Which would you go for? Mazda3 vs Golf

[lambada]

The choice is between a VW Golf 1.4 TSi 122 PS manual & a Mazda 3 2.0 120 PS auto. Both are brand new, the Mazda is marginally cheaper than the Golf & comes with bi-xenon lights, leather seats and keyless entry. I do 6k miles annually and I'll be keeping the car for approx 8 years. Not considering any other models or variants.

Which would you get & why?

[Crafty_]

The cheapest one.

Both cars will be perfectly adequate for doing 6k a year.

The choice is completely subjective.

[grumbledoak]

The manual one.

[Gixer]

I was in a similar position a few years ago. 345,000 reliable miles later I'm very glad I went with the Mazda. I'm now looking at what to get next myself.

[kambites]

The Golf has a slightly posher, more cuddly interior; the Mazda will probably prove more reliable. Day-to-day running costs probably not hugely different.

Just a question of personal preference, really. I'd probably go for the Mazda because I don't cuddle my dashboards.

[vikingaero]

grumbledoak said:

The manual one.

The automatic Japanese one. Traffic will only get worse each year. No point in having a complicated TSI when you can have a (relatively) large block 2.0 which is simple. Then factor in average VW reliablity vs. better Mazda reliability.

[krobbo]

Mazda.
Less complex engine, auto gearbox and more toys

[hornetrider]

Mazda.

[snoopy25]

Mazda

[anonymous-user]

The Golf. The MK7 is a lovely car.

[RenesisEvo]

Mazda, I've driven a new 3 and it was a great steer. Shame to miss out on the manual as it's a lovely shift. Interior is a bit drab but then so is the Golf. Too early to say if the Mazda is reliable but the TSI has its issues and Mazda didn't build a reputation from nothing, hopefully it won't have rust issues that plagued the last generation of Mazdas.

[lambada]

RenesisEvo said:

Mazda, I've driven a new 3 and it was a great steer. Shame to miss out on the manual as it's a lovely shift. Interior is a bit drab but then so is the Golf. Too early to say if the Mazda is reliable but the TSI has its issues and Mazda didn't build a reputation from nothing, hopefully it won't have rust issues that plagued the last generation of Mazdas.

Actually, I test drove a manual 3 and didn't find the gear change all that smooth .... Especially from 2nd to 3rd. Felt like the gearbox was lacking lubricant. Won't be able to try the auto before buying (or the Golf)

[JackReacher]

I would go for the Golf, MQB based cars are very good to drive, DSG is a good auto and it will be worth more than the Mazda after 8 years.

[ajb85]

Granada Scorpio 2.9?

[wolves_wanderer]

JackReacher said:

I would go for the Golf, MQB based cars are very good to drive, DSG is a good auto and it will be worth more than the Mazda after 8 years.

£1050 vs £1000?

[IvanSTi]

The Mazda, it's Japanese.

[va1o]

Mazda 3 that's not me !

[lambada]

JackReacher said:

I would go for the Golf, MQB based cars are very good to drive, DSG is a good auto and it will be worth more than the Mazda after 8 years.

I agree that the Golf will hold its value better. Have VW sorted out the 7 speed DSG issues? Read too many horror stories about them.

[Bill]

If buying something interesting and three years old isn't an option I'd take simple Japanese over complicated German (with known issues) every time.

[Hasbeen]

Mazda, 188,000 kilometers, nothing but servicing.

VW, new gearbox at 14,000 kilometers.

For me the Mazda has it.