hi everyone,

need some help here.

planning to buy a 1.6cc or below sedan.

budget <S$70k.

tinking of mazda 3 or lancer ex... any guys here driving the above car or driven both?

pls give some reviews n opinion.

thks!

Lancer EX 1.5 has the same body as the 2.0, so having a smaller engine means the performance will be quite average.That's the downside of the Lancer EX

Mazda 3 is also heavy,but the platform is based on the older Volvo S40 so there's a kind of continental feel to the handling. The downside is - the current model is *very* dated and may EOL anytime..so thats a bad factor to consider.

Cheers

Mazda 3 is very old liao, in contrast, lancer EX is consider NEW....

Lancer 1.5 have less power, or people will often say under-power...  I personally drive before Lancer EX and Mazda3. Mazda 3 is more stable, as in heavily then normal cars.

If i were to choose between these 2cars, i will surely take EX

One thing about the Mazda 3, I think it generates too much road and wind noise. It's very tiring on a long journey.

I advise you consider the 2.0l variants of the Lancer EX as they are also below the 70k range, and you have more power due to the increased size of the engine.

Not sure of the current price, but the 2.0 elegance is retailing for around 60-64k while the Sports is around 65k-70k ceiling. Whichever variant to choose is up to your preference.. the Elegance make do with a simple 16" rims, without the very very useful HID low-high beam and the bodykit for a few thousands cheaper.

But good thing is, you get the latest generation engine and paddle shift control for the automatic version.

Originally posted by ceecookie:

I advise you consider the 2.0l variants of the Lancer EX as they are also below the 70k range, and you have more power due to the increased size of the engine.

Not sure of the current price, but the 2.0 elegance is retailing for around 60-64k while the Sports is around 65k-70k ceiling. Whichever variant to choose is up to your preference.. the Elegance make do with a simple 16" rims, without the very very useful HID low-high beam and the bodykit for a few thousands cheaper.

 

But good thing is, you get the latest generation engine and paddle shift control for the automatic version.

 

thks for everyone's reply.

i m still quite a noob when it comes to cars.

btw 1.6 n 2.0cc cars, is there any difference in terms of $$$ other den road tax n COE.

this is going to my 1st car so i m tinking mayb i should jus get a modest <1.6cc jap car.

but if there is not much $$ difference btw <1.6 n >1.6cc, i may consider tat option.

thks!

road tax for 2.0cc car should be $1200, while 1.6cc will cost $600.

insurance may vary as well, best to check with your car agent.

mazda3 has my vote.

Originally posted by *prodigy*:

thks for everyone's reply.

i m still quite a noob when it comes to cars.

btw 1.6 n 2.0cc cars, is there any difference in terms of $$$ other den road tax n COE.

this is going to my 1st car so i m tinking mayb i should jus get a modest <1.6cc jap car.

but if there is not much $$ difference btw <1.6 n >1.6cc, i may consider tat option.

thks!

The other major difference is most likely the fuel consumption. For the 2.0 the average is around 11km/l while the 1.5l get a few km more depending on your driving habit.

As this is your first car, i advice you map out your expected budget for the running expenses as well as various other such as ERP, carpark fees etc. If you are unable to set aside a good amount(1-2k + loan? sry im not good at this ), i suggest you stick with the 1.5l as the savings can be use to offset the other cost.

Owning a car,and mantaintence is very costly in Singapore.And the fuel cost is rising every year, so be careful

anyone has any idea when the new mazda 3 is coming out?

me thinks for the average driver, when it comes to saving costs, insurance, road tax, parking, maintainence and ERP(for some) are the more important considerations compared to fuel consumption.

how much can you possibly save with a car that gives you  good FC? $50? $100?

imho, whether you're paying $150 a month to park at your office building, pass by 3 or 4 gantries to and fro the road, forking out $100 or $200 a month for insurance matters a lot more than FC.

Originally posted by *prodigy*:

anyone has any idea when the new mazda 3 is coming out?

 

As long as there's no news of a new Ford Focus or a new Volvo S40 coming up, the Mazda 3 is staying for now because all three cars share the same chassis. So my prediction is that the current Mazda 3 might still be around for another 2-3 years.

Originally posted by alleggerita:

As long as there's no news of a new Ford Focus or a new Volvo S40 coming up, the Mazda 3 is staying for now because all three cars share the same chassis. So my prediction is that the current Mazda 3 might still be around for another 2-3 years.

tats sad cos i was eagerly waiting for the new mazda 3 too.

I personally like the Mazda 3. Too bad it's very ancient already. If you really want the mazda 3, get the Chilli Red colour which somehow makes your car look younger.

Mitsubitshi EX has nice design, I also like the dashboard design. Too bad I don't like it's engine though.

Final pick, Mazda3 if you don't mind it's age.

.....

do consider a engine with CONTINUOUS Variable valve timing (CVVT) feature, this will save on th fuel while idling and boost higher power in higher rpm.

Will you think about it?

oil prices increase, new erp gantries, COE, etc..

do consider all these b4 u decide to buy a car.

1thing to add, EX moving of feel, can be a little bit disappointing, that's how I felt when driving a EX compare to Honda's or Toyota's.

Why not consider Honda Civic?

Originally posted by BangHong:

1thing to add, EX moving of feel, can be a little bit disappointing, that's how I felt when driving a EX compare to Honda's or Toyota's.

Why not consider Honda Civic?

i tink honda civic exceeds TS's budget.

And if Mazda 3 is old model, Honda Civic is nearly equally old.

get a fuel saver like jazz... no point paying so much for fuel + road tax...

vios also can since 1st car...

okay, my family has a mazda 3, SGH, 2 years 1month liao.

my dad was the one who chose the car. he didnt test drive it at all. chose it purely for the looks. as a son who wanted to be conscious of the money issues, i did try to tell him to get other cars..

cars i recommended followed by his replies.

fit/jazz - dont want. get a sedan.
altis - made in thai
civic - only 1.8/2.0L(the 1.6 came out a week after collecting car, he was furious)
lancer glx - too common

he was damn set on the mazda 3 already, purely coz of the looks. well, i cant stop him. his money mah.

claims that the mazda 3 is very stable are true. it is very heavy at 1.2 tonnes for a 1.6L car and this too affects its acceleration. not helping in acceleration is its 4-speed activematic transmission.

the mazda 3 first came out in 2004 if i'm not wrong. leaked photos of the new mazda 3 are everywhere now. even i am discouraging my friends from asking their parents to get the current mazda 3. nevertheless, in the mazdaclubsg forum, there are still people who just bought the mazda 3. it's a personal choice.

and good luck with your choice!

mazda3 better. new EX my fren driving. everytime see me complain underpower lah, this lah, that lah. gotta say the outlook is nice but not a wise choice if u are getting the 1.5L de.

wow.. thks for all the replies..

i have oso taken a look at honda civic but the priceis so high for a 1.6cc car..

anyone has pic of the new mazda 3?

the lancer EX is really very good looking.. i tink chances r i will get tat rather den the old mazda 3..

get mazda3 lah. if u get the lancer, u will sure regret de.

google image is your friend.

if you would like to know, i am pleased with my dad's choice.