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Mazda3 2.3 vs. '07 VW Rabbit

389 messages,  Last post on Apr 17, 2009 at 12:40 PM

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What is this discussion about? Mazda MAZDA3, Volkswagen Rabbit, Car Comparisons, Hatchback

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#40 of 389 Re: mazda 3 vs vw rabbit by coloradogoose Oct 25, 2006 (10:34 pm)
Knowing that I was going to buy one or the other, I test drove both the Mazda 3 and the VW Rabbit. I drove the 3 in both the sedan and the hatch, and I drove the rabbit in the 2 door. While the Mazda was zippier feeling and quicker around corners, the VW had a smoother quieter ride. Interiors impressed me similarly and price was close enough so I had to decide based on use. I am a product rep and spend a lot of time on the highway, as well as on icy roads. The VW had a nicer feel for long trips and the ASR does a great job at keeping the wheels from spinning on the slick spots.    I've heard all the issues about VW reliability, however we've had several VWs in the family that all lasted far longer than they should have. As far as Mazda goes, we've had three. One made it to 200,000 with barely more then frequent oil changes. One was on its third tranny when it was dumped and the other was on its second. Both were under 100,000 miles. Everyone can make a lemon, and most everyone can build a great car. I just picked what worked best for me.
#41 of 389 Re: Mazda3 2.3 vs. '07 VW Rabbit, auto & manual [ninjaman] by moparbad Oct 26, 2006 (8:17 am)
Replying to: ninjaman (Sep 21, 2006 11:16 am) ninjamanReliability probably goes to the Mazda3, but I don't think is as scary to own a vw as people say. Anyone can have a horror story with a car.   06 Golf had higher quality rating (fewer problems per vehicle)than Mazda 3 as rated by JD Power. It is expected that the Rabbit will have better quality than the Golf based on actual quality improvements seen in Europe when Golf IV model switched to Golf V model (Golf V = Rabbit).   Bottom line, reliability goes to VW Rabbit compared to Mazda 3. Replies to this message: aviboy97 (Oct 26, 2006 8:54 am) bodble2 (Oct 26, 2006 10:07 am) dride (Oct 26, 2006 10:28 am) and 1 more... killerbunny (Nov 10, 2006 9:16 pm) moparbad (Nov 16, 2006 1:48 pm) aviboy97 (Nov 16, 2006 3:16 pm) and 5 more... carfanatic007 (Nov 28, 2007 8:33 am) eldaino (Apr 15, 2008 1:17 pm)
#42 of 389 Re: t is expected that the Rabbit will have better quality than the Golf by funpg Oct 26, 2006 (8:29 am)
Maybe. It sounds like a gamble until the car's been around for a few years.
#43 of 389 Re: Mazda3 2.3 vs. '07 VW Rabbit, auto & manual [moparbad] by aviboy97 Oct 26, 2006 (8:54 am)
Replying to: moparbad (Oct 26, 2006 8:17 am) 06 Golf had higher quality rating (fewer problems per vehicle)than Mazda 3 as rated by JD Power. It is expected that the Rabbit will have better quality than the Golf based on actual quality improvements seen in Europe when Golf IV model switched to Golf V model (Golf V = Rabbit).   You are forgetting that JD Powers rates vehicles based on "the first 90 day's of ownership". If you buy a new vehicle every 90 days, then the VW is for you. If you plan on owning the car longer then that, perhaps 5yrs or more, like the majority of vehicle owners, then the Mazda3 rates out better.   CR places VW next to last in reliability, only Mercedes-Benz rates lower, and Mazda is near the top.   Bottom line, reliability goes to VW Rabbit compared to Mazda 3.   I would reverse that conclusion. Replies to this message: bodble2 (Oct 26, 2006 10:07 am) dride (Oct 26, 2006 10:28 am) aviboy97 (Oct 26, 2006 12:46 pm)
#44 of 389 Re: Mazda3 2.3 vs. '07 VW Rabbit, auto & manual [aviboy97] by bodble2 Oct 26, 2006 (10:07 am)
Replying to: aviboy97 (Oct 26, 2006 8:54 am) 90 days, or over 5 years would, for me anyway, be at either end of the spectrum. What would matter to me would be how either would fare between 90 days and 5 years, since I normally do not keep a car for longer than 4 years (or in excess of 60K miles), give or take a few months. So, if someone says most VW would fall apart after 5 years or at 100K miles, that wouldn't faze me much. Replies to this message: dride (Oct 26, 2006 10:28 am) aviboy97 (Oct 26, 2006 12:46 pm)
#46 of 389 Re: Mazda3 2.3 vs. '07 VW Rabbit, auto & manual [bodble2] by dride Oct 26, 2006 (10:28 am)
Replying to: bodble2 (Oct 26, 2006 10:07 am) My VW started falling apart at 50,000 miles. My advice would be to get rid of one before hitting the 40k mark. At first it was a lot of little things: automatic window switches cracked and broke ($250.00), headlight switch shorted out ($299.00),interior door handles cracked ($45.00), headlights burnt out ($140.00 at dealer of course they demand you replace both), fog light replacement (they cracked and broke) ($350.00), and the gas cap latch door line snapped ($250.00)... Then there was the more serious items: (I'm done listing repair costs, it's just making me angry again) Airbag sensor went bad, side airbag sensor needed replacing, water pump had to be replaced, o2 sensors failed and were replaced, which led to the cat converter needing replacement (Graciously ((sarcasm)) VW agreed to cover that under the emissions warranty so thankfully that saved me $1,400.00)... I seriously laughed out loud when I read that someone is actually crazy enough to think VW could be anywhere near the TOP of a reliability list. I have had some problems with my Mazda, but everything has been covered under warranty, and my stress level has been brought way down no longer owning the VW. I will go out of my way to persuade friends, co-workers, and family not to buy VW. Mazda -vs- VW is a no-brainer (since I have owned both brands I feel justified in my opinion), I can not believe there is even a thread on this issue. Replies to this message: aviboy97 (Oct 26, 2006 12:46 pm)
#47 of 389 Re: Mazda3 2.3 vs. '07 VW Rabbit, auto & manual [dride] by aviboy97 Oct 26, 2006 (12:46 pm)
Replying to: dride (Oct 26, 2006 10:28 am) I have had some problems with my Mazda, but everything has been covered under warranty, and my stress level has been brought way down no longer owning the VW.   There are no problem free brands out there. Honda/Acura and Toyota/Lexus owners also go through problems from time to time. Mazda's are not perfect, and VW's are not either, but, one is better off in the long run with a Mazda.
#48 of 389 Problem free brands by eldaino Nov 06, 2006 (9:57 am)
That may be true but there are plenty of mazda owners with horror stories. (talk to anyone with a 626 and ask them if they like automatic transmissions.) I have not heard many new jetta owners with any real problems with their vehicle after quite a few miles so hopefully this trend will continue with the rabbit.
#49 of 389 C/D comparo by d_hyper Nov 07, 2006 (9:14 am)
There is a reason I'm starting to prefer Edmunds over C/D. You may witness this "full of content" comparo involving Rabbit, Mazda 3, et al. titled "Six Sedans" on the cover of the print version as well as in the text. http://www.caranddriver.com/comparisons/11873/2007-toyota-corolla-le-vs-2006-hon- - da-civic-lx-vs-2007-hyundai-elantra-se-vs-2007-mazda-3s-touring-vs-2007-volkswag- - en-rabbit-vs-2007-nissan-sentra-20s.html   I always draw my own conclusions from the tests, but this one is a pure nonsense. You can't call Rabbit a sedan and then give it more points than Mazda3 because you can put more luggage in the former. Not to mention "Got to have it factor"! Replies to this message: backy (Nov 07, 2006 9:20 am)

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