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  • Racer1ab

    Oct. 29, 2009 12:05 a.m. Racer1ab New Reader

    So, I've recently been shopping for my first ever new car, and I'm looking for something manual, with a hatchback, and is reliable, but won't be entirely boring to drive day in and out. And yes, I am planning on driving the car until it dies, so I'm not really worried about the depreciation hit I will take.

    I think I've driven nearly everything in my price range that interested me: Mazda 5, Mazda 3, Lancer GTS Sportback, Honda Fit, Nissan Cube. I'm still looking to drive a Suzuki Crossover SX4, but probably just to rule it out.

    I am really interested in the Lancer Sportback, as it just seemed like a better car to me than the similarly spec'd Mazda 3, but was wondering if anyone else had any experiences with either car.

    Any responses are appreciated!

  • Oct. 29, 2009 1:36 a.m. 4eyes Reader

    I bought my Daughter a Mazda3, a year and a half ago for college. I had exactly the same reasons to choose it you listed. It has to last her until she can buy her own. We have had 0 problems none! It gets great milage, is fun to drive, and can haul a lot of girly stuff back and forth to school. We like it so well, we are thinking about a speed3 for ourselves!

  • Oct. 29, 2009 7:58 a.m. Soma007 New Reader

    Mazda 3 with a giant paper bag to cover the new ugly front bumper.

    IMO there isn't a Mitsu worth owning that isn't an Evo.

  • jstein77

    Oct. 29, 2009 11:23 a.m. jstein77 HalfDork

    Hi Jason, welcome to the GRM board.

    I agree, Mitsubishi doesn't have the greatest reputation for reliability, particularly gearboxes. Maybe they've improved over the years, but Mazda's rep is solid.

    Jerry

  • Gearheadotaku

    Oct. 29, 2009 11:36 a.m. Gearheadotaku Reader

    Fun does not equal Nissan cube unless it's hauling beer kegs and cheerleaders.

  • Rumnhammer

    Oct. 29, 2009 1:12 p.m. Rumnhammer Reader

    Soma007 wrote:

    Mazda 3 with a giant paper bag to cover the new ugly front bumper.

    IMO there isn't a Mitsu worth owning that isn't an Evo.

    ^ + about a million, Mitsu quality doesn't even come close to the Mazda!!

  • 96DXCivic

    Oct. 29, 2009 1:43 p.m. 96DXCivic HalfDork

    My friend had a lot of problems with his Mazda dealership giving him the run around. They said his Mazda 3 was suffering from premature deterioration. They replaced basically everything on the front suspension and it didn't fix the problem. They finally replaced the wheel bearing and it fixed the problem.

  • mad_machine

    Oct. 29, 2009 1:45 p.m. mad_machine UberDork

    I will agree that there is only one Mitsu worth owning. Unless it comes with AWD and a high strung turbo 4.. pass it up. Mazda has a rock solid reputation for both reliablity AND fun. Mitsu has neither

  • Strizzo

    Oct. 29, 2009 3:14 p.m. Strizzo SuperDork

    ok, i'll ask: why does it have to be new? you could pick up a well maintained 07-08 mazdaspeed3 for about what would get you into a low-mid new mazda3. they are great fun to drive, can really knock down the miles, and get nearly 30mpg. downsides are that they require premium and are only available in the hatchback, if you were looking for a sedan

  • Oct. 29, 2009 3:20 p.m. Shaun Reader

    Soma007 wrote:

    Mazda 3 with a giant paper bag to cover the new ugly front bumper.

    IMO there isn't a Mitsu worth owning that isn't an Evo.

    I saw a new Mazda 3 yesterday and it is much worse than just the bumper. They ruined it IMO.

  • RexSeven

    Oct. 29, 2009 4:43 p.m. RexSeven Dork

    Strizzo wrote:

    ok, i'll ask: why does it have to be new? you could pick up a well maintained 07-08 mazdaspeed3 for about what would get you into a low-mid new mazda3. they are great fun to drive, can really knock down the miles, and get nearly 30mpg. downsides are that they require premium and are only available in the hatchback, if you were looking for a sedan

    Quoted for truth. I just got an '07 MS3, and I LOVE it so far!

    I also test-drove the non-Speed '08 Mazda3 hatch and that's a great car, too- it drives like a slower (but not slow) MS3 and the shifter is better IMHO. If you don't want a hatch, the 2.3L engine in it is also available in the sedan. There are plenty of lightly-used, well-maintained 1st-gen Mazda3s out there.

  • karlt_10

    Oct. 29, 2009 8:07 p.m. karlt_10 New Reader

    On looks, the Lancer looks a million times better than the 3. The 3 is hilarious looking- looks like a clown choking on his own tongue.

    Now, previous generations- the 3 looks much better. Previous generation Lancer just screams "cheap foreign car". But hey, you could get an OZ edition....

  • irish44j

    Oct. 29, 2009 8:30 p.m. irish44j Reader

    I would say Mazda3 (we used to have one) but the new 3 is absolutely hideous. I would go get a used 06-07 3S, great car, peppy enough to be fun, handles great in stock form.....

    How about either a base WRX (can be found just over $20k) or a loaded up Impreza (can be found for under $20k)? Both are fun to drive as well....plus AWD is nice.

  • BAMF

    Oct. 29, 2009 9:19 p.m. BAMF Reader

    I bought my '07 3 hatch for the reasons you mentioned. Overall it's been great and I love it. If you get winter where you live you will need some other tire than the (horribly E36 M3ty) Goodyear RS-As that came on it. I went the dedicated snow tire route on a set of Ford Fusion steelies. Aside from that and the seatbelt squeak, I love the thing.

    I hate the appearance of the second generation. It's a steel and plastic cartoon, and not a funny one. More like a creepy clown.

    A first gen speed3 would be pretty nice if you're not opposed to preowned.

  • Racer1ab

    Oct. 30, 2009 1:32 a.m. Racer1ab New Reader

    To all those who are suggesting the used 1st gen Speed3, believe me, that was my first consideration. The few I could find around here at dealers' lots here in the DC Metro area all appeared to be abused. Lots of rubber in the front wheel wells and a disturbing amount of smoke at idle were just a couple things which left me feeling a little paranoid at most of the used MS3 offerings.

    I'm mainly looking at new stuff for the warranty, and the really good interest rates some folks are offering. The Mitsu absolutely crushes the Mazda warranty offerings, and to be honest, I just like the new Mitsu sportback over the new Mazda 3. If only the GTS could be had with a 6-speed manual, and the optional Recaros, it would be perfect!

  • Adrian_Thompson

    Oct. 30, 2009 7:34 a.m. Adrian_Thompson Reader

    Mazda or Mitsu?

    Nahhhh

    Volvo C30

  • Oct. 30, 2009 7:41 a.m. Napoli

    I have a 2003 OZ Rally Lancer and a 2006 Evo IX MR. The 03 Lancer has 140k miles on it and I've never had to replace anything that wasn't due to normal wear and tear. And obviously the Evo is just amazing. I just think that it is a shame that the base Lancer gets crapped on regularly and I have had nothing but a very good experience with it. I haven't driven a new Lancer but if it is as well built as the older Lancers then I would recommend it.

  • GlennS

    Oct. 30, 2009 9:07 a.m. GlennS HalfDork

    Adrian, the Volvo C30 is more up in the Mini cooper s and civic si range.

  • Vigo

    Nov. 3, 2009 7:21 p.m. Vigo New Reader

    Adrian, the Volvo C30 is more up in the Mini cooper s and civic si range.

    It is also a mazda3. lol. how telling...

    Btw i love our mazda 3 superbase 2.0/auto. Still a great car.

  • belteshazzar

    Nov. 4, 2009 9:55 a.m. belteshazzar SuperDork

    I flipping hate Mitsubishi. I won't give them another chance.

  • Buzz Killington

    Nov. 4, 2009 10:10 a.m. Buzz Killington Reader

    i guess buy the one you like better. haven you driven them both?

    i've had nothing but good experiences with mazdas, both new and used (2 proteges, miata, RX-8, CX-7). i'm on my 5th right now...sixth (CX-9) likely coming soon.

    not that depreciation is anything but horrible on any new car, but on the 3 it will likely be slightly less horrible than on the Mitsu.

  • Adrian_Thompson

    Nov. 4, 2009 10:17 a.m. Adrian_Thompson Reader

    GlennS wrote:

    Adrian, the Volvo C30 is more up in the Mini cooper s and civic si range.

    Vigo wrote:

    It is also a mazda3. lol. how telling...

    Both true and both false. A base C30 is comparable to a high spec Mazda 3 in price. While the C30 and the 3 are the same platform they are very different cars. As far as comfort and NVH is concerned the c30 is a luxury Pullman carriage to the 3's empty coal truck. Track or autocross the MS3 is a better car, C30 not non Mazdaspeed 3? I dunno.

  • pinchvalve

    Nov. 4, 2009 10:22 a.m. pinchvalve UltraDork

    My wife's car is a 2002 Mitsubishi. The hood rusted through, the radiator support is rusted through, the passenger door fell off. Yes, fell off. It won't shift into first unless stopped. Basically, it is a turd sandwich.

    You should look at the Kia Soul. It is a great little car with a lot of features for the price. Won't win any races, but pretty cool little vehicle.

    Personally, I would still go for the 1st gen MS3!

  • 93celicaGT2

    Nov. 4, 2009 10:22 a.m. 93celicaGT2 SuperDork

    Try a Mazdaspeed 6. They're getting relatively cheap on the used market, and for whatever reason, tend not to be so abused. Personally, i like the way they drive better, too.

    Side note...

    How can the new Mazda 3 look so AWFUL, but the new Mazdaspeed 3 look so... ANGRY.

  • Adrian_Thompson

    Nov. 4, 2009 10:31 a.m. Adrian_Thompson Reader

    93celicaGT2 wrote:

    Try a Mazdaspeed 6. They're getting relatively cheap on the used market, and for whatever reason, tend not to be so abused. Personally, i like the way they drive better, too.

    Side note...

    How can the new Mazda 3 look so AWFUL, but the new Mazdaspeed 3 look so... ANGRY.

    Mazdaspeed 6 is a very very cool car. It was my 2nd choice after the C30.

    Pro's
    Great driving car
    Great engine
    AWD > FWD any day
    NVH way way better than Mazdaspeed 3
    Ride way way better than Mazdaspeed 3
    Sleeper
    Interior way way way way better than Mazdaspeed 3

    Con's Out of production, couldn't get one spec'd as I wanted.
    Used prices were higher than I could get one new (with S plan and rebates)
    Looks getting dated C30 lookes better, rides better and has better NVH
    C30 had Euro delivery = 2,200 miles round Europe, driving the Nurburgring plus free airline tickets AND 8% discount (last one no longer true for 09 and 10 model years)

    Overall the C30 fitted my checklist better and I have no regrets, but the MS6 was a very close 2nd.

    Edit becuase GRM board software is more outdated than a model T

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