Advice: Mazda 3 VS Honda Civic Hatch

[Jared_k7]

Was wondering if anyone drives a Mazda3 (not the brand new just launched shape) or the Honda Civic Hatch (2014 model) that can provide some feedback on their cars. Any issues, good/bad experiences, etc.

Here is what I am considering:

Honda 5-Door Hatch:
2014
24 000km
1.8
Elegance (not leather seats etc)
R195K

Mazda Hatch
2013
10 000km
1.6
Dynamic (leather seats, etc)
R175K


Any advice welcome, other than being told to buy a Polo
Thanks a lot!

 

[Fuzzbox]

Honda all the way.
No comparison.

 

[Slootvreter]

I'm thinking Mazda here.

 

[Jared_k7]

Haha, ok so 1 vote each.

I think both are reliable, both have service plans etc. So I guess it might come down to insurance costs and any posts/stories from people about their experience with those cars or brands.

 

[Alton Turner Blackwood]

Mazda!. I had the earlier sedan model and never had even a single issue...until some idiot wrote it off for me.

 

[Brawler]

Mazda as you won't look like a tool.

 

[falcon786]

The 1,6 MAZDA is a bit sluggish,they have fun and balanced handling for a front wheel drive car you can even get the back to swing out if you try!

But I found the 1,6 to be a drag,so in this particular comparison I'd say go for the Honda.

 

[HapticSimian]

Buy a Polo.



Seriously though, the Polo doesn't compete with the options you've mentioned and a comparable Golf, superb as it is, is going to be R30k or R40k more. Of the two you mentioned, I'd have the Civic. I've admittedly not driven the Mazda3 in its current guise, but I have driven the Honda. It's a very competent car, and a pleasure to drive.

 

[xcaliber]

Mazda

 

[FarligOpptreden]

I've been driving the new Civic Hatch (Executive model) since launch in 2012. I can honestly not fault it on a single thing. It's supremely comfortable, very quiet, fairly economical (for a 1.8l n/a engine) and has enough "go" for every day use. It's one of the few cars I've owned that I don't want to trade in.

TL;DR: Hobda Civic

 

[ahoudet]

I'd take the Honda but ideally you should drive both and see from there. As far as I'm concerned, the Honda will keep its value better in the long run

 

[ponder]

Honda.

 

[FiestaST]

Mazda

 

[paul5186]

Why do you not wait a bit and get a demo or 2nd hand new shape mazda 3? Love the new look and interior!

 

[Jared_k7]

Thanks for the advice guys. I will test drive the Mazda tomorrow and decide. Had to laugh at this:
"Mazda as you won't look like a tool."

The Honda went well. Neither are exactly racers, but i am looking for safe and reliable. I have received some shocking insurance quotes so far, so it might come down to that. My car was stolen on 31 December, so i have 0 claim free months under my belt. Joy

 

[PhireSide]

Honda

Reliable cars, a real kanniedood

 

[falcon786]

Thanks for the advice guys. I will test drive the Mazda tomorrow and decide. Had to laugh at this:
"Mazda as you won't look like a tool."

The Honda went well. Neither are exactly racers, but i am looking for safe and reliable. I have received some shocking insurance quotes so far, so it might come down to that. My car was stolen on 31 December, so i have 0 claim free months under my belt. Joy

Go through a broker,PM me if you want a suggested one as if you go direct they rip you off with premiums or don't want to pay out if something happens.These "direct" companies look for every excuse to con you.

 

[falcon786]

Honda

Reliable cars, a real kanniedood

I've never owned one but anybody that I know who has ever owned one has sworn by them as ultra reliable.

Cant say the same for Mazda,seen my friends with Mazda's have their fair share of issues.

 

[Chevron]

Test drive both.

I test drove the Mazda3 and didn't like it but you may feel different.

I vote the Honda.

 

[astroboi89]

Why dont you negotiate a deal on a new mazda 3.Mazda isnt exactly selling as many cars as the germans or koreans.