purchase decision: mazda 3 vs used mazda 6

Hi all, I have been a long time fan/stalker of the forum and have decided to post as I am in need of some help. Ive been in the process of trying to buy a new car particularly a mazda for quite some time now and have finally been able to narrow down my choices to two cars with deals pending. One car is a 2012 mazda 3 GS-L sedan and the other is a used 2010 mazda 6 GT both with 6spd manual transmissions. However I am having trouble on deciding which one to purchase and would appreciate any input that will aid my buying decision

thanks :)

Well the most obvious thing is the size. Do you need a bigger car? Do you have people that constantly sit in the back? And then there's the power difference. If the 6 has the V6 the. The power difference is huge from the mazda3.

That being said you're on a Mazda3 forum asking what we would like better, so most answers would vary. If you want a compact, light and a sporty ride that can carry people in decent comfort to with the 3. If you want a bigger more powerful car to with the mazda6. Plus from you choice the 3 is newer which is always nice

Good luck

For me at least.

New vs used. 3 wins
Power. 6 wins.
Fuel economy. 3 wins
Space. 6 wins.
Insurance cost. ( 3 likely wins)
Maintenance. 3 wins ( as its new)

Now for me, with my life. The 3 is the winner. I don't need the extra power or the extra space. Id prefer a new car over a used one.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by eSS

Well the most obvious thing is the size. Do you need a bigger car? Do you have people that constantly sit in the back? And then there's the power difference. If the 6 has the V6 the. The power difference is huge from the mazda3.

That being said you're on a Mazda3 forum asking what we would like better, so most answers would vary. If you want a compact, light and a sporty ride that can carry people in decent comfort to with the 3. If you want a bigger more powerful car to with the mazda6. Plus from you choice the 3 is newer which is always nice

Good luck

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+1 it really depends on what you are looking for and your needs. if you dont mind the bigger car and higher gas cost then the mazda6 would be a good choice. I'm assuming since its a GT then the 6 would have the v6 engine which is great for power. its hard to compare the two cars since they are different classes (compact vs. mid-size).

Great points so far guys! I wasn't thinking about half of the things you've just brought up. It had also completely skipped my mind that although i was comparing these two cars they are in two different classes as well. as a 20 yr old male that only lugs around a hockey bag most of the time while commuting to school/work i dont think i need the space that the 6 has to offer and as far as power goes the 6 is the 4 banger in the GT trim.

I also did a couple of minor calculations

the 3 would give me almost 150 kms more per tank of gas opposed to the 6 and cost me $40 less a month
3 vs 6 (4 cyl) power to weight ratio: 3 is 0.53 where as the 6 is 0.51 so performance would be relatively the same

^ both of these things are making me lean more towards the 3 now haha

When I bought my 2012 3 it wasn't my first choice I was looking at more powerful cars, bigger cars but when it comes down to it the 3 ended up being a pretty peppy car and a really good price. Mines good on gas and apparently the 6speed is just wicked on gas so, I'm not completely biased thinking everyone should own a 3, yes I like mine but it doesn't fit everyones needs :P

If you only need a small car, want to save some money and have fun driving a 3 isn't a bad choice at all :)

At 20 the 3 is the better option by far. Get an insurance quote for both cars.

I have already inquired with my insurance company for both cars. the monthly payments actually worked out to be almost the same give or take a few dollars with the 3 being the one that costs more and im assuming its because its new

While your still young at 20 I think the mazda3 will do everything you need it to do quite nicely. If you were older with a couple kids then the 6 might be a more viable option.

3's insurance rate is probably higher because it's more popular and has more accidents in relation to a 6. (number of accidents has no correlation between the two cars given the different number of cars on the road, but try explaining that to an insurance company)

go for a 3, it'll be more fun.

I would have to say go with a new Mazda6 for less than the used one will cost you.. :D

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Jeff-TheBiz

2013 Mazda6 GS
6 Speed Manual

2.5L - 4 cylinder

3 2 colours to choose from

MSRP is $24250 + Freight + PDI + Air Excise + HST + .......

Jeff-TheBiz Blowout Cash Price:

$17995 + HST and lic only!!!

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I was looking at a used 2010 Mazda 6.

1. the 4cyl is sluggish
2. the mazda6 is actually larger than a honda accord by length. (i.e. its a boat!)


those two factors stopped me from going the mazda 6 route.

hey guys!

just thought id update you on the situation. so after taking everything into account i have decided to go with the 3 :D
the car is on hold for me and i will be going in to finalize the deal on friday afternoon after my exam :huge smile

thanks everyone for your input you were all a great help!

so excited its hard to focus on studying :P

Congrats! Just caught this thread and would have told you to do the same. I was in the same situation as you a year ago but was looking at a used GT V6 Mazda6. That was a nice car, but the 3 with the hatch was a better fit for my lifestyle. I got the 2.5l engine and it has been more oomph than I've needed and better mileage than the 6 with my driving habits :D