Mazda 3 GX vs Mazda 3 GS Auto

[thetim]

Hi all,

I'm looking to replace my 2001 Corolla, and have been looking at the 3 as a possibility.

I've been looking primarily at the following:

- Mazda 3 Sport
- VW Golf
- Subaru Impreza
- Honda Civic

I took some lessons driving manual, not sure I want to be doing that all the time though, as I live in the city and have stop-and-go at times, etc.

I was thinking of a hatch as I thought it might be more useful.

My current car I've put over 316,500km with no real major problems, and I'm hoping my next car will do well as well.

How would the 3 GX compare to the GS - are they both reasonable with the auto? I'm not racing anyone or anything, just want to ensure whatever I get is decent.

The main things I like about the GS is that the cruise controls and audio controls are on the wheel, and the moonroof is something that might be nice.

Anyways, if this message is confusing - it's likely because I'm confused over what to buy!

Thanks for any opinions you have,

Tim

[Chester_Lampwick]

If I recall correctly, the Sport GX has the 2.0 litre engine, and the Sport GS has the 2.5 litre engine. That might be a good or bad thing. I bought the sedan and bought the GS with comfort package. I really like the convenience of the Bluetooth, auto dimming mirror, auto headlights, rain sensing wipers, and steering wheel controls. I came from a 2001 Corolla CE myself. If my other car wasn't a minivan, I'd have opted for the sport.

I understand you can add steering wheel controls, but not Bluetooth. If you plan on changing your deck this works out well, otherwise the extra $$ might be worth it. The comfort package is good to add traction control as well.

[Chester_Lampwick]

Mazda 3 Sport - well equiped, Japanese build quality, stylish
VW Golf - too much money for a poorly Mexican-built car
Subaru Impreza - all wheel drive is worth the extra $2000, but the fuel economy sucks. I'm scared of the overly complicated boxer engine. Repairs could be big bucks.
Honda Civic - styling of a pink pearl eraser, and a disconnected driving feel

[thetim]

If I recall correctly, the Sport GX has the 2.0 litre engine, and the Sport GS has the 2.5 litre engine. That might be a good or bad thing. I bought the sedan and bought the GS with comfort package. I really like the convenience of the Bluetooth, auto dimming mirror, auto headlights, rain sensing wipers, and steering wheel controls. I came from a 2001 Corolla CE myself. If my other car wasn't a minivan, I'd have opted for the sport.

I understand you can add steering wheel controls, but not Bluetooth. If you plan on changing your deck this works out well, otherwise the extra $$ might be worth it. The comfort package is good to add traction control as well.

How are you finding the Mazda compared to your Corolla? I have really liked my Corolla - but found the new ones not to be as nice as my 2001 - otherwise I'd likely have just bought another.

Did you get the comfort package? Do you find yourself using the moonroof much?

[Chester_Lampwick]

Truthfully, I liked my Corolla. I'd still have it, but we gave it to my father in-law. I drove the new Civic and Corolla, but liked the Mazda3. Seemed to have the edge in price/equipment factor, styling, build quality(Japanese), and warranty. Dealers seemed not as snooty as the Honda gang either.

I did get the comfort package, my wife wanting the moonroof, me wanting the traction control. I like gazing out the moonroof but have only opened it a couple times. My new position has me driving a company car, so I don't spend too much time in the Mazda3. I can say that I like the car more with every drive...

[Flunk]

I have a GX Sport with an automatic and it feels pretty good. I don't have issues getting it up to speed or passing people on highways. It definitely seems more powerful than my cousin's 2005 Corolla.

The GS Sport has the 2.5L engine and a bit more power, test drive the two if you're not sure which you want. The fuel economy is quite a bit worse but the extra power is worth it to some. I'm quite often driving it at 40KM down the 401 in rush hour so it doesn't matter to me. The hatchback is useful if you need to cram a whole lot into the back, otherwise the sedan is basically the same car. I'll admit that I bought the Hatch because I like the style.

[Elusivellama]

Mazda 3 Sport - well equiped, Japanese build quality, stylish
VW Golf - too much money for a poorly Mexican-built car
Subaru Impreza - all wheel drive is worth the extra $2000, but the fuel economy sucks. I'm scared of the overly complicated boxer engine. Repairs could be big bucks.
Honda Civic - styling of a pink pearl eraser, and a disconnected driving feel

+1 for all of the above. In particular, VW may be marketed as German engineering, but that POS is put together in Mexico. Not to mention that VWs are electrical problems waiting to happen. Subaru has really cheap feeling door handles and interior materials, that stuff just gets on your nerves after a while, the fuzzy roof feels like cardboard that's been sprayed with leftover paper fibres. The symmetrical AWD system supposedly costs big bucks to repair, and they're supposedly more prone to malfunction.

The Civic's styling isn't that horrible, I think, the coupe is very sexy looking, while the sedan isn't too bad. You can't fault the Civic's fuel economy though, I think only the Corolla can match it or beat it.

Still, what it all boils down to is that the Mazda 3 has THE most bang for the buck compared to every other car on your list, plus it has a 2.5L hatchback trim - and believe me, that 5th door on the hatchback quickly becomes an essential feature if you've never had one before. I won't go back to a sedan after my hatchback.

[thetim]

+1 for all of the above. In particular, VW may be marketed as German engineering, but that POS is put together in Mexico.

Thanks for your feedback, EL; I understand the new Golfs are made in Mexico. I do also understand they've had their share of bugs over the years.

Basically, it comes down to being nervous about buying a car I won't be happy with; I think the Mazda 3 Sport GX will probably be alright, since it's mainly me in the car and I can live without a moonroof, and I haven't heard horror stories about their automatic transmissions or anything. I think they've fixed their rusting problems on recent cars - and I figure I'll save money over the 2.5l in terms of fuel over time..

[Nova 3 GT]

Just to clairify, the 2010 Golfs are made in Germany. The Golf City is from Brazil. Only the Jetta and NB are made in Mexico.