Deciding between Mazda Vs Toyota

[Deactivated] on 27/11/2023 - 14:04
Last edited 01/12/2023 - 12:51

Hi, I'm trying to buy my first car.
Need some advice on which one is better.

  1. 2015 Mazda3 SP25 GT
    105,xxx km
    $ 15,000-16,000
    Rego 13/4/24
    DEALER - car yard
    Full logbook/ no major dents, scratches, No hail/sun damage/ 1 owner

  2. 2013 MAZDA3 Neo
    130,000km
    $12,000 -> price dropped to $10,500
    Rego 21/03/24
    Private
    Full logbook/ no major dents, No hail/sun damage/ Yes slight scratches and scrapes/ 1 owner

  3. 2010 Toyota Camry
    170,000km
    $11,000 negotiable
    Rego 24/01/24
    Private
    Full logbook/ no major scratches, No hail/sun damage/ Yes 1 small dent on trunk/ 2 owners

  4. 2011Toyota Camry
    114,100km
    $12,000
    Rego December
    Private
    Slight incomplete logbook/ no major dents, scratches, No hail/sun damage / +3 owners

  5. 2008 toyota Yaris Edge
    59,900 km
    $11,000
    Rego Feb 24
    Dealer- car yard
    Full logbook/ no major scratches, No hail/sun damage/ don't know how many previous owners yet…

  6. 2012 Honda Civic
    66,000km
    $12,000
    Rego Jan 24
    Private
    Incomplete logbook…. No stamps since 2016, but argues that it has been serviced by himself since 2016… Informed that the engine oil hasn't been changed for 13-14 months as he just left it in the garage..
    / no major scratches, No hail damage but big sun damage on the rear bumper/ front tyres don't have much threads left… as much as it can't pass the road worthy/ 1 owner

  7. 2010 Toyots Aurion

Check out this 2010 Toyota Aurion Sportivo ZR6 Auto MY10.
https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/details/2010-toyota-aurion-…

Which one would you buy?
I am single, no kids, no pets, work is 20-30 min away. Work in the office.

2015 Mazda3 dealer just said can't go lower than $16K… and PLUS the car is not available yet due to its service due at Mazda workshop…wtf… doesn't know when it will be done… asked me to put the holding deposit for $300 without even showing me the car.
The dealership is just a used car yard, not like authorised Mazda/ BMW/ Toyota dealership.

Update….

1 Mazda3 was total shit …. The dealer was a scammer or something. I saw the car, the electronic screen in side had cracks, exterior paint was absolute shit. Not pilling but paint got faded.

I am thinking of getting new one or lease ….
So many scams and people over priced too much…. It's because of life is getting more difficult with inflation, but man I'm out

Thanks heaps !

Poll Options

  • 189
    1.
  • 12
    2.
  • 5
    3.
  • 29
    4.
  • 10
    5.
  • 1
    6.
  • 2
    7.
Automotive Car Mazda Toyota

Comments

      • billy72 on 27/11/2023 - 16:19
        1. Have you considered Honda Civic?
        2. that's why it's important to know what type of dealership. Don't pay any deposit and inspect carefully when it's available.
        • [Deactivated] on 27/11/2023 - 16:23

          1. CIVIC is great.
            I love it.
            but the price is so much.

          2. nahp. I would not.

      • ankor on 28/11/2023 - 09:17
        +1

        Look up their reviews mate..

        Lots of 1 review reviewers = unconfirmed suspicious behaviour

        Then look at the 1 star reviews of ppl saying they were sold non RWC cars.

        Make sure you do your due diligence and have your own mechanic inspect the car.

        edit: Mazda 3 Redriven youtube review - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9GCkAhaiKkE

        I'm looking for a mazda 3 as well.

        • [Deactivated] on 28/11/2023 - 10:55

          Yeah saw the reviews.
          It is a bit sus when they say "the car isn't available rn as it is due for service, it's in the Mazda workshop, don't kno where it is, don't know when it will be done, so you give us $300 deposit to hold the car"

          • ankor on 28/11/2023 - 17:53
            +1

            @[Deactivated]: Susssssssss.

            I would stay away. I’d even be doing WOVR and PPSR checks.

            Is this a car that was written off in NZ and then imported here, done up and then sold?

  • kerfuffle on 27/11/2023 - 16:23
    +1

    They're two different cars. One is a small car, one is a large car …

    • [Deactivated] on 27/11/2023 - 16:24

      I know, which doesn't really matter to me.
      I am just asking what would be a good deal.

  • ajiau on 27/11/2023 - 16:27
    +4

    IMHO The Camry every time. Toyota's are more reliable, and cheaper to maintain. Again this is just based on my experience in owning a few older Camrys and Mazda 3s recently.

    Mazda looks better though, and the SP25 is more fun.

    • stewy on 28/11/2023 - 00:15

      Yeah too many things were starting to go wrong on a 9yo Mazda 2 I recently had. Reminded me of the niggling things you get when owning Falcons and Commodores, except parts were harder to get and more expensive for the Mazda 2.

      Maybe the Japanese made Mazdas are better but personally I can't say I would rush out and pay premium prices for a Mazda again…

  • Euphemistic on 27/11/2023 - 16:46
    +3

    Doesn’t matter what I think. However, pressure from the dealer to buy 1 without seeing the car is a bit of a red flag.

    Otherwise, pick the one YOU like best. Drive em. Look at em. Make the decision based on what YOU want to be seen in.

    If it was my decision, I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t want a povvo pack Mazda 3 (neo) or a Camry. So that leaves 1. But there’s also thousands of other cars out there and I’d likely look at something else anyway.

  • Cave Fire on 27/11/2023 - 16:50

    If you are going "apples to apples" then you should compare a 15-16k camry. Should able to get one or two generations up from 2011. Then I guess it's if you want a hatch or sedan. Hatches can be better for inner city parking and carrying stuff easily. Less comfy for longer drives and carrying passengers. Camrys are less "technical" and you can get away with mainly doing oil changes as your maintenance around every 5k. If you find a local mech to do that, then you would pay around $200 for a service vs $400 odd at Mazda dealer.

    • [Deactivated] on 28/11/2023 - 01:41

      So camry at $15-16k range is mostly 2012 - 2016
      2012 is relatively lower Km than younger years camrys.
      Average Km of em 150 - 180k km at $15-16k range.
      If I change 3 and 4 camrys to one of those newer but higher Km camrys, what would be your answer?

      • Cave Fire on 28/11/2023 - 12:24

        150k is a bit iffy to me… I would say Toyota for the brand that would last longest. But you also have to take mileage into account. The gt seems dodgy to me. Standard dealer "shenanigans" would be to buy damaged etc then fix and sell for double. Servicing should only take a couple of hours and if it's out for days, probably being repaired. Would look at "rollas" as people suggested as they are good cars. Had 2002 + 2005 models in our family that were hassle free. Have a Camry and only time the extra power is used is beating people at lights and better acceleration in highways etc.

  • Unorthodox on 27/11/2023 - 17:13

    If you can spend a bit more or even budget at the cost of #1, you'll get a facelift and/or tech upgrade which would make quality of life easier (eg. Reverse camera, more upgradable entertainment screen etc).

    I'd lean towards #1 given the choices but it's heading to the 100k service, unseen and it's a yard so you'll definitely need to do due diligence.

    • [Deactivated] on 28/11/2023 - 01:32

      Yeah I think so.
      But the dealer said the car is due for service so it is being serviced…… So he can't show me the car wtf..
      Asked me to put the deposit on to secure the car.

  • atwilliams on 27/11/2023 - 17:32
    +1

    Why these 4 cars? Surely there are lots of other options in your budget range?

    You also need to think about the running costs. The fuel, insurance and servicing costs on the Mazda 3 SP25 is likely to be significantly higher than the others, given the sporty nature of that car.

    I'd reset and have a think about your priorities before making your next move. E.g Are you trying to minimise the initial outlay, or do you value lower annual running costs? Are looks more important than reliability? Do I have any particular functional requirements (e.g boot space, back seat space, safety features) which mean you need a larger/smaller car? How long do I intend to keep the car? etc.

    Best of luck!

    • [Deactivated] on 28/11/2023 - 01:31

      Thanks mate.
      I just need a car that is a good deal.
      Like, I don't need a huge ute, but if the price is a bargain, I would go with that……

  • brendanm on 27/11/2023 - 17:53

    That pov pack 10 year old Mazda 3 with 130k for $12k has to be a joke.

    Strange selection of cars, why would you be looking at corolla instead of Camry if you are after something Mazda 3 sized?

    • Euphemistic on 27/11/2023 - 20:52
      +2

      My guess: OP has two friends. One said gotta get a Camry. Other said Mazda 3 is where it’s at.

      • [Deactivated] on 28/11/2023 - 01:29

        Kinda yes.
        And corolla, can't find a good deal..

  • payless69 on 27/11/2023 - 21:01

    Corolla?

    • [Deactivated] on 28/11/2023 - 01:26
      +1

      Yeah. I saw one.
      2013 corolla ascent 147,xxx km at $12,000.
      But kinda higher Km while I know corolla last forever..

      These would be the option in the link below.
      Maybe if I put $1k more, I could probably get 2018 corolla ascent with 130,xxx km

      Check out these cars: https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/results?q=%28And.GenericGearType.Automatic..%28C.Make.Toyota..Model.Corolla.%29_.%28C.State.Queensland..%28Or.Region.Brisbane..Region.Gold%20Coast..Region.Sunshine%20Coast.%29%29.Odometer.range%28..150000%29.%29&sort=~Price

  • Puffy Vulva on 27/11/2023 - 21:59
    -1

    mazda 3 sp25 in highest trim easily the best choice
    the camry base model will have no features or comforts especially a 2010 model
    camry and corollas are overpriced for what they are
    the sp25 fuel usage is nowhere near their claims though more like 8-9L/100

    • [Deactivated] on 28/11/2023 - 01:28

      the sp25 fuel usage is nowhere near their claims though more like 8-9L/100
      What do you mean ?

    • [Deactivated] on 28/11/2023 - 10:48

      You want me to buy new one

      • obiwanmy on 28/11/2023 - 10:58
        +1

        Just a thought - a new car is $3k more but you have 7 years warranty (well at least some of the new ones come with warranty) - that means for $3k more you have 7 years of less headache.

        In the same position i rather get a new car for $19k compared to $16k 8 year old car. And with an old car, you never know what issues could be lurking underneath it …

        • [Deactivated] on 28/11/2023 - 16:20

          That's actually true.
          Thought about that. But I hate picanto and MG….hahaha

    • cdaddy on 28/11/2023 - 19:10

      All of those cars just about have less power than a golf buggy and are about the same size

  • conza on 28/11/2023 - 06:40
    +1

    You'd have to have a seriously good reason to buy Toyota over Mazda in the… 21st century, pretty much.

    Toyota was once an amazing car manufacturer, but they've just, slumped hard, so a good 15 maybe 20 years.

    Mazda on the other hand in the past 10 years have made leaps and bounds, they're the top dog from Japan, maybe not by pure volume, but I'd recognise them as the best bang for buck, even if it's a bit more 'buck'.

    Offer the dealer $14k and say you're on a strict budget, buying from a dealer is not a bad choice as you don't have to feel bad for negotiating ;).

    • [Deactivated] on 28/11/2023 - 10:47

      The dealer said he can't go lower than 16…

      • conza on 28/11/2023 - 18:45

        Then you go somewhere else then?

        10% off should be expected, minimum, so that's $14,500, if he really thinks he can move it quick, good for him, buy another car.

        From your perspective, depends on the market, if the next best one is $18k, then ok, maybe $16k is alright, otherwise, walk, always always always walk.

    • [Deactivated] on 29/11/2023 - 06:48

      I've never seen someone gargle so much toilet water with a straight face, you are marvel sir and screenshoted for the lullz.

  • Euphemistic on 28/11/2023 - 07:32
    +1

    I see you’ve added another car to the poll. Just go buy the one you like. The more options you give the keyboard warriors the more confused you’re gonna get.

    • [Deactivated] on 28/11/2023 - 10:47

      Yeah man that is the answer man.
      Just curious if toyota is way better than mazda.

      • Euphemistic on 28/11/2023 - 11:24

        Not necessarily in used cars. You can’t generalise because it’s vehicle condition over brand reputation. Both quite good. well maintained they’ll keep on going. Poorly maintained won’t.

  • tabitha731 on 28/11/2023 - 08:27
    +1

    Avoid the yaris at all costs.. better off riding a push bike

    • [Deactivated] on 28/11/2023 - 10:46

      At least yaris can protect you from being wet by rain …….

  • Big Dog on 28/11/2023 - 09:07

    This is the sequel to Ford v Ferrari.

  • pao2x on 28/11/2023 - 09:31

    2,3,4,5 are overpriced.

    so the only "good" option is 1

    • [Deactivated] on 28/11/2023 - 10:46

      Even 16k is alright?

      • iLikeSales on 28/11/2023 - 11:05
        +1

        Always judge a car by its milage and year with owners.

        One owner, 100k kms on the clock, 8 years old with around 6 months rego (standard). 16k is not bad incomparison to all the other list you put.

        Number 5 is literally the second best choice… but if you can haggle for the price on number 5 it becomes the best deal. 16k for an 8 year old car is not good but it is good incomparison to your list.

        AND NOOO never pay for a deposit for ANYTHING that you haven't seen yet.

  • The tiger on 28/11/2023 - 09:55
    +3

    I will Go for the Toyota Yaris. Though it is 2008, with just 59,000km it means the driver has been driving just around 5000 km annually. The price of $11,000 might be a little bit overpriced but it is the lowest of all. I had a 2005 Toyota Yaris; still running well; I drive it around 5000km annually too. Fuel consumption is really economical. Don’t buy an old Toyota Camry as it really drinks oil like water. I sold one 10-year-old to a second-hand car dealer who gave me $1,700.00 only. ( that was some 15 years ago).

    • Minimum chips on 28/11/2023 - 10:50

      Second this. A lot of people on here will tell you #1 because it's the nicest car. But at the end of the day it's not our money so it's easy to say to spend it.

      The Yaris is good for a first car. It's cheap, low KM and you'll have money left over in case you need to fix anything - which isn't likely but is possible with any of these cars, including the most expensive. It's not sexy but it's also not offensive to look at or drive.

      You should be able to negotiate on that price. That's the price they wish someone would pay for it, not what they usually go for. Do your research, find comparable cars and decide a fair price you are willing to pay. If they won't meet your price, say goodbye and just leave. You owe them nothing for their time. They will try to tell you how great the car is to justify their price - just say "I know, that's why I am willing to buy it - at my price."

    • Speckled Jim on 28/11/2023 - 11:35
      +1

      Yep, of this lot the Yaris for reliability and lower running costs.

      Aussies will never learn — many keep getting sucked into Mazdas despite them going sharply downhill from the mid-90s. To consider a 2.5 turbo as a first car with petrol prices as they are?
      Don't be another sucker!

      • [Deactivated] on 29/11/2023 - 06:51
        +1

        THIS! Mazda invisible all over Asia, even more so than Suburu but Joe the Aussie thinks they're Toyota MK 2.

    • [Deactivated] on 28/11/2023 - 10:46

      In vic… I live in qld

  • mrvaluepack on 28/11/2023 - 12:19

    Hi, I’m glad you’re interested in buying your first car. It’s an important decision and I’ll try to help you as much as I can. Based on the information you provided, here are some pros and cons of each car option:

    2015 Mazda3 SP25 GT: This is a sporty and well-equipped model with a powerful 2.5-litre engine, dual-zone climate control, Bose sound system, and LED tail-lights1. It also has a low mileage and a long rego period. However, it is the most expensive option and the dealer seems to be unreliable and unprofessional. You may have to wait for a long time to get the car and pay extra fees. I would not recommend this option unless you can negotiate a lower price and see the car in person.

    2013 Mazda3 Neo: This is a budget-friendly and reliable model with a 2.0-litre engine, six-speaker stereo, and rear parking sensors2. It also has a decent rego period and a full logbook. However, it has a higher mileage than the other Mazda3 and some minor scratches and scrapes. It may also lack some features that you may want, such as cruise control, sat nav, and blind spot monitoring. This option is good if you are looking for a basic and economical car, but not very exciting or comfortable.

    2010 Toyota Camry: This is a spacious and comfortable model with a 2.4-litre engine, six-speaker stereo, and cruise control3. It also has a reasonable price and a long rego period. However, it has the highest mileage of all the options and two previous owners. It also has a small dent on the trunk and an incomplete logbook. It may also be less fuel-efficient and less fun to drive than the Mazda3 models. This option is good if you need a lot of room and comfort, but not very stylish or sporty.

    2011 Toyota Camry: This is a similar model to the 2010 Toyota Camry, but with a lower mileage and a slightly higher price3. It also has a shorter rego period and more previous owners. It may have the same pros and cons as the 2010 Toyota Camry, but with a better condition and a worse history. This option is good if you prefer a newer and less used car, but not very different from the 2010 Toyota Camry.

    2008 Toyota Yaris Edge: This is a small and fuel-efficient model with a 1.3-litre engine, four-speaker stereo, and power windows. It also has the lowest mileage and a long rego period. However, it is the oldest option and the most expensive for its age. It also has an unknown number of previous owners and a dealer that may not be trustworthy. It may also lack some features that you may want, such as air-conditioning, central locking, and ABS brakes. This option is good if you are looking for a cheap and easy to park car, but not very safe or comfortable.

    Based on these pros and cons, I would suggest that you consider the 2013 Mazda3 Neo or the 2011 Toyota Camry as the best options for your first car. They are both reliable, affordable, and well-maintained cars that can suit your needs and preferences. However, the final decision is up to you and your personal taste. You may want to test drive the cars and inspect them carefully before making a purchase. You may also want to check the market value and the reviews of the cars online to make sure you are getting a fair deal. I hope this helps you and I wish you good luck with your car buying journey. 😊

    • [Deactivated] on 28/11/2023 - 15:20

      Thank you for your advice.
      The 2013 mazda seller offered $10,500.
      Will it be a good deal?

      • mrvaluepack on 28/11/2023 - 19:26

        As per chatgpt's analysis above, yes.

  • Cave Fire on 28/11/2023 - 12:39

    Op you were in Qld the whole time… "Meta" used to be 4-5yr old Holden's + Fords. Friend who flipped cars used to get those under 100kms & under 10k. Unsure now. Government auctions may be good. Suggest FB marketplace or Gumtree. Plus go to at least ten cars, starting with dealers. D/l the rwc checklist and check the items off when you inspect.

  • localhost on 28/11/2023 - 14:12
    -1

    Check carsales. Here is an example query - https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/?q=(And.Year.range(2012..2016)..Price.range(7500..)..Odometer.range(..100000).)&sort=~Price

    Cars over $7500, year 2012-2016, Odometer up to 100k. Sorted by price, lowest first.

    Check this alfa - https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/details/2012-alfa-romeo-giu…

  • CocaKoala on 28/11/2023 - 15:31

    car is not available yet due to its service due at Mazda workshop…wtf… doesn't know when it will be done… asked me to put the holding deposit for $300 without even showing me the car.
    The dealership is just a used car yard, not like authorised Mazda/ BMW/ Toyota dealership.

    Sounds very fishy. I would look elsewhere. Also remember these are not the only 3 cars available. I would keep looking if it were me.

    • [Deactivated] on 28/11/2023 - 15:40
      +1

      Yeah i know. Their review isn't good anyways.
      Thanks for ur opinion

  • d4nkasme on 28/11/2023 - 16:05

    For the private ones go onto sellmycar.com.au enter the details and see what you are competing with … all the private sellers will know what they can get easily so just make it worth their while to deal with you test driving and asking questions etc … for me if I could get 8K easily then I would be looking at 10K min to deal privately

  • charmed_tiger6 on 28/11/2023 - 17:05
    +2

    None of them, they all sound overpriced for year and mileage. Surely you could find a better deal if you looked around a bit more. Are you against Hyundai's?? I've found them to be pretty reliable and I've usually found them at reasonable prices in the past

    • [Deactivated] on 28/11/2023 - 22:44

      I like Hyundai too. But they are all same….

  • Thirtyfourfifty on 28/11/2023 - 22:17

    Knock AT LEAST 2K off that price for #1 and youre sweet. You can never trust a car dealer - squeeze every last drop outta them coz thats what theyll do to you

  • aumacca on 28/11/2023 - 23:25

    check howsafeisyourcar.com.au to compare safety ratings, especially on your first car.

  • [Deactivated] on 29/11/2023 - 06:30

    Honestly, I always get downvoted but Australians are literally THE ONLY people in the region that gravitate to Mazda's and think this cheap car brand is any good, even Nissan is better.

    I've been to every single country in the Asia/Pacific just about and Aussies are the only one's doing Mazda's. The Japs aren't, even Nissan beats Mazda there, Vietnam isn't, Thailand isn't but still somehow here…

    Needless to say Toyota or Suzuki is what topic should be.

  • Aussar on 29/11/2023 - 09:11

    I forgot what the year range was, but some of the Mazda 3's have an issue with the dash warping to the point the clips can't hold it down in places. I say this as someone with a Mazda 3 who looked into it. Not the end of the world, but it's annoying.

    • Gdsamp on 29/11/2023 - 15:07

      had this on my old BL Mazda 3 yes
      If the ones OP Posted are BM then shouldnt have this issue

  • SummerZero on 29/11/2023 - 10:44
    +1

    SP25 is waaaay nicer than the neo and the camrys.
    You're talking bucket leather seats, big wheels, nicer interior. And android auto/apple carplay is <$500 to add on.

  • Dongas1 on 29/11/2023 - 10:56

    Ordinarily I would say option 1 would be the best; though what you've described in the final part of your post is slightly concerning. If you want to play it safe and have decided that this is the one you want; don't bother paying the deposit until you've seen the car and you are happy with what you see - don't fall for the dealers tricks and slap down cash on something you can't even sight. Worst case - there will always be another car.

    Aside from this - sounds like if you are going to be mostly doing highway/remote driving. You should consider options 2 OR 4. 3 seems redundant given the high km's + higher price.

    If you were living in the city and doing mostly suburban driving (including your commute to work), Yaris would be the absolute best option there. Smaller engine wouldn't matter in city conditions, you'll have lower running costs overall as well.

    TLDR: Option 1 takes the cake only once you have seen the car.

    Options 2 or 4 follow after this.

    Option 5 is best only for city conditions

    Option 3 Ignore.

  • Roe Jogan on 29/11/2023 - 14:19

    if it was a camry hybrid that would take my vote

  • eggplant on 29/11/2023 - 15:10

    asked me to put the holding deposit for $300 without even showing me the car.

    This would be an immediate red flag for me. At the very least, show me what I'm buying before I hand over any money. The only exception to this would be brand new and you know what to expect but in this instance its used and I wouldn't believe anything they say unless its formally written down somewhere.

  • TrulyUnicorn on 29/11/2023 - 18:31

    Option #1 fosure.

    That being said you can get 1st gen Mazda 3's in good condition and lowish km's for $3-4k off marketplace all the time - they're virtually identical to the 2nd gen Mazda 3's in terms of suspensions/internals. Just avoid the 2.3L engines in any of these cars and favor the 2.0L or 2.5L for later gens.

    The extra $10k you save is basically free tyres/fuel/servicing for the life of the vehicle and you still get a great ride.

    3rd gen Mazda 3's are definitely a big step up all around though - especially in interior trim and handling.

  • Drakesy on 29/11/2023 - 18:45

    Mazda, just because i have a mate's Camry which is up for $3k worth of works after 70,000k's

    Also Mazda seems to do nicer interiors.

    • [Deactivated] on 29/11/2023 - 19:00

      Which Mazda? #1 or #2?

  • daniesaurs on 29/11/2023 - 20:39

    I have Mazda 6 2010 as my first car. Bought it for 12k 2018 with 95,000km now it's 110,000km and planning to sell…might be able to get 10k for it. My partner owns a 2012 Corolla and driven that a lot too.

    People above also said the paint for Mazda isn't good, I feel is that is correct but they fixed that after 2014+ models. My paint is in pretty bad condition now compared to my partners car (90,000km Corolla)

    Another difference I noticed is the brakes on the Corolla/Toyotas in general are more responsive whereas my Mazda is more spongy…it could be the higher weight though but it's a difference for sure.

    Since it's a first car you'll end up damaging it or if not someone will.

    As a first car I would go the cheapest around 100,000km that you would enjoy keeping for the long run, even better if they've done their 100,000km-110,000km services as they usually cost 3k+ for timing belt, brakes, etc (you might be able to negotiate this). Personally I would go Option 1 as you won't have paint problems, you'll get the 2.5L Skyactive engine and it'll last longer.

    Compared to the Corolla the 2.5L is much more fun to drive ;)

    2nd choice I would go is the Civic if you don't care about the torque/hp or modern features much. 3k extra in your pocket will be useful to save up for a proper car in 5 years. Edit: didn't read the service history, I would dodge that one but find a Civic elsewhere

    Also you should note that the Mazda 2.5L might be more expensive to insure compared to like a Yaris/Corolla/Camry. Don't know why it's just like that.

    • [Deactivated] on 30/11/2023 - 00:36

      Since it's a first car you'll end up damaging it or if not someone will.
      As a first car I would go the cheapest around 100,000km that you would enjoy keeping for the long run, even better if they've done their 100,000km-110,000km services as they usually cost 3k+ for timing belt, brakes, etc (you might be able to negotiate this). Personally I would go Option 1 as you won't have paint problems, you'll get the 2.5L Skyactive engine and it'll last longer.

      I know I will end up damaging it or if not someone will, So I would go cheapest but reliable one.. Option 1 is too fancy and expensive for the first car ain't it ?
      but I cannot find an appropriate one… the reason why I included the 2.5L Mazda 3 was because it could be better than those shit car deals but not much different in price.

      I am so lost … but yeah I will keep searching.
      Thanks for your opinion !

      • daniesaurs on 30/11/2023 - 18:53

        I think anything around 10 years old will already have very slow depreciation so that 2015 car would likely sell for only a few K less in 3-5 years.

        .. Option 1 is too fancy and expensive for the first car ain't it ?

        Cheap is relative I think it's up to you if spending 3-5k is worth the extra features, reduced servicibility costs, more reliability a car might give and also depends on how many years until you want to upgrade.

        Anything newer and more expensive I think it's not worth it as a first car unless you're a car enthusiast and want to spend that money as a hobby cost, or if 20k cars are already cheap relatively to your income etc

  • OpayuOnam on 02/12/2023 - 10:57

    I'd suggest looking into Toyota Aurion Presara, lots more features and amenities and generally a nicer car to drive than everything else you listedhttps://www.carsales.com.au/cars/toyota/aurion/presara-badge/under-15000/?sb=Year
    Should be able to get one with similar budget.
    don't be too scared of high KMs on a V6 Toyota if it's got regular maintenance.

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