Would you buy the Mazda 3 or the Toyota Corolla Manual 5-Speed Transmission?

R

remoteportal

New member
We've narrowed our 5-speed choices between the Corolla and the Mazda 3. Which would you buy?
I care about reliability/quality, re-sale value, fuel economy, and fun driving experience.
 
As others have stated, Toyota will win on all your criteria except fun to drive. There is an S type Corolla which is a little more fun to drive than the average Corolla. I think you will be happy with either car you just have to establish how important the "fun driving" is to you. Is it more important than the other factors? Are you willing to give up a little on the other factors to get more fun? If the answer is yes, then go and test drive each one. Then decide if the Mazda is enough extra fun to justify the slightly less reliable, and slightly worse re-sale value. I'll tell you now fuel economy and fun to drive don't jive well.
 
Mazda 3

I have a Mazda 3. 5 door. 2007
The fuel mileage isn't that great, (it get's about 23 mpg in the city) but i'm sure the 5 speed will get better mileage.
 
i'm more of toyota guy myself and in terms the best record for reliability i believe toyota is third highest with mazda trailing at number four according to consumer reports. i personally think the mazda 3 looks more stylish. it's also about $3k less, but gets less gas mileage. the corolla tends to keep its value and will probably be better on your insurance, but i still think the mazda wins when it comes to driving satisfaction.
 
i'm more of toyota guy myself and in terms the best record for reliability i believe toyota is third highest with mazda trailing at number four according to consumer reports. i personally think the mazda 3 looks more stylish. it's also about $3k less, but gets less gas mileage. the corolla tends to keep its value and will probably be better on your insurance, but i still think the mazda wins when it comes to driving satisfaction.
 
First of all, you aren't making a bad choice with either.

Secondly, have you driven the Honda Civic? Maybe you have and don't like it, but you should at least be factoring it into the equation if you haven't thought about it.

In terms of quality, reliability, resale and fuel economy, both are above average, but the Corolla gets slightly higher marks.

In terms of fun driving experience, the Mazda 3 blows the Corolla away.

What is your budget? If you can swing $22K, I would highly recommend the MazdaSpeed 3 with the 6-speed manual, 263 horsepower turbo.
I own one and love it.
 
First of all, you aren't making a bad choice with either.

Secondly, have you driven the Honda Civic? Maybe you have and don't like it, but you should at least be factoring it into the equation if you haven't thought about it.

In terms of quality, reliability, resale and fuel economy, both are above average, but the Corolla gets slightly higher marks.

In terms of fun driving experience, the Mazda 3 blows the Corolla away.

What is your budget? If you can swing $22K, I would highly recommend the MazdaSpeed 3 with the 6-speed manual, 263 horsepower turbo.
I own one and love it.
 
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