Buy New Fiesta / Mazda 3 Or Used Mazda 3?

[manzan]

I am looking to buy a car, and have shortlisted some options. i dont know a lot about car's, so maybe some of you own or have owned these cars and can tell me more about them.

New Fiesta 1.6 5 door sport - good car, lots of features, looks solid and strong to. 6 speeds automatic and good fuel eco. - price is 699k

New Mazda 2 - looks a bit less then the fiesta, but also costs less. 580k

Used Mazda 3 - i like this car a lot, but cant afford to buy new. for about 650-700k can get a used one, it worries me to buy a used car because the possibility that i buy a car with lots of underlying problems.

Used Toyota Corolla - from the Toyota Sure garage, they give a 1 year guarantee.

[culicine]

Ford fiesta, from your choices. The same priced mazda 2 is of a lower spec than the equivalent fiesta - both top models within about 10K baht of eachother. The 580K mazda 2 is the base model auto - has twin airbags but not even an engine immobiliser. However, if you just want transport the base model mazda 2 is the one to go for - but lacks the bells and whistles. Even better is the manual base model mazda 2 at 545K - much better and more fun to drve than the 4 speed auto.

If money is no problem - fiesta top model

If you want to save money and don't mind a manual gearbox - try the mazda 2.

[wandrinstar]

I like the Fiesta Spec , but i think it looks bloody awfull compared to a City,or Mazda 3..The Mazdas look more Chirpy and Fun .

[manzan]

Ford fiesta, from your choices. The same priced mazda 2 is of a lower spec than the equivalent fiesta - both top models within about 10K baht of eachother. The 580K mazda 2 is the base model auto - has twin airbags but not even an engine immobiliser. However, if you just want transport the base model mazda 2 is the one to go for - but lacks the bells and whistles. Even better is the manual base model mazda 2 at 545K - much better and more fun to drve than the 4 speed auto.

If money is no problem - fiesta top model

If you want to save money and don't mind a manual gearbox - try the mazda 2.

Thanks,

you say "from my choices" do you have some more ideas for me of what you would think is a better option?

[culicine]

Ford fiesta, from your choices. The same priced mazda 2 is of a lower spec than the equivalent fiesta - both top models within about 10K baht of eachother. The 580K mazda 2 is the base model auto - has twin airbags but not even an engine immobiliser. However, if you just want transport the base model mazda 2 is the one to go for - but lacks the bells and whistles. Even better is the manual base model mazda 2 at 545K - much better and more fun to drve than the 4 speed auto.

If money is no problem - fiesta top model

If you want to save money and don't mind a manual gearbox - try the mazda 2.

Thanks,

you say "from my choices" do you have some more ideas for me of what you would think is a better option?

I'd also consider the new honda city and jazz, but we don't know when those could be delivered (in the next year??) because their plant was flooded. Top models are slightly more than the mazda/ford, but not by much.

I was considering the mazda 2 as a second car - the base model as I wanted to save money. However after these floods, I think I'll sell my honda civic and buy a large pickup lol. Roads in my area also flood each year and drain poorly.

[stefan2519]

Mazda seem to be doing a promotion in aid of the upcoming Motor Show in Bangkok.

From what I can gather, I think it's a years free insurance plus a 2.5% interest rate, here's the link;

My link

[funcat]

I got a family,so my choice is Almera...more room in the back that any other compact car.

[caphant]

Im very tall, but fit well in the fiesta though the seats were not incredibly confortable for me, the cabin was very nice and didnt have the disposable camera feel of the toyota yaris and other subcompacts ive had the displeasure of driving.

I would go with the mazda 3, has very generous interior space as does the ford focus (shared platform). Though i have not driven the 2.0 engine offered in thailand, I noticed there isnt cruise control options on the right hand side of steering wheel, just audio controls. Ive driven the 2.3 mazda speed overseas and was impressed in the handling considering im usually not a fan of fwd, im not sure if mazda 2.0 only comes with 4speed tiptroonic transmission or whether they uped it at a certain year to 5speed. The interior whilst hard plastic was textured and felt more upmarket and stylish than other compacts like the corrola or lancer (sportier than focus). the rear seats are comfortable (more room in the hatch as the sedan has a sloping rear roofline, the black leather interior is very supple and feel the car has/will age well, ive seen some for around 550k asking price online, the mazda came with optional moonroof, which in thai market is definately a rarity in the segment (and in general) thus a premium luxury. funny how jazz's and many common cars over in Hong Kong and other SEA places have them yet thailand does not. I understand the hot climate and local obsession with whitening creams make for sunfearing drivers but i quite like having the moonroof down at night when driving the escape when out of urban areas.

[caphant]

Did a bit of a search on the mazda 3 here, seems like some find the fuel economy to be poor including the 1.6litre, I think the 2.3 i drove returned better kmpl, but as this was a loaner for 2 weeks 3 years ago i dont remember as fuel prices werent as steep as now. but tis a shame the mazda engines appear to be so thirsty given the current fuel prices, maybe a good idea to also give the civic a test though itll cost more because hondas hold value, the paddle shift and stylish interior is also nice though too much if you have conservative taste. The ride is a little harsh and handling not as taut at the 3's in the bends. The outgoing honda civic has nice aggressive styling and imo better than the 2012. If you want good fuel economy check the fiesta or the outgoing diesel focus for 999k and 0.99 financing terms for 48 months that MRO posted, very tempting offer by ford to clear stock.

[culicine]

Note also their is absolutely no rear leg room in a fiesta with the front seat right back. I put the front seat back and could not physically put my feet behind the seat. This really is the only gripe though. I've also heard about poor fuel economy for mazda 3. Even the mazda 2 is not so great when your pounding it.