I am going to buy a new car in 2 or 3 months cause I and my wife have been drive one car and now each of us need a car to go to work.
I have come down to 2 choices, the 2003 Toyota Corolla Type S or the 2002 Mazda Protege5 Sport Wagon.

I like the Corolla for its good value, Toyota's reputation, and reliablity (my current car is also a 1994 Corolla).
It cost around $17000 loaded with all the options I want.
However, it sure will just be an ordinary car instead of a "fun" car to drive or to own.

For the Mazda Protege5, it is also a good value car with all the nice standard options it comes with (like 16" alloy wheels).
I love the sporty look of it and the price tag is quite cheap consider all the features it has. It should cost me around $18000 to $19000.
However, I feel skeptical about buying Mazda cars.
First, they don't last as long or "maintance" as good as Toyota's cars.
Second, their reliablity rating is rather low in many consumer reports and reviews.
Finally, I do hear many people who bought Mazda cars before complaining about start having problem just 2 or 3 years after they bought the car.

Since I already own a Corolla, does it sound dumb to the same car as our 2nd car? Or it's smart to go for the same type of car we already field tested and trusted? (We loved the Corolla for its reliablity and seldom need of major fix)

What do you guys think and suggest?
Should I just keep my money on the save bet for the Corolla?
Or should I take the challenge (or risk) and go for the car I like better (the Mazda)?

Just my two cents, but I would most certainly get the Corolla.

Good Luck

Mind telling me the reason for your pick?

i'd go for the corolla

>Mind telling me the reason for your pick?


MisBehave,
Nothing really, just a preference based on having had one myself and like everyone else said: better resale value.
I have a Nissan Altima now which I am very happy with..
Previously, I have had one Accord and one Toyota Corolla, kept both for about 150,000 mi. Both were still in decent mechanical condition at that mileage, but the Accord was really starting to fall apart (door handles, seats etc.) to a greater degree than the Corolla was.

Mike..

Yes, that's what I notice about Honda cars too.
They tend to get (or look) old pretty quick.
Most of the time I see Honda cars on the street that are just about 5 to 6 years old, and I saw most of their front or back bumpers are start falling out of place.
Also most of them have noise coming out of the engine as if they are really old cars.

This is a perfect time of year to get a good deal on a 2002, be it a Toyota or Mazda.
Look for a 2002 Toyota with some extras. You should be able to stay within your price range.
Life is too short to drive a boring car. It will make a big difference in your life if you get a car that you enjoy driving, looking at and thinking about.
Keep looking. You won't regret it.

McGee

I'd vote for the Corolla also. Both of my cars have been Corolla's and they are very nice. (My current one's a '98 model pushing 60K miles.) Of course, the car I've absolutely loved since I test drove it was the Prius, Toyota's hybrid gas-electric car, but Beth doesn't think it's practical (especially when we decide to start a family).

My ex-girlfriend's daughter bought a Prius and just loves it. The mileage on that thing is phenomenal, even running the a/c. But I don't know about the longevity of it.

Both cars are extremely reliable. The Corolla, has built an enviable reputation through the years, is much bigger now. Also has an excellent resale.
The Mazda wagon is more versatile for carrying longer items. Although the rear is an open invitation to prying eyes. But has a tonneau cover. Resale not as good a Toyota but better than any American car.
Power in both cars comes from a 4 cylinder engine with gr8 fuel mileage.

Guns don't kill people. Husbands who come home early kill people.

Go with the Corolla ! I put 277 thousand miles on a 1977 model !Only reason i traded it,needed a larger vehicle to tow a boat. Good luck.

Microsoft Windows XP Home
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These are both great cars. Toyota certainly deserves its reputation for quality, but the Mazda is well made also. If it were my decision, I would probably lean toward the Mazda (I have had 2 already). Both cars need perscribed maintenance. I am not aware that Mazda would not hold up as well, given the same quality of maintenance.

Gary

What kind of perscribed maintenance?
Can you give me some example?

Have you considered a 67 Impala? You might find one in your area with a rebuilt carb, new tires, and new fuel pump in your area

I'd go with the Corolla. If nothing else, its resale value is insane. Well built, and not a small car... so you can fit all those kids you should be having!

It sounds like you want the Toyota. Get the one you want, because you'll still be wanting it even when you get the one you think you should get.

So which one do you want?

JP

Hee Hee!
It's now like having an angel and a devil on each side of my shoulder.

The angel is telling me to get the cheaper and for sure reliable Corolla. However, the devil is telling me the Mazda is more fun to drive and to own. Any now seems the devil is at the upper hand.

I don't know about where you live but around here (Baltimore area) the time to buy is NOW. I just bought a Honda Civic LX for about $2000 under sticker, plus they gave me $1500 more trade in than the blue book called for. Also, I think Toyota has 0% financing right now but will probably end shortly. Seems like all of the manufacturers are dumping their 2002's so you can get some really great deals.
Edit: I just saw a Toyota commercial and 0% financing (36 months) ends on Sept. 16th.

Hey Bob. Had any crab-cakes lately? My Grandmother lived in Westminster and made the best crab-cakes ever. I used to go to the docks back in the 50's and loved the seafood there.

Ever consider a used BMW? You'll get fun to drive, value, class, and everything else you could want and wish for in one package. For your price range, I would consider something like a 96-98 328i or if you really want something fun, a 95 M3. But to answer the question, I would get the Protege5. More fun to drive, better value, plus more room. Toyota might have the reputation, but Mazda has the edge when it comes to a "driver's" car.

And it seems like I'm the only one here recommending the Mazda. Oh well, I stick with my opinion.

BTW...my sig's my possible next car, and I love German engineering.

-Zack



System Configuration

zack,

A used Bimmer would be awesome, but you're talking about a 6-8 year old car that is very expensive to maintain. I think Misbehave is in the market for new and affordable... under warranty is nice too.

I'll tell you what though... soon I hope to have a RWD turbocharged sports car. Used to have a '90 RX7 Turbo, but now I'm thinking Supra or 300ZX... when I'm done upgrading/tweaking that, I'll auction off the Max and get a used Bimmer (something along the lines of a 330i). Of course this is a few years down the road, I still have 2 more years of payments on Maxine. Or I could just sell the car, my TV, computers, a kidney, and my girlfriend and get the best of both worlds... M3... droooooooooooooooooooooooooool...

max

It's not like I don't like BMW, but for now, it's not what I need.
It take some risk to buy a car that old (from the year range you have suggested)
Well, if I have the luxury for it my first German made car will sure be Audi A4 or S4 with Quattro and Tiptronic.

Hehe, just throwing out a wild idea . I understand how you want something afforadable, and I don't blame you. Heck if I paid for my own car I would want that too. But for now (I'm 17), I'll take German luxury. I've actually had a 97 M3/4 for a month (it was one of those lease deals from a small dealer), and lemme tell yah, best of anything I've ever driven (this includes Porsches, 300zx, 3000GT, Supra, and S2000). The M3 just feels so much more refined and a better driving machine. Better handling, better cruising feeling, etc. I'm probably going to end up getting the A4 in my sig, since I know the owner and he's selling it to me for trade-in price.

I'll keep you guys updated. And Misbehave, I've driven the Protege MP3 (sedan version of the Protege 5, meaner than the regular Protege), and it's a fine machine.

-Zack



System Configuration

You sure do tried many different cars my friend.

How did you feel about the MP3? What is your overall impression on that car?

Underpowered. The Mazdaspeed Protege (basically a turbocharged MP3) is a lot more powerful. I haven't driven it, but it's another joint project between Mazda and about 5? tuners. Callaway is the only new one here (the other 4 all participated in working on the MP3. It's a lot more powerful at 170 horsepower. However, it's another limited production vehicle, so only 2,000 will be made. You can go and drive it at a dealer and see if you like it. I'll probably go try it out within the next month.

Oh by the way, that's what a bored 17 year old high school student does on his weekends .

Edit:
http://www.mazdausa.com/mazdaspeed_protege/default.asp?vehicle=&zip=&did=&state=

Here's the official Mazdaspeed Protege site. BTW, the MP3 is "meaner" than the regular Protege sedan, most likely due to the Racing Dynamics exhaust and possibly the better handling offered by the strut brace and bigger wheels.

-Zack



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Sonny, You wouldn't recognize Westminster now. It's just another suburb of Balto. Malls, Lowe's, Home Depot, Wal-Mart, etc. And don't call them the docks! It's the Inner Harbor now!!

Yup. So I've heard. I spent a couple of summers there when the only entertainment besides the movie was Saturday night when the farmers came to town, parked their cars, stood by them, and watched the traffic go by. Wasn't a whole hell of a lot to do, except neck in the movies. I've got an army buddy who lives down the street and is from Baltimore so I've heard a lot about how things have grown.

The population in Baltimore city is shrinking. When I was going to school (late 50's to mid 60's) Baltimore was the 6th or 7th largest city in the US. The population in the has gone from over 1 million to 5 or 600,000. We are proud to be among the top of the list in murders, teen pregnancy, venereal disease, lousy schools and other goodies.

1. Never EVER buy a new Mazda or Mitsubishi. Buy these cars used and you get a great value.

2. Always buy Honda or Toyota new, this way you get the best return when you trade in or sell.

3. Nissan is a toss-up. Could go either way depending on what kind of deal you're getting.

I drive a '99 Maxima 5-spd and I love it (bought it new 3 years ago). I'm pretty sure you could get a base model 2000 Maxima (new body style) for 1 or 2 grand more than a 2002 Corolla. Or get a '99 for about the same price as a new Corolla. Or just get the darn Corolla, but you'll envy the extra room and power that I have in my Maxima... don't say I didn't warn you.

max

More power............hm......

Well, the first thing wanted for sure when I buy a car again is that I never want to drive up hill again very slow crawing like a tortoise.
The only thing I don't quite like about my current car is that it drive extreme slow when driving up hill. I once even saw a 1990 Corolla ran pass me with much higher speed on the same road up hill.

Yes I saw that too.
But I think I like the 2003 Corolla model better than the 2002 model.
I think the 2002 Corolla is a bit too small for me.
It looks even small than my 1994 Corolla.

Lets me post up some photos of the 2 cars here.


The 2002 Mazda Protege5







The 2003 Toyota Corolla Type-S

The Protege looks soooo rice-rocketish. I hope you aren't actually thinking of getting it in "I'm a frat boy" Yellow, are you? I would slap you twice for that.

OF COURSE I'm NOT got get it with that color!!!
You know what kind of vehicles use that yellow from where I came from? I mean I don't want to offend any type of profession, but the only people who use that color in Hong Kong are those high-way repairing inspection vehicles and trash tranporting trucks.

I've read an article on cnn.com about buying autos. It said that it's actually not a bad idea buying cars online.

Here is the link to the article.
http://money.cnn.com/pf/101/lessons/17/page9.html

LOL, so I take it your not getting a 6 foot wing, right? How about lowering it so you can't drive it anywhere around town? And you need racing stripes and one of those whiney ass mufflers, that adds like 125 horsepower dude!

LOL, yeah, and also add a Ferrari logo/badge onto the front hook.
That should add a couple hundreds of horsepower too.

I just saw a commercial for the Toyota Matrix... 130 HP, starts around $15,000, 5-door mini wagon styling just like the Protege 5, quality and reliability of a Toyota...

http://www.edmunds.com/new/2003/toyota/matrix/index.html

max

Well, I did check out the Matrix too, however I like the styling of the Mazda Protege5 better.

Well then the answer is clear... Maxima.

Good luck with whichever you choose.

max

I think I will take a look at Nissan cars too.

Well, just as I thought, Mazda's overall reputation is not as high as Corolla's.

Thanks everyone for the insight. Now I need to make some serious thinking and actually try out the 2 cars when I get the chance.

I would take a serious look at the Maxima if I were you, the 2002 model I purchased is rock solid. The best car I have ever owned!

Mike

I've just looked at it, and I have seen one in real life around where I live.
I think it's a bit too big for me.

One thing you haven't said is how long you expect to keep it. Maximafia got it right basically, if you want an Asian car, Honda and Toyota are really the only two to consider. Nissan might or might not be turning it around, they're trying, and they're putting what little development money they have where it counts, but I still don't trust them in the long haul. Your car now is nine years old - picture the two you're considering in 9 years. The Corolla would be pretty nice and the Mazda would be in the junkyard already. Maybe Doc could use the radiator to cool his closet.

So, that means in the long run, the Mazda is not as well as Toyota ,right?

No way.

Alright, so DM says the Protege is rice-rocketish...can you explain? Both cars have the side skirts, but the Corolla has a rear wing (Protege's is roof wing), which is more ricey. Both have a front spoiler as well, and Toyotas are more associated with rice-burners than Mazdas.

Anyways, some other cars you should look at:

1. Nissan Altima 2.5S
2. Honda Civic EX
3. Acura RSX (It starts at around $20.5k)
4. VW Jetta
5. VW Golf
6. Nissan Sentra Spec-V (Very sporty, but very ricey as well)
7. Mitsubishi Galant

For me, I like a car that not everyone has...something more rare and unique. Everyone drives a Corolla it seems.

But of course, drive both cars, see which one you like. You never know what you like until you drive it. For example, I never really liked Mitsubishi Diamantes before I drove one. It was a 93 with 88,000 miles on it, but it ran (almost) better than our new Acura RSX with 11,000 miles on it...::sigh:: sometimes you'll know what you like only by driving. Get out there dude.

Edit:
I've driven all of the cars I listed above. They are definitely fine machines. The Civic is a little lacking with low-end power, but I doubt you'll be doing much dragging

-Zack



System Configuration

I actually did think of some of the cars you have mentioned.

For the 2 Nissan cars you brought up, there is nothing really distinct them from other car in the same class, so I would rather buy the Toyota instead.

And I have never think about RSX cause I only wanted to buy a 4 doors car (or 5 in my case). I do think the insurance for a 2 door RSX will cost more.

I did think about the Jetta. But with all the options I wanted, it added up to around $25000 and that's a bit too much for me. I am sure can get that many options cheaper in the other 2 cars I have been considering about.

I never really think of getting any Mitsubishi car. My sister told me its hard to find parts for it in case I need to repair it. And the maintaince cost might be higher.

But I am sure that a real field test will be needed before I make my final decision. I have to get my hands on the wheels and test them out.

My last two cars have been Toyota Camrys. The first one I bought new in 1987 and kept till it had almost 100,000 miles on it. The second camry I bought in 1998 and it is a 1993 and had only 43,00 miles on it. As soon as it gets to almost 100,000 miles I plan on buying a five year old Lexus E300. I love those rice burners...

You can't go wrong with the Subaru Legacy sedan. I just bought a '97 GT and it is the best car I've ever owned (aside from the '73 Camaro, which I still have)

Have safe, be fun!

You may have already looked at other alternatives and have narrowed the search to these two vehicles.If not, I would suggest you look at your nearest Subaru dealer. Several of their models fit the compact sedan you have in mind but offer a lot of options and sportiness you will like on a country road,not to mention the security of all wheel drive. Oh, and for about the same $$ as a toyota or Mazda. If you have to decide between the Toy and the Maz, go Toy, Mazda electronics leave something to be desired and have a higher recall rate than the Toyota.And since you are online use the websites and get the dealers in a mini price war for the sale. The dealer who listens to you is the one to trust. I just this when buying my jeep and shaved 2400$$$ off the web price bringing my total to 5200 below sticker! Enjoy your new ride whichever you pick!

Infact I love Subaru.
But since I am looking for new car and not used car here, its hard to find one that is below the price range I am willing to pay.

You can find some killer deals on EBay. http://search.ebay.com/search/search.dll?GetResult&SortProperty=MetaHighestPriceSort&query=subaru+legacy&from=R10&ht=1&combine=y&st=2 Usually, there are more newer Scoobys than are listed today.

Have safe, be fun!

They're newer, but still used . For a new car, I would go with Japanese (I know Subarus are...but they're not "typical" Japanese cars). There are 3 reasons:

1. Resale value
2. Reliability
3. Resale value!

-Zack



System Configuration

I've owned two Corollas and a Mazda 626. Mazdas are more fun to drive, but the Corolla is bullet-proof.
The best compromise? Get the Corolla S with the 180HP engine. It isn't that much more, but it will be alot more fun to drive. The Protege cars have very good chassis design, but have been criticized for being underpowered.

Are you sure there is a 180HP version for Corolla?
Cause all I could find is just the 130HP TypeS.

>Are you sure there is a 180HP version for Corolla?
>Cause all I could find is just the 130HP TypeS.


Thats what I was going to say. A Corolla with a 180HP image will ruin its "boring" but reliable reputation.

Guns don't kill people. Husbands who come home early kill people.

I'm not knowledgable about cars but i would say to pay attention to Consumer Reports and Consumers Union. I bought a new car once (never again). After three or four years, I kept getting broken axles and front end problems. I went back and checked those consumer publications and they specifically warned of those weaknesses. I don't know about you but I don't enjoy spending money on auto repairs, no matter how sharp or fun to drive.

Persnally, I'll never get a "new" car again, either, I'll go for program cars or the new certified used cars. Let someone else take the 30 - 40% depreciation for those first couple of years.

The reason I am getting a new car this time is that I want to make sure the car is in 100% perfect condition and I don't need to get it to the shop to fix this and fix that before I can depend on it.
How well do you think a certified vehicle can match up to that?
Well, I might consider a certified vehicle as well.

Well, certified used cars are generally pretty good. Plus you get up to a 100,000 mile powertrain warranty, which would cover all major defects. However, as with all used cars, you don't really know everything about the history of the car. So if you can find a trustable dealership, you can work through them and then do all your service at their dealership. My parents had bought a certified BMW 5 series, and they're really happy with it. Anyways, that A4 in my sig is also Audi certified.

-Zack



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