Should I Buy a Mazda2 or CX-3?
Hi John,
I want to replace a 318i BMW that I've had for 15 years and driven just 80,000km. I only drive to the shops and rail station.
There are so many cars to choose from! Currently I'm looking at a Mazda CX-3, Honda HR-V, Nissan Qashqai, Mercedes-Benz A 180 or A 200. Can you suggest anything else?
Many thanks,
Diana
With the A-Class, it's all about the badge - cheap A-Class Benz is a cheap car with an expensive badge. Very poor objective value, and terribly expensive to own, long term. A dog of a choice, basically
Hello Diana,
The market is drowning in choice; that's for sure. It's very confusing.
You are driving about one-third the average amount - slightly over 100km per week, which is almost nothing (except if you were to walk it...)
Realistically I’d steer clear of the Merc - too expensive to repair, especially when they're out of warranty. And too expensive to buy, off the bat - very poor objective value. See Mercedes-Benz Myths >>
Unfortunately, Nissan and Honda fell asleep at the wheel in the GFC, and show no signs of awakening any time soon. Their product is really lagging behind the likes of Mazda and Hyundai-Kia today. See How Honda Lost its Mojo >>
You really only need a car like a Mazda2 for your kind of driving (Mazda2 Genki: very nice little car. Easy to park. Popular, good value, great to drive, brilliantly equipped, reliable, and you’ll need to service it only once a year.)
Mazda CX-3 is going to cost you a little more but is a slightly higher up version of the same car (built on the same engineering fundamentals, but with a more powerful engine). Everything I said about the Mazda2 applies to the CX-3 as well. (CX-3 has beautiful design as well - looks great in the flesh.)
So the financially prudent choice is the Mazda2; the sexier option is the CX-3. I wouldn’t go near the rest. We can help you get a solid discount on either (or any other car). Ask me about that here >>
Sincerely,
John Cadogan
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