Need Help Deciding between a New Car (Corolla Vs Mazda)

BattleSausage on 18/08/2021 - 20:39

Hey ozbargain, we're going to be buying a new car next week, and I want to gather a few more suggestions and see a few more discussions on this before I commit. I'm planning on getting new 2021 Hybrid Corolla (Hatchback), although Mazda 3 hatch is very very tempting too (its very stylish and i hear it has a more premium build).

What do you guys recommend between the 2? I'm not after a "fun ride", I'm more after reliability, fuel efficiency and the size.

As an aside my friend recommended me get a second hand 2013 Lexus IS300h (80k's on it) from a dealer for 28k instead. I'm having a very hard time convincing the rest of the family to spend on a second hand car.

Thanks guys!

Automotive Car Mazda Toyota

Comments

  • Hybroid on 18/08/2021 - 20:41
    +4

    I'm having a very hard time convincing the rest of the family to spend on a second hand car.

    Good. At least they have some sense (between the 8 year old IS300 or brand new modern hatch).

    Flip a coin and pick either the Corolla or Mazda 3. Or put up a poll here to see what people prefer.

    • CrispyChrispy on 18/08/2021 - 20:45

      What's wrong with the second hand Lexus? Does Lexus have a history of reliability issues?

      • Hybroid on 18/08/2021 - 21:10
        +6

        It's an out of warranty hybrid. Batteries degrade. Other components do too. It could be a mint condition showroom piece or have multiple underlying issues having been abused.

        vs

        Brand new car, better tech and features with full warranty and peace of mind.

        • BattleSausage on 18/08/2021 - 21:26

          Great point, didnt think about battery degradation

    • BattleSausage on 18/08/2021 - 21:25

      jesus 2013 was actually almost a decade ago! Thank you, ill definitely go new then.

  • Switchblade88 on 18/08/2021 - 20:46

    In terms of size, are you wanting bigger or smaller? Working budget?

    Could also consider plug-in hybrids to decrease your running costs, but they're not yet common. I've pulled the trigger on an MG HS plugin hybrid as I'll easily save a few thousand a year on fuel - and being an SUV I can still have a towbar for occasional towing needs.

    • BattleSausage on 18/08/2021 - 21:24

      I will be targetting base model for both, and both sizes are suitable (I dont think their sizes are significantly different, but I'm aiming for something in that size range.)

    • brendanm on 18/08/2021 - 22:36

      I'll easily save a few thousand a year on fuel

      How much are you paying for the car?

      • Euphemistic on 19/08/2021 - 11:43

        They’re advertised at $46k I think. It’s a fair bit lore than a corolla, but a little cheaper than the more comparable RAV4

        • brendanm on 19/08/2021 - 13:18

          I was asking more due to it being purchased to "save a few thousand a year on fuel". $2k a year saving, only 23 years to break even.

          • Euphemistic on 19/08/2021 - 14:06

            @brendanm: It’s more like 10years if you assume a corolla would be $20k less than the MG.

            $2k less fuel per year makes a bigger difference if you are purchasing a car for similar price.

            • ol mate on 19/08/2021 - 14:18

              @Euphemistic: It'll take longer for a Victorian (not you, Euphemistic) with their 2c/km EV tax.

  • loropy9 on 18/08/2021 - 21:08

    I had a corolla for 10 years. Only expense was tyres and battery. I got another one that I’ve had for 11 years now and still going strong. Only tyres and battery too. Never a breakdown or a defect. Mazda seems to have better cabin comfort overall, but is more expensive too. I would never buy an 8 year old car for the price of a new corolla.

    • BattleSausage on 18/08/2021 - 21:25

      I see what you're saying. Ill definitely go for new then. Base model mazda 3 is actually a tiny bit cheaper than the base model hybrid corolla though, does that change your suggestion?

      • loropy9 on 18/08/2021 - 23:20

        I can only talk about mazda and petrol corolla from a few years ago. I’ve never been in a hybrid. The only thing putting me off Mazda would be the start stop engine. You can switch it off, but it must be done every time you get in the car, can’t be off by default. That’s why I didn’t consider the mazda 6 when I was buying the family car and went with the camry. The camry is also good, much better than the corolla.

  • TimOfEastBNE on 18/08/2021 - 21:36

    would you consider the Ford Focus? My brother tried out the Corolla, Mazda and Focus and went with the Focus as he could fit a pram/stroller in the back in it, but not the others. I don't know your situation obviously… but the Focus is really nice to drive. I come from a household that until recently had a Mazda 3 and 6 and I do love the Mazdas…. my brother's son had the Corolla hybrid and he had a Mazda 6, so the Fors was a surprise entrant

  • Cheeper on 18/08/2021 - 21:39

    Before you decide check out the cost of servicing for the next 5 years. Some dealerships charge more than a barrister to just change your oil.
    Have you considered other cars around that mark? Kia Cerato, Hyundai, etc.. Worth taking a look.
    How long do you intend to keep the car for? Will it be mostly city trips or do you venture further afield?
    My choice in that market these days would be a Mitsubishi ASX. A no nonsense car with proven durability and if you are looking long term the costs would be low.

    • bobokingdom on 18/08/2021 - 22:01

      Corolla has the cheapest Cap Priced Servicing for the first 5 years! $190 per year or 10000km

      • cheesecactus on 19/08/2021 - 23:54

        Isnt the corolla $190 every 6 months/10000km?

        If so, i'd say the ASX is better at $299 every 12 months/15000km

        • kerfuffle on 20/08/2021 - 07:20

          I'm not sure what the current service interval is, but it's no longer six months for Corollas.

        • bobokingdom on 20/08/2021 - 07:28
          +1

          For current Corolla, service intervals are 12 months/10000km. And for Toyota, Cap Price Servicing including all parts and labour.

    • BattleSausage on 18/08/2021 - 22:10

      I plan on keeping it for 20 years or so. I havent considered Kia or Hyundai as they do not have as good of a track record as mazda or toyota. I'll mostly be driving in the city. My dad says mitsubishi's are shit though :( from his experience 20 years ago.

  • phbk on 18/08/2021 - 22:40

    I think the boot space in the Corolla and the Mazda are the smallest in the class, lucky to fit the weeks groceries in it. I've got a 2020 Mazda 3 G25 Evolve with the Vision pack option and I wouldn't buy the Mazda without it. Vision out the back and sides are really limited by the small windows and big C pillar. It's a nice car to drive … when the wife lets me.

  • alexlim2000 on 18/08/2021 - 22:56

    My 2c's

    Background - I own a 2007 Prius (2nd gen) that has 250K's on the clock, and a 2010 Camry Hybrid with 200Ks.

    RE Considering 2nd hand hybrids -
    - As long as you get warranty on the car and limited warranty on the battery (i.e. fundamental to the function of the car). You should be ok.
    - Hybrid batteries are generally quite well built, when they fail, it is usually due to 1 specific cell pack failing, rather than the entire set of batteries. The cost to fix these with a third party is low - https://www.carh.com.au/services/electric-hybrid-batteries/ ~$1500 for a reconditionned battery pack (and probably ~$300 inc labour for a cell replacement).
    - Hybrid batteries do not degrade as fast as you think - My 2007 Prius still gets great MPG which means its hybrid system is functioning fine, despite being 14 years old.
    - When considering 2nd hand Toyota hybrids - try using Dr Prius to conduct a batter condition test.
    - Do your research and learn how to access car maintenance mode menus to check battery condition, and if there are any fault codes which may indicate hybrid system issues.

    Which Hybrid car brand? - Toyota, only.
    - Toyota is a very clear leader in the Hybrid space. They have a patent on their HSD system which means both the electric motor and generator/regenerative braking is connected to the same transmission - this is clearly the most efficient and least complex way to integrate a hybrid system with an ICE.
    - Toyota hybrids also have a longer history than most - you can find forums to help guide you through any issues you have.
    - That being said, if you were asking about an EV rather than a Hybrid, I would be suggesting different brands.

    Corolla vs Mazda 3 -
    - If the Corolla is the non-ZR variant, I'd go the Mazda 3.
    - Take both out for a spin and you'll find that the Corolla doesn't feel as premium. It feels like it is missing something.
    - The ZR variant has leather, and more importantly air-conditioning for the rear seats.
    - I'd rather go a Hybrid Camry rather than the base model Corolla.
    - Would never touch the Hybrid Yaris / Prius C - it's utter junk.

    Corolla vs 2nd hand Lexus -
    - What are your minimum requirements here?
    - do you care about the smoothness of ride, or how loud/bumpy the ride is?
    - leather seats?
    - trunk space?
    - The 2021 corolla obviously has newer tech - it has newer backup cameras (sharper image, and with better guidance), and Apple Car Plan or Android Auto.
    - the cost of maintaining the Lexus will be a little more than the 'rolla, but both wont need as much maintenance as you think. After all, the Lexus (I assume you're talking about the CT200H?) is based on the Prius platform. For context, my 2007 Prius only needs is oil changed once every 2 years, tire rotations and that's about it. I take my Prius to a normal mechanic that is really cheap.

    I'm actually in the market for a new car, as my Camry is on it's last legs. I'll be looking to hold out until the VW ID3 or ID4 EV's come out.
    Also note that in the current market there is a signficant markup on 2nd hand cars, and more-so on 2nd hand EVs and 2nd hand hybrids.

    • alexlim2000 on 18/08/2021 - 23:03

      Anecdotally,

      In the past few months I have also been eyeing up replacing my Camry. I'm trying to hold out until I save up more $, and when EVs get cheaper.

      At the same time, I've also been looking at the 2nd hand Lexus CT200H's, and Prius i-tech's.
      I'd go the Lexus over the Prius i-tech because the Lexus still has analogue-ish speedos, which my parental units feel more comfortable using.

      Not a fan at all of the Lexus user interface however (who the hell wants to use a knob to manipulate a GUI?).

      I believe there's a few 2016 Prius i-Tech's for about $25k on the market - thats about where I'm looking atm.

    • BattleSausage on 18/08/2021 - 23:16

      Oh im so sorry. When i said base model i meant base hybrid model for corolla! So i guess i wont be getting the good trims. Camry is definitely a no go since its too big for our parking space. I also never had an eye for yaris/prius

      I'm definitely not getting a second hand hybrid anymore

      • alexlim2000 on 19/08/2021 - 08:18

        How much driving will you be doing?

        I think you can get a 2015 i3 with Range Extender - effectively a BMW hybrid (but the petrol engine charges the battery instead of providing thrust) - the interior is awesome for its size, but the suicide doors might be a killer.

        I wasn't really trying to dissuade you from a 2nd hand hybrid, just trying to give you some perspective form the other side. Most people are very fearful of 2nd hand hybrid batteries, I haven't had issues with batteries at all (bought my 07 Prius in 2010 for heapssss cheap because of this fear).

        Also, how do you feel about a Hyundai i20 or i30?

        I think the IS300h is basically a hybrid camry btw.

        • BattleSausage on 19/08/2021 - 14:04

          Maybe like around 90km a week just for me alone? This is metrics pre pandemic, but it might hit close to that since I'll be driving my mom to and back from work. I had a further think last night and we're able to shell out a bit more for the SX corolla or the G20 Evolve (so they are 1 above the base trim).

          Being an asian family, getting a European car is basically throwing money away (stigma that I'm not interested in debating with the fam). Dad hasnt really liked hyundai either.

          What would you say between Sx corolla and Mazda g20 evolve (with vision)?

          Thanks!

          • alexlim2000 on 19/08/2021 - 22:20

            @BattleSausage: take em both for a spin,

            But assuming you're going Toyota SX Corolla Hybrid vs Mazda 3 g20 Evolve (Hybrid) with Vision? - I think the mazda3 wins because it has 360 monitor.

  • Brucet on 18/08/2021 - 23:01

    If you are after a quality, reliable car. You better choose Toyota.
    I had owned Camry, Corolla, RAV4, and now my son driving a 2021 Corolla sedan.
    Never had any problem ( if you take more care ).

    • Euphemistic on 19/08/2021 - 11:44

      There’s nothing wrong with Mazda in that respect.

  • Brucet on 18/08/2021 - 23:02

    I don't suggest you buy Mazda 3.

    • BattleSausage on 18/08/2021 - 23:17

      could you elaborate?

      • Oz8argain on 19/08/2021 - 09:39

        Mazda 3 doesn't have a clear rear view and blind spot due to the design on the rear and it's not a hybrid so will have worse fuel efficiency. if you drive long highway distances then hybrid won't matter. since you have 3 criteria reliability, fuel efficiency and size, Corrolla hybrid beats it in all 3. have you checked both at dealer and test drives?

        • Brucet on 19/08/2021 - 10:13

          exactly

  • Euphemistic on 19/08/2021 - 11:44
    +1

    Test drive both. Decide which you prefer. Consider hybrid will probably use less fuel.

  • Desmond out on 19/08/2021 - 20:33

    Unless u really need a car then buy as until 2025 lockdown won’t end

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