Daily driver just "died" - update - likely buying a used tsx

[toronado97]

http://www.truedelta.com/Honda-Accord/reliability-108/vs-Mazda6-171
http://www.truedelta.com/Honda-Accord/reliability-108/vs-Camry-264
http://www.truedelta.com/Mazda-Mazda6/reliability-171/vs-Camry-264

I'd wager 90% of those 2014 trips were for the infotainment system, which has been significantly updated software wise for 2015. Mazda has also been reliably releasing updates for the 2014 Mazda 3 software (which I believe is the software now in the 2015 6). It's still not perfect, but it's much better than it was at release, and continues to improve. Like many new vehicles with infotainment systems, it's a work in progress.

The nice thing (assuming you don't mind the risk) is that the Mazda infotainment is a Linux kernal very similar to Android, and already people are working on modding it and have successfully done some things for the Mazda3.

 

[Jimzz]

Does Mazda 6 have the same long term reliability as an Accord or Camry? I've been considering it too, but not sure how it holds up.

Mazda has had more issues than Honda/Toyota on average but I think they are still reliable enough to own, similar to Nissan. I don't rank them as high in maintaince or repairs as many European cars on the other extreme side for example.

 

[slag]

*Don't shoot me*

May be smaller than what you are looking for but take a peek at the 2015 Chrysler 200 with the 2.4L

Edit: Fully loaded 200c with FWD and the 2.4L is right around $31k

BANG

Never a Chrysler or dodge unless you want years of headaches and oil burning engines that kill swaths of mosquitos.

 

[evident]

i love my 07 accord. i can't justify selling it after 120K miles of trouble free driving. I love the IS 350 F sport though. I love not having a car payment more

 

[MiataNC]

I'd wager 90% of those 2014 trips were for the infotainment system, which has been significantly updated software wise for 2015. Mazda has also been reliably releasing updates for the 2014 Mazda 3 software (which I believe is the software now in the 2015 6). It's still not perfect, but it's much better than it was at release, and continues to improve. Like many new vehicles with infotainment systems, it's a work in progress.

The nice thing (assuming you don't mind the risk) is that the Mazda infotainment is a Linux kernal very similar to Android, and already people are working on modding it and have successfully done some things for the Mazda3.

As a proud owner of a 2015 Mazda6 Touring....

I absolutely LOVE!!! the car. One of the few cars you can still get with a manual. I drive the snot out of mine and still get @30mpg with mostly city driving. Steering and suspension feel is superb for a family sedan, and the car looks gorgeous from any angle. I drove the Fusion and the Accord and it was no contest picking the 6. I just love how Mazdas feel/drive, and the 6 has that DNA in spades.

The only "issues" (TSB) I have seen in the 2014-15 is for spiders in the evap system (no I am not joking), and "wind noise". Both corrected for 2015. I personally have no issue with wind noise. There are also a few complaints about rattles in the headline in sub freezing temps. This is fixed by tweaking the clips that hold the headliner up in the rear.

The Mazda6 does NOT share the infotainment system with the 3. It is closer to the CX-5, and it is the weakest part of the car. I love the "Commander Switch" on the center console, and it is the ONLY reason I haven't replaced the head unit. (It is a big plus that you can replace the head unit with any double-din radio. Unlike the 3 that has the large display sticking up out of the dash.)

"Issues" with the Mazda6 infotainment system:

1. Downloads address book every time you turn the car on. - This simply blows. It takes a good minute or two to finish pairing.

2. Tom Tom Nav - The OEM unit uses Tom Tom, and by all accounts it is a terrible implementation. I could add it to my Touring model for @$400 by plugging in a module, but the consensus on the Mazda6 forums is to use your phone or an aftermarket dash unit. My phone works fine, and even plays voice prompts through the speakers.

3. Pandora integration - Works flawlessly 80% of the time. Other times I have to reboot my phone or force stop the Pandora app to get it to work with the car controls.

4. Message downloading never works - The system is supposed to download and display text messages that come in while you are driving. if you have more than @15 messages (for all conversations), it will timeout and fail to download and display. It is a completely worthless feature.

"Likes" with the Mazda6 infotainment system:

1. Commander Switch - My car is a manual and my hand is always near the center console. It is very intuitive to change the phone and audio settings once you learn how to use the switch. The only reason I haven't chucked the OEM head unit.

2. Phone and Bluetooth audio works great. - I listen to podcasts and audio books all the time, and the system never has an issue pairing and playing back media.

3. HD radio - Works fine, but I rarely listen to commercial radio

4. Build-in backup camera - Yeah it is a "nanny feature", but it is a nice supplement to turning your head.

 

[SearchMaster]

Yes he can fix the Corolla for relatively little money...but he's driving a 13 year old econobox and is a (presumably) successful attorney. Let him live a little

Living where you do, I'd take a long look at the Legacy. I like the redesign for your goals, and MPG should be close to where you are now.

 

[jlee]

Yes he can fix the Corolla for relatively little money...but he's driving a 13 year old econobox and is a (presumably) successful attorney. Let him live a little

Living where you do, I'd take a long look at the Legacy. I like the redesign for your goals, and MPG should be close to where you are now.

I have no argument with buying another vehicle - but why bother with the guise of "it's not worth fixing the old one"?

 

[Woosta]

BANG

Never a Chrysler or dodge unless you want years of headaches and oil burning engines that kill swaths of mosquitos.

Ditto. Dear GOD say NO to Dodge/Chrysler. Wouldn't even recommend that car to my enemies.

Only respectable American Cars in the modern era:

- Dodge Viper
- Saleen S7
- Ford GT
- Ford Mustang / Chevrolet Camaro
- Chevrolet Corvette

 

[SithSolo1]

BANG

Never a Chrysler or dodge unless you want years of headaches and oil burning engines that kill swaths of mosquitos.

The 200 is riding on a Fiat platform used in both the new Dodge Dart and Jeep Cherokee. As for the engine, I haven't seen any glaring issues though its only been in use in the Dodge/Chrysler group for three model years.

 

[Sho'Nuff]

That's not $2K worth of work OP. Why not shop around for price to repair the vehicle? The spark plugs are stupid easy to change on that car, you should know how to change them yourself. As for struts and tires, that's less than $1000 worth of work if you know how to shop around. I'd put my effort into getting the car repaired economically rather than buying another vehicle.

Three reasons:

1. The car is 12 years old and really beat up.

2. This is the third set of repairs I've had to have done to the car in the past 6 months. Water pump went 9 months ago. Fuel pump was ~6 months ago. AC crapped out mid summer but I refused to fix. Now the struts, brakes, plugs, tires, etc. need to be done. You are right, the stuff "could" be fixed. But given the car's age I have come to the conclusion that I no longer want to fix it.

3. I can easily afford a newer vehicle. I have just chosen not to buy one for the past 6 years. I have, however, set aside money every month for the past 6 years in anticipation of this time.

 

[Sho'Nuff]

Want a big back seat look at a Passat, I'd only go TDI though so if diesel is a concern maybe not. Rather large inside though and does drive decently.

Also second the Mazda.

Yeah I am not keen on VW's. Maybe my friends have been unlucky, but everyone I know who has owned a VW has done nothing but complain about it after the car hit about 75-80k miles.

 

[Sho'Nuff]

*Don't shoot me*

May be smaller than what you are looking for but take a peek at the 2015 Chrysler 200 with the 2.4L

Edit: Fully loaded 200c with FWD and the 2.4L is right around $31k

There is no chance in hell i am buying a Chrysler. Sh!t you might as well recommend a Datsun.

 

[Sho'Nuff]

+1

honestly all these are stupid easy
plugs cost $20 total and you just unscrew the old ones screw in new
get 2 spring compressors and you can replace the shocks in a few hours
tires I do craigslist and pay $30-50 a tire

Car is old.

I am busy (i.e., my time is worth more to me than the savings realized by doing the repairs myself).

I have small kids that won't leave me alone (i.e., son will be under the car with me . . . not a good idea).

 

[tortillasoup]

Yeah I am not keen on VW's. Maybe my friends have been unlucky, but everyone I know who has owned a VW has done nothing but complain about it after the car hit about 75-80k miles.

Be smart, just fix your car. All the complaints you have are wear items. Shit I'm surprised you got over 100K on those struts, @ 100K struts should be replaced if you want decent/safe handling... otherwise yeah you can use struts until you're basically driving a hooptie. I just replaced the rear struts on my neighbor's infiniti m35 for around $350 INCLUDING parts... I purchased the struts online and then I shopped around for the best labor price. In case you're wondering why I'd go to the effort of ordering parts for a my neighbor's car and getting quotes on labor... it's because I got a commission for doing the work and I was being helpful at the same time.

 

[Sho'Nuff]

Hmm... why haven't you considered Acura or Lexus?!?! They're the luxury tier of Honda/Toyota, so if a Toyota/Honda isn't enough and you want something much more reliable than a BMW/Benz, this is the way to go.

Didn't say I wasn't considering Acura. Just didn't include it because I had not had a chance to drive any of them yet. I have driven the Lexus IS, ES and GS series. The IS is too small. The ES and GS are very comfortable, but I feel like they are a better option for someone older than I am.

The TL if you want power which is a V6 ( ~280-300 hp, 29 hw mpg ) but all luxury, very reliable: http://www.acura.com/modellanding.aspx?model=tl starts at 36k

My main issue with Acura TL is that they are are not great mileage wise. Acura report 29MPG but friends who have them say they get around 24-25. At least with older models (2009-2011). I put a lot of highway miles on a car, so I want something that is not going to break the bank gas wise.

The TSX if you want something cheaper and less powerful but still an entry level luxury car: http://www.acura.com/modellanding.aspx?model=tsx which is 200HP , 31 mpg, starts at 30k

The TSX is a nice option. They discontinued it for 2015, but the 2014 is basically an upscale accord.

For Lexus you can get the IS250 which is 205 HP / 30 MPG highway / V6: http://www.lexus.com/models/IS

It is too small for me. I am 6' 2" pushing 6' 3" and ~240lbs. Even with the seat all the way down my head is almost at the ceiling.

 

[Sho'Nuff]

$761.77 shipped from RockAuto for an overkill replacement list (after 5% coupon and Monroe rebate).

All of that work except the AC system can be done in a driveway with minimal tools. The struts are pre-assembled with new springs, so no spring compressor is needed. The brake kits include drums (likely not necessary) and rotors (also perhaps unnecessary).

If you were in Phoenix, I'd knock it out for you for way less than $2000.

Edit: Forgot spark plugs. Add $20-40.

You assume I know something about cars, which I don't.

You also assume I am inclined to work on my car in the driveway, which I am not. Yes, I know it is not manly. One of the nice things about doing what I do is that I can pay others to do things I am not interested in doing myself.

Also when did you move to AZ? I thought you were in NH?

 

[Sho'Nuff]

I have no argument with buying another vehicle - but why bother with the guise of "it's not worth fixing the old one"?

See other posts in the thread. This is not the first set of repairs needed for this vehicle this year.

 

[Sho'Nuff]

Yes he can fix the Corolla for relatively little money...but he's driving a 13 year old econobox and is a (presumably) successful attorney. Let him live a little

Living where you do, I'd take a long look at the Legacy. I like the redesign for your goals, and MPG should be close to where you are now.

I am doing well for myself, thank you very much. Not rich mind you but I am fortunate enough to have few complaints and little right to complain.

I'll give the Subaru Legacy a look.

 

[Sho'Nuff]

Update in op - test drove a Hyundai Sonata 2.0T and a Mazda 6 Grand Touring today.

 

[tortillasoup]

Well next time don't lie to us about your car "dying" and that you're a "cheap bastard" when it's so far from the truth it isn't even funny. You want a new car because you want a new car, economics be damned. Now if you had told us your transmission had failed or you blew a head gasket, we'd be more inclined to believe you. You don't have the right to call yourself a cheap bastard because you're anything but. Big deal, you replaced a water pump and fuel pump, the latter of which likely because your car battery terminals are corroded as shit and the battery is old, burning out the fuel pump (which is electric). Water pump could be argued that it's a wear/tear item and or because you never replaced the coolant in the car, but I'll lean towards wear/tear item instead just to give you the benefit of the doubt.

 

[ponyo]

I seem to remember you posting in bunch of threads in OT about cars being waste of money and anything other than appliance cars was foolish waste of money. Now you're looking at entry luxury cars? Fix your Corrolla. That car has another 10 years, 150,000 miles left in the tank.

 

[Sho'Nuff]

Well next time don't lie to us about your car "dying" and that you're a "cheap bastard" when it's so far from the truth it isn't even funny. You want a new car because you want a new car, economics be damned. Now if you had told us your transmission had failed or you blew a head gasket, we'd be more inclined to believe you. You don't have the right to call yourself a cheap bastard because you're anything but. Big deal, you replaced a water pump and fuel pump, the latter of which likely because your car battery terminals are corroded as shit and the battery is old, burning out the fuel pump (which is electric). Water pump could be argued that it's a wear/tear item and or because you never replaced the coolant in the car, but I'll lean towards wear/tear item instead just to give you the benefit of the doubt.

You can get off your soapbox now.

I honestly do not care whether anyone here "believes" I am a cheap bastard or not. I could have bought a new car years ago but didn't. I could write a check for a 5 series but I am not going to. Cheap doesn't mean I have to live off of corn starch and water when I can do a little better. Or more to the point, cheap doesn't mean I have to drive a beat up corolla when I can drive a (OH, ah!) a newer "Accord" (*gasp*) or Sonata ("Oh no he did not").

So what if the items are wear and tear? The car is 12 years old and maybe worth 2.5 grand in the condition its in (i.e., it is beat to hell). Given those facts it does not make sense to continue putting money into the car. At least not to me.

Seriously WTH is up with all the flak? Why is it such a big deal that I want to buy a car instead of fixing up the old clunker I have been driving for the last 12 years? Particularly when I have more than sufficient resources for the purchase? Its not as though I am going to buy a Ferrari on a mailman's salary. Hell, I haven't even decided whether I am going to buy new or used.

Sheesh. Cut a man some slack.

As for me lying to you about my car "dying", for cripes sake I used a figure of speech. Would you have rather I said "my car is a piece of crap and needs to be repaired but I am done putting money into it?" Maybe I should have prefaced the whole OP with the lyrics to Adam Sandler's sang, POS car? Sure, any car can be repaired. The question is whether it is worth repairing to the person footing the bill. And that question is not always answered by purely economic reasoning.

But please, tell me how I can soothe your sensibilities so that we can move on with the discussion.

PS - let the record show that I have not actually purchased a car yet. So it is pretty hard to call into question my reputation for cheapness simply based on the fact that I am considering buying a new(er) car. Surely even Ebeneezer Scrooge himself fancied having nicer things. The important factor as far as "cheapness" is concerned is how much cash one is willing (or not) to part with to get the things one needs. As I have not made the all important decision, it is premature at best to call me out as far as cheapness is concerned.

 

[Sho'Nuff]

I seem to remember you posting in bunch of threads in OT about cars being waste of money and anything other than appliance cars was foolish waste of money. Now you're looking at entry luxury cars? Fix your Corrolla. That car has another 10 years, 150,000 miles left in the tank.

You are correct in that I posted that cars are a poor investment. That is because cars are a poor investment, particularly when one does not have other investments to rely on.

 

[jlee]

You assume I know something about cars, which I don't.

You also assume I am inclined to work on my car in the driveway, which I am not. Yes, I know it is not manly. One of the nice things about doing what I do is that I can pay others to do things I am not interested in doing myself.

Also when did you move to AZ? I thought you were in NH?

I've been out here for 3 years now.

Don't get me wrong - not saying don't get a new car...do whatever you want. Just saying it's cheaper than $2k to fix that stuff.

 

[Sho'Nuff]

I've been out here for 3 years now.

Don't get me wrong - not saying don't get a new car...do whatever you want. Just saying it's cheaper than $2k to fix that stuff.

Holy crap. You must be having fun pulling over old ladies and illegals. Stay safe and watch your corn hole, bud.