What Car Should I Buy? (Camry/Mazda3/Mazda6)

Unfortunately in December of last year I was involved in a fairly significant accident at an intersection where some lunatic ran a red light and smashed into my car. Car was fairly new, being a 2018 Hyundai Ioniq. The car was of great service to me for the rather short time I had it, never really had any major issues, and it was rather unique given that it was an electric car. Previously, it was a lease car that for someone that used to work with me. Unfortunately given the extensive damage it was written off hence why I am now searching into my next car.

I have done thorough research and have narrowed it down to these 3 being my next car. All three are reasonably spacious, priced and suite my tastes (in design etc). The most pivotal things for me are safety, design, and reliability. Not really fussed about things like infotainment, fuel economy, service costs etc. All 3 are within my budget obviously.

I'm definitely leaning towards the Camry but also very much open to the other cars. I have owned both brands at some point in my life. Really like the look of the Camry SX and Mazda 3 sedan. Reliability would be imperative as I'll probably keep the car for a good 15 years (or until some idiot writes it off). Main point of this post is to hear from owners if possible..

Options (in order of my preference)

  1. Toyota Camry SX V6
  2. Mazda 3 G25 Astina
  3. Mazda 6 Touring Sedan

Notes:
OP has been detected as a ghost account and will be unable to reply using this account.

Poll Options

  • 29
    Toyota Camry SX V6
  • 17
    Mazda 3 G25 Astina
  • 3
    Mazda 6 Touring Sedan

closed Comments

  • +1

    Just curious but why don't you buy the same car and pocket the change from insurance? , you did say you enjoyed it and didn't really have any issues with it and you appreciate the fact that it was an electric vehicle.

    clearly it also protected you well from your big accident.

    • It was a good car and the reason it was mine was because I had taken over it from someone else that left my work, whilst it was a lease car. I did appreciate the low running costs of the Hyundai during that particular point in my life. However, we've since downsized our home and moved a little further out which resulted in more cash on hand, so fuel/running costs don't matter anymore. Obviously I would have rather someone not t-bone me, but I saw this as the perfect opportunity to get the Camry/Mazda 3 that I've loved since seeing on the roads for a while. Also attracted to the V6 that the Mazda 3 doesn't have either.

      • +1

        Just fyi the Camry SX rides on 19-inch alloy wheels (the largest ever fitted to a Camry from factory)

        The ride comfort would be severely compromised unless you were driving on good roads for the bulk of your trip.

        After about 10,000km's when the new car shock absorbers finally settle in you may be living with something you might not like.

        And if you drive in Sydney then prepare create a bank account purely dedicated to physiotherapy for you and your family.

        They also run a 235/40 profile , so even though they are reasonably wide (235) the 40 profile (height) is not the best idea.

        You could go down a size if you had the extra $$ to an 18 inch wheel and a 45-50 profile depending on the setup and it would make a huge difference.

        Just something to be aware of Yasin

        • +1

          Love the look of the 19s but yes that is definitely something I will need to take into account thanks

  • +1

    Red car. They go faster!

    • +2

      I have red car, can confirm.

      • -2

        I also have red car; can also confirm

        • Confirmed, ensure you have a fire extinguisher in the boot. Go too fast they catch fire

      • I have red motorbike, can confirm.

  • +2

    Kia Cerato

  • +1

    Why are you comparing a V6 Camry to a Mazda 3?

  • +3

    Camry V6 has been discontinued. If you want a brand new car, it's highly likely you won't be able to get one.

    Camry getting facelifted in the coming months, ETA March/April. Hybrid SX would be the way to go, personally

    • Doesn't have to be brand new. In fact 1 or 2 years old to help shave off some depreciation would be good. Yeah the reason I specifically wanted the V6 Camry was because I had read that it was being discontinued with the incoming facelift so wanted to get one while they were still arrive and still fairly new.

      • +1

        It's never been a strong seller, so while being a great car to drive, bear in mind that a hybrid will have a stronger resale

        While the SX looks the part, I'd be hard pressed not to go the SL tbh. Ventilated leather > Standard leather

  • Get the Mazda 6 in Wagon variant.

  • -3

    None of the above.

  • +2

    Drive them all pick what u like… least is not a eurotrash car.
    Me I going for the up market Toyota called the Lexus lc500

  • +3

    For me it's down to the Mazda 3 or the Camry, both are safe and reliable. Pick the Camry for its resale value, larger size and more powerful engine. Or pick the Mazda 3 for it's design(imo) and more premium interior.

  • -5

    What about a Tesla?

    • +3

      Or a Peugeot

      You know, that French solid reliability

    • What the convertible model
      Held together with. Cable ties

    • This was meant for pegaxs, looks like its triggered lots of others though 😂

    • I am very interested to see how Teslas perform over the long term with their questionable build quality.

      Don't get me wrong, love electric cars and the whole idea of it, but I am not convinced by Tesla.

      Also, Elon Musk is a d-bag.

  • I recently picked up the last 2020 V6 Camry SX pearl white with red leather interior in VIC before it was discontinued, it looks amazing very spacious and has plenty of power when you put the foot down. Like TheBarbarian said, the 19-inch wheels makes the ride a bit bumpy. It feels heavier and not as nimble as my Mazda 6. But i'm enjoying it so far as it makes my daily highway commuting not so tiring. Test drive them and see what you like!

    • How bright is the red leather in the flesh? Looks unbearably bright in all the pictures I've seen but never been a fan of coloured leather like that.

      • It was bright initially when I first got it, but I had leather interior protection done with ceramic tint and coating so it's a rich darker red colour.

  • The Hybrid Camry is a nice drive (been in one for the last 3 months), plenty of poke and gets around 5L/100kms. If going a Camry, I'd probably take the SL Hybrid but personally I'd take the Mazda 6 in wagon form out of the two makes. Do you want/need the size of the Camry/Mazda 6? If not, get the Mazda 3.

  • Definitely get the V6 Camry while you still can, if you can. You can keep the car for a long time and the next time you change your options will probably only be hybrid/electric anyways.

  • -2

    None of them

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