2006 Accord LX vs. 2007 Mazda3 GT - which would you choose?

[Jayhoo]

2006 Accord LX Coupe
=================
23,xxx km - worked out to about $23k taxes in
Power group, keyless, A/C, 5 Spd.
Generally in good condition, has paint chips on the hood, and 2 on the roof
Dealer refuses to do more than touch-up paint for roof, but claims they will
refinish the hood - one chip is already rusting (surface rust?)

or

2007 Mazda3 Touring edition or GT (undecided yet)
About $23k + taxes for a brand new car, colour of my choice
option of sunroof (would like...)

[onecoolloser]

I'd take the Mazda3. The rust could lead to problems in the future..you never know. Plus, the Mazda3 is more fun to drive, and they are reliable.

Have you driven them both yet?

[Jayhoo]

I have had a chance to drive both, and like the way both of them feel. Don't get me wrong, the Accord scores very well for a lot of things, but the rust is making me a little nervous. Not a bad deal though... *confused*

[VivienM]

I have had a chance to drive both, and like the way both of them feel. Don't get me wrong, the Accord scores very well for a lot of things, but the rust is making me a little nervous. Not a bad deal though... *confused*

How much is the Accord before taxes? What's the MSRP on a comparable new 07 Accord?

[ES_Revenge]

Rust on a 2006 from simple paint chips? Only on a Honda, LOL. I don't think they ever learned out to galvanise metal properly...

I'd take the Mazda, probably just becuase it isn't a Honda...

[KorruptioN]

Rust on a 2006 from simple paint chips? Only on a Honda, LOL. I don't think they ever learned out to galvanise metal properly...

Rail dust affects a lot more cars than you think.

[ES_Revenge]

Rail dust affects a lot more cars than you think.

And how do you know the car has been subject to rail dust? Also with rail dust, it's the "dust" itself that rusts and just gets embedded in paint and can be removed, it's not the actual car rusting... Just like you can get rust stains on aluminum wheels from brake dust, even though aluminum doesn't rust (meaning iron oxide).

[Maxspeed]

why not a 2005 TSX for about 25k

[Jayhoo]

Believe me, i've looked at the tsx as well - thing is, the km's are going to be quite a bit higher on it, while still being in that price range.

[suki_c25]

what about the 08 lancer?

[Jayhoo]

I was looking at a lancer too - only problem is, its the same car no matter what trim you get. Lots of fluff and bells and whistles for the GTS, but not too much substance/proven track record to fall back on.

[radeonboy]

Honda + other companies are using oil/water (on of the two--forget) based paints for their cars...

this is the reason why their newer cars dont like stone chips...the paint flakes off...

its not isolated to Honda's paints though...many other companies seem to be having this problem. some clearcoats are hard, some happen to be soft

[kareshi]

hv u found any other accords at similar price? i am sure there're lots of accord on the market

[Madrid2k]

Firstly, is this car just for you, or will you be hauling kids around in it?

If you've got a family, I would definitely get the Accord.

If it's just you and/or your significant other, I would like to boot around in the Mazda. It would definitely be a more exhilirating ride.

If you do decide to go for the Accord, I'm not sure you're getting the best deal out there.

I just did a quick scan of Autotrader, and I saw a 5-speed 2005 Accord EXL with around 15,000 more kms, but you would be saving at least $3000.

I saw another 2006 Accord, albeit automatic, with only 25,000 kms, selling for $18000 as well.

Oh well, you're in a good position. Either car is a good choice.

Good luck.