Mazda 3 vs Honda Civic

[astroworldfan1]

Do you want a car that looks like an old lady drives it, or would you like a car that will last for a long time?

 

-Tatum

[spaceace12]

Find a beater Jeep (or just a beater car) (or a cheap one). Learn to drive on rear wheel drive vehicle and a stick vehicle and Front wheel drive and transmissions won't be any issue later. Chances are that more than likely that you will have a wreck within a year of getting your license (statics). Bad thing about being young, if you do have a wreck, chances are that any slight question of fault, you will be given it. Cops are like that.

 

Just something I would throw into the conversation. If you get a car that is good cheap enough, save up money and just buy a new car in a few years without getting a loan. Just an idea to throw out there.

[ebl]

Both cars will be reliable, but the edge goes to Honda.

 

As for which to buy? Get the Honda. Who'd want a car that looks like it has a goofy grin coming at you.

 

Eric

[Drew-B]

Find a beater Jeep (or just a beater car) (or a cheap one). Learn to drive on rear wheel drive vehicle and a stick vehicle and Front wheel drive and transmissions won't be any issue later. Chances are that more than likely that you will have a wreck within a year of getting your license (statics). Bad thing about being young, if you do have a wreck, chances are that any slight question of fault, you will be given it. Cops are like that.

 

Just something I would throw into the conversation. If you get a car that is good cheap enough, save up money and just buy a new car in a few years without getting a loan. Just an idea to throw out there.

 

Just saying, I've been driving for a year now. Still no wreck.. lol

 

I turn 17 this month (october). I know how to drive a stick already. I'm a safe driver and don't plan on being one of those statistics, but then again who does?

 

I don't want a jeep or a beater car, that's what I have now (beater car). I'm ready to get rid of it and get something I actually like.

[Drew-B]

Do you want a car that looks like an old lady drives it, or would you like a car that will last for a long time?

 

-Tatum

 

I don't want an ugly car, and I want a car that will last a long time. Therefore I'll get the Mazda

[ParkTrips]

I think that's a solid choice, let us know how you like it!

[moinab]

I drove a Mazda 626 for 7 years. It was a hateful piece of crap. Hope you have better luck.

[ebl]

I've been driving my CR-V for over seven years, and it's running like new with 140,000 miles on it.

 

Eric

[Speeddeamon128]

I'll say go with the Civic but I like neither. I currently drive a 2008 Dodge Avenger SXT & love it In 2011 I plan on either getting a 2010 Camaro SS, 2010 Dodge Challenger R/T, or a 2010 Ford Mustang GT. Now that will be a fun & tough choice to make when January 2011 comes around

[Wes]

I'll say go with the Civic but I like neither. I currently drive a 2008 Dodge Avenger SXT & love it In 2011 I plan on either getting a 2010 Camaro SS, 2010 Dodge Challenger R/T, or a 2010 Ford Mustang GT. Now that will be a fun & tough choice to make when January 2011 comes around

 

Cool thanks for the post bragging about your potential cars while not helping the original poster at all.

[ginzo]

Bad thing about being young, if you do have a wreck, chances are that any slight question of fault, you will be given it. Cops are like that.

 

Cops don't determine fault. That's what the courts are for. Even the accident reports in court are considered hearsay as the cops usually don't witness the accident. At least this is how it works in my state.

[spaceace12]

I know in my state, cops determine fault for points system on the license. Insurance wise, they sometimes don't go by this, as I have friends who have had issues with fault being determined. Fortunately, the only wreck I have had that wasn't my fault and went to insurance, it was pretty clear cut their fault and their insurance had everything covered and fixed within a week.

[RBOrrell]

Personally I would go with the Mazda. But I have two in the driveway now (a 5 and a 6). I have also had 2 MPVs, a Tribute and a Protege.

 

You might check with your insurance agent to see which is cheaper to insure - especially at your age.

 

 

I'm not a HUGE car buff, but does the fact that the Mazda is a rotary engine make a difference (performance/maintenance wise)? I assume since they're japanese like hondas they're not very high-maintenance..

 

The only Rotary Engine Mazda is the RX-8. The Mazda 3 uses a 4 cylinder engine - as does the Honda.

 

While the companies are Japanese in origin, the Honda is made in North America (check the VIN's 11th digit for plant code - some are US made and some are Canadian made) but the 3 is made in Japan.

 

Demographically, Mazdas tend to be marketed to younger age groups (Zoom Zoom) while Hondas are an older age group. Personally, I do not like the front end of the new 2010 Mazda 3 (big grin look), but I drove one and it rocked.

 

I suggest that you give each a test drive, take notes on ride, ease of entry and exit, interior layout (can you reach the radio knob without taking your eyes off the road), backseat room, trunk space, highway noise, performance, etc.

 

Then review your notes with sales brochures. Take note of the standard features of each vehcile; what options you want/need; etc. The brochures list performance details (hp, torque, dimensions, fuel capacity, fuel consumption).

 

If you have no emotional ties to either car, then this process will clearly identify which vehicle is best for you. Keep in mind that you can poll 100 people who own each car and you will have some that hate it, some that love it, some that have had nothing but problems, some with no problems at all. So, review the warranty plan of each vehicle too.

[BeemerBoy]

I suggest that you give each a test drive, take notes on ride, ease of entry and exit, interior layout (can you reach the radio knob without taking your eyes off the road), backseat room, trunk space, highway noise, performance, etc.

 

Then review your notes with sales brochures. Take note of the standard features of each vehcile; what options you want/need; etc. The brochures list performance details (hp, torque, dimensions, fuel capacity, fuel consumption).

 

At 16, I just wanted something that was eventually gonna get me laid.

[bigstevet07]

At 16, I just wanted something that was eventually gonna get me laid.

 

Agreed, unfortunately my parents thought a 1990 ford escort with 95,000 miles and no AC would do the trick. But the sparkomatic tape deck that came with it was awesome. It would play at least 4 songs before slowing down and then every song was sung by Barry White.

 

As for the poll, I would probably go with the Mazda. The Civic is the #1 stolen car every year, and I think the Mazda looks a little nicer as well.

[mcjaco]

I know in my state, cops determine fault for points system on the license. Insurance wise, they sometimes don't go by this, as I have friends who have had issues with fault being determined. Fortunately, the only wreck I have had that wasn't my fault and went to insurance, it was pretty clear cut their fault and their insurance had everything covered and fixed within a week.

 

Cops can only determine fault by the facts and evidence of the incident. Not all case are black and white....heck, most aren't.

 

I think your confusing your state's point system and how fault is determined.

[spaceace12]

At 16, I just wanted something that was eventually gonna get me laid.

 

Agreed, unfortunately my parents thought a 1990 ford escort with 95,000 miles and no AC would do the trick. But the sparkomatic tape deck that came with it was awesome. It would play at least 4 songs before slowing down and then every song was sung by Barry White.

 

As for the poll, I would probably go with the Mazda. The Civic is the #1 stolen car every year, and I think the Mazda looks a little nicer as well.

 

I just realized at age 16, I was driving my moms station wagon (with permit) and then a mini van when I got my license. I didn't get my own car until I was 18. Oh well, I got a Jeep now. The back is big enough for an air mattress and a 6' 1" person to lay down in it if you know what I mean. Plus, you could get "lost" in the woods and have "mechanical problems" and have to be away from civilization for a day or two before you can get it "fixed". If you know what I mean.

[ParkTrips]

At 16, I just wanted something that was eventually gonna get me laid.

truth. I also started with a Ford Escort. I can't say I ever had a hot girl checking us out at a traffic light

[derwood]

 

At 16, I just wanted something that was eventually gonna get me laid.

 

 

Isn't that still the goal?

 

 

daron

[paintballer]

 

At 16, I just wanted something that was eventually gonna get me laid.

 

 

Isn't that still the goal?

 

 

daron

 

I remember my 67 Chevy and a mattress in the truck bed did the trick

[NorCalAndrew]

First things first, i'm sorry for bringing up an old topic.

 

Secondly, this is still "Drew-B" however for some reason my password quit working, i emailed robb and an automated thing keeps sending me a preset password that doesn't seem to work. So, new account, say hello to TPR!

 

Anyway, I finally got my car. After 3 deaths in the family, lots and lots of road trips to various family member's cities, funerals, being reunited with old family members, etc.

 

I went with white with the tan interior. It looked better than black to me. The car is SUPER fun to drive, it's a lot sportier than my mom's civic. It came with an automatic transmission that you can tip into a manual mode and shift if you want. It has bluetooth phone calling, as well as bluetooth audio. I can stream music from my iPhone into my stereo wirelessly! I have a 6CD, 10-speaker Bose "centerpoint" audio system as well as a moonroof. I have 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels which look great. There are so many features to this car that I am just amazed with the value it has. I got the "s-sport" trim which is the second highest trim level out of 5, with this came fog lights, an upgraded 2.5 liter engine, electroluminescent gauges which stand out really well at night, a rear spoiler, dual chrome exhaust and a leather wrapped steering wheel with countless other features.

 

There is a small screen in the "eyebrow" that you can set to give a constant readout of your current fuel economy. I notice myself getting an average of 27 in the city and probably 36 on the highway (way past the EPA estimates!!).

 

At night, the car's interior lighting looks AMAZING, miles past the civic interior lights.

 

I would HIGHLY recommend at least test driving one if you're considering a new car, you can get base model with tons of features for around 16K (MSRP), and get a top of the line model with all the packages and options for around 28K (MSRP)! It's a highly customizable car that is super fun to drive and handles amazingly.

 

I know the car is really dirty and has bugs on the front, the Mazda dealership was 175 miles away from home.

[tntornadox]

Dude, I actually just got a 2010 Mazda3 myself and it is the same exact package and trim level as yours, except mine is a copper red in color!

 

I absolutely LOVE the drive... I had forgotten how much 'fun' driving could be until I got my Mazda! As for the grill, it really grows on you... 'Happy Mazda' and zoom-zoom!

[NorCalAndrew]

here's my only gripe about the car..

 

the sticker said 29mpg on the highway and i just did a 300 mile trip yesterday and the screen said my average economy for the trip was 27

 

really though, it's not a huge deal to me because i absolutely love the car, it drives and handles amazingly well. i drove a 2010 jetta, a 2010 honda civic, and a 2010 lancer and it's far better IMO.

[Carnage]

The gas mileage is typically lower while the car is being broken in. I'm sure after the break in period you'll start getting the type of mileage you expect.

[silverstreak]

Congrats on the new ride, good choice too. I myself have a 2008 Mazdaspeed3. Enjoy!!