2010 VW Golf 2.5 vs. 2010 Mazda 3 Hatch

[The Critic]

1) 4-dr Golf

Pros:

- Better rear seat
- 6-speed automatic
- Better online forum support (for repair and maintenance tips)
- Less "flashy" interior than the Mazda 3
- Nice gauges and multi-function display
- Larger dealer network (at least in my area)
- Easy to purchase high-quality replacement parts online

Cons:

- Armrest not available on the gas models
- No upgraded stereo available on the gas models
- 5-cylinder engine (noisy and sound likes an old diesel)
- No HID or Xenon headlamps available
- 15" tires standard
- No leather-wrapped steering wheel

2) Mazda 3 Hatch

Pros:

- Available Xenon/HID headlamps
- Smoother/Quieter engine
- Better stereo
- Standard leather-wrapped steering wheel
- Standard Armrest
- More heavily discounted

Cons:

- Tight rear seat
- Fact that it's a Mazda, don't know if this brand will be around 5-10 years from now.
- No six-speed auto available
- Gauge cluster is too "flashy" for me
- Smaller online support network (both in terms of parts and forums) than the VW

Thoughts? Which car would you rather have?

 

[asiancivicmaniac]

Are you finally getting your own car?

 

[The Critic]

Originally Posted By: asiancivicmaniac
Are you finally getting your own car?


Why would I want a new car for myself? I would have nothing to fix...

Nope, not for me.

 

[asiancivicmaniac]

Quote:
Why would I want a new car for myself? I would have nothing to fix...


You say that like it's a bad thing

I like both. Maybe the 3 over the Golf some, but not much.

The stuff you mention seem pretty minor in the grand scheme of things.

If you want HID in the Golf then I'm sure there's a way. The GTI has HID right and they are they same shape as the Golf. 15" tires are cheaper to replace. Leather wrapped steering wheel is easily doable after market. If you want a better stereo it's also doable aftermarket. The 6 speed transmission sounds complicated. Have to agree with a 5 cylinder being used in a car that probably would have done fine with a 4.

Mazda has been around for a while and they seem to make okay cars so I would think they have a good chance of staying in business. I don't know if an armrest is all that important. I just like that mine is the cover of the cubby in the center console. Rest my left arm on the door panel and the right on my lap most of the time.

 

[EricZoom]

If there wasn't a big price difference, I'd go for the Mazdaspeed 3.

 

[The Critic]

Originally Posted By: EricZoom
If there wasn't a big price difference, I'd go for the Mazdaspeed 3.


The car must be auto as my parents refuse to drive stick.

 

[ryan2022]

If you plan on keeping the car out of warantee, I would heavily suggest going with the mazda.

We own one now, but have come from a long line of Hondas. They are excellent cars, very well built, and very few Japanese carmakers place this kind of emphasis on driving dynamics.

They're just a great car all around.

The VW would be a great driver as well, but I'd say long term might cause more mechanical troubles than the mazda. They do have appeal though, so its not that the Golf would be a bad choice. They also offer a lot of bang for the buck.

Mazda has been around since the 60's in North America......Thats like saying, Not sure if Honda will be around in a few years.

Theyre a good solid brand.

 

[94supraonchrome]

Mazda

 

[pcfxer]

Originally Posted By: ryan2022
If you plan on keeping the car out of warantee, I would heavily suggest going with the mazda.

We own one now, but have come from a long line of Hondas. They are excellent cars, very well built, and very few Japanese carmakers place this kind of emphasis on driving dynamics.

They're just a great car all around.

The VW would be a great driver as well, but I'd say long term might cause more mechanical troubles than the mazda. They do have appeal though, so its not that the Golf would be a bad choice. They also offer a lot of bang for the buck.

Mazda has been around since the 60's in North America......Thats like saying, Not sure if Honda will be around in a few years.

Theyre a good solid brand.


Quantity of mechanical issues aside, the VW will COST you an arm and a leg for parts (that is STILL true today). How much for a MAF sensor? $450...call up Mazda just to see and it's $100-$150 depending on dealer.

 

[StevieC]

I wouldn't touch a VW until their reliability and quality ratings move up. There are all kinds of VW/Audi stories on the net about various models. This makes me believe they have dropped the ball. Also most VW models are PITA to service.

I would stick to the Mazda. At least it has a better record.

 

[The Critic]

Originally Posted By: StevieC
I wouldn't touch a VW until their reliability and quality ratings move up. There are all kinds of VW/Audi stories on the net about various models. This makes me believe they have dropped the ball. Also most VW models are PITA to service.

I would stick to the Mazda. At least it has a better record.


The VW Rabbit/Golf's reliability is actually ranked the highest among the small hatchback category. As I recall, the Mazda doesn't rank quite as high.

 

[StevieC]

Talk to owners of more recent models for both.

I don't trust the JD Powers etc. ratings scale because I honestly think they are corrupt.

 

[bepperb]

I can't think of a reason why I'd buy the VW over a Mazda 3 besides the interior. The M3 probably outsells the golf 4:1, so the online support will come around (I'm surprised it hasn't). The engines in the Mazda 3 are in everything (same as the Ford 2.3/2.5 in the fusion... etc) and seem to do well. As far as lasting, Mazda is on the rise and VW is struggling in North America with the exchange rate. My bet would be on Mazda outlasting here. Plus, if you consider larger wheels and HID's features you want, Mazda gives them to you cheap.

Short term reliability of VW, and fit and finish is pretty good. Over 100,000 miles, outside a VW forum I think you'd be hard pressed to find people who had a lot of faith in VW's.

No Kia Forte, Civic?

 

[The Critic]

Originally Posted By: StevieC
Talk to owners of more recent models for both.

I don't trust the JD Powers etc. ratings scale because I honestly think they are corrupt.



Seriously though, if you go on VWVortex, the MKV platform vehicles have been pretty darn reliable. Not too many issues with them at all.

Reliability really isn't that big of a concern to me, anyway.

 

[StevieC]

No thanks... I will stick with my... Can't kill 'em if I tried vehicles.

Albeit I was pressed for a Vehicle and bought the Santa Fe. It wasn't pegged as one of those ubber high on the list reliable vehicles but mine has been.

I mean 0 problems in 230K+ KM (144K miles) is pretty darn good.

 

[Quattro Pete]

Originally Posted By: StevieC
I wouldn't touch a VW until their reliability and quality ratings move up.


Quote:

I don't trust the JD Powers etc. ratings scale because I honestly think they are corrupt.


So, how will you know if their reliability and quality ratings have moved up?

 

[Quattro Pete]

Originally Posted By: The Critic
1)
- No upgraded stereo available on the gas models

Sometimes these things can be a dealer-installed option, even if you can't order them from the factory. I guess check with your local dealer or maybe you have already looked into this.

 

[The Critic]

Originally Posted By: Quattro Pete
Originally Posted By: The Critic
1)
- No upgraded stereo available on the gas models

Sometimes these things can be a dealer-installed option, even if you can't order them from the factory. I guess check with your local dealer or maybe you have already looked into this.

True, and I wouldn't mind have the new touchscreen radio. I guess one option would be to pay the extra money for TDI, as the TDI trim comes with a boatload of additional mandatory options that include HIDs, armrest, touchscreen radio, sport-tuned suspension, etc. However, my dad isn't a diesel fan so I think the TDI is a no-go.

 

[KrisZ]

There is a reason why you have such a good tech support on VW forums, they have a lot of troubles with electrical sustems and electronic gizmos. While the engines and transmissions are fairly reliable, the rest will be falling apart by 10-year mark. My in laws have a 2000 Jetta TDI, the check engine light has been constantly on since about 70k KM, both front windows fell inside the door, and the plastic brakets had to be changed (did it ourselves), 1 starter motor, 2 alternators, 1 battery, 1 MAF sensor, A/C is out, the alarm goes off by itself several times a day/night (neighbours got [censored] off and I had to disconnect a separate alarm horn as a quick fix), the car has only 170k to 180k KM and runs like [censored]. Injectors have to be either cleaned or the nozzles changed and bench/flow tested every 160KM and the list goes on.

The parts are expensive and you really have to look for a good price.

But you're right the forums have tons of how to's and help, AND YOU WILL NEED IT, TRUST ME.

 

[saaber1]

Both are good cars and both are versatile.

I would have them drive both to see what they like. I agree Mazda may be more reliable long term. Golf may be more fun but you'd have to drive back to back to see. If they are the type of people who freak out and run to the dealer everytime the slightest noise occurs, go with the Mazda.

VW dealers are the biggest problem and should be avoided unless there is no other choice IMO. My MarkV GTI has had only one problem in 20k miles so far. The little sunglass holder door on the roof kept opening by itself on hard corners or big bumps. I pulled it out and stuck it back in and it has worked fine ever since. If I had brought it to the dealer to be fixed who knows what other damage they would have done. This car still brings a smile to my face every time I drive it.

Not many reviews on the golf out yet. 4 door is very versatile car and I like the looks. For some reason the golf has a little bit of the "everybody likes it" factor that a VW beetle has. People will let you in when you try to merge. I think some of the most reliable cars such as subaru etc. are essentially invisible. So style and driving dynamics may differ (depending on what you like) and long term reliability may differ. Both are good cars.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5fximoEOhL4