Topic: Dilemma: 2007 Mazda 3 GT (fully loaded) vs. 2003 Jetta GS (43,000 KM)

[AbbyW]

I have a couple of dilemmas currently facing me as I enter the world of getting my first vehicle. I have received so much advice from friends, family, and the local newspaper stand guy that my head is spinning. I am curious to know what people think who don't know me personally -- as in, you aren't lecturing me on parental-natured things. Any helpful information would be greatly appreciated!

Dilemma 1: Do I buy friends 2003 VW Jetta in great shape, or buy/lease 2007 Mazda 3
Dilemma 2: If I go with the Mazda -- is it better to buy or lease? I have read and reread reports, forums and such on this debate. Still confused.

Option 1

Car: 2003 VW Jetta (model that is fully loaded except leather interior)
Owner: friend who is leasing it. Lease is up in Feb 2007 in which I can then buy it.
Cost: $18-$20k
KM: 43,000
Manual
Condition: excellent. 2 minor fender-benders but has been approved by a mechanic (no structural damage). Completely fixed up for purchasing.

Pros:

• Incredible deal (or so I think)
• Low KM; not driven for 9 months and only seen BC asphalt
• Know the owner and has regularly done checkup's, did not abuse car
• Good size to fit skis, hockey equipment, 4 adults, feels safe on road (unlike small cars)
• Great on gas

Cons:

• Manual; would prefer automatic
• Cannot get it until FEB 07; going mental without car... hockey season could depend on this!
• Will be 4 years old; depreciation factors; limited warranty; heard VW's can be pricey to fix when things go wrong
• Probably won't get much for my money when I go to sell it in 3-4 years times, correct?

Option 2

Car: 2007 Mazda 3 GT (fully loaded)
Cost: depends on dilemma # 2; buy or lease
KM: 0-50
Automatic

Pros:

• New car; all under warranty; peace of mind
• Economical
• Less depreciation since it is 4 years newer than VW

Cons:

• A bit smaller than Jetta
• Assume less pick-up (test driving tonight)
• Smaller car; even if it fits my gear, is it as safe as Jetta? I feel like it is a bigger, safer car.

Buy vs. Lease considerations
- $467 month vs $550+ month
- resale value of Mazda 3 down the road - I would probably get more for the 2007 Mazda than I would the 2003 Jetta

Any help would be smashing at this point!
Thanks!
Abby

[mdxtasy]

Welcome to the forum.

I see this as being a decision on a used, out of warranty VW Jetta vs a new, bumper to bumper Mazda 3.

Have you driven either one?  If so, did one particularly fancy your driving needs?  With the Jetta, what you see is what you get.  What I mean is if you go new with a Mazda 3, you can get a hatchback, the wagon, or the sedan.  Also, you can option it up the way you want.  A plus is that if you are ready now, you might be able to snag an 06 for cheaper than the 07's.  Great financing rates on the 06's...a few CTC members have picked up their 3's in the past month. 

I assume you are financing both vehicles?  Interest rates on the used Jetta (depending on your source) might have high interest rates....same with the 07 Mazda 3.  Like I said earlier, the 06's might have special offers.  Wait a bit and the 07's will probably have cheap rates as well. 

Are you one of those guys who keep cars?  Can you write off a lease?  If you keep your cars and can't write off the lease payment, and can afford the financing route....finance it.  If you change cars frequently or can write off the lease payment....lease it.  Check to see the TCO of either option though....just to make sure you're paying fair money for the car.

My money would go to the Mazda.....

[The Mighty Duck]

You will lose more money on the 3 than on the VW.  The most depreciation occurs in the first year or two, so the Jetta has already undergone that.  The 3 has not.  If resale is a major concern for you, you would be further ahead in the Jetta.

Personally, I really like the 3, and would be tempted to go that route.  As you said, you'll be getting a full warranty, and the car you really want (automatic, your choice of colours...  ).  There are also some good deals to be had on the 3 right now, especially the remaining 06s.

I know wing just leased a new 3Sport, so I'm sure he'll be along to comment, too. 

[wing]

Find an '06 Mazda 3 and lease before Aug 31st for 0%

[y2chuck]

Like Wing said, get an 06 Mazda3 if you can find one.  Great rates on them.

If not, I'd take the 07 Mazda3 over the Jetta for sure.  Altho nothing may go wrong the VW over your ownership, there's nothing like the piece of mind of having a new car.

As for lease vs buy, it depends on what you want to do with the car.  If you want to keep it until it dies, finance it. If you think you'll want to trade it in after a few years, lease it.  If the only reason you want to lease the car is to have lower payments, you can't afford the car in the first place.

[safristi]

Mdx      where are ya hiding those Mazda 3 WAGONS

[mdxtasy]

Mdx      where are ya hiding those Mazda 3 WAGONS

Wagon


I meant to say hatchback/wagon.

[safristi]

ASSA HATCHBACK baybee this is a WAGGIN..........................

[wing]

Mazda's material calls it a 5 door wagon.

Booyaa

[mdxtasy]

Mazda's material calls it a 5 door wagon.

Booyaa

Shazaam....das right. 

[safristi]

BOO_WRONG...don't ALWAYS believe WOT ya read in a MANUFACTURERS HAND OUT...shame on U2...go do some pro BONO work ta make up..IT ain't a WAGON like I'm NOT SHAGGIN a SUPER_MODEL...I'm on to bigger and longer things (WAGONS!!!??) NO UBER UBERR SOOPER MODELS.....   YOU can ALWAYS S..T..R..E..T..C..H  the truth but someone WILL CALL YA ONNIT!!!!

[wing]

I love that picture

[safristi]

DO YA HAVE ONE with a WAGON ..........................!!!!!   being pulled by HORSES!!!!

[Julie]

You've gotten great advice so far. Those are the main criteria I would consider as well.

And a personal one: If it were me, I would try and remove the "great deal or not" factor from my decision. Sometimes the prospect of getting a great deal clouds my judgment, and if the deal wasn't one the table, the item would go down significantly in my "want list".

As I said, it's personal because it means I don't care so much if I spend a little more to get what I really want. I've had the experience where, "Man, I don't really like this. If I had paid just abc more, I could have gotten this!" and I've also had the experience, "Woohoo, I love this, I'm enjoying it everyday! (and never thinking about the extra amount I paid.)

[safristi]

C'mon a second hand soon to be 4 year old Jetta Vs a new Mazda 3 !!!! or something ELSE...who are YOU
  BRIGITTE RE_INFARNATED

[Bullet Blue]

BOO_WRONG...don't ALWAYS believe WOT ya read in a MANUFACTURERS HAND OUT...shame on U2...go do some pro BONO work ta make up..IT ain't a WAGON like I'm NOT SHAGGIN a SUPER_MODEL...I'm on to bigger and longer things (WAGONS!!!??) NO UBER UBERR SOOPER MODELS.....   YOU can ALWAYS S..T..R..E..T..C..H  the truth but someone WILL CALL YA ONNIT!!!!

i agree... 6 has a wagon and a hatch, while  the 3 has a hatch and a sedan... yeesh 

[sirAQUAMAN64]

I would likely go with the Mazda3 for a number of reasons:
- You're getting the transmission you want
- You're getting a car under warranty
- You're getting a car with lower interest/lease rate (I'd finance vs lease as the rates are low)
- You're getting a car with a history of better reliability (my VWs have been great, and if you know the person and trust them, you should be getting a good car there, but just in general)
- The 3 likely handles better than the Jetta

I've driven both and they both feel stable and secure on the road at speed. Both are great cars to drive, comparable room (more rear foot room in the 3 I think, more trunk room in the Jetta), etc.

Because the '06MY 3 lacks side air bags (the '07s will have them), side impact collision tests in the 3 are rated worse than the Jetta, and the Jetta is a heavier car (mass usually wins in collisions, all things equal), but otherwise are similarly safe.

In a few months, the previous generation of Jetta (MkIV) will be reintroduced to the market with the base 2.0L engine only, so used Jetta prices should fall. I think that although 43K is low for the car, the price is fairly high (I should clarify, not specifically for that Jetta, but for what else is out there you could get of similar size). A new Rabbit would be a far better value IMO if you liked the VW. The Mazda3 even better value due to the lower rates. If you're just starting out, I'd go with the (still desirable) car under warranty with lowest payments possible.

[AbbyW]

Wow! Thanks for all the great feedback ladies and gents. I really do appreciate it. I am swaying to the Mazda 3 but a test drive tonight will help solidify that. To answer some of the questions and thoughts....

- I have drove the Jetta for a couple of years (roomie's car). I learned to drive manual on it, and although I am comfortable with it for everyday use, I still fear the day I roll back into someone in their restored car on a steep hill -- lights out for me. Thanks for the tip on "forgetting about the deal."  Good advice since my roomie has been pushing 'the great deal logic' on me, as have the guys at work. Then again, all them are against leasing or buying new.

- I have read so many articles saying people would never shell out money to buy a NEW car. I will have to look in to the 06's since I was pricing an 07. How far back would you go with the M3? 2005? When were there significant upgrades? The reason the VW appeals(ed) to me is that I know the owner and know how it has been treated.

- One consideration for buying as opposed to leasing is that Victoria rarely gets snow. Cars out here seem to last forever. I have never seen such old cars in immaculate shape -- a pro to buy for sure.

- Financially, I simply can't afford much bigger vehicle if I plan to save to buy real estate, so that has ruled out vehicles that are perceptually better to take to the ski slopes. For the few times I would head into the interior to ski a year, how do you think it would fare? I took the VW up to the slopes last year and it was fine...

- From all the stats I've read, it doesn't appear as though the VW is much larger than the M3. Like one person noted, the trunk on the M3 seems to be a bit smaller in lieu of rear leg space. Thanks for the info on weight.

Obviously a lot will be said after I drive the M3 tonight. Thanks again for everyones feedback!

... and I agree, M3 only comes in sedan and hatchback... or as the website says, Sport. The only other version I have heard of for 2007 is the Mazda 3 speed... which is already pre-sold in Vic.

[airbalancer]

"Obviously a lot will be said after I drive the M3 tonight. Thanks again for everyones feedback!

... and I agree, M3 only comes in sedan and hatchback"

Wish is I was driving a M3 tonite

Actual a BMW M3 comes in a coupe and cab

[toolatecrew]

20 k used Jetta at PRIME which I doubt you can get on a line of credit/loan at your age over 48 months is 540 a month

Mazda 3 sport GS Auto and Air over 48 months $597.34  a month

That's only 1920 in the difference after 4 years?? Unless you can get a REALLY good loan from family for that jetta I wouldnn't even look at a 3 year old inferior (IMO) technology car vs a brand new car.