Thanks

Probably a deal killer for me with 3rd gen Mazda 3 is lack of adaptive cruise control which would be useful for traffic

Regarding Skyactiv-X, my concern is unknown reliability compared to the SA-G. Ive read the SA-G is 165hp until 4k RPM and then is software limited, unsure how accurate this is. Have also heard and maybe explained by the last sentence that the difference in power isnt noticeable until higher in the rev range which doesnt fit my style of driving anyway

I think CT200h is off the cards due to dated interior and reports of firm ride

The Skyactiv-X engine was updated around 2021 (was introduced in 2019) to supposedly give a bit more power, but to be far better power delivery across the rev range and gears. I've noticed that the update versions do go for quite a bit more money than the originals second-hand, even when taking into account the age.

I don't recall any reliability issues of significance with that engine coming up on motoring websites. Most issues tend to be electrical ones, which frankly is an issue with most modern cars, because they have so much tech on board.

I wasn't aware that the 3rd gen car didn't have adaptive cruise control. The spec sheet on this website says it has 'cruise control', so maybe it only has the older type which you just set the speed. Worth a check though on the updated late 2016 car to see if this was upgraded to the 'adaptive type' unless you've already done that.

Note that the 4th gen SA-G 2L is slower than the gen-3 version - possibly due to remapping and the addition of newer MHEV tech. The official 0-60 time went from just under 9 sec to 10.4 for the manual, though oddly enough, for the auto, the time wasn't much changed (10.4 to 10.8). If I recall, one owner of a gen-3 car whom is a member here did say that the gen-3 wasn't quite as quick as the performance stats suggest, whereas the gen-4 is a bit quicker, so maybe there's no so much difference between them after all.

Note that the gen-3's 2L was only available in 165PS form in the range-topping Sport 165 trim level (shod on 18in rims only) and is not available on the gen-4 car, probably replaced by the higher output SA-X model.

Best to go for extended test drives on a variety of representative roads (including surfaces) for the type of use you'll be doing (including occasional long trips/holidays) to see if any of the cars considered match your requirements. You may find none match all of them, so you may have to compromise to some degree.

Probably a deal killer for me with 3rd gen Mazda 3 is lack of adaptive cruise control which would be useful for traffic

I know you have moved on to Toyotas but in your OP you said "Mazda 3 (2019+)" which is 4th Gen. I bought one in 2019 and all variants have what Mazda call Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC) with automatics also having a Stop & Go function. I think that is what you mean by adaptive cruise control.

Why does someone need to own a particular make or model to recommend it? How many times do we read 'never buy a JLR', probably by those who've never owned one? There is such a thing as research.

If you like a B road blast and must have an auto that’s reliable then I’d prioritise a Mazda 3 2.0 Skyactiv SE. Great cars and no real concerns other than underbody rust in the longterm. The Corolla is good but they’re not as enjoyable to drive.

And you never bought one....

You really need to stop keep telling people to get a Mazda when you have no personal experience of actually owning one, "no concerns other than underbody rust" ? Sorry but that is a massive concern, you really can't blame Scottish roads for mazdas well known corrosion issues, just got back from 14 days in the North East of Scotland visiting my son ( Buckie ) chatting to a few local guys none mentioned anything about underbody rust issues.

Edited by SLO76 on 06/09/2024 at 23:47

If you like a B road blast and must have an auto that’s reliable then I’d prioritise a Mazda 3 2.0 Skyactiv SE. Great cars and no real concerns other than underbody rust in the longterm. The Corolla is good but they’re not as enjoyable to drive.

And you never bought one....

You really need to stop keep telling people to get a Mazda when you have no personal experience of actually owning one, "no concerns other than underbody rust" ? Sorry but that is a massive concern, you really can't blame Scottish roads for mazdas well known corrosion issues, just got back from 14 days in the North East of Scotland visiting my son ( Buckie ) chatting to a few local guys none mentioned anything about underbody rust issues.

When the gen-2 Mazda3 appeared in 2014, there were some articles early on about rust problems concerning them, though only in the US and, in my view, to do with manufacturing errors.

Since then, I've not heard of any rust issues over and above those of competing mainstream manufacturers (from Asia or Europe), and those Mazdas of that era (2010-) I see on the road appear to be doing well in that regard - bodywork that you can see.

Obviously I don't see under the car, but again, I didn't hear of any issues being reported, whether owner reviews here, on other comparable sites or the (now defunct) Mazda3 owners' forum), which is where I heard about the problems with early gen-3 cars in the US.

The problems with wheel arch rust was mainly an issue with gen-1 cars (mine is starting to worsen, especially on the front wheel arches), much less so with the gen-2 cars. From (admittedly) anecdotal evidence, underbody rust was, for both, rather hit and miss, which probably means it was very much dependent upon the locale the car was kept, i.e. worse for those near the seaside, (colder) rainy areas and/or ones that get a lot of snow and/or where road salt is used a lot in winter.

Plus, of course, how often the cars are washed and how quickly / well the water can dry off.

Edited by SLO76 on 07/09/2024 at 11:27

Edited by SLO76 on 07/09/2024 at 11:33

I'm not sure I follow

People would much rather follow "influencers" than make a decision of their own

Who on this forum is an influencer? Im aware of the Mazda 3 but not really much about the alternatives so thought I'd ask to find potential cars to shortlist. I can't test drive a car if I dont know about it

Suzukis have a seven year warranty if you have them serviced by a dealer.
I am not at all impressed by my dealer however. Currently they can only offer service appointments 4-5 weeks out and twice they have cancelled on us at the last moment due to staff and parts issues. The service receptionist was bemoaning how long parts take to obtain.

Looking at another dealer, their online booking services has no slots until the end of October. These may be isolated cases but it might be worth trying a dummy booking at your prospective dealer to see what their service lead times are.

Given my (limited) experience I would stick to Toyota themselves and consider a Corolla. In any case I thought the Swace is being dropped which, if true, means Suzuki ongoing support may be compromised?

How significant do you think it would be to lack the Toyota warranty? I guess if it's literally a rebadged Toyota I can expect the reliability to be equally bulletproof? And how is dealership network/experience?

Warranty 7 years / 100k miles - I suspect I'll probably hit 100k miles first(which is the same as Toyota) - I seem to be using the Swace more as it's sooo economical. Thus far dealer(Hull) experience has been good. Easily booked in for 2000mile shake down service and they were very friendly and service manager was accommodating - they even enabled a feature I'd spotted in the manual to drop (or raise) the windows using the key remote (- I'd had this on my previous Superb. Early days for me as I've previously had Skoda's since 2001.

Due to doing a high mileage(especially pre retirement) I've always tried to mitigate depreciation by buying well sorted end of model cars for a BIG DISCOUNT avoiding finance - this has worked well for me keeping effective capital cost to under £100/month over the decades. Prices of cars , especially used, are bonkers these days but I think the sweet spot is a nearly new end of model deal - which I think I got with a good deal with the dealer selling off it's demo Swace - It only had 26 miles on it when I picked it up, most of those were my test drive!! I think the days of £100/month capital are over though - I'd have to keep the Swace 18 years for that!

Once out of warranty we have a local specialist re Japanese / Toyota etc. I have a few friends that have owned various Toyota based hybrid cars and all have had remarkably few issues over the years. One just parting with a 2007 Prius they have used from new(initially company car, then bought privately) that was about 200k miles and still averaging 60+ mpg - infact they replaced with a Swace and indeed that's what triggered my interest! Another has an Auris Estate hybrid owned from near new now with a very high mileage although that had its catalyst stolen but he's since fitted a security plate. NB Swace has safer close coupled design re catalyst etc, identical to the Corolla.

As ever time will tell - but thus far the Swace is a lovely car.

Edited by Big John on 10/09/2024 at 21:23