Mini vs. VW vs. Mazda vs. Subaru

[dtmcnamara]

Ok looking at getting something fun to get me through the next few years of school. I am looking at the following:

Mini Cooper S Turbo

VW Jetta 2.0 Turbo

Mazda Mazdaspeed3 Turbo

Subaru WRX 2.5 Turbo


The price are as follow:

Mini $24000-27000

VW $23000-27000

Mazda $25000-28000

Subaru $25000-29000

I am looking for something fun, quick (not fast), and mainly something i will not get bored with fast. I am going to test drive all this weekend but was wondering what you would get. THANKS

[Hulud]

s2k

[JennB]

Personally... I like the Mazdaspeed 3. I know, I own a MINI but I own a supercharged 06... not the new turbo 07. My car is far easier to mod and faster than any 07 out there (though that may not be what you're looking for). I don't trust 1st year runs of completely redesigned cars. But... I haven't driven one yet. If you go drive one this weekend, let me know what you think. I'd like to hear the honest opinion of a non-MINI owner. The cars are fun as hell though. I like mine a lot. I've heard some good reviews so far.

The 3 is pretty freakin nice though. The one we saw at the dealership was stickered at $23K I think. Mazda makes a pretty study car.

The WRX isn't a bad car at all either... but I am just not a fan of VW's. Not saying anything bad about them really, they just don't do it for me. To me, a Jetta, even if it's turbo, is still a soccer mom, suburban yuppie girl car.

[man]

I would go Mazda, probably the most reliable of the cars on the list.

[Kamikaze]

I would go Mazda, probably the most reliable of the cars on the list.

x2

[Julio]

I would go Mazda, probably the most reliable of the cars on the list.

you crazy... thats the worst of all... Even worst then VW.

[man]

you crazy... thats the worst of all... Even worst then VW.

A recent study run by independent automotive warranty specialist, Warranty Direct, looked at more than 450,000 vehicles, across 33 manufacturers, from the UK and the USA for reported mechanical failures. It found Mazda to be the most reliable car brand with almost 92% of its cars aged between 3 and 9 years to have suffered no mechanical failures of any type. The Japanese carmaker achieved a failure rate of just 8.04% to come out on top of a field where only two non-Asian based manufacturers made it into the top ten.

Below is a list of the top ten companies that had the lowest number of mechanical failures reported by policy holders for every 100 vehicles aged between three and nine years old. Interestingly, Kia proved more reliable than all the German brands and even financially stricken Mitsubishi reached a very respectable fourth.

1. Mazda 8.04

2. Honda 8.90

3. Toyota 15.78

4. Mitsubishi 17.04

5. Kia 17.39

6. Subaru 18.46

7. Nissan 18.86

8. Lexus 20.05

9. Mini 21.90

10. Citroën 25.98

At the other end of the scale, SUV manufacturers Jeep and Range Rover came out on the bottom of the ‘World’ reliability study. Worst still, a whopping 46% of large American SUVs recorded at least one mechanical failure during a given twelve-month period.

Follow the jump to see how all 33 manufacturers rated.

Table to illustrate the reliability ratings of 450,000 vehicles by manufacturer:

Manufacturer / Incidence Rate %

1 Mazda 8.04%
2 Honda 8.90%
3 Toyota 15.78%
4 Mitsubishi 17.04%
5 Kia 17.39%
6 Subaru 18.46%
7 Nissan 18.86%
8 Lexus 20.05%
9 Mini 21.90%
10 Citroen 25.98%
11 Daewoo 26.30%
12 Hyundai 26.36%
13 Peugeot 26.59%
14 Ford 26.76%
15 Suzuki 27.20%
16 Porsche 27.48%
17 Fiat 28.49%
18 BMW 28.64%
19 Vauxhall 28.77%
20 Mercedes 29.90%
21 Rover 30.12%
22 Volvo 31.28%
23 Volkswagen 31.44%
24 Jaguar 32.05%
25 Skoda 32.12%
26 Chrysler 34.90%
27 Audi 36.74%
28 Seat 36.87%
29 Renault 36.87%
30 Alfa Romeo 39.13%
31 Saab 41.59%
32 Land Rover 44.21%
33 Jeep 46.36%

[s13slider®]

i have driven a mini s and a wrx and i like both i have ridin in a vw it was crap havent didniether in a mazda but i love the way they look but it reall all depends on what you are looking for i drift so preberably i dont like any of them THAT much but AWD FTW go with the subaru

[Maniaç]

im very happy with my WRX... if you want maybe we can meet up and you can get to ride in my car... ill show you what a Stg II 06 can do.

ps: JennB were you passing by satelillite blvd around 5pm-6pm? if so i saw your car and it looks really nice. +1

[Julio]

I dont know where you got it from......

But he you go.... http://www.jdpower.com/autos/brand-ratings/

As far as I JD is the most respected in the car industry...

and On top of that : I have owned 2 mazda's, Both were pieces of shit...

Are they better quality today ? Maybe... But according to JD power research MAZDA still sucks.

Looks like Lexus, Porche and Hyundai were top 3 or so... I dont see MAZDA...

[Julio]

BTW.. Only Mazda that I will respect is the MIATA... I have seen those motherfucker go for ever... Whatever they use in those they shouldve used in the rest of the other models =]

[man]

I dont know where you got it from......

But he you go.... http://www.jdpower.com/autos/brand-ratings/

As far as I JD is the most respected in the car industry...

and On top of that : I have owned 2 mazda's, Both were pieces of shit...

Are they better quality today ? Maybe... But according to JD power research MAZDA still sucks.

Looks like Lexus, Porche and Hyundai were top 3 or so... I dont see MAZDA...

If you read the link you posted, it simply states initial quality aka how it looks on the showroom. The list I posted is percentage of cars sold that were brought in for warranty work, a much better show of reliability. You honestly think Porsches and Lexuses are reliable?

[Doppelgänger]

because its made in Japan and not in parner with Ford.......

The Speed3 Looks to be a decent car though. I dont like that its a 5-door, would have much rather have seen it as a sedan. The numbers on the Speed3/Speed6 are nice too, im hearing that they're making good numbers at the wheel with bolt-on's.

I have had nothing but Mazdas since i have had a license. Starting with a B2200 truck (pre-ford) my RX-7 (shuddup Julio!!) and 2 Miatas. Hell, with 178k on the odo, i boosted the car @10psi with no problems.

The MINI is good too. But like my gf said, don't know how the Turbo MINI is going to be. It seems they went with a cheaper/weaker block and instead of marketing the car to more enthusiast , they are marketing it to more general people....like the VW Beetle.

Offer her something for the MINI, she might take you up on it

[Doppelgänger]

ps: JennB were you passing by satelillite blvd around 5pm-6pm? if so i saw your car and it looks really nice. +1

Mini's are gay....

hmmmmm, so when i drive it, it's gay... but when you see it with her driving, its nice?

[OneSlow5pt0]

because its made in Japan and not in parner with Ford.......

The Speed3 Looks to be a decent car though. I dont like that its a 5-door, would have much rather have seen it as a sedan. The numbers on the Speed3/Speed6 are nice too, im hearing that they're making good numbers at the wheel with bolt-on's.

I have had nothing but Mazdas since i have had a license. Starting with a B2200 truck (pre-ford) my RX-7 (shuddup Julio!!) and 2 Miatas. Hell, with 178k on the odo, i boosted the car @10psi with no problems.

The MINI is good too. But like my gf said, don't know how the Turbo MINI is going to be. It seems they went with a cheaper/weaker block and instead of marketing the car to more enthusiast , they are marketing it to more general people....like the VW Beetle.

Offer her something for the MINI, she might take you up on it

i like the 3s and 6s...and ofcourse RX-7s and Miata

[Crazy Asian]

Mini eh.. not enough power for me though 220 or somethign power not bad but eh. How do you scew a girl in a Mini?

[MidLifeCrisis]

+1 for the 3. i dont care for subarus or vws as far as quality.

ive been checking out that mazdaspeed3 and im very impressed with it. ive even considered trading in my honda on one. and btw, the prices ive seen for the mazda was like 22 and some change...

[Julio]

If you read the link you posted, it simply states initial quality aka how it looks on the showroom. The list I posted is percentage of cars sold that were brought in for warranty work, a much better show of reliability. You honestly think Porsches and Lexuses are reliable?

bhwhahahah .. do you own a mazda? More then likely.. ( screenname )

I wish someone would post the list again of the most reliable cars of 06.. ..

Showroom quality? hahahha.... no is not.


You think im going to believe MOTOR AUTHORITY??? hahaha.. C'mon.. they been around online... what ? A YEAR? hahahah

sorry man. IF mazda were SO GOOD they were be selling MORE.. why you think the mazdaspeeds are going for so cheap now a days??? they cant get them off the LOT.
But dont ask me.... you can go to the dealer yourself and see

[twinj]

Do you plan on Modding it?

[JennB]

im very happy with my WRX... if you want maybe we can meet up and you can get to ride in my car... ill show you what a Stg II 06 can do.

ps: JennB were you passing by satelillite blvd around 5pm-6pm? if so i saw your car and it looks really nice. +1

Yep, that was me. Thanks (I think). Though she reeeeeally needs a bath now.

[VooDooXII]

Mini's are very cool cars, but the short wheelbase gives it a bit of a rough ride. Jettas are solid cars with great build quality, but I personally don't like the way they look. If you can live with a Subaru, then more power to you. The Mazda seems really nice, plus it has way more space than a Mini...it may be your best bet.

[Crazy Asian]

I hate Jetta's with a heart. Seriously fuck man I hate that car with a burning passion. I just HATE IT!!!!

[Julio]

I honestly think all 4 of those cars would be great if properly maintained.
Just really depends what you want/plan on doing.

[man]

bhwhahahah .. do you own a mazda? More then likely.. ( screenname )

I wish someone would post the list again of the most reliable cars of 06.. ..

Showroom quality? hahahha.... no is not.


You think im going to believe MOTOR AUTHORITY??? hahaha.. C'mon.. they been around online... what ? A YEAR? hahahah

sorry man. IF mazda were SO GOOD they were be selling MORE.. why you think the mazdaspeeds are going for so cheap now a days??? they cant get them off the LOT.
But dont ask me.... you can go to the dealer yourself and see

Yes I do have a Mazda and it's unreliable, but it's also 20 years old and the stock turbo motor lasted 140k miles. I've also owned a Honda, a Toyota, a Lexus, and a Ford. What's your point?

I never said anything abut them being good I stated simply that the newer models are reliable, that's it. How can someone post most reliable cars of 06? A list like that shouldn't even exist, how can you judge a car that's less than a year old?

And on the topic of pricing, supply and demand drives prices down. Just because people don't want to buy them doesn't mean they are bad cars. People buy the shit out of Land Rovers, Mercedes and Porches and they are some of the least reliable cars on the planet. The OP is in the market for a car in that range.

[Doppelgänger]

How do you scew a girl in a Mini?

Wouldn't you like to know......

There is quite a nice sized back seat, but when thats no enough, throwing down the back seat makes for much more room........

[Julio]

Yes I do have a Mazda and it's unreliable, but it's also 20 years old and the stock turbo motor lasted 140k miles. I've also owned a Honda, a Toyota, a Lexus, and a Ford. What's your point?

I never said anything abut them being good I stated simply that the newer models are reliable, that's it. How can someone post most reliable cars of 06? A list like that shouldn't even exist, how can you judge a car that's less than a year old?

And on the topic of pricing, supply and demand drives prices down. Just because people don't want to buy them doesn't mean they are bad cars. People buy the shit out of Land Rovers, Mercedes and Porches and they are some of the least reliable cars on the planet. The OP is in the market for a car in that range.

My point is : You should know better.

The reason people dont buy them is because the HISTORY, they are known for: pieces of shit
They may be better built now.. But consumers are not dumb...
Some actually do research.
Yes, people buy landrovers, yes dumb if you ask me, because those are some of the worst vehicles.... But when/if you have the $$$ who cares about it. same with Mercedes.. but I will bet mercedes built better/quality cars then Mazda.

And if you are telling me MAZDA is more RELIABLE then LEXUS.. (Toyota)
Since you said " I think Porche and Lexus are reliable"

I will simply laugh my ass off and end this convo right here.

BTW.. Toyota Camry's BEST selling car in this country for how long? right... WHY?? LEXUS one of the best selling luxury cars in the USA, why ?
QUALITY man...................

[Nemesis]

For 29k you can get a used 05 STI.



/thread

[man]

BTW.. Toyota Camry's BEST selling car in this country for how long? right... WHY?? LEXUS one of the best selling luxury cars in the USA, why ?
QUALITY man...................

Do you see a Lexus/Toyota in the OP's poll?

And I had the Toyota and Lexus for a reason

[Julio]

Do you see a Lexus/Toyota in the OP's poll?

And I had the Toyota and Lexus for a reason

You are right.. They are not on the poll.. would be a smart choice if he did..

But I didnt post this either :

Originally Posted by MotorAutority
A recent study run by independent automotive warranty specialist, Warranty Direct, looked at more than 450,000 vehicles, across 33 manufacturers, from the UK and the USA for reported mechanical failures. It found Mazda to be the most reliable car brand with almost 92% of its cars aged between 3 and 9 years to have suffered no mechanical failures of any type. The Japanese carmaker achieved a failure rate of just 8.04% to come out on top of a field where only two non-Asian based manufacturers made it into the top ten.

Below is a list of the top ten companies that had the lowest number of mechanical failures reported by policy holders for every 100 vehicles aged between three and nine years old. Interestingly, Kia proved more reliable than all the German brands and even financially stricken Mitsubishi reached a very respectable fourth.

1. Mazda 8.04

2. Honda 8.90

3. Toyota 15.78

4. Mitsubishi 17.04

5. Kia 17.39

6. Subaru 18.46

7. Nissan 18.86

8. Lexus 20.05

9. Mini 21.90

10. Citroën 25.98

At the other end of the scale, SUV manufacturers Jeep and Range Rover came out on the bottom of the ‘World’ reliability study. Worst still, a whopping 46% of large American SUVs recorded at least one mechanical failure during a given twelve-month period.

Follow the jump to see how all 33 manufacturers rated.

Table to illustrate the reliability ratings of 450,000 vehicles by manufacturer:

Manufacturer / Incidence Rate %

1 Mazda 8.04%
2 Honda 8.90%
3 Toyota 15.78%
4 Mitsubishi 17.04%
5 Kia 17.39%
6 Subaru 18.46%
7 Nissan 18.86%
8 Lexus 20.05%
9 Mini 21.90%
10 Citroen 25.98%
11 Daewoo 26.30%
12 Hyundai 26.36%
13 Peugeot 26.59%
14 Ford 26.76%
15 Suzuki 27.20%
16 Porsche 27.48%
17 Fiat 28.49%
18 BMW 28.64%
19 Vauxhall 28.77%
20 Mercedes 29.90%
21 Rover 30.12%
22 Volvo 31.28%
23 Volkswagen 31.44%
24 Jaguar 32.05%
25 Skoda 32.12%
26 Chrysler 34.90%
27 Audi 36.74%
28 Seat 36.87%
29 Renault 36.87%
30 Alfa Romeo 39.13%
31 Saab 41.59%
32 Land Rover 44.21%
33 Jeep 46.36%

[man]

You are right.. They are not on the poll.. would be a smart choice if he did..

But I didnt post this either :

I understand what you're saying but seriously, this survey was conducted by an unbiased company (Warranty Direct, a 26 year old company. I just saw it on MA), and it's purely objective while JD Power, though a reputable source, is subjective in their comparisons and is a bit biased, notice how GMC, Ford, and Dodge all got the same scores as Hyundai and PORSCHE in "Features & Accessory Quality - Design" How can Mercedes, BMW, and Land Rover get two "dots" in that category?

Any way, I didn't vote in the poll because I think it's dumb to buy a car based on what others say and I don't want the poll to reflect my opinion.

[dtmcnamara]

Do you plan on Modding it?

more than likely a little mods here and there. maybe a upgraded turbo, full exhaust, intake, head(s), cam. Nothing HUGE, but want to have something FUN and not to much $$$ thats why all the cars a under $30. I want to spend a total of $30 on a car after all mods, maybe a little more or less all depends on the outcome once i start

For 29k you can get a used 05 STI.

Was also considering this too, but wanted to pay less for the car that this. maybe if i get a good deal, maybe something like between 25-27K. Just cannot afford the 29K price PLUS upgrades right now.

[Crazy Asian]

Tell me the SECRET!!! MINI Owneres must have a way to shag in the back.

[RandomGuy]

scooby AWD ftw... cheap, and responsive to mods

FUN TO DRIVE

versatile and practical

[JennB]

My car came in a covered trailer.

[Kamikaze]

I'd love to see some unbiased opinions on Mazda. I've seen many approaching the 250K mile mark on the same engine which is why I still have mine. But I guess there will be haters everywhere; you can't please everyone.

[Ran]

Mazdaspeed3 gets my vote. Very quick and with intake, exhaust, and boost controller you can be at 300HP easy. Also, standard pricing on an MS3 Sport Model is only like $23K before tax, tag, and title. That's what the guys at Jim Ellis Mazda on US41 were trying to sell me one for.

[kfzemx3]

Mazdaspeed3 gets my vote. Very quick and with intake, exhaust, and boost controller you can be at 300HP easy. Also, standard pricing on an MS3 Sport Model is only like $23K before tax, tag, and title. That's what the guys at Jim Ellis Mazda on US41 were trying to sell me one for.

Well thats the mazdaspeed 3 sport not the mazdaspeed 3 gt, which really isnt all that different but it comes with the hid headlights, navigation, and i'm not sure if its like the mazdaspeed 6, but if you didnt get the gt you dont get the black with red stitch leather interior.

I have looked at the GT and it was amazing, almost bought it, i just needed to get a fex extra dollers up, but anyway the gt is about 3-4k more, but since its only a lil more i think its worth it for what you get

[fight club]

search for a used sti. mine was abused as fuck and still had NO problems. you can get an 04-05 with low mileage for under 25k now. not to mention with exhaust and a tune you'll be at 300whp/over 300wft/lbs. plus awd > all.

EDIT: 2 minutes of searching found 3 under 24k.

[Ran]

Well thats the mazdaspeed 3 sport not the mazdaspeed 3 gt, which really isnt all that different but it comes with the hid headlights, navigation, and i'm not sure if its like the mazdaspeed 6, but if you didnt get the gt you dont get the black with red stitch leather interior.

I have looked at the GT and it was amazing, almost bought it, i just needed to get a fex extra dollers up, but anyway the gt is about 3-4k more, but since its only a lil more i think its worth it for what you get

The Sport model has the black/red interior as well. Not sure if it's leather or not, but I hate leather interiors anyway. The only differences I know of are the HID taillights, rain-sensing windshield wipers, Bose speakers, and some other unnecessary crap. IMO, the extra $4K isn't worth it but that's just me.

A black MS3 with the black trim headlights and tails would look f*cking hot on some black rims w/ polished lip.

[Maniaç]

Yep, that was me. Thanks (I think). Though she reeeeeally needs a bath now.

yeah... she does need a bath... cool Mini though.. thats one of the best looking Mini's ive seen. got a very quick glance at you.. and i must say this.... a girl looks really hot with shades on. L0L

are you white or asian? (i think you should pm me instead of postin in here again).