To answer a couple of the questions:
-these were both 2013. The Mazda had about 22K on it already, the Focus had 12K.
-as far as quieting up the Mazda (or any car), I'd start by sound deadening the doors and then move on to the rest of the car. It involves quite a bit of dismantling the interior, but in my experience the end result is worth it if you take your time. That said, on this particular car there may be some issues which would be tough to overcome: the door seals and the mirrors seem to be one of the sources. I've done this with almost every car I've owned (except the Transit Connect, which was beyond help) and it's helped in all of them.
-I didn't know there were reports of transmission issues w/the Focus, but I'm glad to know I'm not the only one. I was wondering if it was a software or hardware issue, but either way with a new car I wouldn't want to be the beta tester. The Mazda Skyactiv transmission supposedly has some funny technology to it as well. The transmission in this car was really nice, coming from someone who hates stepped autos. I'd still prefer the manual, unless it's geared too short. The Mazda was 1,750 rpm @ 60mph, which was pleasant for engine noise on the highway and probably helped the FE.
-As far as the interior, my initial thoughts on the Focus when seeing photos was "whoa, that's ridiculous", but in person it's not bad. Like I said earlier, a little more garish than the 3, but everything seems to be in the right place. The layout is pretty intuitive.
Transmission aside, these cars are pretty similar--which seems to be a good thing, as they're both nice cars. Cargo space is a big deal for me, so the interior layout is going to matter--a lot. So, I'm going to look at both hatches. The other car in the mix is the Prius V (wagon). More expensive, more room, drives a bit like a toaster. I should mention that I also had a chance to drive a Cruze. I didn't even bother, since there's no hatchback (in the U.S.).
-these were both 2013. The Mazda had about 22K on it already, the Focus had 12K.
-as far as quieting up the Mazda (or any car), I'd start by sound deadening the doors and then move on to the rest of the car. It involves quite a bit of dismantling the interior, but in my experience the end result is worth it if you take your time. That said, on this particular car there may be some issues which would be tough to overcome: the door seals and the mirrors seem to be one of the sources. I've done this with almost every car I've owned (except the Transit Connect, which was beyond help) and it's helped in all of them.
-I didn't know there were reports of transmission issues w/the Focus, but I'm glad to know I'm not the only one. I was wondering if it was a software or hardware issue, but either way with a new car I wouldn't want to be the beta tester. The Mazda Skyactiv transmission supposedly has some funny technology to it as well. The transmission in this car was really nice, coming from someone who hates stepped autos. I'd still prefer the manual, unless it's geared too short. The Mazda was 1,750 rpm @ 60mph, which was pleasant for engine noise on the highway and probably helped the FE.
-As far as the interior, my initial thoughts on the Focus when seeing photos was "whoa, that's ridiculous", but in person it's not bad. Like I said earlier, a little more garish than the 3, but everything seems to be in the right place. The layout is pretty intuitive.
Transmission aside, these cars are pretty similar--which seems to be a good thing, as they're both nice cars. Cargo space is a big deal for me, so the interior layout is going to matter--a lot. So, I'm going to look at both hatches. The other car in the mix is the Prius V (wagon). More expensive, more room, drives a bit like a toaster. I should mention that I also had a chance to drive a Cruze. I didn't even bother, since there's no hatchback (in the U.S.).
