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Hatchbacks Mazda3 Mazda3i vs Elantra GLS
23 messages, Last post on Dec 20, 2008 at 10:50 AM
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hello all, im in a similar position like the original poster and i figured it wasnt worth a new thread. the 09 Mazda3 s Touring HB and 08 Elantra SE sedan are my top picks the mazda has the advantage of handling/power, more cargo room, better exterior styling, solid reputation and made in japan, 5 speed AT the hyundai has the advantage of more MPGs, better warranty, lower price tag, more safety oriented the prices are (according to edmunds) w/AT: mazda $20,075 msrp, $18,799 invoice hyundai $17,670 msrp, $16,949 invoice still trying to find a good quote on the mazda, but i found an 08 at 16.5k(+destination) in one place ive gotten three quotes in the range 14.6-15.3k for the hyundai im looking for a commuter car, so mpg and safety are a plus im paying cash and want to keep the car for a while, so depreciation is not a big deal but reliability is important im looking to buy in the next few weeks and take advantage of the slow economy i would appreciate any and all opinions thans for reading 
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Replying to: ogurek (Dec 16, 2008 10:17 am) You say depreciation is not a big deal, but you never know how your needs may change, I'd feel better getting something that will hold its value better. As for reliability, the Mazda3 is well regarded. I hear good things about Hyundai all the time too. Now, the intangible - let's be honest, isn't the 3 just a whole lot cooler? It might cost a bit more than the comparably equipped Hyundai, but overall I find the Mazda3 to be the best looking and most enjoyable small car to drive and that's gotta be worth something. You know, zoom zoom, and all that. The other small cars that got my strongest consideration before I bought my Mazda3 were the Mitsu Lancer (great value for the money, good looks, and now with a more powerful 2.4 instead of the old 2.0), Subaru Impreza (good interior room, fun to drive, very safe resulting in cheap insurance, but too expensive when optioned out, and mediocre gas mileage), and Honda Civic (I liked everything about the Civic, but they don't wheel and deal on those things, so I saved about $2000 going with Mazda3 comparably equipped. Plus I'm not crazy about the looks of the Civic, especially in 4-door).
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Replying to: ahightower (Dec 17, 2008 6:46 pm) So why would anyone go with the Elantra? Here's a few points that IMO are in the Elantra's favor, beyond those already mentioned: * Standard ESC on the SE; not available on the 3i (but available on the hatch). * Roomier rear seat on the Elantra, if you frequently carry more than a couple of kids back there. * Smoother, quieter ride on the Elantra, if you travel over rough roads a lot. * Standard XM radio on the Elantra--might be extra cost if available on the 3i. I like both cars, and looked closely at both before buying a used car recently. But when looking at the used market, I found that the Mazda6 was no more dollars and usually less than the 3, and much more car for the money. Similarly, the Sonata is a much nicer car than the Elantra and costs no more as a slightly used car. So if you don't have to have a new car and you don't mind a larger can than the Mazda3 and Elantra, maybe look at a 2007-8 Mazda6i or Sonata GLS too.
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Replying to: ahightower (Dec 17, 2008 6:46 pm) i know that comparing a hatchback to sedan is not really fair, but id much rather get a mazda hatchback than sedan. more room for shopping, luggage or other stuff. i agree that the MPG difference is not huge, and probably the Mazda i models are better matched. but the hatchback is only available with 2.3 so thats that. im not really concerned about the 2010s, since i like the appearance less, and i wouldnt buy a first-year model of anything. as for depreciation, i think they hyundai will be affected more, since korean cars still have a poor reputation of quality or reliability. so the mazda wins there even though the initial cost is more. i agree the mazda IS cooler. the exterior has much better styling. the hyundai is rather inoffensive but i dont dig those cutesy headlights and high hips. all the reviews have praised mazda handling, while hyundai was called buick-like. i ruled out the subaru because of mediocre reviews. the only edge it really has is the awd. i also ruled out the civic because of the near-MSRP selling price. and i agree about the looks, although the 2009 face-lift is more appealing. the mazda and hyundai both offer more value than either of those cars. all this considered, i am leaning more towards the mazda. i guess im just trying to justify the higher price tag 
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Replying to: backy (Dec 17, 2008 8:08 pm) the models i compared both had standard: Braking Assist, Anti-Lock Brakes w/EBD, Traction Control, Stability Control, head and side airbags (according to edmunds) so i guess they are matched on safety features. as for room, i estimate most of the time ill be driving by myself, so room in the rear seat is not a big deal. but that is a pro for elantra. it is important that that the front seat is roomy since i am on the tall side. yes, im pretty sure the elantra will offer a softer ride. i live in NJ and there are plenty of potholes. that is a plus in the elantra column. i did read a lot of complaints in this forum about alignment problems, so that has me worried though. i dont care about satellite radio. i listed to cds and now plan to listen to mp3s, since both cars can play them. both also have auxiliary input jacks. some other pros for elantra: i like the heated mirrors, actual car alarm and not just engine immobilizer, trip computer, remote trunk release, overhead console... i do remember reading that the 6 can be bought for less or similar to the 3. i dont know why though. i guess the 3 has a 'cooler' image. i would prefer a small compact car. i think its easier for parking (smaller size and turning circle) and has more agility. im thinking new car cause i like the peace of mind. mazda 6 is not offered as a hatch and the sonata was redesigned for 09, so both have strikes in my book. i realize that in terms of getting more 'car' the midsize cars offer a better value. but if you think about it the small cars are not really that much smaller that the midsize. the wheel base of a sonata is only 3 inches more than an elantra. |
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Replying to: ogurek (Dec 17, 2008 9:50 pm) Also FYI the Sonata was not "redesigned" for 2009, it was merely a mid-gen refresh. But the refresh has a lot of improvements over 2008, including a new interior, retuned suspension and steering, and a 5AT on the I4 with more power (more power on the V6 also, with better FE on both). 2009 GLSes with AT can be found around $15k before T&L, about the same as a best price on the Elantra SE or Mazda3i. I am not sure where you read about a lot of alignment problems on the current-gen Elantra. I haven't seen them and I follow the Elantra discussions here closely. There were problems with "wheel shimmy" on the previous-gen Elantra, almost always rectified with a proper tire/wheel rebalancing. The 2004-8 Mazda6i hatchback is a very nice car, if you can find a certified car with a lot of warranty left might be worth considering. I almost bought one of those, but went with a used 3-Series instead.
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Replying to: backy (Dec 18, 2008 8:23 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 8:30 am) |
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Replying to: backy (Dec 18, 2008 8:23 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 12:47 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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