Mazda 3 Skyactiv or Toyota Matrix ?!?

Eddie6

Hello All,

Need some help determining my next car.

My 03 Mazda6 is dying and I need a new car !!  I have been looking and found the Mazda3 Skyactiv and Toyota Matrix to be my front-runners at this time. I am thinking of the Mazda3 Skyativ GS-L package and the Toyota Martix S package.  They are about the same price and have about the same features.

I drive on the highway almost everyday, so fuel economy is important as my V6 is consuming a lot of gas and the gas price is only going higher.

Which one do you think is better ??  Please give me some advice.

Thanks in advance !!  ^^

Eddie6

Thank you Philip for your reply.

I did test drive them both. I found the Mazda3 handles and performs similar to my 6; it actually feels more solid. On the other hand, the Matrix ride is more comfortable and stable.

I agree with you on comparing them is like comparing "blend" vs "flashy". I even test drove the Honda CR-Z and that one is more like a sports car !!

It's a 50/50 toss up now. I'm torn between them. Help please !!

Eddie6

Thank you for everyone's reply and I appreciate all of your inputs.

I agree that the 3 will find very much like my current 6 as far as the interior goes. The ride is similar but of coz not as powerful as the V6. I could say the Matrix did give me a good surprise when I was test driving it, it's smooth and stable but a bit too blend.

Would I be bored with Anirher Mazda ? Probably not. I have my 6 almost 9 years now and I had a civic for 10 years before that. So, I'm a boring person !! Hahaha...

As far as Korean cars go, I really have nothing against them;  I was seriously thinking a Elantra and Veloster. There's no stock for Veloster; in fact, there's not even one available for test drive !! The Elantra is good too but too similar to my wife's civic.

I'm surprised to learn that the Sonota has the same fuel efficiency as the Matrix !!  But then the Sonota is out of my budget range.

I'm leaning towards the 3 but I know my wife likes me to have the Matrix since it seems to be more reliable and solid.

Once again I'm sitting at the crossroads. A or B !!??!!

Eddie6

Thanks for all the inputs.

I'm looking for an automatic and I noticed Mazda3 does shift earlier & faster than a typical automatic.  And that's probably why it's a 6 speed transmission.

Yes, I heard the lack of power on the Veloster and the turbo version does make it better.  But I don't think I would consider it at this time.

The Sonota is a good car and I do like it.  It matches in dimensions and feel of my current 6.  Budget-wise, I'm looking at less than 25k with taxes & fees included.

So, I have these 2 choices right now.  The toughest part is to make a decision.  Everyone that I talked to said Toyota is better than Mazda regarding reliability and reputation.  Only here in Loyaukee where you guys said Mazda 3 is better in this case.

I'm trying to justifiy going to a Matrix coz I like the 3 better myself.  I believe with the Matrix, it is going to be a safe choice with minimum problem and possibly better in a long haul.  But it's boring !!!  Furthermore, it's probably the last year of the current version and a new one will be out soon.  For the 3, I like how it drives and looks.  However, the Skyactiv technology is not proven yet and there might be potential problems ahead.  Poeple always say not to get the 1st year of a new engine/car; wait for all the kinks to be worked out in the 2nd year model.

It feels like I'm going upstream in waterfall.  Should I insist or should I go with the flow ??? ={

Eddie6

It's really frustrating and depressed when no one supports you !

Eddie6

Thanks again for all your inputs.

I have, against all odds (outside loyaukee that is), decided to go for the Mazda3 !!  I will be picking it up this week.

This car buying experience definitely has mixed emotions in it; the joy of getting a new ride vs the pain of trying to convince people about your choice.

Public perception of company brands does impact people and sometimes other factors are over-looked.

I'm still happy with my choice and I hope I'll even happier when I am driving it.

I shall remember the oil change/maintenance tips too !!

Thanks everyone and please take care !!!  ^^

P.S.  I'll post my driving experience with the 3 later.

Eddie6

I picked the Graphite Mica; I like the Indigo and Sky blue also, but my current 6 is in blue, so I want to try something different.  



I will let you guys know how many kms I can go for one tank.  =)

Eddie6

Yes, car shopping is not always fun, there's a lot of stress involved. The best way is to narrow down the fields and test drive all of them.

Got the 3 last night ! So far so good !
Things I like so far :
- Bluetooth connectivity; both phone & audio
- rain sensing wipers
- multiple settings for heated seats
- fog lights
- solid feel; less rattles and road noise.

So, Philip, what's wrong with getting it from the automall ?  I went thru an uncle who knows the manager there.

Will post more comments later as I become more familiar with the 3 !!

Cheers everyone !! ^^

Eddie6

回復 27# randommike

Yes, I did.