Getting Rid of the Hyundai

[01elantra4dr]

Just wanted everyone to know i'm getting rid of the Hyundai. After I wrecked the car i fixed it up but hasnt run the same. Its have electrical problems that i cant seem to fix and would cast more money then its worth to fix.

anyways I just want everyones opinion on which car i can get. I did all the math and figured that the cars on the poll are in my price range.

They are all Base models so they have, all power, A/c, 5-speed manual, 4cyl, cloth interior, and thats about it.

[hyunelan2]

I'm guessing there should be a poll here?

[Munky]

There is now.

[evan938]

you cant get a mazda3 i sport. its either i (2.0) or sport (2.3).

if you're going for the 3, go for the 2.3 w/ a 5spd

[Pete03GLS]

ok see. its a tuff choice... i like some cars more than others, that u listed. but i like some of the "cdoe names" better than others too... lol

id go between the TC or the mazda3. i like both of them. but the TC is probably cheaper.

i mean comon... who doesnt love the girl next door??? lol

[hyunelan2]

Corolla - no. Older design and ugly.

Elantra - up to you if you like that car or not... some here do, some don't. It's not personally my cup of tea.

Mazda 3, popular car, but has Mazda (Ford) reliability.

Lancer - looks nice, World Engine.

Scion TC = chick car, and car for guys who look like chicks, but think the TC makes them look cool.


I choose Lancer

[rusto85]

I'd go with the Mazda...why? because I know that they are reliable. My first and previous vehicle was Mazda.....207K and still running. Different owner though. Mazda has good reputation overall. TC = chick car, Elantra = Nah, Corolla = nah. The only other choice is the Lancer. They're pretty reliable too.

[01elantra4dr]

Thanks for all the replies.

Corolla - Its the cheapest out of all does to buy and to keep because of its high MPG, (i'm going off Fueleconomy.gov numbers not EPA) but its ugly.

Elantra - Its ugly but it has the 10k 100k warranty

Mazda 3, Yea i know ford owns its but its not ford parts, its all japanese which is good. Its a good looking car, not to small either and it kind of remind me of my hyundai.

Lancer - It looks different, not sure if i like it or not. The only reason i dont want to buy it is cuz its the 1st year car. Which means more then likley there is gonna be some kind of recall or problem.

Scion TC = yea it is a chick car but i think with it being black and with some nice wheels it could look like a Unisex car. Its cheaper then the Tiburon and i kind of wanted a coupe.

[BobMs_wht2k2]

Is there a "None of the Above" choice? I'd chose a Spectra.

[03GT]

"Mazda 3, Yea i know ford owns its but its not ford parts, its all japanese which is good. Its a good looking car, not to small either and it kind of remind me of my hyundai."

Not quite true. If you get the 2.3 that sucker is a ford. The same 2.3L I4 since the day of the pintos. The same engine that's been powering Ranger pickups for years. And, a damn good engine. Sure it's been revamped here and there since the 70's but that is a good engine. I had a pinto with that engine, drove it to the junk yard with 235,000 miles on it. It still ran but smoked like a mother and I didn't want ot put any money in it. The mazda 3 and ford focus come out of the same factory.

I'm in the elantra/mazda boat. Here's my advice.. Go drive them all, then when you think you've made a decision, find a car rental company that has that car and rent it for a week. If you still like it, buy one.

[BobMs_wht2k2]

^^?? What the fahel? Those engines have absolutely nothing to do with the new MAzdas 2.3's. THe old SOHC engines had the intake/exhaust on the same side of the head, had cast iron heads and blocks and were a turd. THe new MAzdas are flow thorugh heads, DOHC, aluminum head/block. Other than the actual displacement there is no other relation.

Spectra5

[01elantra4dr]

Bob, thats what i thought. Yea the Mazda3/Focus/volvo s40 are all built on the same platform but i dont think they are ford parts. The reason i want the 2.0 is because its $2,000 cheaper, and gets 2mpg more then the 2.3. It doesnt seem worth it for just 8 more HP

[BobMs_wht2k2]

I still say 07 Spectra 5.

[03GT]

You're right, the old 2.3 was dropped in 2005. I thought they were using the same block with a different head like they did in the 90's on the rangers/b2000.

But the new 2.3 is still being built by Ford.

Ford/Mazda global straight-4
Main article: Mazda MZR engine

Ford Duratec 20 engine in a 2005 Ford Focus Beginning in 2004, Ford dropped the old 4-cylinder Zetec engines in favor of Mazda's MZR design. Thus, 2005 and present Duratec 4-cylinder engines are Mazdas. This includes the 2.0 L Duratec 20 and 2.3 L Duratec 23. The engine is currently built by Ford in Chihuahua Mexico, Dearborn Michigan, Valencia Spain and Nanjing China.

[BobMs_wht2k2]

Considering Ford is a controlling partner in that venture, is anyone suprised?

Spectra5.

Looks like my subliminal messages are not working. . . :abovelol:

[robs02elantra]

Looks like my subliminal messages are not working. . . :abovelol:

Oh Bob, don't sell yourself short, of course they are working. You are suggesting a Ford Focus, right?!

[03GT]

Ok, lets get nit-picky..

Mazda 3, Yea i know ford owns - No they don't, they own PART of mazda.
but its not ford parts - Yes it is.
its all japanese which is good - No it's not.

Thank you, drive through.

[BobMs_wht2k2]

Absolutely. One furd fucus to go please.

Spectra

[03GT]

never have liked the focus. or f\/cka$$ as I call it. Never liked the body style. Mechanically, it's a sound car though. The spectra wagon is ok, but looks like a mazda 5 knock off. lots of new body styles that look like a variant of the mazda 5. the rondo, crv, spectra look a lot alike. Don't forget the complimentary soccer balls.

[BobMs_wht2k2]

I still prefer the Spectra Sport Sedan.

[CornbreadXD]

mazda 3, does it have to be a new car though? Cuz you could get something a little older and still reliable.

[01elantra4dr]

so far, "the girl next door" has the majority, and "the hoe" is a far secound.

you cant get a mazda3 i sport. its either i (2.0) or sport (2.3).

if you're going for the 3, go for the 2.3 w/ a 5spd

The models are
2007 Mazda MAZDA3 i Sport (2.0L)
2007 Mazda MAZDA3 s Sport (2.3L)

[HeadOfMax]

mazda speed 3 hatch. around 25-27k. I was looking at edmunds.com and they had a 2006 comparison of the mazdaspeed3, elantra, civic SI, WRX, and Mini Cooper. The Mazda 3 won in all categories. I have yet to go test drive one though.

BTW: I test drove a 2008 SI last week, and even if you hate honduhs go test drive it. it was a blast after 4500rpm the engine roars. I took it all the way up to 6k rpm and it felt like it wanted more.

[hyunelan2]

around 25-27k.

If that's the pricerange there's a TON more options than those above. I think he's trying to stick to the $20K mark though?

[Silentwolf]

Actually, at msrp you can get the speed 3 GT out the door for 24.5 by leaving off the frivolous options (as is, speed 3 GT is already pretty loaded)

[HeadOfMax]

look into the 08 SI. I think its around 21 before taxes and whatnot.

[02_Elantra]

I was looking into getting a Mazda 3 but I ended up getting a better deal on a 2007 Ford Focus SES with the GFX appearance package. I was quite pleased when I heard that it had the same engine as the Mazda 3 but was almost 5000$ less. The 07 Focus handles way better then the 07 Elantra, has more power too (the Elantra is the only other car I test drove). The base model GFX Focus started at about 18000.00CAD. I know that the Focus is not on the list but I figured I'd share my story.

[evan938]

so far, "the girl next door" has the majority, and "the hoe" is a far secound.



The models are
2007 Mazda MAZDA3 i Sport (2.0L)
2007 Mazda MAZDA3 s Sport (2.3L)

uh, try again.

http://www.mazdausa.com/MusaWeb/displayPage.action?pageParameter=modelsAllMZ3

"i" is the base model, 2.0 148hp
"s" is the sport model, 2.3 156hp

i dont know about the current line up, but im 99% sure in the past you could get either in a 5 door. i dont see it listed there for the 08 models, but i know there are 2.0 hatches

[01elantra4dr]

uh, try again.

http://www.mazdausa.com/MusaWeb/displayPage.action?pageParameter=modelsAllMZ3

"i" is the base model, 2.0 148hp
"s" is the sport model, 2.3 156hp

i dont know about the current line up, but im 99% sure in the past you could get either in a 5 door. i dont see it listed there for the 08 models, but i know there are 2.0 hatches

Thats what i said.

[evan938]

well, looking into it a bit more, it looks like they changed the line up for 08. it used to be a 3i (base 2.0) or a 3s (sport 2.3) and options for each

[mlumz]

i'd pick the lancer or mazda 3. Have had mitsubishis in the past and they are reliable. Both will have good mod options too.

[Keyan]

Get a new turbo mini.

[01elantra4dr]

Get a new turbo mini.

Dude! that car is gay.

[BobMs_wht2k2]

Mini's on the track are rediculously quick. Mini's on the street are gay.

Spectra

[Gman]

How about a new Scion XB? Less chickcar then the Tc

[BobMs_wht2k2]

Sure, less chick car, more box.

Spectra

[cobase]

Oh Bah about the tC being a chick car. None of the cars on the list are Rwd or Awd anyway. The Scion's one of the sportier ones, the cheaper ones and has tons of aftermarket and good resale. I much prefer the Mazda 3s Hatch but that wasn't on the list. I thought the tC Spec was lighter though... Edmunds says it's just under 2900lbs now. :(

[Munky]

None of the above. Get a WRX.

[01elantra4dr]

To expensive these cars are all 15,500 and below

[hyunelan2]

None of the above. Get a WRX.

I was actually going to mention the plain-jane Impreza. Starts at about $17K.

Mini Cooper-S would be ftw, if you could deal with the lack of practicality.

[01elantra4dr]

I just noticed the the 2008 Mazda has a lower MPG rating its 32hwy were the 2007 is 35hwy

[xdforme22]

That's due to the new (and more accurate???) federal emissions testing. If you check the lancers mpg it will seem low, but is really about the same as the xd/xd2. Find a mileage converter off of google to see how things compare between 07 and 08.

[BobMs_wht2k2]

The new Spectra still shows 34mpg. . . .

Spectra

[xdforme22]

Personally, I like the Mazda 3 (but would only buy one if it would be reliable). Otherwise its a toss up between the scion and the lancer. The lancer is nice (except for possible skimpy sound insulation) and the tc can be made into quite a nice/sharp car with some after market adjustments. Another car you could check out too would be a used RSX (basically a civic si).

[BobMs_wht2k2]

RSX's, at least the type-s, are oil burners and have a bad habit of eating the #1 rod bearing. . .

Spectra

[01elantra4dr]

No disrespect to anyone who owns a spectra but its just doesnt look good to me. It looks way better thent he elantra but its not a car i would like.

[BobMs_wht2k2]

You shoulda said that 3 PAGES AGO!!!!! Geesh. You liked the 3, which copied the spectra styling so I figured you'd like it.

[zx2uner]

You shoulda said that 3 PAGES AGO!!!!! Geesh. You liked the 3, which copied the spectra styling so I figured you'd like it.

I disagree with you on this one;) The spectra5 copied the protege5.:)
http://fp.images.autos.msn.com/merismus/evox/stills/gallery/752_19.jpg http://fp.images.autos.msn.com/merismus/evox/stills/gallery/3285_19.jpg

[BobMs_wht2k2]

Nope, the Protege5 was a box on wheels. Not bad looking, but far from being as sleek as the Spectra5.

If we wanna get serious, the Protege5 copied the Elantra wagon of 96!

[zx2uner]

If we wanna get serious, the Protege5 copied the Elantra wagon of 96!


Ewww.... no you didn't!;)

[BobMs_wht2k2]

Sorry, I like wagons, despise hatchbacks. Just my taste! For some reason those J2 Wagons are adorable to me.

[zx2uner]

Sorry, I like wagons, despise hatchbacks. Just my taste! For some reason those J2 Wagons are adorable to me.

I like hatchbacks better....but I like the look of the 99-00 wagon....I just hate the grills...lol.

[BobMs_wht2k2]

Hatchbacks remind me of Chevettes. BAd.

[zx2uner]

Hatchbacks remind me of Chevettes. BAd.

I had a chevette....lol

[BobMs_wht2k2]

1980 Diesel auto, 1987 gas auto/a-c/p/s that would die at a stoplight with the a/c on if you turned the steering wheel. No lie.

Oh, and my aunt had an 85 auto and grandpa had a 79 gas.

[zx2uner]

85 Auto no ac or ps. I see it all the time in town....so I had a good one...lol

[southpawboston]

resurrecting an old thread here, but to set the record straight as an owner of a mazda3 "S" touring, these are the correct facts about the mazda3 offerings in the US:

"i" is 2.0L, sedan only. this is the base model. "touring" package adds power accessories + ABS, side + curtain airbags, alloy rims, etc.

"s" is 2.3L, sedan OR hatch. this is the sport model. comes with 17" alloys with low profile GY eagles and bigger brakes as well (11.8" front rotors and 11.0" rears). power windows, locks, mirrors, and keyless are standard. "touring" adds side + curtain airbags. for 2008, all models have the airbags, and the S touring adds TPMS and stability control. S "grand touring" adds leather, heated seats, HIDs, LED tails, alarm. packages include moonroof, navigation, and bose stereo. you can also get dealer installed OEM remote start.

yes, mazda is partially (31%) owned by ford. but the mazda3 is built in japan with >90% japanese parts content.

the 2.0 and 2.3L MZR motor is a mazda design through and through. ford had no input on it. but ford has been putting them in the US focus since 2004. the 2.3L puts out 160hp/150lb-ft. the 2.0L puts out 150hp/139lb-ft.

the US focus is NOT the same platform as the mazda3. there is confusion about this. the US focus is based on the ford C130 platform, since 1999. it is still the 1st gen focus. the 2nd gen focus has never been sold in the US. the mazda3 is based on the ford global C1 platform which is also shared by the volvo S40/V50 and euro-focus (2nd gen) since 2004. the C1 platform is an evolution of the C130 platform, which is why many US focus components are similar to, but not identical to the mazda3's (e.g., rear multi-link suspension). ford of europe designed the suspension, mazda designed the engine and body styling, and volvo designed the brakes and some other safety components.

the mazda3s can usualy be had for less than MSRP. MSRP on my car in 2006 was $18,300, and i got it for $17,400 before TTL. you can find 2008 S models in the $17k range. warranty up through 2006 MYs is 4yr/50k B2B, and for the 2007 MY they reduced it to 3yr/36k B2B. i got one of the last 2006s so i got the longer warranty.

as for comparing with the XD. weight is about the same. overall dimensions of the mazda3 are smaller with slightly less interior and trunk room overall. 0-60 times for the 2.3L/5-spd are generally about 7.5sec. steering and suspension, no comparison. the mazda3 is basically track-ready right out of the dealership.

i have 16,600 miles so far and no problems at all. :)