Decisions Decisions
Posted in General by CujoJanuary 17th, 2006 - 10:17 AM
Well as most of you probably know I have a new job. I also have a new house — well Jes has a new house and I’m moving in but it’s new to me as well so there you go.
What does all this mean? I need a car to get back and forth to work and well anywhere else I feel like going. I’ve been hoping at getting a car since graduation and it’s finally come where I have guaranteed income so that I can get a car.
Since late 2004 I’ve been wanting a Mazda3. The cars get great reviews, are sweet to drive and look awesome. Another plus is I fit in the thing — most other make/models in the category I do not fit in (ie/ Toyota Corolla). I’ve told friends about the Mazda3 then when they were interested in it I told them not to get it because then I wouldn’t be able to get it. You don’t want to copy at all or anything now do you? I’ve been to the dealer twice in the past week to talk costs and different things like that. Then another option was proposed by the dealer.
Why not the Mazda6?
Whaaaattt? I’ve never looked at the Mazda6 because I deemed it out of my price range, heck when you start adding a lot of the “cool” features to the Mazda3 it pops out of my price range. I’ve always been looking at buying as leasing just seemed “weird” to me with paying for a car for 4 years then having to pay for a car again after that. But a benefit of leasing is that the monthly payments are cheaper and maybe in 4 years I’ll be able to afford something “nicer”.
Now enter the dilemma. The Mazda3 and the Mazda6 are very close in the cost per month to lease — the 6 has lower interest rates (pretty much cut in half). Basically the Mazda6 is a larger car and more expensive but for only $6 more a month. The Mazda3 however looks “younger” but is also smaller in size so any passengers on trips etc will be a tight fit.
So now I’m thinking do I want the smaller, sexier looking car (I think it’s better looking anyway) or the larger, more sophisticated car with comfort etc. Jes even said the Mazda6 looks like an “older person car” but she liked the space inside and the comfort.
Both cars drive pretty much the same and it’s one hell of a drive. Very smooth and the car just wants to Zoom Zoom (yes lame but when you sit behind the wheel you’ll understand ;)).
I’ve tried to “get into” other cars such as the Toyota Corolla but like I said earlier, I don’t fit. Stupid legs. I also test drove the Chevy HHR which has a retro design dating back to a 1949 Suburban delivery truck which I think is awesome and the drive was nice and smooth but I had two major complaints — the hard pedal (where you put your left foot) was very thin and my foot kept falling off of it and the “bar” (I don’t know car terms) that comes down between windshield and driver’s side window is thicker than most cars and on turns to the left my view was obstructed. The nice leather heated seats were a plus though in the freezing freezing cold we’ve been experience lately.
But as you can see, I have no clue what to do and I’ve been jumping back and forth all over. Poor me 
January 17th, 2006 at 10:43 am
Jim was looking seriously at a Mazda 5 or 6 (can’t remember which), but then decided to go with the Grand Prix. He loves it.
As for the 3 vs 6…is there any significant difference in gas mileage?
January 17th, 2006 at 11:19 am
Go with the Mazda 6 sport model. there are like three models of that car, and one of them has the sexier, younger look that you must crave - hitting that quarter life crisis, and all.
January 17th, 2006 at 11:37 am
I forgot to put in what models I’m looking at and at the price range.
Mazda3 GS with the Power and Sport package basically power everything and some sporty aspects added to the appearance. Along with ABS brakes etc.
Mazda6 GS-I4 with Sport Package which ones again adds some sporty stuff to it including fog lights and ABS with traction.
Anything higher in the Mazda6 will put me out of my range. I still need to find out insurance on it and I think either one I get I’ll add a rear spoiler to “young it up a bit”.
Anita: Mazda6’s are coupes, hatch backs that look like coupes and wagons. The Mazda5 is more of a van/wagon type thing. I think it’s a van.
January 17th, 2006 at 11:41 am
Oh yes also forgot, gas mileage is similar according to http://www.fueleconomy.gov (US site).
Mazda3: 26 mpg city / 34 mpg highway
Mazda6: 24 mpg city / 31 mpg highway
January 17th, 2006 at 11:43 am
I agree that the 3 is a nicer looking vehicle, but it all depends on what you’re goign to use the car for.
Personally, I would go with the 6. With you, Jes and two dogs, you’ll need the room if you plan on goign on any trips. I don’t really care about looks, though. A vehicle is must a means of getting from point A to point B.
Keep in mind this is all from the perspective of the person who willfully purchased a brown Chevy Astro.
January 17th, 2006 at 2:12 pm
Consumers…I tell you…life is tough
January 17th, 2006 at 3:26 pm
Biz is da buzz in Mexico. Motor scooter all the way.
Oh, wait, you will not be able to get through the snow in it.
Scuse me, my Cerveza is here and the sun is on my feet.
Ã?â??Ã?§
January 17th, 2006 at 8:22 pm
I still say the Geo is the way to go…..imagine how cool it’d be for a little car to pull up and a long-legged guy unfold from within…..
January 18th, 2006 at 12:08 pm
Well thanks from posting all teh way from the beaches of Mexico Shria. Now that’s impressive.
And the Geo reference reminds me of the Simpsons:
“Do you think it’s funny that I drive a small auto-mo-bile?…. Everyone laugh at the boy who laughs at everything”
January 18th, 2006 at 1:41 pm
Go with the Mazda3, your to young to be driving a Mazda6
January 18th, 2006 at 1:47 pm
Too young? I’m turning the big 2-5 next week, heck one week away actually. That’s old… well not as old as some people. Cough Cough Mr. West.
Hmm, I’m calling insurance lady at lunch time to see what the insurance will be like on the two cars.
January 18th, 2006 at 8:15 pm
birthday…one week, huh? Well, while your turning into an old man fighting the blizzard, i will be sunning my naked boobies in the dominican republic…i will shake them in your honour that day, my friend…
January 18th, 2006 at 8:16 pm
P.S. insurance is ALWAYS higher for a two door car than for a four door…FYI…
January 18th, 2006 at 11:05 pm
Well I guess I’m honoured for your shake in my honour :S
As far as the insurance goes both cars are 4 door. I got the quote in today and basically for “monthly” purposes there is a difference of $10.17 which brings the total to I guess around $15 difference a month for the cars.
January 18th, 2006 at 11:23 pm
6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6
January 19th, 2006 at 12:58 pm
$15/mo… That’s like…. 2 galons of gas, or something.
January 19th, 2006 at 1:28 pm
That’s also $15 Canadian Kelli so figure out the conversion HAHA. It used to be so really bad but now the good ole Canadian dollar is doing alright.
January 19th, 2006 at 7:36 pm
What about trunk space? Do you plan on taking double bassets camping? I double daher you
Sure you’re young now, but I promise you will still be young in 10 years — even 15. Drive what makes you feel good. Suit your needs, but don’t bludgeon your style.
January 19th, 2006 at 8:56 pm
Of course 2 bassets are coming camping. Heck we wanted to bring Dom out when he was 8 weeks but he didn’t have his full shots yet so we didn’t. And Jes has a solid 92 Caravan for the camping trips (hopefully it holds up).
They are both nice looking cars that’s for sure, the decision is just tough. For a year it’s been Mazda3 Mazda3 Mazda3 and I never thought about Mazda6. It’s a good ride though, and not cool kid talk but ride as in driving. I just don’t want the Mazda6 to be considered “my parents car” or something like that.
Ah the decisions.