Toyota Corolla or Mazda 3

[Doing my best]

We are going to be in the market for a new car mid year. we have decided to get a smaller car for me to drive around in, and keep my current car for caravaning trips and for DH to drive to work.

There is only about $4k difference between the 2 brand new, so that isn't really a concern when taking into consideration the vital things according to DH (cruise control and air con). We will also be going manual.

We have really only ever had Toyotas, and neither of us have much experience with Mazda.

Do you have either, and what are your thoughts?

[JDsMum]

I have a Mazda 3 hatchback and it's a great little car! Definitely got some grunt behind it and we have never had any probs with it all and I love the look of them too.

GO MAZDA!

[mummydreamer]

hmmm....not much help other than that i really like the look of the mazda 3's compared to corolla's!!

my SIL just got a mazda 6 wagon and i think it's a great car.....but then i don't know, i always thought you can't go wrong with a toyota....

i guess in the end, if you take them both for a drive, it will come down to personal preference?

[toomanyshoes]

I've had both a 6 and a 2, both great little cars don't have anything bad to say about them.

[Teeki]

I had a Corolla for years, I absolutely loved it. My parents have it now, and it's still going strong. It's a great car (2000 model). Two friends of mine have Mazda 3s - one has only had hers 6 months but still doesn't stop raving about it, and the other has had various new ones for 6 years now (keeps upgrading). She loves it! Dunno which way I'd go, I like them both. Would probably come down to a test drive and the little things you get from that (where the cup holders are, how the armrest feels lol)

[OceanPrincess]

I bought a Mazda 3 new about 6 years ago and loved it!!! Perfect for zipping around in. Sold it a year ago as we needed a bigger car before bubs #2 came along and we sold it quickly and easily and got a good price.

I never had any problems with it - just had the standard services, no major issues.

Go Mazda!

[Snacks]

I think they are both superb cars. We were looking at both when we bought a newie in 2008. We found that we got more for our bucks with the Rolla, but I imagine the Mazda would have more guts. The rolla has a lot of storage space and that was a plus, and we liked the 'groovier' interior so that's what we went with.
I agree that it'll just come down to what feels better when you take them out for a drive. I've not come across anyone who's said a bad thing about either car.

[raffy]

Mazda 3 Mazda 3!! When we have the money I'm getting one of them coz I loooove them. In the darker grey. Hmmm so nice. Enjoy your new car whichever you decide lucky duck

[Tinks]

They're both great cars. You can't really go wrong with either.

[*Belle*]

Mazda 3 all the way! my inlaws have a corolla sedan and we have a Mazda 3, I love ours! we have had ours for 6 years from new but selling soon to get bigger car for no.3 bubba. Its a dream to drive, even 6 years wrong, we have had no issues, and still really lovely and smooth and zippy and just best car I have had so far (I really want to stick with mazda for a CX7 or CX9 but out of our price range sigh)