I'm starting work in January and have enjoyed test driving most cars in the small car segment over the last week. First time I've really done this rather than buying something off the back of reviews. No rush to buy the car.
It's come down to the Mazda 3 versus the Golf 90TSI. (I liked the Focus too, but it's a bit dated..... a great used buy though).
From my twenty minute stints behind the wheel, the Mazda and VW seem to handle equally well. Kit level is slightly higher on the Golf but it's approx $2K more. My new car would be a manual.
Prior to leaving the UK I sold my MX-5 Fantastic car....
- I'm hoping people here can convince me to go for the Mazda 3? VW seem to have a rotten reputation over here for reliability and service.
- I was looking at a Maxx, but the dealer was suggesting I get a Neo and add safety pack, cruise control and alloys and save $1K'ish. Good idea?
I would actually consider the golf. I havnt driven the 90TSI but i have driven the 118TSI and the GTI and i LOVED both =D
However, 2 friends own MK5 GTI/R32 and when it comes to servicing... its pretty horrible..
The golf is overall, more refined and is a very well balanced car.
On the other hand, the mazda 3 just handles better but the chassis is 6 years old now and even though mazda have made many many improvements, road noise is always going to be an issue, well not for starters but as time progresses and your tyres start wearing down.. it'll get noiser.
Mazda 3 reliability is great overall where other members on this forum can confirm. I think i've just had bad luck with my car with many many warranty claims.
I'd probably just get the neo and spec it up. You get more value for money i guess. However, resale will be better if u get the maxx. If your planning to keep the car longterm, get the neo.. IF its just for 3 years, get the maxx.
got our '07 Maxx Sport 3 Hatch(FTW) 26k TOTAL(incl tax etc..)
had a good Haggler working for us. .
VW's are great cars. . but hard for Parts/Servicing. . but if you get a good mechanic for it then it might be ok.
but if it's NOT the GTI i prolly go for the M3. . . not as good a build quality as the GTI. .
Is it for Work or Play
Work. . get the one that's easy to service / comfy to drive
Play. . .get the one that you can MOD(and save on $$$), coz you know your gonna get THE MOD BUG. . .
__________________ Sharkfin, Door Trim Removed, 2008 Hail Option, More to come
Thanks for all the input.... very interesting to see such a balanced response on a Mazda forum. Most generic forums seem to descend into flame wars at the first hint of a negative comment.
Ref VW in the UK, they're not perceived as having any issues with reliability and servicing - certainly not like here. The MKVI is built in Germany not South Africa (the salesman told me this ten times), so reliability 'may' improve, but it's up to VW Australia on the servicing front.
How come they went downhill with the move to water cooling?
Can't afford a flash model unfortunately - only got capital in the UK and the exchange rate has killed any thoughts of transferring GBP to here. No GTI or SP25/MPS for me.
Good point ref a spec'ed up Neo being worth less than a Maxx. The car is largely for work and initially will be leased, but no doubt I'll change it three years down the line.
I guess I'll drive them both again. Shame the new look of the Mazda 3 isn't as stunning as I'd hoped, though I really like the way you can choose colour and body style with no hit (unlike the $700 for metallic paint on the Golf). I also wish dual-zone climate control was an option.
Will let you know what I decide and what sort of deal I get (if it's the Mazda!)
How come they went downhill with the move to water cooling?.
I personally do not know, but my colleague used to work in VW servicing (as well as Nissan and Mitsuibishi) and has told me on many occasions that VW's are nice cars to drive and spend more time on a tow truck than on the road
I have a 71' superbug at home that still runs like a dream... Water cooling seems to be the only difference
My sister is getting a Golf (next week I think she takes delivery of it) so it will be interesting to see how the are in the flesh
You'd have to take a few things into considerarion, mostly the price and the kms you're likely to travel if you're leasing it.
While the fuel economy in a diesel is tempting they aren't cost effective given the extra money for the car, the maintenance and extra money for the cost of diesel. Fuel might not matter that much if you also package it though.
Personally the New 3 is styled like a dog's backside, unless you can pay for a SP25 or higher when the body kits make them more bearable. The Neo is something I would never drive, it's joined the Nissan Tida in the ugly stakes.
The VW is much better looking, has a better build quality and has more features. You pay more, but they hold their value well. They also drink 95 Octane or higher so cost more money to fill, but for 1.4 turbo engine the fuel economy would partially make up for that.
Personally, I would go for the Golf. I probably would have bought one instead of the 3 if the $$ stretched that far when I was buying.
The new Mark VI Golf is a very good and solid car. The only problem is their is a limited dealer network in Australia....you may think there are quite a few dealers, but they simply can't cope with the number of VWs. What that means is that they are OK with normal servicing, but when it comes to problems (e.g. my Mark V had DSG problems) they simply cannot fix them and treat their customers very badly.
All good points, though I feel a bit bad discussing all this on a Mazda forum....
Everyone is v positive regarding Mazda servicing and cost of parts if things go wrong, particularly in contrast to VW, but of course it's very difficult to appreciate that when you're shopping around. I've also been historically lucky with cars, apart from a leaky sunroof on my first car (Peugeot 106). Famous last words. There aren't many VWs on the road in Perth, so if they do start to sell the dealers may have even more difficulty keeping up.
Anyway, a mate rocked up in a new red Mazda3 Maxx Sport last night and he loves it, so there's hope for me yet! He must be in love 'cos he wouldn't let me drive it!!!
Fantastic car....
Why not thank me a few times 
, More to come 
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