Topic: Acura EL or Mazda3 Sport

[empty]

I've been looking at buying a newer used car.  I've narrowed the search to an 03 or 04 Acura EL or an 04  Mazda3 Sport.  I know these cars are quite different from each other and that is why I'm having trouble deciding between the two.

I'm looking for some constructive advice that may sway my decision either way.  ie. Driving characteristics, problems that people have had, complaints, or rave reviews.  Anything really.

I have been reading some of the posts on this forum and people seem to be quite helpful.  So post away my cyber-guides...  (I know, that sounded really GEEKY - Sorry.)}

[Mdxtasy]

I had an 01 EL Premium for a year and a bit.  All I can say is rock solid.  Not powerful nor is it a cornering genius...but it's a good practical 4 door vehicle that provides reliable transportation with good fuel consumption and well thought out designs.  It's not flashy, but everything is where it should be.  The leather isn't top notch but the car is well built.  The shifter and clutch (if you pick the manual) is traditional silky Honda smooth.  I had very few issues with it.  I had the gauge cluster replaced and the rest was oil and filter only.  90K in 1 1/2 years and nothing went wrong mechanically.  

The Mazda 3 seems to be more of a driver's oriented car with better handling characteristics and driving dynamics.  The long term reliability won't be on par with the Acura but to get that peace of mind, you'll be driving a less fulfilling vehicle.  It looks flashier and is more in style with the current trend.  It's a younger hipper car.

Both are good compact cars.  In conclusion, you want fun to drive, pick the Mazda.  You want reliable transportation?  Pick the Acura.

The dealer service I receive from Acura is great.  Always treated like a valued customer and appreciative of my business.  I have never owned a Mazda but I suspect the level of service will depend on the dealer you frequent but Acura may have the upper hand here.  

Welcome to the forum....

[articsteve]

I would second the above opinion.  The automatic in the EL is also fantastic.  But the seats in the base unit (touring) aren't great.  Look for a premium which gets you the leather and roof if you go to an EL.  Also, the seats are only heated on the seat bottom part.  Maybe they changed that from 2001.

If Mazda Sport comes with the hatch then having a hatch is a big plus.

Stay away for North Toronto Acura for service.  In fact the whole operation is a joke.

[JSCC]

How about Acura in Markham? LoLz!
I should go back and make a visit soon.

[typer__fans]

I would suggest Acura EL.  I got a 2004 Honda Civic Si, which the Spec is almost the same as the EL.  It's well known to be a reliable car for you as well.
Mazda 3, It's good car but too popular in town right now.  EL is more exclusive and only available in Canada!!!  

[safristi]

Test drove the Acura EL..must be 4 years ago..left myself and wifey unipressed...prolly one of the most dissapointing test drives ever ,for me.
    Use ta love the Integras,and had just sat in a new(then) TL so maybe that took the edge off...BUT IMHO unless you just want a tarted up Civic try the Mazda

[Bullet Blue]

I was in a Civic SI lastnight. Owned by one of my friends and I wasn't too impressed. I thought the seats were grossly uncomforable, power wasn't what I expected (I know it doesn't have much, but still) the power didn't seem like much over the base Civic, and the ride quality wasn't what I had expected from a Honda. With that being said, I have taken a drive in an 04 EL and it is like a whole different car (Yes, I know they are essentially the same), it's just the little differences between the two that justify the price. Mdx mentioned most of them so I won't go into it.

Another friend owns a base mazda 3 and I was quite impressed with it. Nice sporty little car with a peppy engine. My buddy complains that fuel economy wasn't what he expected, but has had few other complaints about it.

I would say that you can't really go wrong with either, but the best way to help you decide it so get out and test both yourself. Welcome to the forum!

[captain_ron]

I own an EL, 72,000km, not one problem.  

Personally?  I would get the Mazda3, the EL is an overpriced and underpowered car.  Mazda3 is a much better value.

[Gsxr]

Go for the Mazda 3.  The EL is merely a Civic sedan with leather and the SI engine.  You don't get as much value in the EL as you do in the 3.

[empty]

So it would seem I should choose between reliability and driving experience.

I know that Acura/Honda has a very good rep and that repairs are fairly cheap.  Mazda is pretty good too, but repairs can cost more.  No?

I've also read that the EL/Civic Si has probs with low end torque.  Do any of you drivers out there have problems with the engine straining when carrying heavy loads?  (Other than Capt. Ron whose post I just read).  I'm guessing that isn't much of a problem with the Mazda's 150lb/ft.

[Mdxtasy]

The EL has no torque and really nothing to haul a heavy load.  Put 4 or 5 people in that car and it'll struggle up a hill....especially if you want the automatic.  I put 4 in the car once....and that was the end of that...never again.

[Bullet Blue]

As I mentioned in my post, the SI and the EL felt sluggish even without a large number of people/cargo in the vehicle. My buddy who owns the SI uses it for city driving/getting to work and back and also owns a used Plymouth Voyager for when he needs to transport a large number of people or cargo because the civic is barely adequate for doing that. It will be the same deal for the EL.

[sirAQUAMAN64]

Yes empty, the difference is largely in the driving dynamics and styling.

Depends what you're looking for, how much you drive, and how long you plan on keeping the car.

1.7EL:
- Much better fuel efficiency
- Luxury oriented exterior and interior
- Somewhat dull and boring
- Engine offers low torque at low RPMs. Really needs to revv to develop power. Overall, if you commute a lot the fuel efficiency may be worth it
- Acura service is generally good. Check the labour rate tho
- Quieter cabin

3:
- Exceptional driving characteristics and solid at speed
- Sporty styling, and the 3 Sport offers a hatch
- More low-RPM power, but worse fuel efficiency. Try both cars to see which suits you. The manual in the 3 feels more meaty and less fragile (both are pretty precise) than the Civic I last drove.
- Generally very high quality, but there were a number of issues with early '04's. I'd try and pick up one built as late as possible. Auto transmissions have never been a Mazda strength, and rear brake discs, etc. Overall, I view quality just as high for both, and in many ways I think the Mazda is built better
- If a GT sedan or Sport hatch, the 17" tires need to be swapped for snows in Winter

I prefer the Mazda, but the back of my mind worries about the transmission failures I've seen. Mazda is pretty good with warranty coverage in my experience, but if you plan on keeping the car far out of warranty and you're not an enthusiast driver the EL be more your thing.

Now that I've muddied things more...

[Bullet Blue]

I would be sure to check out the compitition as well (assuming that you haven't already) because the compact car segment is quite crowded with many different options.

[empty]

I've pretty much looked at all the Japanese cars in the class.  Corolla was ruled out b/c the XRS had a mandatory sunroof and me 'uge head hit the ceiling.  I like the Sentra SER, but the GF ixneyed that one (apparently it looks too much like a family sedan).  The Civic SI sedan wasn't bad, but it's harder to find than the EL b/c it's more popular and it was only introduced in 2004 (as the sedan).  I liked the drive of the Mazda3 Sport, but I read about tranny probs with the 04s.

The EL seems to be the choix de moment. I'm not really going to be haulin' lots of cargo (or haulin' a$$ anywhere either apparently), but for a commuter, I think it will be a reliable car.

Thanks for all the input.  It's been... enlightening.}

[Bullet Blue]

Judging by the other models you've looked at, seems like sport is your main priority. You've chosen to look at the sportiest trim level of all of the compitition.

[empty]

Quite astute, BB.

At first my priority was a car that was sporty and fun to drive.  But after examining costs, sporty and fun-to-drive had to give way to low maintenance costs and reliability.  I think if I was buying new, I would go with the Mazda3, but the posted tranny problems have made me wary of the 04s.

Alas, at this point I must be content with the upgrade from my 94 Tercel and look forward to owning a car with a manual transmission.

[citydude]

Hi there,
I too was once in exactly your situation.  Choosing between the EL and the 3.  The 3 has a more updated chassis, and the interior is really nice, more power and overall better value than the EL.  However, I ended up buying an EL because of better fuel economy (7.5L/100KM, average over 3 months), a smoother transmission (manual, I took extended test drive of both), and I found a good deal on a 04 demo at the end of the year.  So far on the road, I had never once wished I had more power, (I dont need 160HP getting stuck on the 404 daily), very happy with the fuel economy.  You won't have a problem with (the lack of) power/torque especially if you're getting a 5-speed.  It's a very good commuter car, IMO.

I took the car to a track last weekend, and I wasn't disppointed.  Yes, I wasn't blazing fast, but the car handled very well, the brakes are fantastic.

And there is nothing bad about it being a Civic.  Honda sells 60,000 Civic every year, they must be doing something right.  And you know if you ever need fixing, or parts, they will be widely available (and probably inexpensive).  

Nothing is perfect, the major problem I have with this car is the use of cheap plastic clips.  Broke a few while I was running some wires for my stereo.  And there is some rattling inside when going over bump or uneven road surface.  Oh, and the OEM Bridgestone tires with the reduced treadwear (160 vs the retail version 260) is a turn off. So, if you're looking for a used one, check the the tires for wear.  

And to the poster prevously comparing the ride of an Integra and the EL, I cannot agree that is a far comparison.  Honda had no interest of marketing/making the Civic/EL in the same league that the Integra once was.  The use of a SOHC engine, and a less sophicated suspension up front mean they have budget, relibility and economy in mind, not "performance".

Citydude

(Message edited by citydude on May 18, 2005)

[empty]

So, I guess I'm gonna be buying the EL.  Now all I have to do is a find a 5 speed.  

Does anyone know if any incentives were offered on the 03 or 04 models?  ie.  Acura is offering their "$2600" aero kit for $1300 right now.

The reason I'm asking is because I may have a lead on an 03 with aero kit and I don't want the seller to gouge me because it has this "wonderful upgrade".  Really, I don't even want the aero kit, but I'll obviously take it if it comes with car

[monman]

Just picked up my 05 EL Touring today and man am I thrilled so far. The ride is unbelievably smooth and the power is more than adequate for city and highway driving. The finish quality, comfort and amenities sold me right away and I got an incredible deal thanks to 2.8% interest, a Grad rebate (my last chance to use it) and Acura paying my last two lease payments on my 01 Sentra. Not to mention they gave me a bottle of wine to celebrate!