I'm buying my first car soon and I've been looking into Scions. I don't know if my first car should be a used '04 Mazda3 with 25k miles on it or a brand new Scion xA. The prices are similar (Mazda is $500 more) and I'm leaning toward scion because I need this car to last me all the way through college and until I get a steady job (about 6 or 7 years). I think Mazda is a trusted brand and both cars would probably last that long but the Scion would be brand new and I wouldn't have to worry about the previous owner abusing it. I don't know what to buy and I need advise please!

BTW, please try not to be biased.

 

My 2 cents......Between those 2 I'd go with the xA.
New Car..Full Warranty..3 Free Oil Changes..Great Community like Scion Life.
In the End it's all about what you want & like.... You can also go to..... www.edmunds.com to compare the Vehicles. Good Luck!

 

Id go with the Madza if I couldnt get the tC.

 

Mazda 3

 

IMO, i'd go with the xA, ditto to what KingofQueens23 said

 

The Best way is to go test drive both cars and see and feel which you prefer overall. Some cars look better, some drive better. Its all on preference.

 

In terms of interior room and comfort, I actually find the xA to be slightly superior. Quite ironic, huh? Power? The 3 isn't blazingly fast, but there is a lot of modification potential. Handling? The Mazda wins there for sure!

I would choose the xA(and chose in my situation, as I considered the 3 as well). However, be sure you consider how liveable the xA trunk is. It is tiny! And it makes roadtrips with more than 2 people a bit tricky. The 3 offers a helluva a lot more room in the rear.

Also consider how important LEGAL HID lighting is to you. It's available on the 3, as is a moonroof.

 

I was facing the same choice but between a new 3 and a new xA... I chose the xA based on value/bang for the buck, reliability, and previous experience with my Toyota Echo. I also got a chance to thrash on lots of Mazda 3's at their RevItUp event...

Just my $0.02

 

I'd go with the xA. I was seriously looking at the Mazda 3 (as well as a few others) when I was shopping for my xA. The Scion won because of several factors:

-Low purchase price.

-Toyota reliability (better than Ford/Mazda)

-Nice list of standard features for the price

-Nice standard warranty

-Cool styling (fun)

-Great fuel economy

 

If they were both brand new, I'd say go Mazda 3. Its a nice looking car. But since you said the Mazda is used and cost more, I'd say go xA. Owning a brand spankin new car is an experience in itself. And since you are a college student, a new car has less headaches associated with it. If the mazda has 25k miles on it, it may be time for some maintanence cost soon (ie. tires, fluid flush and changes).

This is a tough choice, but I think you will be fine with either car.

 

Scion xA vs Mazda3

I had to make a similar decision a few months ago. The choice for me was between a 2005 Mazda3 with 2700 miles for $18995 and a 2005 Scion Xa RS 1.0 with 3140 miles for $14000. I chose the Scion. Both cars were similarly optioned but, IMO the Scion xA was the better value.

 

xA

 

The 5-Door Mazda3 or the sedan Mazda3? I do agree about your fears regarding used cars. I've never owned used cars but I have leased/financed cars. Let's just say I wasn't too friendly with the car. No, I didnt abuse those cars. But if I saw it on the lot again, no way would I buy it.

Ohh, also you have 5yr/60K miles powertrain warranty on the xA. The used Mazda 3 you mentioned is too close to the end of it's Power TRain warranty. MAzda 3 is rated at 4yr/50K miles powertrain.

The xA does have a small "trunk" space. Comes standard with a cargo cover. If trunk space is a concern, how about a Toyota Matrix.

 

It's the sedan Mazda3.

 

i just traded a 3 in on a tC. driving it around, i found that i liked it, but in a "I wouldn't mind renting this car" type of way. i'm sure its an ok car, but not something I'd want for 5+ years (since my last car (a mazda!) crapped out a million times)

 

I just got one of those free used car magazines and there are a lot of used cars for around the price of an xA.! Please somehow convince me to stay in the Scion loop, theese cars are all SO temting! Here is a list of some of the more temting ones:

'98 BMW 528i, heated leather seats, moonroof, $13k
'01 Mitsubishi Eclipse GT, 31k miles, Leather, Moonroof, $13k
'03 Mitsubishi Lancer OZ Rally Edt., 25k miles, power everything, 5speed, $12k
'01 Nissan Maxima GXE, 15k miles, power everything, $14.5k
'03 Pontiac Grand Am GT 4DR, power everything, moonroof, $13k
'01 Volvo S80 T6, FULL Luxery, Moonroof, Mint, $14.5k
'04 VW Jetta GL, 19k miles, pwr windows and locks, cruise, AC, $15k

I'm drowning in the sea of used cars! I'm gonna have to go test drive a Scion again on Monday and maybe that will just make my final decision. Imight go checkout the BMW and the Volvo cuz those sound like really nice cars. Comments?

 

I can't change the poll anymore so just pretend that the Mazda3 vote is just used car in general.

 

It depends on your priority. If you want a little more power go with one of the other cars. On the other hand the XA will be more reliable than any other car on that list.
The Mazda is basicly a current Ford escort and Pontiacs are about as reliable as a Kia. In my opinion the XA is one of the most unique vehicles on the road! And is the most enjoyable car I have ever owned.

Just my 2 cents.

 

I strongly disagree with that. My family has had like 3 Pontiacs each one lasting us till they were about 10-12 years old (we got all but 1 of them used) and over 100k miles. Most GM cars exept for some Chevy cars are very well built. American cars also have a much smoother ride than Japaneese cars. The only thing stopping me from getting a Grand Am is how common they are.

 

You're saying that a Scion would be more reliable than a Volvo? I've seen 20 year old Volvos cruisin the streets like they are still brand new. On the other hand, Volvo replacment parts would cost much more than Scion parts so that would be an aspect to ponder.