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Mazda3 vs. Jetta 2.5L - READ ONLY

16 messages,  Last post on Sep 16, 2006 at 6:50 AM

You are in the Volkswagen Jetta Forum.

What is this discussion about? Mazda MAZDA3, Volkswagen Jetta, Subaru Legacy, Subaru Impreza, Sedan

Messages Page 2 of 3

#4 of 16 Within the next year... by bamaflum

Feb 23, 2006 (12:17 pm)

...I will purchasing a new car and the Mazda3, Subaru 2.5i, and Civic EX are my top three choices. I am really interested to hear from some "experts" about these. How is the reliability of the Mazda3 and Subaru 2.5i? I know Honda's are known for reliability and have had a bit of trouble with the new Civic (hopefully, they will correct this for 2007). Thanks.

#5 of 16 Re: Within the next year... [bamaflum] by davesbrew

Apr 03, 2006 (10:59 am)

Replying to: bamaflum (Feb 23, 2006 12:17 pm)
I am shopping the same crowd and recently testdrove all of them plus the cooper, and except the 2 subies and those I read enough reviews to get them off the list.
 
The 3 was the winner followed by the jetta, then suprisingly the honda, and finally the cooper.
The 3 handled great. Lots of power and great interior.
The vw was only slightly behind the 3. Leatherette was beter than I expected, as was the base engine. Drove both the 2.5 and the GLI. The GLI was great and with the megabolstered seats was the most comfortable of the bunch. Incredible DSG transmission. If I hadnt been watching the tac, I wouldnt have even known it was shifting. The problem is pricier than the 3.
 
Honda was underpowered. It was ok, but no where near as nice as the 3. I love the interior, but no leather. I had high hopes for this one... The reviews are right. If all you want is fuel economy, this might get the edge. Otherwise, go with the 3.
 
Cooper- handles incredibly and arguably the most character of the bunch, but less room, higher price, and at least around here, dealers won't go below msrp.
 
Subie legacy. Nice incentives right now, but all reviews I read mentioned how sluggish it was. That nixed it for me. add in the options of the 3 and price gets insane.
 
Not sure about impreza- not a big fan of the looks.

#6 of 16 legacy sluggish by krzyss

Apr 03, 2006 (11:37 am)

if you drive 2.5i after GT it will be sluggish.
 
Krzys

#7 of 16 Re: legacy sluggish [krzyss] by lordpasty

Apr 17, 2006 (8:49 pm)

Replying to: krzyss (Apr 03, 2006 11:37 am)
if you drive 2.5i after GT it will be sluggish.
 
But the Jetta will still look like a melting blob.

#8 of 16 Re: legacy sluggish [lordpasty] by tima3

Apr 18, 2006 (5:24 am)

Replying to: lordpasty (Apr 17, 2006 8:49 pm)
LOL blob indeed ... fact is the legacy outclasses the others sedans mentioned... even in the base model...

#9 of 16 Re: Within the next year... [davesbrew] by dride

Apr 18, 2006 (12:15 pm)

Replying to: davesbrew (Apr 03, 2006 10:59 am)
I totally agree:
 
The Civic is GREAT for MPG, but underpowered compared to the M3. I was disappointed with the lack of exciting Civic colors (in the 4 dr ES)a bright red would've been nice. I did like the aux jack the Civic had on the stereo for MP3 players.
 
The Mini is a unique vehicle, but does have the space trade off for great handling. I "hear" their reliability is poor, but can not confirm.
 
The M3 has been pretty good. I did have one problem last year, I had a bad fuel pump replaced, and new hotter plugs installed all under warranty. The brakes squeek a little in the cold once or twice, and the stock tires were terrible. Other than that not near as many complaints as I had on my VW. I wouldn't drive another VW if they paid me. Talk about a brand that will nickel and dime a person, no repair was reasonably priced. At about 45,000 of normal driving the expensive repairs started, and VW customer service SUCKS.

#10 of 16 somehow by krzyss

Apr 18, 2006 (12:36 pm)

when I see M3 I think BMW, not Mazda.
 
Krzys

#11 of 16 Re: somehow [krzyss] by pat

Apr 18, 2006 (1:30 pm)

Replying to: krzyss (Apr 18, 2006 12:36 pm)
Yeah, using MZ3 as an abbreviation for the Mazda3 seems clearer.

#12 of 16 2.5 Jetta performance by germanboy

Apr 24, 2006 (6:50 pm)

The automatic transmission is rated for 0-60 at 9.1 seconds. Since the manual transmission time was nowhere available, I tested it myself with a stop-clock. First, I tested an automatic 2.5 and got exactly 9.1 seconds. Confident in my experimental procedure, I tested my manual. I did 0-60 in 8.1 seconds (I'm originally from Germany, so I know a few tricks when it comes to make the most out of a manual). Even more, since I had to shift to third at around 58 mph (rev limiter), I tested my 0-58 mph and got 7.7 seconds. Imagine if the rev limiter were set just a little higher... Bottom line: With a manual this car (2.5) is actually zippy!

#13 of 16 Performance vs. Money by tdg

Jun 18, 2006 (4:05 pm)

OK, this may sound a little old, but I'm only 30. If performance creeps into a conversation for cars around 20K, you've got to forget it. There is no way you are going to get true performance for 20K on a new car. Used, yes, but you forefit other options.
 
My suggestion is this: Test drive the cars (manual if you are hoping to approach performance, although you specified automatic), and see what you like best.
 
My wife drives a Mazda 6, so I can assume a little expertise on the Mazda front: Great car, fun to drive, but you should have bought the 3 two years ago when noone else had them. Now, the prices have been rising higher and higher, but it is a great looking and performing car with a really small back seat.
 
The Jetta I can claim no expertise for: But my opinion is that it is really boring (I mean no offense). I'm not saying it is ugly, but the old style was much better - same with the Passat. In terms of reliability, I'd have to say to forego the new Jetta. I have two friends who have had problems with their new Jettas. Just because it is German, doesn't mean it is better. Look at the electrical problems on many BMWs.
 
As far as the Legacy, I own the '06 Legacy Limited. Leather, blah blah blah... love it. It isn't going to break any land speed records, but it is plenty of fun to drive, especially if you learn how to really play with AWD. If you look at the SE or base models, and give them a shot, I think you'd probably be very surprised. And reliability? The average Subie owner keeps the car 8-12 years. That must say something. Oh, and you mentioned the Auto-sports shift. Subaru has it (I have it in mine). It's fun, but really, don't sweat it, it isn't a replacement for a manual.
 
Good luck and have fun (don't forget other cars too: Base Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, Pontiac G6, Subaru Impreza).

Messages Page 2 of 3

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