Originally Posted By: Zako2
From what I hear, 2014 Mazda6 is a good car, with good handling, fuel economy, and looks. On the downside, the navi system screen is small and somewhat old school, if you opt for that. However, even base models are relatively well equipped and are a good value. The base engine is 2.5L naturally aspirated engine, probably similar in power output to Honda and Ford I4 NA engines. There will be a 2.2L turbo diesel and an option available later this year. There is also the brand new 2014 Mazda6 if you want something smaller. The new skyactiv automatic transmission is supposedly pretty cool, combining a torque converter for low speed operation with a dual clutch transmission at higher speed.
Yes, I heard you have to have digital tach on Fusion if you get the technology package. If you buy a car with AT, why do you need a tach anyways? Personally I took forward to test drive Fusion, Mazda3, Mazda6, and maybe a VW Jetta.
Definitely going to give the Mazda another ride now. A N/A 4cyl w/6spd traditional auto seems like the balance I'm looking for. Haven't gotten a quote from the almighty insurance co on this one yet, tho.
I guess I really don't need a tach, though since I can't shift on my own, I like to gauge where my RPMs are when driving an auto. I'd probably need it less on a manual, I can just "feel" it. VW Jetta scares me for reliability, though I am a fan of VW's utilitarian style, always have been. I suppose there is little harm in checking one out.
Originally Posted By: Char Baby
This mid size market is sooooo competitive isn't it?
It would be hard for me to decide easily due to all of the choices.
I do know which cars that I wouldn't buy but, I can't say without some extensive test driving, which car that I would buy.
I have a criteria and I do like 4 cyl engines compared to the V6 option as I haven't needed the extra power.
I prefer MPG over performance and I think that the 4 bangers have enough power for all of my needs/wants.
Comfort/quiet interior, non complicated interior controls, 360 degree outward vision(w/o backup camera) and MPG are all important to me. Style is in the eyes of the beholder so, it goes w/o saying!
'04 Altima('02-'06/3rd gen) is what I am driving now and it's fine in most catigories. And of course, we all want reliability! It's that too though, not known for it's quality, it's OK there also.
I just don't know what I'd buy tomorrow! My first impressions are to go with the Camry, Accord, Altima. I like the mazda6 too but, Mazda's rust problems cause me to hesitate. I like the Malibu also but, I can't see well out of the interior! And the Chrysler is out as well due to too many problems that I have had with all 4 in the past between 73 & 97 and I don't believe they've gotten any better in their reliability(though others have good success, I haven't).
I definitely would be fine with a 4cyl, for fuel economy, especially with the uncertainty down the road. The 4cyl Camry I rented had more than enough merging/passing power, which is all I really care about in terms of flaws in the Corolla's engine, at least. My fiancé's new Elantra drives worlds better, the styling just isn't for me.
Backup camera would be a nicety, as where I park now (in Boston, in a lot, so no, no bumper/curb rash), is tight in the Corolla, so a camera would be nice on a larger vehicle.
It really does seem like things are so competitive, so many things to chose from, yet there are so many (almost) deal breakers for each car. Rust on Mazda is definitely a concern, as is reliability on Chrysler (despite the improvements I hear about).
Thanks for the input guys! This decision would be helped if my insurance wasn't quoting me literally a range of up to $700 between all midsize sedans. If they were all within $200 or so of eachother, it would help simplify things tremendously.
