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Help Me Choose!

3286 messages,  Last post on May 20, 2013 at 2:50 PM

You are in the Sedans Forum.

What is this discussion about? Chevrolet Malibu, Nissan Maxima, Mazda MAZDA3, Nissan Altima, Honda Accord, Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra, Lexus IS 250, Acura TSX, Car Comparisons, Sedan

Messages Page 296 of 330

#2943 of 3286 Re: '11/'12 Hyundai Elantra Limited vs. '12 Mazda3 i Touring vs. Dodge Dart SXT [markwillis] by backy

Nov 20, 2012 (5:11 pm)

Replying to: markwillis (Nov 20, 2012 4:25 pm)
I've driven the 2013 Sentra. If you are looking for a nice small car appliance that has no power, imprecise handling, and good fuel economy, also a nice interior for its price, you might want to check it out. Good little car to schlep from point A to point B.
 
But based on what you said here I think you'll find the Mazda3 much more to your liking. It also gets very good fuel economy. But you'll actually have fun driving it.

#2944 of 3286 Re: '11/'12 Hyundai Elantra Limited vs. '12 Mazda3 i Touring vs. Dodge Dart SXT [backy] by bpizzuti

Nov 20, 2012 (5:47 pm)

Replying to: backy (Nov 20, 2012 5:11 pm)
I'd agree. Looks like the Mazda has conquered another soul with the power of Zoom Zoom.
 
Nice that it gets 40 MPG highway in real life too.

#2945 of 3286 Re: '11/'12 Hyundai Elantra Limited vs. '12 Mazda3 i Touring vs. Dodge Dart SXT [backy] by markwillis

Nov 20, 2012 (6:03 pm)

Replying to: backy (Nov 20, 2012 5:11 pm)
Thank you a lot for your input! I feel as if I've definitely made up my mind at this point. I can't wait to test drive a Mazda3 for myself. How does the driver's seat fare with taller drivers though? I'm 6'2". Rear leg room isn't a huge concern for me. I'm not opting for the sun roof as that would just further hinder room in the front seat.

#2946 of 3286 Re: '11/'12 Hyundai Elantra Limited vs. '12 Mazda3 i Touring vs. Dodge Dart SXT [markwillis] by backy

Nov 20, 2012 (7:36 pm)

Replying to: markwillis (Nov 20, 2012 6:03 pm)
Well, you'll have to check out the driver's seat for yourself, as not every 6'2" is the same kind of 6'2", right?
 
Good thing rear leg room isn't important to you as that is not a bright spot for the Mazda3.

#2947 of 3286 Re: '11/'12 Hyundai Elantra Limited vs. '12 Mazda3 i Touring vs. Dodge Dart SXT [markwillis] by plekto

Nov 21, 2012 (5:53 am)

Replying to: markwillis (Nov 20, 2012 4:25 pm)
So I ground through as much data as I could while I was waiting for an old PC I'm resurrecting as a game box to install Windows (for the second time - sigh). Three hours and still no joy vs 20 minutes and worked perfectly for Linix Mint...)
 
Anyways, check this out:
http://www.truecar.com/prices-new/chevrolet/cruze-pricing/2012/
Leftover models are on some sort of massive discount right now.
It's about $16K and is a far superior car to the others that we've been recommending. I just ignored it as they typically run around 20-22K. It's very solid and has enough power to get around acceptably well.

#2948 of 3286 Re: '11/'12 Hyundai Elantra Limited vs. '12 Mazda3 i Touring vs. Dodge Dart SXT [plekto] by mr_gone

Nov 21, 2012 (6:52 am)

Replying to: plekto (Nov 21, 2012 5:53 am)
A Cruze is "far superior" to a Mazda3? A Hyundai Elantra? C'mon. Decent car I'm sure, but not "far superior."
 
And let's stop all the "Mustangs get 30 mpg" nonsense. Look at a Mustang owners forum. The guys posting there say they're averaging 20-22 mpg combined city/highway. Some are thrilled to hit 24, in highway-only driving. A lot say they're getting 16-18 mpg in typical driving. You'd have to believe in fairies to think a heavy car with a 300-plus engine is going to get 30 mpg, and if you try to baby it to squeeze out an extra mpg or 2, you'll lose all the fun.
 
One downside to the new Mazda3: The new, fuel-efficient engine is supposed to be a bit of a dog compared to previous versions.

#2949 of 3286 Re: '11/'12 Hyundai Elantra Limited vs. '12 Mazda3 i Touring vs. Dodge Dart SXT [plekto] by bpizzuti

Nov 21, 2012 (6:54 am)

Replying to: plekto (Nov 21, 2012 5:53 am)
Superior where? It's got fewer HP than the Mazda3, gets fewer MPGs, and doesn't offer a hatch option. Not to mention being heavier and much less fun-to-drive.

#2950 of 3286 Re: '11/'12 Hyundai Elantra Limited vs. '12 Mazda3 i Touring vs. Dodge Dart SXT [plekto] by markwillis

Nov 21, 2012 (9:35 am)

Replying to: plekto (Nov 21, 2012 5:53 am)
Personally, I'm not a fan of the Cruze. I looked into it briefly and nothing about it really caught my eye. Not to mention I've heard much more praise about the Mazda3.

#2951 of 3286 Re: '11/'12 Hyundai Elantra Limited vs. '12 Mazda3 i Touring vs. Dodge Dart SXT [mr_gone] by maxx4me

Nov 21, 2012 (2:04 pm)

Replying to: mr_gone (Nov 21, 2012 6:52 am)
One downside to the new Mazda3: The new, fuel-efficient engine is supposed to be a bit of a dog compared to previous versions.
 
....and, it is a two seater; it is time to get over that too. I simply would never buy a car that cannot fit two adults in the back. Some of these manufacturers aught to just skip the back seat altogether and have a flat floor for hauling/loading. As in the case with the Mazda 3, and many versions of Subarus, the designers seem more intent on providing room for an umbrella than thoughtfully planning out adequate space for adults. If I want a two seater, I'll get a Miata. Please don't continue to charge me 20+ thousand dollars for a car with little/no useful space behind the driver's seat!

#2952 of 3286 Re: '11/'12 Hyundai Elantra Limited vs. '12 Mazda3 i Touring vs. Dodge Dart SXT [maxx4me] by sebring95

Nov 21, 2012 (3:07 pm)

Replying to: maxx4me (Nov 21, 2012 2:04 pm)
I would think if hauling adults comfortably is a need....you would just buy a more appropriately sized car to begin with. I used to commute in a VW Jetta diesel that allowed the front seat to go back so far it rendered the back seat useless. That was fine by me because it was one of the few small cars I was extremely comfortable driving (i'm 6'4). I find many much larger cars to limit the travel of the front seat to a point I don't have enough room. It's been awhile but I had a Mazda3 rental and don't recall having any issues. One of the worst in recent years was a Pontiac G6 which is bigger than a Mazda3 but was not comfortable at all. I also don't find the Impala all that comfortable and that's probably considered a full size today.

Messages Page 296 of 330

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