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Hatchbacks Mazda3 Mazda3 2.3 vs. '07 VW Rabbit
389 messages, Last post on Apr 17, 2009 at 12:40 PM
You are in the Mazda3 Forum. Your Host is pf_flyer
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I test drove both cars and thought they were rather similar. Both handled well, and both were my two top choices. I ended up with the rabbit because I liked the look of the hatch better on the rabbit than the mazda, and I also liked the interior better. The rabbit was also available with the extra options that I wanted at the dealer. Unlike what many people have said, the people at my VW dealer were very nice and helpful with my questions and the purchase, so that did not factor into my decision. I've had the car for about a month now and have had no problems it, and am quite pleased with my decision.
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Replying to: clownfishfunk (Jul 24, 2006 3:12 pm) I did not have a problem with the VW sales team. I had a problem with the service department and customer service. I do like the fact that you drove the 3 and the Rabbit and picked the vehicle that was best for you. It would be a boring world if everyone drove nothing but Rabbits or nothing but 3s.. Choice is a good thing 
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Replying to: jmnapp (Jul 10, 2006 6:24 am)
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Replying to: carfanatic007 (Jul 24, 2006 9:18 pm) Despite all of the recent recalls of Japanese built cars, the Mazda 3 is still an excellent choice. Do not let the fact that it is built in Japan scare you away. Most of the recalls have been by Toyota anyway.
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Replying to: moparbad (Jul 25, 2006 3:26 pm) Statistically, Japanese cars are the most reliable. Just because a manufacturer announces a recall does not mean the vehicle is unreliable. Toyota has had the most recalls lately, however, I do not think it will tarnish their name. GM and Ford have had huge recalls this year as well. Mazda has been fortunate to not really have any recalls, except for the preventative one placed on the Mazda5 back in September. The Mazda3 has not had any, and it's way to soon for the VW Rabbit to have any. I also believe the 2.5 5 cyl. is a new engine for them? Am I correct?
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Replying to: aviboy97 (Jul 26, 2006 8:55 am) No you are not correct, the 2.5 5cyl is new only to North America, it has been offered for several years outside of North America. Statistically, Japanese cars are the most reliable. Just because a manufacturer announces a recall does not mean the vehicle is unreliable. Toyota has had the most recalls lately, however, I do not think it will tarnish their name. Statistically, for North America, Toyota has had more recalls per vehicle than Daimler Chrysler. Interesting trivia. I agree that a recall does not determine reliability and has greater affect on perception. My point is this, recent posts in many topic concerning the Rabbit and VW in general imply that reliability is determined by country of manufacture are incorrect and ridiculous. Japan = Very Reliable Mexico = Unreliable Germany = Somewhat Reliable 
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Replying to: moparbad (Jul 26, 2006 9:26 am) The problem with Mexico stems from when both Ford and VW started building cars there. There were serious process and quality control issues and it made the press. From what I have read this is no longer an issue in Mexico and in some cases Mexican quality is even better than the quality of some US manufacturing plants. Point is that the damage was done initially and many people still associate Mexican build quality as being bad. As for the German perception I think this stems from well documented reliability issues with both VW and Mercedes Benz recently. Perhaps VW and Mercedes have cracked down and have resolved some of these issues, but it takes time to restore your image. Look at Hyundai. They have really improved across the board for quite a few years, and many people still associate Hyundai build quality with the Hyundai Excel problems...
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Replying to: dc_driver (Jul 26, 2006 10:47 am) The thing about German vehicles is that usually the build quality is good, as well as refinement. However, they just do not last. Most problems with VW/Audi are electrical, and they have had numerous problems with their boosted engines. Mercedes-Benz is just a sinking ship that is sinking FAST. Great design, great power, but you cannot enjoy it if it is always in the shop. Look at Hyundai. They have really improved across the board for quite a few years They really have come leaps and bounds. Materials used in the interior are not as good as Japanese brands, and the over all feel is not as good either, however, they are seeming to last quite a long time. Since this is a Mazda3 Vs. Rabbit thread, I will say this..It is a bit to early to tell how the VW will do, reliability wise, and the Mazda3 has proven to be reliable. Both vehicles will have it's fair share of hick-ups. But, who will experience more? My bet is VW will.
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Replying to: aviboy97 (Jul 26, 2006 11:44 am)
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