, velcro and used chewing gum, I don't think I'll find a G35 here that meets my budget, which is a shame because I have previously test driven one with my Dad and we both really liked it.

I won't say that I haven't considered a Mazda or MazdaSpeed 3. All my friends and family have been getting them recently though and there's a pile of them on the roads now. My girlfriend's parents own two. Honestly, that's probably all a good sign and testament to the car's quality, but it makes me want to get something different that sticks out just a bit more...
Dunno. I'll have to ponder that. The price is certainly right, and I happen to be close friends with a local Mazda salesman. But if it's gonna be a Mazda, I still favour the 6.
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You hit it right on the nail. The actual main reason I didn't get a Mazda3 was because there's too many of them around and I also have a buddy that has one and apparently there's a problem with hitting the door and it opening (so people could steal stuff from your car, someone stole my buddy's Ipod a few months back). I'm not sure if they fixed that with the car, but I did want something more niche than the Mazda3 (and also MS3 as I said didn't fit in my budget in the end).
 
FYI on the G35 sedan...I drove both cars before deciding on the TL. IMO, the interior looked not as nice when driving, the orange guages look, well old and the big flat steering wheel annoyed me. However, that's not why I didnt buy one, the biggest reason was the back seat. If your going to haul 5 people ever it is very uncomfortable, although the RWD setup may be a better platform, the driveshaft causes a HUGE middle bump in the back foot well area. Just a thought I had when making my decision. Again, just my opinion. Also, my TL got 32mpg on the highway and my friends Mazda 6s 5door only gets mid-low twenties with the V6.
 
YSSMAN
Just to make a point, he does realize that the Mazda6 is a Ford product, right? Same chassis as the Fusion/Milan/MKZ, same Duratec 3.0L V6 or MZR 2.3L, etc.

As I recall, the Ford(s) even finished better than the Mazda in initial quality tests...

That being said, I'd still rather have the 6. I like the look and its performance "attitude" much better.
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hehe, yes he's aware of that. My comment isn't 100% serious either. ;) We both just hold unfair biases against their vehicles.

Much like yourself, I prefer Mazda's styling to the Ford counterpart.
 
Boundary Layer
hehe, yes he's aware of that. My comment isn't 100% serious either. ;) We both just hold unfair biases their vehicles.

Much like yourself, I prefer Mazda's styling to the Ford counterpart.
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Mazda6 has some pretty nice styling if I say so myself. There is a Mazdaspeed6 I drive by all the time on delivery and it looks quite sharp.

But Legacy is more win. Still.
 

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