Hi Guys
Im buying my first car and cant make up my mind
IM looking at these two
2015 Mitsubishi Lancer ES Sports
2015 Mazda 3 Maxx
I have compared the two cars and have seen pros and cons in each but still a hard choice to make
EDIT
Made the desicion have purchased a mitsi lol
the deal i had gotten on the Car was to good compared to what mazda could offer me almost 9k Cheaper with accessories i wanted
Thank you everyone for all your replys really appreciate the help
Would you wish to supply me with 30k so i can Both :P
Por que no los dos
Get a WRX!!!
lol you seem to be the biggest supporter of WRX…
I actually own one (MY11-14), awesome cars but I don't think it works for everyone esp if you can't drive manual =P
What about half and half?
First world problems..
Alot of ppl don't even have the luxury/disposable income of getting a 2015 car.
mate this isnt a soft tacos vs hard tacos situation!
Go to a showroom and sit in one. Buy the one you feel most comfortable to be in with the wheel in your hands.
i have with both i had purchased the lancer from Heartland and ended up cancelling it due to the lack of service and rude people they have working for them
it was nothing but a F*** around since day one with them :/
agree, Heartland (Kia) sales were awful. Didn't know their product and weren't that interested in the customer.
Funny you say that, I had a horrible experience with Mitsubishi recently too where I had almost bought a car but changed my mind. Australian Motors Mitsubishi is probably the South Australian equivalent.
Mazda 3. :)
I find the Mazda 3 to be a little small in terms of interior space. Definitely wins on the exterior design. I haven't been on a lancer so I can't comment on it. I am comparing the Mazda 3 to Corolla and Nissan Tiida.
The Mazda 3 is more fuel efficient than the Lancer.
This is not even a serious question. The Mazda 3 is a brand new model, not more than 18 months old.
The Lancer dates back to 2006.
2006!
Why the hell would you buy a car that was designed back in 2006? Pretty sure John Howard was still PM, over 6 PMs ago!
Please delete
Please delete
I don't own any of the car, I would go Mazda 3. One of the most popular car, good resale value I heard.
I could be wrong.
I had the same choice in 2011 between lancer and Mazda3 and I went with the Lancer … because it had a better stereo … true story
Lol sounds legit.
because it had a better stereo
But how big were the cup-holders!?
They easily fit the massive frozen cokes from 7-11
You mean Slurpees?
Mazda for resale and better all around car.
Drops 20% as soon as you drive it off the lot.
Buy a near new low km version instead
or better still reassess how much/km a car is worth to you and you may find that well looked after $5k cars are better value.
To be honest i much rather have a brand new car it has its benefits
Value for money and preservation of wealth not being one of them.
But the new car smell is nice :)
@airzone:
I prefer the smell of money.
I have a big pile of it by not buying new cars that depreciate 20% as soon as I drive them out the door.
That cash can then be used to buy assets that actual MAKE money instead of losing it at a rapid rate, like cars.
Can't bring money to your grave mate.
Whilst i agree that you can save the $$ and most times i will with most things (reason why we're on OZB right?), but nothing beats the new car smell and the whole process of picking up a new car. It's all a balance and trade off of what you enjoy in life i guess. For me, cars is one of the few passions i have and am willing to spend a fair coin on whilst i wear $5 t-shirts, $20 jeans/pants, $5 shorts, $30 shoes.
@zeomega: Meh for the depreciation, I rather foregone the picking up process. But totally understand your situation, since you love cars. I used to be like you, but these days I think I will only buy a new high end luxury car new.
And i agree with you. The pickup of a new car with a good euro brand is so much more exciting than the pickup with a jap brand. Merc will print out your name on a sign, bring you around have a coffee etc. Audi will chauffeur you in an A8L to go pick up your car etc. It's really really quite the fanfare, rather than Jap/korean. Here's your keys, sign it over. Bye.
I could understand if your reasoning for buying new is to ensure it's been driven and taken care of properly from the day it left the dealer. But I don't really get the idea of paying thousands for the 'experience' - for the dealer to pretend to be your best mate, buy you coffee and put your name on a sign. You could pay for a holiday for that kind of money.
To each their own I guess.
OP: Demo or near new still has a new car smell. Just buy that and don't worry about the odometer, pretend you owned it from new. Go on a holiday with the money you saved, or buy a lot of Eneloops or something.
@zeomega: Indeed, also the big thing is the customization which is offered and quite possibly one of the reasons why Euro cars don't have as great reliability. Whilst German Engines and driving experience is superb, its the customization options imo that cause reliability problems. Japanese keep it simple and reasonably priced one reason they have been so successful.
@AMG:
The experience is just part of the whole process of buying a new car. Running the car in, picking all the options you really want that no one else would spend the money on like front massage seats, heated seats and steering wheel, etc. Also I nit pick the shit out of things and i get annoyed when it's not "perfect". Again, to each their own. I know i can be saving $$, but it's $$ i'm willing to spend. :)
@zeomega: Merc will print out your name on a sign, bring you around have a coffee etc. Audi will chauffeur you in an A8L to go pick up your car etc. It's really really quite the fanfare"
And you pay a years average wage extra for a short term ego boosting name on a piece of paper and a $100 limo ride?
Have you heard the expression a fool and his money are soon parted?
@zeomega: Can't bring money to your grave mate.
No, but I can make sure I have enough to last into my 90's which is the average age they pop off in my family.
Better that than how many end up, penniless and eating cat food at retirement.
I have two mates now, new car owners both plus other toys, living large with euro holidays, fine dining and flash harry appearance until they lost their jobs and even then they were still tryhards to the end and only then did it became glaringly apparent the error in their way of thinking (short term gratification Vs delayed gratification).
Both are now living back at home with parents, one is a hopeless case and wont accept a job any less than what he had, the other has accepted his position and is driving taxis and I guess much of his earning are garnished paying for what he once had.
They have just turned 50.
It depends though, if you only squirrel away money so you can live to a long age and live comfortably, I'd actually argue your mates are living a better life than you are. Things like travel for instance are really fantastic and really opens up your mind to new things.
For all you know you could die tomorrow, so I think you need to strike a balance between enjoying some things in life like a fancy new car versus just being stingy but going for the long-term plan.
@PhilipJWitow: Yeah, my 50 year old mates living at home with their parents are WINNING.
You assume I don't travel whereas I actually travel a couple of months every year and have done since my mid 30's and I dont need to borrow money to do it.
Everyone's situation is different. I strongly believe in spending within your means. If i can't afford it, i won't be buying it, pretty simple logic.
I'm fortunate enough to have savings and the ability save some money every month. Again, as previously mentioned, there are options on vehicles that i will pay for, such as massage chairs, heated seats and steering wheel, etc. Options not many people will get, and combined with my choice of colour, interior trim etc. Will be hard.. if not impossible to get on the 2nd hand market. Also note that when i say i'm fussy, i am not exaggerating, so buying 2nd hand with money in my $$ won't make me happier.. So you think i'm a fool to waste the money, i'd counter with the term "happy fool" :) At the end of the day, different strokes for different folks. Some people like clothes and technology, i like my cars.
Audi will chauffeur you in an A8L to go pick up your car etc.
It's a trap. After the money transfer goes through as soon as no one's looking the room fills with pollution and you are gassed to death. Then it goes back to running clean.
LOL! Fortunately i've always been a strong believer of petrol. Then again, the number of crap vehicles out there on our roads with no catalytic converters and spewing many times more harmful emissions… no one whinges about. Life's funny izzin't it?
BTW, i think a research was done and all euro diesel cars fails the emissions.
@AMG: May as well take the money you save and spend it on Hookers and booze rather than a ride to your new car. What a toss :-P
I have no idea how anyone can enjoy the process of buying a new car. The worse you feel after negotiating a car deal is proportional to the better hard bargain you've negotiated. :p
I also have a passion for cars, but I'm stuck in a time-warp where I'd rather be restoring a 68 Valiant or driving a 86 Sprinter, than a 'good' European car you can't even change the oil on.
I feel sorry for the people that buy Audis and realise they have to pay thousands to change a sensor because the whole front end needs to be pulled off. It's also pretty ridiculous you need to drop the whole front bumper in some models to change a lightbulb in one too. Great engineering there :/ I guess it's not an issue if the people that buy them are ballers and wipe their arses with c-notes… But we all know that a lot of these buyers are heavily financed for appearances.
I guess what I'm trying to say is that I wish I enjoyed going to car dealerships.
I'm stuck in both worlds where i love my old cars like the Porsche 930s and do a lot of my own mechanical work (if i find the time these days) but also want the comfort and "reliability" (i say that in jest) of a new car. Old cars are money pits where you're always finding something to "upgrade" or something else has broken. With the likes of Porsche, it ain't cheap at all. In contrast, a new vehicle in warranty is a fixed cost.
I wouldn't like to own an Audi outside of warranty, they are great cars but extremely problematic based on experience. As for maintenance, a lot of the euro makes offer 3 years free maintenance as part of a corporate program. So no additional cost for servicing.
As for the negotiation part. I enjoy negotiations and pushing the limits of the dealer. I always take the mindset of I don't need the car, it's a want. I can walk away if i don't get the price i want.
So again, to each their own :) Based on responses, most people don't enjoy it.. but i do. But remember, without new car buyers, there won't be 2nd hand vehicles on the market. Some food for thought.
Food for thought or stating the obvious? I didn't realise why the trading post, gumtree and eBay existed until you dropped that gem on me. There's even 2nd hand things that aren't cars!!
This man speaks the truth. I would never ever buy a brand new car. If you must have something close to new just get a demo. Also agree that used cars between 5-10k are good value if they have been well looked after.
Used cars (or "near new"/ demo/ "exec driven") can be a decent buy but I generally stay away from them for good reason.
"Near New" = it's a demo. There is no such thing as a near new in the dealer's paperwork. It has to have been allocated as a demo for it to be driven out the show room.
"Demo" = Someone has driven the vehicle hard before it has time for the engine or chassis to warm up.
"Exec driven" = the worst of the lot. It has been abused by either the dealer/ manager/ or it was an ex test vehicle for write-ups/videos.
When the dealership tells you that you get the "regular warranty", this is a RAW deal. All vehicle warranties exclude wear and tear that can be attributed to abuse or misuse. Abuse and misuse is exactly what happens to demo and test vehicles. There is absolutely no way you can prove that the damage from abuse was caused before you bought the car.
Read this - http://www.vwgolf.net.au/showthread.php?27310-Potential-buyers-beware-Scirocco-R-(CVR-36W)-quot-Dealer-executive-quot-HA!
The carsales ad has been taken down. I hope the vehicle was sold to someone nasty, otherwise, that's one BAD buy at that price (typical 10% off retail).
This is my BIGGEST fear so far. But saying that, it's not my decision to make, I want the people buying the car to make an informed choice with your help and everyone else here.
So yes, I do agree with this.
Mazda 3
go to autoexpert . com. au and get a quote from them - you might even be able to afford an SP25 !
how will that work tho i dont understand the logic behind it lol
the saving you'll make by using a good broker, means you might be able to get the SP25 from the broker for the same price as the Maxx from the dealer
what might be the outcome of using a Broker as i have never done this before and a little bit on the nervous side because i have already been screwed over by a dealer Hence the cancellation
the outcome might be a nice shiny new car, for less $$$
dealers are sh*theads
these guys are not
Also try Autogenie, it costs $50 for a quote but the savings are pretty good. I was quoted $23880 for a Maxx auto a few months ago.
+1 for Mazda3. It has much better resale value. Ride comfort is also better in the Mazda (Ive owned both previously)
Also on the highway, I have found the mazda to be a lot quieter driving long distances (IMHO).
Out of those two I would definitely go for the Kia Cerato :-)
I did :)
would prefer a Medium to full sized car
Thanks tho :)
you should look at the new Suzuki Vitara. A bit more ground clearance than the Mazda and similar price range, good looking car.
Have you taken each for a test drive?
Make sure you go around some roundabouts, do some 3 points turns, and if they let you, drive through a car park and park the car.
Then you can get a feel for what you like.
The Lancer is a 7 year old shape. The Mazda 3 is a 1 year old shape. Is it really that hard to decide?
Yes and hence, the question 😀
I had the misfortune to hire an ASX… Basically a jacked up lancer. I would never buy one as a result of that.
^This.
-Lancer has had the same shape since 07/08
-Where as the current Mazda 3 is very new
Agree with daewoo. Upgraded from a Mitsi to Mazda 6 many years ago, struggled to sell the mitsi but Mazda 6 was sold within 2 weeks of listing on carsales for a good price. It was a lovely car with better ride and handling than mitsi anytime anyday. Will go back to Mazda in a heartbeat. Service and parts pricier than Mitsi nonetheless its a wonderful feeling of owning Japanese motor. Good luck in your decision.
Damn auto pilot feature
do yourself a favour.
go and rent each of the cars you like for a few days. Drive them around. Get a proper feel of it rather than a 5 minute test drive.
This is a significant investment and one you should not enter lightly.
How do you actually do this? Every time I get a rental, I don't always get the car that I got a quote on.
well its under automotive questions NOT automotive bargains
and this is a forum as with any question can be asked
you do know what your asking is irrelivent to what my question states if you want to act like that please go somewhere that actually cares thanks :)
Mazda new shapes are top notch.
Mitsubishi for some reason have not been innovative on the design side.
Lancer is 8 years years old with no noteworthy updates and nothing on the agenda for future. Pajero is ultimately 17 years old, with a significant upgrade 9 years ago. Mirage is incredibly ho-hum.
I'm a bit of a Mitsubishi fan (had a Magna, now have a 380) but they've lost the plot. If I buy a fourbie I'd consider a second-hand Pajero but otherwise I won't even be considering a Mitsubishi for my next car.
Owned lancer (current shape) for almost 8 years and can say it was a fantastic car; You may be get good deal given it's an 8 year old model now. On a flip side this model looks a bit tired now. You can pick a year old mid to high spec for a really good price about 15k (if you consider that).
Mazda 3 has been refreshed not long ago and couple of friends who own Mazda 3 have been very happy with their purchase. I found that Mazda charges a premium on their cars.
PS: I was in a similar dilemma 8 years ago
I think the mazda, it looks a newer car. The lancer is still the same shape since 2008 isnt it?
get a used 2010 Mitsubishi Triton turbo diesel for 8k, bargain!
+1 Mazda. No doubts unless you need slightly more space and save a little more money. If they were the same price. Mazda 3.
Id rather get the Ferrari, but out of those two, I'd get the Mazda.
here we go again. Let me guess… 2013 Grand Crappy? After all.. their resale value is pathetic. But you do really want to put your life in the hands of a car that will flip easily?
Why do you constantly try and engage me in a public argument? You bring up other old threads purely to provoke an argument, while saying stupid things that are completely off topic about resale value of a car that you can't afford and has nothing to do with the thread. It's also interesting that you base your comments on nothing other than you personal opinion, and clearly haven't looked up the resale value on a Grand Cherokee, which is very good. You bring up the notion of the car flipping, which is ill informed and relating to the previous WK model and has nothing to do with the current WK2 model. But you knew that, we've been through it, but you literally just want an argument. This is the 4 or 5th thread that you have brought this up in, always off topic and always looking for an argument. You can't keep it private and choose to air dirty laundry in public. Good on you.
You can get a much much better second hand car than either of those hunks of junk for the same money.
Do you hear yourself at any time at all? OP asks a simple question, rather than giving a constructive answer, most of your responses when it comes to vehicles are pretty contumelious. OP wants to buy a new car, and has selected 2 models. What you've effectively done is to stomped on his choices by calling them junk, told him he can buy a better 2nd hand car (which he doesn't want to do) and without even providing any options. Hardly constructive and of no use.
You claim all jap/korean cars are junk and everyone should go luxury in most of your posts. But you yourself don't even drive a luxury vehicle, practice what you preach comes to mind? Or maybe Do as I say not as I do? Maybe if you were a little nicer with your posts, you wouldn't get all the negs.
@zeomega: I've never told you what I drive. Stop trying to be all high and mighty, you purposefully try and provoke me, bringing up the same old shit, thread after thread, and keep going even when I ignore you.
even when I ignore you.
Sending me an insult via PM is ignoring me eh?
Please look back, I only offer my opinions when your post is skewed OR nonconstructive.
Calling me "high and mighty"… you might want to look in the mirror for a bit.
@zeomega: No, that's trying not to engage you in a public forum. I'm going to ignore you completely from now on, don't bother replying to my posts.
And you start by insulting me? That's a pretty solid opening to help me be receptive. I really don't understand your logic behind that. Good work.
My vote's for the Mazda 3! I had a drive of my friend's 2014 Mazda Neo 3 or whatever and looking up the model you specified, it looks very similar. It handles very well and overall I think it's quite a smooth drive. Also, it has the added bonus of a more current design, whereas the Lancer range looks like it hasn't been updated for a while. I mean those are my reasons anyway.
My suggestion: get a good 2nd hand Merc..
Once you had a ride in a nice one you wont look back.
Got myself a decent CLS for $35K, runs like a dream hehe
How much does servicing cost ;)
I had a second hand Mercedes. Repairs and parts were expensive. Yes, these cars break down like any other. Despite having an older luxury car you get slugged enormous repair costs that are completely uneconomical because "you drive a German 'luxury' car"
Just buy both of them.