[zachary80]

I am looking to buy a new car probably within in the next week. I have been looking at several used and new models since December, and these are the two I have decided on:

2006 Mazda 3i Touring -
http://research.cars.com/go/crp/summ...6&modelid=7491
http://autos.yahoo.com/newcars/mazda...le_photos.html

2006 Toyota Corolla S -
http://research.cars.com/go/crp/summ...06&modelid=426
http://autos.yahoo.com/newcars/toyot...le_photos.html

Both are likely to be a shade of silver, and when they are equipped with the same packages, they cost about the same. I will be getting a manual transmission

 

[MrSlacker]

I like how Mazda looks, but I cant comment on reliability or quality of them.

 

[imported_Echo_]

get the new honda civic (motor trend's car of the year)

 

[nabwong]

I've driven the Mazda 3. If you're getting an Auto transmission, there's a bit of lag on the 2-3 gear shift. But otherwise i thought it was a really nice car. Seeing you're getting Manual, then no prob.

What about an RX8? hehehe.... freaking awesome car. The handling is absolutely amazing.

 

[Elec]

LOL Yeah, an RX-8 only costs twice what his apparent budget is

I would expect the Mazda to be the more interesting or fun car out of those two. Probably hard to go wrong with either one, I'm partial to Mazdas because they've always been good to me, but obviously Toyota got their reputation for a reason. Go drive 'em both, that should make your decision easier.

 

[zachary80]

I have driven both cars a couple times, with both the manual and auto transmissions. I agree about the 3's auto, it is not nearly as good as the manual.

Overall I think the Mazda is a lot more fun to drive and even kind of exciting, and the Toyota just seems to get the job done well.

 

[Jasper994]

Isn't the Scion TC pretty close to the budget? It's still a Toyota, but it's much cooler than the Corrola.

 

[Jasper994]

I'd say:

1st Choice: Scion TC (all around goodness)
2nd Choice: Mazda 3 (more fun than the Corolla)
3rd Choice: Toyota Corolla (wouldn't even be in the running IMO if not for their reputation for bullet proof reliability)

 

[hongda]

The Honda Civic SI will also be available as a Sedan. The starting price is around 20k. The Scion is available only as a coupe I believe.

 

[F1GTR]

Quote:

Originally Posted by zachary80 Overall I think the Mazda is a lot more fun to drive and even kind of exciting, and the Toyota just seems to get the job done well.

What is your budget and what are your top priorities for a car? If you want a car that is really fun to drive there are better options, IMO, than the two you have listed and they are much cheaper alternatives.

If I could do anything, it would be to persuade you from buying a new car. I've purchased two in my lifetime and never will again. You lose so much money buying new it is ridiculous. Whatever make and model you decide on, I would suggest looking for a 2002-2005 with mileage under 30k. You'll save thousands not taking the depreciation and you can apply that to insurance payments or gas over the next couple of years.

 

[hongda]

There's also a Mazdaspeed 3, if your looking for a more sportier version of the Mazda.

http://www.automobilemag.com/auto_sh..._mazdaspeed_3/

 

[jnev]

like others have said, the new 06 civic is very nice (a lot better than the previous gen), and the TC rocks as well. i've driven the TC, it drives very nice, decent passing power and good handling.

 

[SennFan]

Quote:

Originally Posted by zachary80 I am looking to buy a new car probably within in the next week. I have been looking at several used and new models since December, and these are the two I have decided on: 2006 Mazda 3i Touring - http://research.cars.com/go/crp/summ...6&modelid=7491 http://autos.yahoo.com/newcars/mazda...le_photos.html 2006 Toyota Corolla S - http://research.cars.com/go/crp/summ...06&modelid=426 http://autos.yahoo.com/newcars/toyot...le_photos.html Both are likely to be a shade of silver, and when they are equipped with the same packages, they cost about the same. I will be getting a manual transmission

The Mazda 3 is to much of a chick car. The Corolla is nice, but you can probably get something sportier that's used in the 20k range...i.e. a used Audi S4 (6cyl). These are awesome, fun cars that are extremely well built. It's important to mention that it's well built b/c that's obviously important to you since you're looking at Toyota's.

Check this S4 link out on Ebay:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Audi-...17229805QQrdZ1

 

[elrod-tom]

The Corolla has a better reputation for reliability. That S model is pretty sweet too.

I've had 3 Corolla's and <knock wood> not a bit of trouble with them. I know several folks who will say the same. I also know a fed Mazda owners who have been less than happy (though in fairness they have 6's, not 3's).

Good luck.

 

[plus_c]

I test-drove a Mazda 3s and a Scion tC back to back, both with manual transmissions. (Incidentally, my local Toyota sales rep told me if I wanted to actually buy a tC with a manual, I'd have to special order it and wait 8 weeks - unacceptable!) I thought that the Mazda3 drove in a much more spirited way than the tC. Also drove a Honda Civic with manual that day - very well put together and handles great, and the Honda manual shifter is really smooth. But for whatever reason, it just didn't get the heart pumping like the Mazda did.