Mazda3i vs Elantra GLS

23 messages, Last post on Dec 20, 2008 at 10:50 AM

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What is this discussion about? Mazda MAZDA3, Hyundai Elantra, Car Buying, Car Comparisons, Car Values, True Market Value (TMV), Sedan

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#22 of 23 Re: 09 Mazda3 s T or 08 Elantra SE? [backy] by ogurek Dec 19, 2008 (10:29 pm)
Replying to: backy (Dec 19, 2008 9:22 pm) i dont think the touring is nearly as sporty looking as the 3 wagon. i prefer the looks of the elantra sedan to the wagon, i think its harder to make a good looking hatchback/station wagon. 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: Replies to this message: backy (Dec 20, 2008 10:50 am)
#23 of 23 Re: 09 Mazda3 s T or 08 Elantra SE? [ogurek] by backy Dec 20, 2008 (10:50 am)
Replying to: ogurek (Dec 19, 2008 10:29 pm) The C30 is quite a looker, but it is a 2-door and much more expensive than the Elantra Touring, or the Mazda3s hatch for that matter (unless you go Mazdaspeed). But consider that other than the all-glass hatch (in honor of a similar Volvo from years ago), it is actually quite bland in styling--note the smooth sides for example. Sometimes I think automakers go out of their way to make a car stand out in the crowd. The C30 is a good example of tasteful styling with a quirk or two to make it more interesting. The 2010 Mazda3 is a good example of designers trying too hard to make a car stand out. Personally, I prefer the more toned-down styling approach (as on the Elantra Touring or present Mazda3) as I think it will hold up over time. 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?

#22 of 23: Re: 09 Mazda3 s T or 08 Elantra SE? [backy] by ogurek; Dec 19, 2008 (10:29 pm)

Replying to: backy (Dec 19, 2008 9:22 pm)

i dont think the touring is nearly as sporty looking as the 3 wagon. i prefer the looks of the elantra sedan to the wagon, i think its harder to make a good looking hatchback/station wagon.

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:

backy (Dec 20, 2008 10:50 am)

#23 of 23: Re: 09 Mazda3 s T or 08 Elantra SE? [ogurek] by backy; Dec 20, 2008 (10:50 am)

Replying to: ogurek (Dec 19, 2008 10:29 pm)

The C30 is quite a looker, but it is a 2-door and much more expensive than the Elantra Touring, or the Mazda3s hatch for that matter (unless you go Mazdaspeed). But consider that other than the all-glass hatch (in honor of a similar Volvo from years ago), it is actually quite bland in styling--note the smooth sides for example. Sometimes I think automakers go out of their way to make a car stand out in the crowd. The C30 is a good example of tasteful styling with a quirk or two to make it more interesting. The 2010 Mazda3 is a good example of designers trying too hard to make a car stand out. Personally, I prefer the more toned-down styling approach (as on the Elantra Touring or present Mazda3) as I think it will hold up over time.

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?