Going Economical

Vezna31 · 04-24-2008, 04:25 PM

Well, my wife's SUV is becoming outrageously expensive for her to drive on a daily basis. We have decided to get another car for both of us to share. Since I drive about 20k miles a year, another cheaper 4 cylinder that I can run 87 octane instead of premium, it will save me $.20/gallon and will save her probably over $100/month.

I would love to buy that cherry spa listed on here for $17k, but my wife doesn't want another yellow S and wants something we don't have to put premium gas into.

So..we have narrowed it down to either a Scion TC or a Mazda 3. Both cars we drove are within $100 in price, roughly same HP, but I have to check the gas mileage because I don't remember the Mazda's. Scion's is rated 20-29. I believe the Mazda was a bit better. I have to check the insurance rates too.

So, which do you guys think is the better buy?

makopolo · 04-24-2008, 04:32 PM

I have friends with those cars and they are both very good. The scion is very reliable but the interior quality in the mazda is superior. i think if you are buying new the Mazda will be a more satisfying car to ride in (but you have the S for that).

jagg · 04-24-2008, 05:10 PM

I vote for the Toyota in the long haul.
Everything's good for the first 70-80 thousand miles, but IMO the Scion will outlast the Mazda.

If you're gonna keep it for a few years and ditch it, then just buy the one that your wife likes better.....Any future problems can then handily be blamed on her poor decision.....Gotta think ahead Vez...ha ha.

jagg

DJJSR · 04-24-2008, 05:16 PM

^^^ Ditto

D1sclaimer · 04-24-2008, 07:24 PM

Just a suggestion, have you looked at the Honda Fit? They're pretty good cars for how cheap they are. If you're not interested in the Fit, I know both cars are good cars. I believe the Scion will get better gas mileage (based on my friends comparing their 3 to Tc) and be just a smidge more reliable, but both are overall very good cars. I've got friends who own both and none have any major complaints.

gomarlins3 · 04-24-2008, 07:49 PM

I like the look of the Scion, but I hear nothing but great things when it comes to the Mazda.

Pep · 04-24-2008, 07:55 PM

both are great, I have a mazda 3 hatch that my sister drives and there are no problems with it at all. price for dollar is very good, but then again, so is the scion, just no leather if i remember with the scion

Valkdriver · 04-24-2008, 08:35 PM

I traded an "04 Mazda 3 for my s2k. Loved the Mazda. It was excellent but oh man I love the s2k so much more.

Blackdragon · 04-24-2008, 08:38 PM

The TC is going places. Its like the celica of the glory days and its Toyota. When I think of Mazda 3's I think of Jetta's and when I think of Jetta's my IQ drops.

DJJSR · 04-24-2008, 08:43 PM

Vez - I'm sure you are a man of discriminating taste and appreciate fine machinery. Since you are currently searching for that "perfect" car, I thought I'd show you one that is currently available on e-bay. This may be museum quality so it may not be suitable as a daily driver. It is certainly a fine example of a classic roadster............

67AtlasDave · 04-24-2008, 09:10 PM

I just like the way the Tc looks saw a Dark Chery Red one on the way to work today and i made me turn my head. Not to many cars do that. When you say Mazda I think Ford (pretty much one in the same), when you say Ford I think my car will be in the shop every other month or so. Thats just my experance and my Brother-in-laws experance. I work at a mazda dealership and he work at a ford dealership. Go with Toyota. Or like some one pointed out The Honda Fit. Also you still get a tax rebate for buying a Hybrid. Honda Civic and Honda Accord both come in a Hybrid model. Now dont get me wrong i am not some Al Gore loving jerk, I am just saying good gas mileage and a tax rebate make me think alittle.

chazdawg35 · 04-24-2008, 09:14 PM

What about a CIVIC! Let's try to keep it in the family.LOL

philiam · 04-24-2008, 09:44 PM

I'd stay with Honda. Another member gave me a ride in a fit. Typical Honda. Bigger inside than out. well made and great gas mileage. And I believe it is Vtec.

army_boy · 04-24-2008, 11:00 PM

idk i like both of them

satisaii · 04-25-2008, 12:47 AM

Since you are doing this for economical reasons, what is the total cost of ownership for the period of time you will keep the car (insurance, gas, upkeep, depreciation, etc)?

FWIW Consumer Reports rates the Mazda3 at 92 points and the Scion tC at 70.

Neil · 04-25-2008, 06:04 AM

Vez I'd go for the Honda Civic Sport model...........2.0 L engine 8000rpm redline, great re-sale value, this way we will all still talk to you ..lol.

Neil

TheSoundMan21 · 04-25-2008, 08:12 AM

Heck I cant really add much to this. I agree I believe the TC is better out of the 2. But the Fit would be an excellent idea.

Vezna31 · 04-25-2008, 08:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheSoundMan21

Heck I cant really add much to this. I agree I believe the TC is better out of the 2. But the Fit would be an excellent idea.

I test drove the Fit and really like it, but the wife does not lke it at all. It drove very well and had a nice tight feel and felt peppy for only 109 HP.

dezignpro04 · 04-25-2008, 08:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by D1sclaimer

Just a suggestion, have you looked at the Honda Fit? They're pretty good cars for how cheap they are. If you're not interested in the Fit, I know both cars are good cars. I believe the Scion will get better gas mileage (based on my friends comparing their 3 to Tc) and be just a smidge more reliable, but both are overall very good cars. I've got friends who own both and none have any major complaints.

Can I suggest the Fit as well. Wife drive a 2007 and loves it. And she averages 33 - 34 mpg. She has that really bright orange color and loves it. Interior is nice and the "S" model comes with sides skirts, a wing, front lip, 200 watt mp3 stereo, mp3 line in jack and 15" steel honda wheels. Maybe she will likey!!

dezignpro04 · 04-25-2008, 08:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by philiam

I'd stay with Honda. Another member gave me a ride in a fit. Typical Honda. Bigger inside than out. well made and great gas mileage. And I believe it is Vtec.

It is. 1.5 liter vtec. 109 hp 105 tq. No S2000 but fun nonetheless. Redlines at 6700. Only weights around 2600 lbs.=D>

Vezna31 · 04-25-2008, 08:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dezignpro04

Can I suggest the Fit as well. Wife drive a 2007 and loves it. And she averages 33 - 34 mpg. She has that really bright orange color and loves it. Interior is nice and the "S" model comes with sides skirts, a wing, front lip, 200 watt mp3 stereo, mp3 line in jack and 15" steel honda wheels. Maybe she will likey!!

The orange is what I want since it is too expensive to re-paint my S Imola Orange

Vezna31 · 04-25-2008, 08:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by satisaii

Since you are doing this for economical reasons, what is the total cost of ownership for the period of time you will keep the car (insurance, gas, upkeep, depreciation, etc)?

FWIW Consumer Reports rates the Mazda3 at 92 points and the Scion tC at 70.

Good questions, John. Some of the things I am going to be loking at over the next few days before making a decision. I'm going to call the insurance co. today and get a quote.

Vezna31 · 04-25-2008, 08:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dezignpro04

Can I suggest the Fit as well. Wife drive a 2007 and loves it. And she averages 33 - 34 mpg. She has that really bright orange color and loves it. Interior is nice and the "S" model comes with sides skirts, a wing, front lip, 200 watt mp3 stereo, mp3 line in jack and 15" steel honda wheels. Maybe she will likey!!

One of the things I found out from the used car salesman at the Honda dealership is that the Fit actually costs more to lease than a Civic because the Fit does not hold it's value. But if I'm talking about getting a Civic Sport or hybrid, I'm creeping up in the $20k range. That makes me want to go pay $17k for the spa with only 36k miles for sale in AZ in another thread here.

dezignpro04 · 04-25-2008, 09:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vezna31

The orange is what I want since it is too expensive to re-paint my S Imola Orange

HA-HA. I want my "S" that color too!!!

hajohehe · 04-25-2008, 10:31 AM

get civic if you like honda.

Blackdragon · 04-25-2008, 10:44 AM

you should look at the mugen fit, its like the ultimate fit.

jagg · 04-25-2008, 06:28 PM

Quote:

One of the things I found out from the used car salesman at the Honda dealership is that the Fit actually costs more to lease than a Civic because the Fit does not hold it's value. But if I'm talking about getting a Civic Sport or hybrid, I'm creeping up in the $20k range. That makes me want to go pay $17k for the spa with only 36k miles for sale in AZ in another thread here.
__________________

Agreed....

You don't lease a Honda Fit because it has little residual value at the end of a lease, as it's a bare bones machine, and depreciates faster than a loaded up Icon of any brand, from any continent.......

Best Advice.....You buy outright, a 1-2 year old Fit with whatever milage it has on it and drive it till it can't be drove no mo'.........Probably the best money spent over the long haul. (or use the money and get a twin Stewie. personally, I love this idea.....)

Although, the Chevette Roadster has a certain appeal.
Recent photos on site rekindled my lust for the Chevette Roadster, 'n left me dreaming of an SS model.

Regards,
Jagg

philiam · 04-25-2008, 06:56 PM

Word is the 09 Fit will be new. It's been out in Japan for a while now.

satisaii · 04-25-2008, 09:19 PM

In the last Car And Driver comparison, the Volkswagen Rabbit S came out on top. In a previous compro, it had beaten the Mazda3 and the Civic. Might be worth going for a drive in one.

Of course you could just buy my car.... but then her S would be faster than your S

philiam · 04-25-2008, 11:04 PM

VW doesn't have a great reliability record.

SilverS2K422 · 04-26-2008, 12:35 AM

i would go with a manual Scion, better MPGs and way cooler than the mazda. im actualy thinkin about getting one myself for a daily.

sonic · 04-26-2008, 09:09 PM

mazda sucks. never buy a mazda.

philiam · 04-26-2008, 09:49 PM

Ford Focus is not a bad little car. Ford has improved quite a bit.

chazdawg35 · 04-27-2008, 04:34 PM

OMG Phil! FORD I wouldn't even go american much less FORD.MY boss said if it wasn't for FORD we be eatin' peanut butter and jelly for lunch!

philiam · 04-27-2008, 04:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chazdawg35

OMG Phil! FORD I wouldn't even go american much less FORD.MY boss said if it wasn't for FORD we be eatin' peanut butter and jelly for lunch!

Ford has improved it's quality, especially with the Focus and the Fusion. They have gotten high marks in quality and handling in several publications. I followed a fusion around few twisties and it handled very well.

I still think Hondas are a great value but if I were looking outside the breed I'd look at those 2.

Besides, I like peanut butter and jelly.

chazdawg35 · 04-27-2008, 05:07 PM

What about a SMART CAR than you can eat Tri Tip sandwitches! LOL

philiam · 04-27-2008, 05:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chazdawg35

What about a SMART CAR than you can eat Tri Tip sandwitches! LOL

You need one for each foot.

chazdawg35 · 04-27-2008, 05:26 PM

GOT THAT RIGHT! baby shoes

Vezna31 · 04-27-2008, 08:25 PM

I know the guy that tests the Smart car for Mercedes and goes all over the country for demonstrations. He's a former racer and said the car is unbelievably safe, basically a rolling roll cage. He has seen them flip and then drive away with only a few scratches and needing the sideview mirrors replaced. The problem with them is that there is a waiting list a mile long to get one.

philiam · 04-27-2008, 09:39 PM

First one I saw was back in 94. It was parked on a sidewalk in Paris and I didn't know what the hell it was.

04-24-2008, 04:25 PM	#1 (permalink)
Vezna31 Resident Track Whore :) Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Chula Vista, CA Posts: 1,667	Going Economical Well, my wife's SUV is becoming outrageously expensive for her to drive on a daily basis. We have decided to get another car for both of us to share. Since I drive about 20k miles a year, another cheaper 4 cylinder that I can run 87 octane instead of premium, it will save me $.20/gallon and will save her probably over $100/month. I would love to buy that cherry spa listed on here for $17k, but my wife doesn't want another yellow S and wants something we don't have to put premium gas into. So..we have narrowed it down to either a Scion TC or a Mazda 3. Both cars we drove are within $100 in price, roughly same HP, but I have to check the gas mileage because I don't remember the Mazda's. Scion's is rated 20-29. I believe the Mazda was a bit better. I have to check the insurance rates too. So, which do you guys think is the better buy? __________________ Vezna Financial Services - For mortgages, accounting and taxes, and phone service needs. http://www.vezna.com San Diego Car Club - http://www.sdcarclub.com

04-24-2008, 05:16 PM	#4 (permalink)
DJJSR Philosopher Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Hooterville Posts: 1,851	^^^ Ditto __________________ Don

04-24-2008, 07:49 PM	#6 (permalink)
gomarlins3 "Enjoy the drive" Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Kuna Idaho Posts: 4,290	I like the look of the Scion, but I hear nothing but great things when it comes to the Mazda. __________________ Yablownowitz Racing brought to you by Anytime Fitness. Happiness is a nice road, great weather, and driving the S with Sue in the seat next to me. "Whatever you do, where ever you go, enjoy the drive." I know for a FACT that the last year of production of the S2000 is 2003!!!!! After that, it will be the S2200 under an assumed name.

04-24-2008, 08:38 PM	#9 (permalink)
Blackdragon [黒竜] Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Austin, Texas Posts: 113	The TC is going places. Its like the celica of the glory days and its Toyota. When I think of Mazda 3's I think of Jetta's and when I think of Jetta's my IQ drops. __________________

04-24-2008, 08:43 PM	#10 (permalink)
DJJSR Philosopher Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Hooterville Posts: 1,851	Vez - I'm sure you are a man of discriminating taste and appreciate fine machinery. Since you are currently searching for that "perfect" car, I thought I'd show you one that is currently available on e-bay. This may be museum quality so it may not be suitable as a daily driver. It is certainly a fine example of a classic roadster............ __________________ Don

View Poll Results: Which new car to buy?
Scion TC	20	48.78%
Mazda 3	21	51.22%
Voters: 41. You may not vote on this poll

04-24-2008, 04:32 PM	#2 (permalink)
makopolo needs to graduate Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 253	I have friends with those cars and they are both very good. The scion is very reliable but the interior quality in the mazda is superior. i think if you are buying new the Mazda will be a more satisfying car to ride in (but you have the S for that).

04-24-2008, 05:10 PM	#3 (permalink)
jagg Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: The Endless Mountains Posts: 3,234	I vote for the Toyota in the long haul. Everything's good for the first 70-80 thousand miles, but IMO the Scion will outlast the Mazda. If you're gonna keep it for a few years and ditch it, then just buy the one that your wife likes better.....Any future problems can then handily be blamed on her poor decision.....Gotta think ahead Vez...ha ha. jagg

04-24-2008, 07:55 PM	#7 (permalink)
Pep Junior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: SoCal Posts: 14	both are great, I have a mazda 3 hatch that my sister drives and there are no problems with it at all. price for dollar is very good, but then again, so is the scion, just no leather if i remember with the scion

04-24-2008, 08:35 PM	#8 (permalink)
Valkdriver Junior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Texas Posts: 26	I traded an "04 Mazda 3 for my s2k. Loved the Mazda. It was excellent but oh man I love the s2k so much more.

04-24-2008, 09:10 PM	#11 (permalink)
67AtlasDave Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Colorado Posts: 98	I just like the way the Tc looks saw a Dark Chery Red one on the way to work today and i made me turn my head. Not to many cars do that. When you say Mazda I think Ford (pretty much one in the same), when you say Ford I think my car will be in the shop every other month or so. Thats just my experance and my Brother-in-laws experance. I work at a mazda dealership and he work at a ford dealership. Go with Toyota. Or like some one pointed out The Honda Fit. Also you still get a tax rebate for buying a Hybrid. Honda Civic and Honda Accord both come in a Hybrid model. Now dont get me wrong i am not some Al Gore loving jerk, I am just saying good gas mileage and a tax rebate make me think alittle. __________________ 2004 Acura TL 6Speed w/ Navi 2003 Honda Pilot w/ Rear DVD 1967 Norton Atlas (Soon) 200? Honda S2000

04-24-2008, 09:14 PM	#12 (permalink)
chazdawg35 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: simi valley,california Posts: 1,699	What about a CIVIC! Let's try to keep it in the family.LOL

04-24-2008, 09:44 PM	#13 (permalink)
philiam Senior Member, Literally Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: woodland hills, CA Posts: 2,537	I'd stay with Honda. Another member gave me a ride in a fit. Typical Honda. Bigger inside than out. well made and great gas mileage. And I believe it is Vtec. __________________ .

04-24-2008, 11:00 PM	#14 (permalink)
army_boy running amuck Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 97	idk i like both of them __________________ drive drift dream

04-25-2008, 12:47 AM	#15 (permalink)
satisaii Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Glendale CA Posts: 117	Since you are doing this for economical reasons, what is the total cost of ownership for the period of time you will keep the car (insurance, gas, upkeep, depreciation, etc)? FWIW Consumer Reports rates the Mazda3 at 92 points and the Scion tC at 70.

04-25-2008, 06:04 AM	#16 (permalink)
Neil Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Ontario Posts: 1,514	Vez I'd go for the Honda Civic Sport model...........2.0 L engine 8000rpm redline, great re-sale value, this way we will all still talk to you ..lol. Neil

04-25-2008, 10:31 AM	#25 (permalink)
hajohehe Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 71	get civic if you like honda. __________________ 06 Honda S2000 Sebring Silver

04-25-2008, 10:44 AM	#26 (permalink)
Blackdragon [黒竜] Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Austin, Texas Posts: 113	you should look at the mugen fit, its like the ultimate fit. __________________

04-25-2008, 06:56 PM	#28 (permalink)
philiam Senior Member, Literally Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: woodland hills, CA Posts: 2,537	Word is the 09 Fit will be new. It's been out in Japan for a while now. __________________ .

04-25-2008, 09:19 PM	#29 (permalink)
satisaii Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Glendale CA Posts: 117	In the last Car And Driver comparison, the Volkswagen Rabbit S came out on top. In a previous compro, it had beaten the Mazda3 and the Civic. Might be worth going for a drive in one. Of course you could just buy my car.... but then her S would be faster than your S

04-25-2008, 11:04 PM	#30 (permalink)
philiam Senior Member, Literally Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: woodland hills, CA Posts: 2,537	VW doesn't have a great reliability record. __________________ .

04-26-2008, 12:35 AM	#31 (permalink)
SilverS2K422 B.A.M.F. Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: West Palm Beach, Florida Posts: 627	i would go with a manual Scion, better MPGs and way cooler than the mazda. im actualy thinkin about getting one myself for a daily.

04-26-2008, 09:09 PM	#32 (permalink)
sonic Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Southern MD Posts: 1,002	mazda sucks. never buy a mazda. __________________ GO FAST OR GO HOME

04-26-2008, 09:49 PM	#33 (permalink)
philiam Senior Member, Literally Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: woodland hills, CA Posts: 2,537	Ford Focus is not a bad little car. Ford has improved quite a bit. __________________ .

04-27-2008, 04:34 PM	#34 (permalink)
chazdawg35 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: simi valley,california Posts: 1,699	OMG Phil! FORD I wouldn't even go american much less FORD.MY boss said if it wasn't for FORD we be eatin' peanut butter and jelly for lunch!

04-27-2008, 05:07 PM	#36 (permalink)
chazdawg35 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: simi valley,california Posts: 1,699	What about a SMART CAR than you can eat Tri Tip sandwitches! LOL

04-27-2008, 05:26 PM	#38 (permalink)
chazdawg35 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: simi valley,california Posts: 1,699	GOT THAT RIGHT! baby shoes

04-27-2008, 08:25 PM	#39 (permalink)
Vezna31 Resident Track Whore :) Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Chula Vista, CA Posts: 1,667	I know the guy that tests the Smart car for Mercedes and goes all over the country for demonstrations. He's a former racer and said the car is unbelievably safe, basically a rolling roll cage. He has seen them flip and then drive away with only a few scratches and needing the sideview mirrors replaced. The problem with them is that there is a waiting list a mile long to get one. __________________ Vezna Financial Services - For mortgages, accounting and taxes, and phone service needs. http://www.vezna.com San Diego Car Club - http://www.sdcarclub.com

04-27-2008, 09:39 PM	#40 (permalink)
philiam Senior Member, Literally Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: woodland hills, CA Posts: 2,537	First one I saw was back in 94. It was parked on a sidewalk in Paris and I didn't know what the hell it was. __________________ .

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