Honda Accord vs Mazda 6 vs Toyota Avensis

[SidewaysSi]

Looking for an automatic family car which the wife can use and pretty much narrowed it down to these three. Budget around £4k and want safety and reliability.

They all seem pretty safe bets (though I hear the Mazda may rust is not kept in top of).

Ideally we also want something practical as it may need to carry 2 baby buggies but she doesn't want an estate so leaning towards a hatchback (though personally I like the Accord).

Any thoughts as to which is best / any experiences? Also any other candidates I have forgotten about?

[ZX10R NIN]

I'd say the Mondeo would be your best option but due to them being the best FWD in this sector they hold a bit of a premium & the Mazda6 is based on the Mondeo so why not get the better version.

Titanium X

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Ghia Haggle & you could bag yourself a bit of a bargain especially with that mileage:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Edge

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Titanium X Saloon You'll (I'd say the hatchback will prove a better option in regards to the buggies) have to haggle.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Insignias are great VFM but finding a petrol auto will be hard but not impossible.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Last of the line Vectras can be had for very sensible money:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Same with the Avensis:

T4

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

TR

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Trying to find a gen2 Mazda6 is hard but they're out there, this one seems very cheap for some reason I'd approach with caution:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Accord Type S

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

EX

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

I'd still take the Mondeo over all of them though, the Accords are a good second choice but the saloon part of it may prove to much of a pain.

Edited by ZX10R NIN on Tuesday 10th April 11:24

[JensenA]

I'd recommend the Accord. Beautifully made cars that never go wrong. Mine is currently on 210,000 miles, faults to date. New clutch at 160k miles, alternator at 208,000. Nothing else has ever gone wrong, everything works, everything is still solid, and its still used for regular 500 mile round trips. They are beautiful cars. DOnt be put off by the estate, they are arguably better looking than the Saloons.
Accords may cost more, but they hold their value far better than most other cars.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

[ZX10R NIN]

They're good car but don't hold their value any better than the Mondeo.

[toon10]

I ran the 2.4 exec Honda Accord for 4 years. Mine was completely faultless in that time only needing servicing, tyres and brake pads. I did have a light bulb go on an interior switch but that's it. Bulletproof. The 2.4 was a bit thirsty for a 4 pot but I enjoyed the NA revvy nature of the engine but it is possible to keep the revs down and improve the mpg. It was quick enough, practical and a pretty nice car.

I've ran a couple of Mondeos in the past and although they are cheap, they brake a lot more and I ended up spending what I saved buying them on garage bills. Decent cars though and practical, especially in hatch guise.

I've not had a Mazda 6 although a mate has one and he's not had any major issues. He likes the way it drives. Can't comment on the Toyota. I drove one many years ago and it was bland but a nice drive and I'm told they are very reliable.