Thoughts on these 2 cars ? Mazda 3 and Toyota Auris (2017/2018)

ShiWarrior

ShiWarrior

ShiWarrior

Don
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Location
Oxfordshire / Bucks
I'm down to these 2 cars now

I need to test drive these two, but id like to hear your thoughts in case i missed something


most likely buy is the mazda 3 2017 petrol Sport Nav

on the other hand i do like the Auris (inside not so much)

either the 1.2T or the 1.8 Hybrid in Excel Trim



mileage a year around 8K, my work journey's aren't very long

i like the looks of both cars, but the mazda inside is much better

heard good things of the mazda ( i know 2 people at work that has them)


Mazda is a bit faster than mine, which i like and more probably better suited to my driving style

would the hybrid be cheaper to run and maintain over 10 years?



just need some thoughts on these 2 cars really

cheers


examples in the colour i want

mazda -

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Auris -


1.2

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1.8 Hybrid

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I very much like the way Toyota does things and the way hybrids drive, someone will be along shortly to complain about CVT gearboxes, infotainment usually lets it down. Going to be very reliable.

Only driven a Mazda Cx-5 so not much to compare, best thing is to have a long sit and play with all the buttons, see which one you like to drive the most. If the Mazda is a manual, the Toyota being auto would be an easy win for me.
 
i would prefer a automatic if I'm honest

but the mazda 3 autos are few and far between in the colour i want so near impossible to get one in budget
 
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I actually really like both of them. For me I'd probably go mazda but that's just due to a slight preference on the styling. Tech and mechanical wise they're neck and neck really!
 
I have an old Mazda and it's a rust bucket underneath. Every service/MOT I get the advisories about rust and the guy behind the desk will say it's because Mazda do not treat the underside of the car. Would be worth seeing if things have changed with newer models of you are planning to keep it a long time, mine is a Mazda 3 but it's 2010!.

Other than the rust it's been pretty good reliability wise
 
Finners said:
I have an old Mazda and it's a rust bucket underneath. Every service/MOT I get the advisories about rust and the guy behind the desk will say it's because Mazda do not treat the underside of the car. Would be worth seeing if things have changed with newer models of you are planning to keep it a long time, mine is a Mazda 3 but it's 2010!.

Other than the rust it's been pretty good reliability wise
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the 2010 model is a Ford Focus
the 2014 on models are based on a whole new Mazda's own chassis
 
Mazdas do like to rust, my parents have a 2015 Mazda3 and the wheel corrosion is horrendous. Same thing happened on their 2008 and my 2007 Mazda3s.

I don't know about the Toyota but the Mazda infotainment and driver displays are quite barebones and basic, so if you like gadgets and settings it isn't going to appeal in that respect. On the other hand, it's simple and easy to use. It's a comfortable car though and the interior is decent quality though overall I prefer my Leon. Theirs is the auto with the 2.0 120ps engine, it's not bad but does feel a bit lethargic.
 
ShiWarrior said:
the 2010 model is a Ford Focus
the 2014 on models are based on a whole new Mazda's own chassis
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I think the stingy application of rust proofing is still an issue though. That said the Mazda would definitely be my choice.

I'd also spend a few hundred quid getting it professionally rust proofed but I do tend to keep cars for the long haul.
 
lordrobs said:
I think the stingy application of rust proofing is still an issue though. That said the Mazda would definitely be my choice.

I'd also spend a few hundred quid getting it professionally rust proofed but I do tend to keep cars for the long haul.
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That's interesting

i don't mind getting it rust proofed if it would bring it up to standard (id like to do it on any car i buy tbh, so that wont effect my decision)
 
Good choice of both.
Personally I’d go for the Auris (either engine).
I spent quite a few years as a Toyota/Lexus tech and found them to be not overly exciting to drive, but utterly bomb proof.
 
All 3 examples look great.

Might be worth looking at additional rust proofing for the Mazda if you plan to keep if for a decent length of time, but equally a quick search suggests the rust issues were more with ~2010 models and should long since be improved
 
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Parents yaris with similar engine to auris, I'd think, has been very reliable/economical/comfortable, for A-B travelling in rural/non-stop-start traffic;
I wouldn't go hybrid with the additional mechanical complexity(+battery) engine noise also sounds annoying.
Mazda supposedly handle well - not sure they're as bomproof, as said;

colour - Personally mazdas in that cherry/candy red have become a bit common/passe if that's the examples colour , prefer the metallic grey, I don't know if red paintwork still needs more maintenance like it used to in my old rotte Vectra.

I'd probably make sure you don't get unduly large wheels with either cars, so tyres have some sidewall/compliancy.
 
I’d choose the Mazda but have no experience of these cars, I think any of them would give many miles of trouble free solid motoring.
 
jpaul said:
Parents yaris with similar engine to auris, I'd think, has been very reliable/economical/comfortable, for A-B travelling in rural/non-stop-start traffic;
I wouldn't go hybrid with the additional mechanical complexity(+battery) engine noise also sounds annoying.
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I heard the hybrids are better for city driving

would the cost of repairs etc be more on the hybrid version of this car ?

i am hoping to keep the car for 10+ years
 
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