Stick with Mazda or go BMW

Honest John Back Room » Motoring discussion
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Tue 3 Mar 2020 10:28
Stick with Mazda or go BMW - Kostic

Hi,

Looks like this is going to be a long post.

It's been a very long time since I last logged in here, been driving the same car for the last 12 years relatively trouble free. But now it's over 17 years old and the age begins to show, and "trouble free" is becoming less so, so thinking it's time for a change.

My current car is 2002 Mazda 6 Sport (2.3L petrol), and I've been very happy with it over the years. It drives very well (still does!). The main use is as a family car, no commuting. I do very low milage (often well under 5,000 miles per year).

I want to stick with petrol for many reasons, even if it is more thirsty. Things I like about this car, apart from its driving qualities (it's not the fastest but it is pretty responsive and eager), is that it's a hatchback, so plenty of boot space, especially with seats down, as well as being fairly roomy inside.

I'm not a big fan of estates and wife ourtright hates their looks.

So, we've so far narrowed the choices to two cars, BMW 3 Gran Turismo and Mazda CX5, petrol versions only.

I know they are different beasts, first being a hatchback and second an SUV. Never had SUV before and always preferred lower driving position, but that could just be out of habbit.

I'm looking at 3-4year old cars. Budget is £15K. BMW seems a bit nippier, even 320i, on paper at least, classier too. I haven’t test driven the Mazda yet, planning to do this weekend.

Obviously I already own a Mazda, and I stopped using main dealers for servicing ages ago, and there are none close to my house any more. BMW dealers are closer, but there is also an independent specialist around 10 minutes walk from my house.

So really looking for some expectations of what owing these cars is going be like. Any advice is very welcome!

Kostic

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Tue 3 Mar 2020 10:46
Stick with Mazda or go BMW - landmarked

lf you are at all concerned about mainenance costs and potential repair bills, I would go for the Mazda.

They 2.0 petrol is well proven and mechanically simple (no turbo), if well looked after it should last many years especially on a low milage. The electronics and systems of this generation of Mazda seem to have no major issues.

The BMW is a lovely car and will probably be nicer to drive and more refined (even if the Mazda handles well for a medium SUV). But you never know, in a few years, when the gearbox computer is going to stop talking to the engine computer, when the dual mass flywheel might decide to take a holiday, or generally when the "check engine" light will come on.

In warranty I would probably take the BMW. Out of warranty, no contest, it's the Mazda.

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Tue 3 Mar 2020 10:51
Stick with Mazda or go BMW - Avant

You're right to stick with petrol given your low mileage. There's always an element of risk in buying a used car, but there's enough evidence to suggest strongly that a Japanese petrol car carries a lower risk than a BMW. You'll also get a newer Mazda for the same money, as despite the higher risk people still like buying used BMWs.

You'll need to try the Mazda and see if you like it. I know what you mean about the BMW seeming nippier, as most petrol Mazdas apart from the MX-5 lack low-down torque. If you don't like the higher diving position you could always go for another Mazda 6.

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Tue 3 Mar 2020 11:02
Stick with Mazda or go BMW - Kostic

Thanks guys for replies.

Another Mazda 6 is not an option as they stopped doing hatchbacks ages ago and estates looks are not loved in this family:-)

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Tue 3 Mar 2020 11:14
Stick with Mazda or go BMW - Kostic

Would like to add, the Gran Turismo seem to he the less loved from BMWs, so surprisingly can be found at similar prices and similar age and milage to Mazda. Although maybe lower trim levels

Edited by Kostic on 03/03/2020 at 12:54

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Tue 3 Mar 2020 12:48
Stick with Mazda or go BMW - SLO76
I’d favour the Mazda myself but you really need to take a good drive in both to see which one you prefer. I’m no fan of BMW’s but the availability of a local specialist makes it much more appealing. I’ve shortlisted the CX5 for myself later in the year but despite several local specialists I don’t have a BMW on that list.
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