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Hatchbacks Mazda3 Mazda3i vs Elantra GLS
23 messages, Last post on Dec 20, 2008 at 11:50 AM
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Replying to: backy (Dec 18, 2008 9:23 am) While I wouldn't go so far as to say that the SE version of the Elantra was "Buick-like", I will also say that it cannot hold a candle to the handling of the Mazda3 i Touring; the difference is very apparent when performing a back-to-back test drive between the two. Best regards, Shipo
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Replying to: shipo (Dec 18, 2008 9:30 am) |
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Replying to: backy (Dec 18, 2008 9:23 am) id also like to get either car in 08 since that will maximize my savings. so the improved suspension is not really an option for me. i wasnt really saying that handling is the deal braker for me, but its something to consider. dont think hyundai will ever match the sportiness of mazda since that is not their brand image. they want to be the next toyota, stuff like quality, value and safety. there is a genesis coupe on the horizon to spice things up though. sorry i was getting the sonata and elantra confused. on the edmunds review page some people mentioned fixing the suspension/struts on the new sonata, and i guess that stuck with me. as for the elantra, ive been reading the 'Hyundai Elantra Issues 2007+' thread, which would most apply to my car, stuff like transmission, check engine light, pulling to one side, interior etc, and i guess all those stories made me imagine having them too.
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Replying to: ogurek (Dec 18, 2008 1:47 pm) Too bad you can't wait to buy for awhile, as the new Elantra Touring would make an interesting alternative to the 3 hatch. I don't think car prices are headed up anytime soon...
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Replying to: ogurek (Dec 17, 2008 10:50 pm)
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Replying to: backy (Dec 18, 2008 1:59 pm) maybe its not entirely fair to compare them since it takes years to get bugs out and elantra is a newer model than the 3. sorry, im not interested in the elantra touring. it looks even blander than the sedan, and will most likely have bugs as a first year model.
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Replying to: ogurek (Dec 19, 2008 9:25 pm)  What is "new" on the Touring is the body. That's about it. Same Beta II powertrain that has been proven over quite awhile. Same basic chassis and suspension (although with sport tuning). Same dash, probably same electricals. Not a lot of risk there, IMO. Also the 2007 Elantra did very well in reliability its first year of that new generation, so that should give you some comfort. Both the Elantra and Mazda3 have much better than average predicted reliability by CR. Really hard to go wrong with either car, but since they are quite different cars it really should come down to which one you think you would like living with better over a number of years, vs. nits like a small difference in fuel economy and a longer warranty (can get an extended warranty on the 3 if that is an issue).
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Replying to: ahightower (Dec 19, 2008 6:41 pm) im 6'1 and i was worried about fitting in a 'compact' car. right now im driving an 06 corolla with plenty of headroom. i guess they just make compact cars bigger nowadays. in the corolla i have the same situation. the driver seat is all the way back and takes away from the leg room of the rear passenger. im not sure if the elantra would make a big difference in this case. most of the time im the only occupant in the car so so its not a problem either way. i dont really use cruise control, so the 3 console is not a problem. |
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Replying to: backy (Dec 19, 2008 10:22 pm) the overall exterior of touring has good proportions (reminds me of volvo station wagons), but the details are pretty generic (not unlike the sedan), headlight and taillights, grill, bodylines at the hatch. there is nothing appealing to make it stand out from the crowd. for example another hatch that i like is the volvo c30, really sharp and unique looking. the new elantra started in 2007 so i wouldnt call two years a while. i know CR gave the elantra a recommended rating, but two years is not enough to judge reliability, at least to me. i plan to test drive the 3 soon. i think the handling of the elantra will probably be very similar to the corolla im driving now (more sedate). oddly enough, i think id be fine with either car as well. pics:    
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Replying to: ogurek (Dec 19, 2008 11:29 pm) But if 2 years is not enough for you to judge reliability (even though the powertrain has a much longer history, and the Gen 3 Elantra has held up well also), I wonder why you are considering the Elantra at all. Or is reliability not important to you? |
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