New Cars - Help Wanted

[HateEternal]

Hi Guys.

I've been driving my self nuts trying to find the best car for me, and I am tired of hearing idiots from other boards make stupid remarks. I come here because I know people on this board are a lot more mature than any where else.

Here is my situation. My 92 Accord needs some repair work done, not to critical stuff, new exhaust mainly. I had been holding out to get a new car until I graduate, but now I am going to just ditch it and get a new one. I'm a senior in college, working part time and I have an offer (at the same place) for when I graduate. Not working full time right now puts a little tighter restrictions on the monthly payments I, but I still should be able to get something decent. Looking for something around 18-19k.

I've spent a lot of time researching, reading reviews, and test driving and I've narrowed it down to two options.

1. Mazda3 5door (with ABS package)
2. Scion tC

Here is why:

1. Price range. Both the cars fit nicely in the price range, the tC a little better than the 3.
2. Performance, both cars perform about the same, the tC is a little quicker and the 3 handles a little better.
3. Made in Japan (Sorry I really don't like any US companies) - Both cars are made near 100% in japan. The tC is made by Toyota which is reassuring quality wise, and the Mazda has received good ratings as well, I have heard of a few problems with the transmission though...
4. Features - the tC really wins this one with a ton of standard features, but the 3 has some good ones too

Here are my problems with these cars
Mazda3
1. NO IPOD CONNECTIVITY!!! Unless they changed it for '06, the best you can do is a FM Transmitter, no Line in or anything - you can get an iPod compatible deck in the tC which allows you to browse and do most things you can on your iPod.
2. Weak A/C - Almost everyone who has one of these complains about this
3. Few people have mentioned Transmission problems

Scion tC
1. Feels cheep compared to the 3
2. So many features crammed in to a low price tag, makes me worry about the real quality
3. Not nearly as much room, especially headroom. With the Passenger seat straight up my head is almost hitting the roof, I am only 5'10" or so.

I like both of these cars, except I think I enjoyed the 3 a bit more. I need to drive it again, but I think if it weren't for the iPod issues and the fact that I can't get a sunroof with out getting the six disc changer option I probably would jump for the 3 right away. I would also like to point out that with Scion it is a lot easier to get exactly the options you want, you don't have to choose as much from what is on the lot because most of the options are dealer installed.

So what do you guys think? Does any one else have one of these cars?

Also, other cars I had considered:
1. Acura RSX - To many people have the same problem with the transmission, costs more
2. Subaru Impreza 2.5i - Costs more, no fold down back seats, no one around here has a 5spd in stock.
3. VW GTI - Poor reliability track record

[mdnky]

The Mazda 3 (2004+) is based on the Volvo S40/V50 platform (c1 platform). That's a big bonus safety wise (and insurance-cost wise)...though it won't have all the "extras" you'll find on the Volvo. As far as it being near 100% Japanese...you may want to double check that on the sticker just to be sure before you buy (if it's that important to you). Depending on how they claim origin, it's most likely only in the 70% range. I am curious though...why the 5-door and not the sedan?

I've test driven one (sedan) and was impressed with it. Not as refined as I'd like, but then again it is an entry level car...definitely not bad for the price.

1. Radio Issue: Add an after-market radio with an iPod setup. You'll get better quality sound out of it (iPod or no iPod). Clarion has a nice setup ...have it and love it. Mine ran $300 or so, but you can get by a bit cheaper. Other manufactures have similar products.
2. AC issue: Do you live in an area that requires the absolute best AC? The one I test drove did fine here in Baton Rouge in August...it's definitely warm here then. Maybe this has been fixed...
3. Transmission Issues: Buy the manual version...better gas mileage and more fun to drive...cheaper to fix. If they are having tranny issues, it's probably their autos.
4. Sunroof Issue: Ask the dealer about a dealer-installed one. Most every dealer out there does this and your warranty is still in effect. Worse case...buy the package. $900 for a sunroof (factory installed) isn't that bad really compared to others.

My little brother looked at a Scion TC...luckily he didn't buy one. I haven't had a chance to drive one, but from just looking on a lot with him I'm not at all impressed. Brands like Yugo (80s era) are what come to mind when someone mentions Scion to me since then. Toyota brought the line out as a "hip" thing for the younger crowd...that should tell you loads about the brand.

I've been told that the insurance rates on the TC are high...not sure if it's true or not, but it's not surprising given the demographic they're targeting. Your best bet is to check with your company and see what they'll charge.

--

I'd buy the Mazda 3 if it was down to only those two cars. If it wasn't just limited to those two...well that's another story. The Mazda will also hold it's value better in the long run...so that's another plus.

[HateEternal]

Originally Posted by mdnky

The Mazda 3 (2004+) is based on the Volvo S40/V50 platform (c1 platform). That's a big bonus safety wise (and insurance-cost wise)...though it won't have all the "extras" you'll find on the Volvo. As far as it being near 100% Japanese...you may want to double check that on the sticker just to be sure before you buy (if it's that important to you). Depending on how they claim origin, it's most likely only in the 70% range. I am curious though...why the 5-door and not the sedan?

Last time I was at the dealer it was in the 90% range, it doesn't really matter if its 100% japan or not, more so that it isn't a Chevy, Ford, Chrysler etc. I know Mazda is owned by Ford, but I believe this car is more Mazda than Ford. The 5 door has a lot more storage room, plus I think it looks a lot better.

Originally Posted by mdnky

1. Radio Issue: Add an after-market radio with an iPod setup. You'll get better quality sound out of it (iPod or no iPod). Clarion has a nice setup ...have it and love it. Mine ran $300 or so, but you can get by a bit cheaper. Other manufactures have similar products.
2. AC issue: Do you live in an area that requires the absolute best AC? The one I test drove did fine here in Baton Rouge in August...it's definitely warm here then. Maybe this has been fixed...
3. Transmission Issues: Buy the manual version...better gas mileage and more fun to drive...cheaper to fix. If they are having tranny issues, it's probably their autos.
4. Sunroof Issue: Ask the dealer about a dealer-installed one. Most every dealer out there does this and your warranty is still in effect. Worse case...buy the package. $900 for a sunroof (factory installed) isn't that bad really compared to others.

1. Are there aftermarket radio's available? The way everything is built into the dash I assumed that it would be a pain in the ass to replace that thing.
2. I don't require amazing AC, and I don't really know how "weak" it is, all I know in my accord the AC is pretty weak when you aren't crusing on the highway, and even then its not the coldest, it can get uncomfortable on a hot day up here.
3. Most of the problems I have seen with the tranny are with the 5 Speed giving out, which is what I was going to get anyways, I hate driving automatic cars.
4. The sunroof isn't a huge deal, just one of those nice to haves. Looking at the dealer by me's inventory it looks like I might end up with a sun roof and leather seats... they don't have any w/ the ABS and Side airbags w/o the leather and sunroof. Gonna cost more though :-/ Hopefully they get some more in soon...

I have a whole day to go check stuff out around town on Wednesday, I am planning on visiting all the used lots and seeing if I can get a Subura Impreza WRX for under 20k and in good condition, or perhaps something German.

[ora]

A good friend of mine has an Impreza WRX, its a wonderful machine, but i remember him saying they dipped in quality after 2000 i think, i can check with him if you're interested, he's a total petrol-head.

Off topic, he also pointed em at http://www.sniffpetrol.com/ ,rather amusing

[lbj]

Why not consider the new Civic? Your last Honda appears to have treated you very well. Plus, I think that all the new Honda's offer iPod compatability.

[HateEternal]

Originally Posted by lbj

Why not consider the new Civic? Your last Honda appears to have treated you very well. Plus, I think that all the new Honda's offer iPod compatability.

I do like the Hondas but I don't care that much for the new civic, the reviews weren't that great and it is a little under powered. Also, typically for any car, the first model year is a bad year to buy. They have the majority of their problems then.

[lbj]

If you like last year's model, you can probably pick one up for a steal as dealers try and clear their lot for the new design.

Otherwise, I would vote for the Mazda, but only after the Impeza. Do you get snow?

[HateEternal]

It really depends on the year, but typically we get a decent amount of snow, which is why I want to find an Impreza.