Advice: Replacing 2007 Mazda 3 hatch with 2.0L Subaru Impreza.

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I have a 2007 Mazda 3, 2.3L hatchback with 5-spd manual transmision and I'm looking into buying a Subaru Impreza hatchback, the basic model with a 2.0L engine 5spd transmission and 150 HP.

I'm not a car genious but I know enough to know that my Mazda has been an excellent daily driver and a great looker but I also know that Subarus are good cars. My Mazda is in very (and I mean very) good condition and I can sell it for a good amount, which translates to more than half the price of the Subaru. The basic Subaru model costs roughly the same amount I payed for the Mazda.

I went to the dealer for a test drive on the Impreza earlier today and I was really impressed; the stability and traction this car has are amazing and what it lacks in luxury equipment makes it up in performance. Thing feels as if it's going to be a thrill to drive on the freeways. Fastness is a very important issue for me, so does anyone have an idea of how will the Subaru's 150hp fare against the Mazda's 158? I know I can't get a record breaker with my budget, but the Subaru being slower than the Mazda would be a big turn off.

Is-this-a-good-decision or am I being an idiot?

Pic related, it's my baby.

DSC00032.jpg
 
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I'd personally consider it a trade-down in several different categories:

  • The Mazda 3 certainly is better-looking in that generation
  • The Mazda build quality is vastly superior, just on the dashboard alone
  • I'll take the MZR over the H4 any day
  • Handling wise, the Mazda is still the sportier ride
  • The fuel economy will plumet. Not just a little either
  • There are better options out there...

Based on fuel economy and the quality alone (I've been in both), the Mazda remains the better choice. I wouldn't make the trade, personally. As for the better options, I'd wait a while and see what pops up. Keep an eye out for the Ford Fiesta, FIAT 500, and Chevrolet Cruze in the next 12-18 months (less for the Americans), as they are likely to become the small cars of choice for the next couple of years. There are still a bunch of Alfa Romeos due to come to the US as well, which would be a logical step-up from the Mazda in terms of "character," but definitely not in quality.
 
i have not driven the subaru, but i have the mazda sp23. i agree with yssman that the interior of the mazda is def superior even to the newest impreza's. the dash of that generation of mazda's is superb, something which did not seem to have carried on the the new generations of mazda 3's. having not driven the imprezza, i have heard stories though. especially of their touted awd. from what i understand, a car at that power, esp the 2.0l model, a awd is more harm then good, as it causes the car to understeer. i know the mazda 3 understeers as well having pushed it pretty hard and is a bother esp in wet weather when the front tires give up, but the imprezza does not seem to be a worthy sub eh.
 
To be honest, the Impreza isn't really comparable with an Impreza. Personally if you want something Japanese then I'd keep the 3, but if you wanted a different hatchback, I'd go for the Ford Focus. The Zetec S had 143bhp, which is close enough to what you currently are aiming for, and the price is roughly the same as the Maz. To be honest, I think the Focus is better than both the 3 and the Impreza - buying an Impreza would just be a step backwards for you.
 
The Mazda 3 has been winning comparisons and selling like hotcakes since it's inception for a reason. Probably the same reason(s) you bought one. Moving down to the Impreza is a horrible idea, as you've got the top-of-the-line compact car already. If you're looking to save money, there are other cheaper and better alternatives, likewise on the more expensive side.
 
Hmm. Didn't expect this response. How about the Focus ST?. The one with 225hp, but for that money I could also get a Civic SI which I'd prefer, but isn't the Civic close to a makeover when the ST's line is more recent?
 
The Focus ST is a wonderful car if I understand things properly, but we don't get those up here in the States. You lucky folks south of the border actually get solid picks across the board, as I recall. Correct me if I'm wrong, but they also have the rather-awesome Renaultsport Megane, right? I'd have one of those if I could.

...Hold that thought...

They sell FIATs in Mexico now? I'd suggest having a look at the 500 and Grande Punto Turbo as well.



God I wish there was a way to legally buy one of those cars down there and have it here as a daily.
 
Why do you want to get rid of a 2-year-old with presumably low miles, that you've taken care of, and has experienced substantial depreciation even though it has years of life in int?
 
@YSSMAN: Sometimes we have it good, sometimes we don't. When I bought my Mazda I wanted the MAZDASPEED one, but when it was already sold in the US, it took around 2 to 3 years to reach the mexican market. Also, the supercharged Megane has been sold here for a few years now, and so has Fiat. I just checked out the 500, why is it so damn expensive? Seriously. The Grande Punto Turbo seems like a solid choice... Not too pricey, and good looking. I'll have to look into that. One question though: The last time I went to a Fiat dealership (A WHILE ago) the cars looked really nice, but the interiors felt a little bit cheap and flimsy. Has that changed?

@Duke: It has 8400 miles and it's practically new; I used it to go to campus before I graduated, nothing else. I've always liked to take good care of my cars. And the reason I'm looking into selling it is because someone is desperatedly trying to get it off my hands and I'm looking for options, haven't decided yet as to whether I should sell it or not.
 
Just keep it... It's only 2 years old and with that low of mileage you would be a FOOL to sell it.

At LEAST keep it until the warranty dies.
 
I'm thinking of keeping it until December or January; the warranty expires in February. That way I'll get my christmas bonus and the investment won't hit my economy as hard. Plus I don't want to buy a car that will not be a current model in three or four months.
 
Whatever you buy is going to not be the current model within a year.
 
The thing is, you already have a car that is thought of by most as still being BETTER than the replacement in more than just looks, still looks excellent, has plenty low mileage, and keeping it looking clean will impress more people than having the latest and greatest.

In fact, unless you go to a higher size class you won't be finding any real improvement over your current car :indiff:
 

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