Cut my losses with 2013 Mazda 3?

[Ws6]

Originally Posted by jayjr1105
Originally Posted by Lolvoguy
Dump it.

Considered a Mazda 3 years ago.
The cheap feeling, low rent interior didn't seem much of an upgrade over the Focus/Escort we were wanting to replace.


I can't believe how cheap the interior feels compared to several other cars I've owned. Like the skyactiv engine is nice but man did they cut corners everywhere else.

Their new offerings finally fixed that. I had a 2015 CX5, and now a 2019, and the difference in build quality and interior is literally "different brand" level. It went from "meh" to me actually preferring it to all the MB interiors I have sat in that are below the trim-level of seat-massager status. On my 2015, t he mirrors, the hood, it all shook and buffeted like it was going to fall off at highway speeds (no exaggeration, the hood literally looked "unlatched" so much so that I often pulled over to check in the beginning). Now, m,y 2019 is like it's carved from billet. Bank-vault solid and quiet inside (67dB according to multiple magazines, which puts it ahead of cars like the C300 and GLC300 and BMW X3, although the loaded out Q5 interior strikes me as nicer, but at a $20K upcharge).

 

[PWMDMD]

My 2014 Mazda3 was completely problem-free for 60K miles until some [censored] in an F250 backed into it. FWIW....I've owned two previous Honda/Acura products and I currently own a Honda product - their quality and reliability is not exceptional IMO. My current 2018 Pilot Touring is by far my most problem-prone vehicle in the past 15 years.

 

[Ws6]

Originally Posted by PWMDMD
My 2014 Mazda3 was completely problem-free for 60K miles until some [censored] in an F250 backed into it. FWIW....I've owned two previous Honda/Acura products and I currently own a Honda product - their quality and reliability is not exceptional IMO. My current 2018 Pilot Touring is by far my most problem-prone vehicle in the past 15 years.

My girlfriend owns a 2014 Pilot and it's been boringly reliable for 80K miles. Tires and oil.

 

[PWMDMD]

Originally Posted by Ws6
Originally Posted by PWMDMD
My 2014 Mazda3 was completely problem-free for 60K miles until some [censored] in an F250 backed into it. FWIW....I've owned two previous Honda/Acura products and I currently own a Honda product - their quality and reliability is not exceptional IMO. My current 2018 Pilot Touring is by far my most problem-prone vehicle in the past 15 years.

My girlfriend owns a 2014 Pilot and it's been boringly reliable for 80K miles. Tires and oil.


A/C blower motor replaced with 700miles for bad bearings and a rear differential seal replaced at 14K. The 9-speed auto does many things well but really sucks on the 1-2 shift. Interior already has a symphony of squeaks and rattles - based on a Pilot forum I suspect the second row and third row seats need to be replaced to fix their very loud and annoying boing and squeak. I just haven't mustered the will to bring it in for those yet.....

 

[tony1679]

Originally Posted by jayjr1105
I'd be more than willing to hear suggestions. Would like something mid size (Camry, Accord) or AWD (CR-V, RAV4, etc.)

I know you really have to be careful around the 2010 and up mark with Asian cars... fuel dilution issues, piston rings issues causing massive oil consumption, etc.
I doubt I'll sway you, but I cannot stress enough how fantastic my Elantra is. The 6-speed auto is nearly perfect and the 1.8L is problem-free. No DI, no turbo, no CVT. Also free of the above mentioned issues. I always shunned Hyundai until I bought mine. Now I wonder what else I've been missing. Just stay away from the Theta-II engines...

Edit:
I borderline despise my Civic. But it's hers, so I don't have much choice or say. The 5-speed trans is atrocious, possibly the worst transmission I've ever owned.

 

[PimTac]

Originally Posted by jayjr1105
I'm specifically hunting a 2009 CR-V. It's the best year according to carcomplaints.com.

I'd be more than willing to hear suggestions. Would like something mid size (Camry, Accord) or AWD (CR-V, RAV4, etc.)

I know you really have to be careful around the 2010 and up mark with Asian cars... fuel dilution issues, piston rings issues causing massive oil consumption, etc.




Seems like your mind is made up but you need to ask permission from us?

Buy a Volkswagen.

 

[PWMDMD]

Originally Posted by PimTac
Originally Posted by jayjr1105
I'm specifically hunting a 2009 CR-V. It's the best year according to carcomplaints.com.

I'd be more than willing to hear suggestions. Would like something mid size (Camry, Accord) or AWD (CR-V, RAV4, etc.)

I know you really have to be careful around the 2010 and up mark with Asian cars... fuel dilution issues, piston rings issues causing massive oil consumption, etc.




Seems like your mind is made up but you need to ask permission from us?

Buy a Volkswagen.


I know three people with an Atlas....all three have BIG problems that Volkswagen can't seem to fix. How would you like being stranded in the middle of downtown Boston rush hour in 3F weather with a car that just quits, won't start with 2 year old twins in the car? That was the start of this happening 5x and the dealer "can't replicate the problem".

 

[jayjr1105]

Originally Posted by PWMDMD
Originally Posted by PimTac
Originally Posted by jayjr1105
I'm specifically hunting a 2009 CR-V. It's the best year according to carcomplaints.com.

I'd be more than willing to hear suggestions. Would like something mid size (Camry, Accord) or AWD (CR-V, RAV4, etc.)

I know you really have to be careful around the 2010 and up mark with Asian cars... fuel dilution issues, piston rings issues causing massive oil consumption, etc.




Seems like your mind is made up but you need to ask permission from us?

Buy a Volkswagen.


I know three people with an Atlas....all three have BIG problems that Volkswagen can't seem to fix. How would you like being stranded in the middle of downtown Boston rush hour in 3F weather with a car that just quits, won't start with 2 year old twins in the car? That was the start of this happening 5x and the dealer "can't replicate the problem".


Find a lemon law attorney, that's crazy! My wife loves the Tiguan but I forbid it.

 

[andyd]

Very happy with 2 I4 '16 Camry CPOs The SE is a dark blue metallic. Rear seats are dedicated toddler buckets. My LE's trunk is lined with card board cartons and a shower curtain liner to cover the seat backs I carried 3 large contractor bags of salt hay for the garden. I have also carried paving blocks and all sorts of garden stuff. The toddler-mobile has a set of winter tires in season. Mine just has all seasons. If it can't handle the slop, I'll just stay home.

 

[GMFan]

Originally Posted by jayjr1105

Step dad is a senior sales manager at a honda dealership 4 hours away, should I cut my losses and trade in for a CR-V or Accord?



If you get a CR-V get a 2018 one with the 2.4L engine. I'd steer clear of the 1.5L.

 

[jayjr1105]

Originally Posted by GMFan
Originally Posted by jayjr1105

Step dad is a senior sales manager at a honda dealership 4 hours away, should I cut my losses and trade in for a CR-V or Accord?



If you get a CR-V get a 2018 one with the 2.4L engine. I'd steer clear of the 1.5L.


Yeah, I know to stay away from the earth dreams engines.

 

[PWMDMD]

Originally Posted by jayjr1105
Originally Posted by PWMDMD
Originally Posted by PimTac
Originally Posted by jayjr1105
I'm specifically hunting a 2009 CR-V. It's the best year according to carcomplaints.com.

I'd be more than willing to hear suggestions. Would like something mid size (Camry, Accord) or AWD (CR-V, RAV4, etc.)

I know you really have to be careful around the 2010 and up mark with Asian cars... fuel dilution issues, piston rings issues causing massive oil consumption, etc.




Seems like your mind is made up but you need to ask permission from us?

Buy a Volkswagen.


I know three people with an Atlas....all three have BIG problems that Volkswagen can't seem to fix. How would you like being stranded in the middle of downtown Boston rush hour in 3F weather with a car that just quits, won't start with 2 year old twins in the car? That was the start of this happening 5x and the dealer "can't replicate the problem".


Find a lemon law attorney, that's crazy! My wife loves the Tiguan but I forbid it.


Not my ride...I just get to listen to the stories. Another friend needed the transmission replaced at 8K on his Atlas and the third person I know with an Atlas also has weird electrical gremlins that the dealership can not replicate.

 

[RTexasF]

Quote
RAV4 lost its V6 in 2014, but gained a 6AT at the same time.


2012 was the last year of the 3.5l V-6 in the RAV4.

 

[jayjr1105]

Originally Posted by RTexasF
Quote
RAV4 lost its V6 in 2014, but gained a 6AT at the same time.


2012 was the last year of the 3.5l V-6 in the RAV4.


Did the 2012 RAV-4 2.4L still have the piston ring issue?