Mazda 3 vs Toyota Corolla Hatch

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sidders80

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#173451 23-May-2015 23:00

Hi guys was wondering what would be the advice / experience as we are looking to purchase a new car out of the two above? I have taken both for a drive and did like the feel and drive and Mazda and spec to spec it seemed like a better car. Then again there is the good old Toyota. Will be buying brand new so both will come with Warranty. Some of the other things to keep in mind are we will keep this car for at least 3-4 years, will be driven mostly around town as I have a work car too. I also had a look at the Mazda 2. It is a nice car although a tad smaller than the Mazda 3 but very fuel efficient. Would appreciate any help or suggestions.

Sid

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#1310622 23-May-2015 23:22

I have just been through this with a friend, and the winner was the mazda 3. 2015 models now also come with 5 year/unlimited km warranties, 5 years servicing, and roadside assistance, which I don't think toyota have. I think yuou have to pay an extra $750 for that. Are you wanting manual or auto? The mazda 3 auto is a proper 6 speed automatic, and not a CVT like the toyotas. Have you looked at the cx3? The mazda 2 is ok, but I don't think the chassis is as good, and it is quite small in the back, so it is more Yaris sized. The cx3 is build on the same platform, so has the same interior, but a good little two person SUV, although not as fuel economic. The toyota is ok, and more mazda 3 sized, but is more of an appliance, and pretty boring style and driving wise, and not as fuel economic as the mazdas. Also depends on where you plan on driving it. If you are just looking for a small town run about, the mazda 2 would be good. The other thing about the mazda 3, is that they have backing cameras, which I think should now be mandatory in all new cars, as they save lives. Not sure if the mazda 2 has this, from memory it may have been an optional addon and is just a card they put in to activate it, but I recommend getting it for peace of mind.

Krishant007

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#1310626 23-May-2015 23:28

Hmm. Interesting. I had a test drive of both these cars today. Although I am looking at second hand (there is a budget). I am leaning towards a 2012 Mazda 3 however. I did like both Corolla and the Mazda 3. Also got a chance to test drive a brand new Mazda. Those are some nice cars. Felt quite premium to me. But that is fairly out of my budget so cant buy one of those.

I think you would not be wrong with either car, but the Mazda 3 is the better car out of the 2 I think. PS, South Auckland Motors (Mazda seller in South Auckland) is having a decent sale - they have the GSX (the higher model) for $32k which was the same price as the demo model. So this was for a brand new if you were interested.

sidders80

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#1310627 23-May-2015 23:29

mattwnz: I have just been through this with a friend, and the winner was the mazda 3. 2015 models now also come with 5 year/unlimited km warranties, 5 years servicing, and roadside assistance, which I don't think toyota have. I think yuou have to pay an extra $750 for that. Are you wanting manual or auto? The mazda 3 auto is a proper 6 speed automatic, and not a CVT like the toyotas. Have you looked at the cx3? The mazda 2 is ok, but I don't think the chassis is as good, and it is quite small in the back, so it is more Yaris sized. The cx3 is build on the same platform, so has the same interior, but a good little two person SUV, although not as fuel economic. The toyota is ok, and more mazda 3 sized, but is more of an appliance, and pretty boring style and driving wise, and not as fuel economic as the mazdas. Also depends on where you plan on driving it. If you are just looking for a small town run about, the mazda 2 would be good. The other thing about the mazda 3, is that they have backing cameras, which I think should now be mandatory in all new cars, as they save lives. Not sure if the mazda 2 has this, from memory it may have been an optional addon and is just a card they put in to activate it, but I recommend getting it for peace of mind.

Thank you for your response man. I am looking at an Auto. CX-3 was not an option as my work vehicle is a CX-5. As you mentioned about the reversing camera I am a big fan of it and for the Mazda 2 there is an additional cost of $350 to have it which I think is well worth the cost given what it does. You are right about the toyotas that they feel boring to drive. The price difference with the deal negotiated between the Mazda 2 LTD edition and the Mazda 3 GSX is about $3K. The 3 is definitely a snappier car to drive around with more room.

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sidders80

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#1310630 23-May-2015 23:35

Krishant007: Hmm. Interesting. I had a test drive of both these cars today. Although I am looking at second hand (there is a budget). I am leaning towards a 2012 Mazda 3 however. I did like both Corolla and the Mazda 3. Also got a chance to test drive a brand new Mazda. Those are some nice cars. Felt quite premium to me. But that is fairly out of my budget so cant buy one of those.

I think you would not be wrong with either car, but the Mazda 3 is the better car out of the 2 I think. PS, South Auckland Motors (Mazda seller in South Auckland) is having a decent sale - they have the GSX (the higher model) for $32k which was the same price as the demo model. So this was for a brand new if you were interested.

Thanks man yes I did go to South Auckland motors this afternoon. Definitely some sharp pricing there.

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mattwnz

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#1310631 23-May-2015 23:42

Krishant007: Hmm. Interesting. I had a test drive of both these cars today. Although I am looking at second hand (there is a budget). I am leaning towards a 2012 Mazda 3 however. I did like both Corolla and the Mazda 3. Also got a chance to test drive a brand new Mazda. Those are some nice cars. Felt quite premium to me. But that is fairly out of my budget so cant buy one of those.

I think you would not be wrong with either car, but the Mazda 3 is the better car out of the 2 I think. PS, South Auckland Motors (Mazda seller in South Auckland) is having a decent sale - they have the GSX (the higher model) for $32k which was the same price as the demo model. So this was for a brand new if you were interested.

That isn't a bad deal, although guessing it is the manual, and that excludes onroad costs. You can also get the SP25 auto for around $35990 including ORCs on special with some dealers, and the sp25 has quite a lot of nice additional features with the heads up display 2.5 litre engine and bose speakers, auto dimming rear view etc. However perhaps not really what the OP is wanting in a second car. The GSX is probably the middle of the road option for a run about. A few little niggles I have with the mazda 3, is that the markers on the indicator storks aren't illuminated at night so you can't see what they are when driving at night, which on my toyota they are. Infact the ones in my toyota are the same that they put in the lexus. Likewise there is no subtle cabin illumination in the footwells at night, which my toyota has. The glove box and opening handle also feels a bit flimsy and budget.

Krishant007

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#1310632 23-May-2015 23:44

Na, the mazda 3 GSX for 32k. Includes ORC and was an auto. I test drove that one actually. I am sure you can negotiate a bit more and get something else thrown in.

Oh those are good points you noted. I actually liked the display and control unit layout of the new mazdas. They were quite handy and easy to use.

mattwnz

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#1310633 23-May-2015 23:47

sidders80:
mattwnz: I have just been through this with a friend, and the winner was the mazda 3. 2015 models now also come with 5 year/unlimited km warranties, 5 years servicing, and roadside assistance, which I don't think toyota have. I think yuou have to pay an extra $750 for that. Are you wanting manual or auto? The mazda 3 auto is a proper 6 speed automatic, and not a CVT like the toyotas. Have you looked at the cx3? The mazda 2 is ok, but I don't think the chassis is as good, and it is quite small in the back, so it is more Yaris sized. The cx3 is build on the same platform, so has the same interior, but a good little two person SUV, although not as fuel economic. The toyota is ok, and more mazda 3 sized, but is more of an appliance, and pretty boring style and driving wise, and not as fuel economic as the mazdas. Also depends on where you plan on driving it. If you are just looking for a small town run about, the mazda 2 would be good. The other thing about the mazda 3, is that they have backing cameras, which I think should now be mandatory in all new cars, as they save lives. Not sure if the mazda 2 has this, from memory it may have been an optional addon and is just a card they put in to activate it, but I recommend getting it for peace of mind.

Thank you for your response man. I am looking at an Auto. CX-3 was not an option as my work vehicle is a CX-5. As you mentioned about the reversing camera I am a big fan of it and for the Mazda 2 there is an additional cost of $350 to have it which I think is well worth the cost given what it does. You are right about the toyotas that they feel boring to drive. The price difference with the deal negotiated between the Mazda 2 LTD edition and the Mazda 3 GSX is about $3K. The 3 is definitely a snappier car to drive around with more room.

As a drivers car, I think you will be happier with the 3 over the 2. However the mazda 2 limited does come with some nice safety features, which the mazda 3 GSX doesn't have, such as low speed collision control etc. In order to get those on the mazda 3, you have to go up to the mazda 3 ltd, which is the best part of 40-45k. I don't see too many of the new mazda 2's on the road, but see quite a lot of the new mazda 3s, although the mazda 3 is a on older model

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sidders80

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#1310634 23-May-2015 23:48

mattwnz:
Krishant007: Hmm. Interesting. I had a test drive of both these cars today. Although I am looking at second hand (there is a budget). I am leaning towards a 2012 Mazda 3 however. I did like both Corolla and the Mazda 3. Also got a chance to test drive a brand new Mazda. Those are some nice cars. Felt quite premium to me. But that is fairly out of my budget so cant buy one of those.

I think you would not be wrong with either car, but the Mazda 3 is the better car out of the 2 I think. PS, South Auckland Motors (Mazda seller in South Auckland) is having a decent sale - they have the GSX (the higher model) for $32k which was the same price as the demo model. So this was for a brand new if you were interested.

That isn't a bad deal, although guessing it is the manual, and that excludes onroad costs. You can also get the SP25 auto for around $35990 including ORCs on special with some dealers, and the sp25 has quite a lot of nice additional features with the heads up display 2.5 litre engine and bose speakers, auto dimming rear view etc. However perhaps not really what the OP is wanting in a second car. The GSX is probably the middle of the road option for a run about. A few little niggles I have with the mazda 3, is that the markers on the indicator storks aren't illuminated at night so you can't see what they are when driving at night, which on my toyota they are. Infact the ones in my toyota are the same that they put in the lexus. Likewise there is no subtle cabin illumination in the footwells at night, which my toyota has. The glove box and opening handle also feels a bit flimsy and budget.

Actually that was automatic and included on road for the $32K

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turnin

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#1310637 24-May-2015 00:05

Hands down the mazda 3 Is a better car.
Better handling , far better specs , better resale Better looking.
I've bought 2 mazda 2's a mazda 3 and a 6 this year and as a former toyota supporter it hurts me a little to say how impressed I am with everything about mazda.

sidders80

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#1310645 24-May-2015 00:59

turnin: Hands down the mazda 3 Is a better car.
Better handling , far better specs , better resale Better looking.
I've bought 2 mazda 2's a mazda 3 and a 6 this year and as a former toyota supporter it hurts me a little to say how impressed I am with everything about mazda.

Is that the new Mazda 2's or the previous model? The new one seems quiet good.

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freitasm

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#1310677 24-May-2015 09:29

You can also go to Euro NCAP and check the safety ratings for models you want to buy. We are doing this now we are looking for a new car.

You will see both the Toyota Corolla and Mazda 3 are very similar in ratings but the Mazda 3 has a much higher Safety Assist rating.

sidders80

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#1310678 24-May-2015 09:31

freitasm: You can also go to Euro NCAP and check the safety ratings for models you want to buy. We are doing this now we are looking for a new car.

You will see both the Toyota Corolla and Mazda 3 are very similar in ratings but the Mazda 3 has a much higher Safety Assist rating.

That is awesome. Thanks MF

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alasta

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#1310681 24-May-2015 09:48

The Mazda3 GSX has slightly better fuel economy than the equivalent Corolla; 5.7 l/100km vs 6.6.

michaelmurfy

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#1310702 24-May-2015 10:58

I used to have a Mazda 3 (2013 model) as the work car for my old job and must say really enjoyed driving it. The Mazda's also have very good car audio "out of the box" and all these features are better than the Corolla.

As my personal car I do drive a corolla but on long journeys the Mazda totally owned the Corolla. Also they're both very similar on gas milage (get around 750km to a tank on the Mazda, and about 600km to a smaller tank on the Toyota).

I would go for the Mazda. They're both excellent cars but the Mazda just has those extra things.

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Krishant007

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#1310711 24-May-2015 11:19

michaelmurfy: I used to have a Mazda 3 (2013 model) as the work car for my old job and must say really enjoyed driving it. The Mazda's also have very good car audio "out of the box" and all these features are better than the Corolla.

As my personal car I do drive a corolla but on long journeys the Mazda totally owned the Corolla. Also they're both very similar on gas milage (get around 750km to a tank on the Mazda, and about 600km to a smaller tank on the Toyota).

I would go for the Mazda. They're both excellent cars but the Mazda just has those extra things.

Thanks - that actually helps me. I was deciding between a Mazda 3 and a Corolla (2012-2013). Will be trying to negotiate a deal on one today.

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