please help... new car purchase

paul_r_d · 05-01-2008, 07:07 PM

Ok guys, I know being on Ford forum website every one will tell me go the Ford, BUT for all you non-biased people (lol) out there, I have a question.
I have narrowed down my new car purchase to a Ford Fiesta or a Mazda 2 Neo. I want either in an automatic.
I have no idea about the make and motor quality of each car, so could some one please tell me which one I should go for and why. Thanks

Nostalgia · 05-01-2008, 07:09 PM

Hi Mate, Have you taken each one for a test drive yet ?

paul_r_d · 05-01-2008, 07:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NostalgEA

Hi Mate, Have you taken each one for a test drive yet ?

Yep it's what I did today, both are very nice drives thats why I am so confused.

Jack91 · 05-01-2008, 07:24 PM

Ok, well to start off with the motors, all the Mazda 2's (Neo, Maxx and Genki) have a 1.5L 76kW motor. The ford (I assume you are talking about the lx 3 door) has a 1.6L 74kW, so basically they're both pretty much the same.
The ford has 15inch wheels compared to the mazdas 14's.They both have the same gearbox options, 5 speed manual or 4 speed auto, all have ABS and airbags, power mirrors, all that stuff.
Personally, I wouldn't get either, I'd look at the Toyota Yaris, it costs a bit less, and you can either get the 1.3L or 1.5L engine (1.5L makes 80kW), and in my opinion, it looks better than the other too, and being a toyota, it will NEVER break down.

paul_r_d · 05-01-2008, 07:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 93_eb_fairmont

Ok, well to start off with the motors, all the Mazda 2's (Neo, Maxx and Genki) have a 1.5L 76kW motor. The ford (I assume you are talking about the lx 3 door) has a 1.6L 74kW, so basically they're both pretty much the same.
The ford has 15inch wheels compared to the mazdas 14's.They both have the same gearbox options, 5 speed manual or 4 speed auto, all have ABS and airbags, power mirrors, all that stuff.
Personally, I wouldn't get either, I'd look at the Toyota Yaris, it costs a bit less, and you can either get the 1.3L or 1.5L engine (1.5L makes 80kW), and in my opinion, it looks better than the other too, and being a toyota, it will NEVER break down.

I test drove one about 3 weeks ago. I have to say nice aswell... but I really couldnt stand the spedo and instruments in the middle of the dash. I am pretty sure they were dearer. 1.5 auto was about the 20k mark.
But thanks for your advice. Its ones like that I want

**Dave R** · 05-01-2008, 07:50 PM

They are farily evenly matched, but I'd go for the Mazda with the Safety Pack (stability control, traction control, side and curtain airbags). It's a lot newer than the Fiesta and quite better looking. The Fiesta is also due to be replaced in the next couple of years with a dramatically different model (based on the Verve concept), with the possibility of a new nameplate to replace 'Fiesta' - which will adversely affect resale value.

XR6_190 · 05-01-2008, 10:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Adrenaline

They are farily evenly matched, but I'd go for the Mazda with the Safety Pack (stability control, traction control, side and curtain airbags). It's a lot newer than the Fiesta and quite better looking. The Fiesta is also due to be replaced in the next couple of years with a dramatically different model (based on the Verve concept), with the possibility of a new nameplate to replace 'Fiesta' - which will adversely affect resale value.

Yes I have to agree with 'Adrenaline', The Fiesta is great car, In my opinion better than the Yaris (I too am not a fan of the instrument placing in the Toyota), But you can't ignore the fresh look of the new 2. As an above post stated, Mechanicaly they are both similar, but with the 2 you get the newer shape, Mazda reliability and resale, and you don't have to deal with Ford's disgracefully patchy dealer/ service center network.

XR Martin · 05-01-2008, 10:20 PM

You're probably more likely to get a good deal on the Fiesta.

waggaclint · 05-01-2008, 10:55 PM

go the mazda mate it will last a lot longer and the resale will be alot better too.....jap cars very well made these days....

Werd. · 05-01-2008, 10:56 PM

Mazda 2. Fiesta is due to be replaced very soon. mazda is a new model.

cupic · 05-01-2008, 11:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by paul_r_d

Ok guys, I know being on Ford forum website every one will tell me go the Ford, BUT for all you non-biased people (lol) out there, I have a question.
I have narrowed down my new car purchase to a Ford Fiesta or a Mazda 2 Neo. I want either in an automatic.
I have no idea about the make and motor quality of each car, so could some one please tell me which one I should go for and why. Thanks

Once you made up your mind which one try this site for the best price

On new car prices

www.discountnewcars.com.au/

Save me over 5K

Just have a copy printed stating the discount that you can received and

bargain with sales reps for the best deal

Cheers

Steffo · 06-01-2008, 04:35 AM

They're both exactly the same car underneath. Same platform.

I'd buy the Fiesta because...

#1. Looks better (IMO)
#2. Better interior (you can feel it when you touch it)
#3. Sturdier construction
#4. Drives better (driven several Mazda 2's and owned a 2005 Fiesta Zetec)
#6. Where it's built (Germany)
#7. Better torque (74kW @ 6000rpm and 146Nm @ 4000rpm for the Fiesta vs 76kW @ 6000rpm and 137Nm @ 4000rpm for the 2, plus the Fiesta is stronger at 2000-3500rpm).
#8. Better engine. The 1.6 "Duratec," is far better then the 1.5 MZR in my opinion.

That about sums it up. They're the same car, but one's better.

And my opinion after owning a Fiesta and working at a Mazda service department... the Fiesta is the better built car.

Pedro · 06-01-2008, 08:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by paul_r_d

I have narrowed down my new car purchase to a Ford Fiesta or a Mazda 2 Neo. I want either in an automatic.
I have no idea about the make and motor quality of each car, so could some one please tell me which one I should go for and why. Thanks

There is only one answer to your question and that is; buy the Mazda.
I have an F6, my wife has a Mazda SP23.

The Mazda service is outstanding, the Ford "service" is non-existant.

The F6 has been back countless times for warranty claims, the Mazda has not been back once in 48,000kms for warranty.

Steffo · 06-01-2008, 08:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pedro

There is only one answer to your question and that is; buy the Mazda.
I have an F6, my wife has a Mazda SP23.

The Mazda service is outstanding, the Ford "service" is non-existant.

The F6 has been back countless times for warranty claims, the Mazda has not been back once in 48,000kms for warranty.

You do realise that the German built Fiesta, which is, exactly the same car underneath as the Mazda 2 has about as much to do with your built-in-Melbourne F6 Typhoon as a piece of beef does with an apple?

They're both food, just as the Fiesta and F6 are both cars.

Reminder to all - the quality or lack thereof of American and Australian Ford products has absolutley NOTHING to do with cars like the Fiesta.

XRUTEDAVE · 06-01-2008, 09:13 AM

If you can't decide one over the other, then go with the one that costs less.

XplosiveR6 · 06-01-2008, 10:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XRUTEDAVE

If you can't decide one over the other, then go with the one that costs less.

spot on, just go to both dealers and get them to work for you, the one who gives you the best deal, buy that car.

paul_r_d · 06-01-2008, 12:00 PM

Thanks guys! The Fiesta so far has been the cheaper one. I like Fiesta's stick on road handling everyone reports on. And as some mentoined the Fiesta's interior is very nice, and not so plastically looking. I am going this Wednesday to take them both for a test drive again, and make my decision. ;)

**aussiblue** · 06-01-2008, 12:35 PM

Intersetingly while acknowledging they are built on the same platform the "Dog and Lemon Guide" http://www2.dogandlemon.com/ summarise by saying of the Fiesta " avoid like the plague" and of the Mazda 3 "Recommended".

**aussiblue** · 06-01-2008, 12:44 PM

I think the quality difference is Mazda is still built in Japan while the Fiesta is build in Germany (but both export models soon to be made in the new Auto Alliance Plant Thailand).

Dave_au · 06-01-2008, 12:46 PM

I'd go the Mazda 2.

XR6_190 · 06-01-2008, 12:50 PM

Good luck, you can't really go wrong with either, they are both great little cars.

**aussiblue** · 06-01-2008, 12:57 PM

Although some Mazda 2's are already built in China http://www.boston.com/business/artic...n_thai_plant/:

[QUOTE]The latest announcement follows the start last month of Ford and Mazda's factory in Nanjing, China, held jointly with local partner Chongqing Changan Automobile Co. The 160,000 unit a year plant also builds the Mazda2 model.[QUOTE]

**aussiblue** · 06-01-2008, 01:10 PM

There is a comparison article here: http://www.drive.com.au/Editorial/Ar...rticleID=19019

There was also some speculation that the 2008 production of both that both the Fiesta and Mazda 2 would be from China http://www.themotorreport.com.au/339...made-in-china/

Quote:

The plant in which the 2008 Mazda 2 (pictured) will be built is a joint venture effort between Mazda’s partners in China, the Changan Automotive Group and Ford who will market the new Mazda 2 under their Fiesta badge.

DDXR6T · 06-01-2008, 01:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 93_eb_fairmont

it will NEVER break down

I'm not sure if 'NEVER' needed to be in capitals. I know people who would beg to differ to this comment.

**aussiblue** · 06-01-2008, 01:27 PM

I would recommend anyone buying a car new or secondhand first get and read a copy of "The Dog & Lemon Guide" . At $25 from your local newsagent you won't be able say you weren't warned or didn't know what to expect in terms of failures.

Yes it has a NZ bias and yes it is somewhat (perhaps even extremely) hypercritical but it is rarely wrong. At worse read it on the basis of things to look out for that might go wrong (or might already have gone wrong).

It somewhat cans the E series Fairlanes I own but I accept what they say in terms of build quality and cylinder heads. I bought them on the basis of required boot space (two children playing roller hockey) , size, price, ready access and price of spare parts and ease of DYI repairs. I still love them but acknowledge their shortcomings and frailties (to deal with the cognitive dissonance I say it gives them character).

**aussiblue** · 06-01-2008, 01:39 PM

Quote:

#2. Better interior (you can feel it when you touch it)
#3. Sturdier construction

The "Dog and Lemon Guide doesn't agree with that saying:

Quote:

the interior is poorly built and prone to rattles and vibrations."

and snip-------------------

feels like a ten year old Daewoo model not a stylish European alternative to Eastern cars

see page 291 "The Dog and Lemon Guide" Punblications (2008) Ltd C. Matthew Wilson 2008 Grey Lynn Auckland New Zealand.

**aussiblue** · 06-01-2008, 02:47 PM

Bottom line being happy with a car is a heart and mind thing. If neither is happy with the original choice you won't be happy in the longer term.

So read The Dog and Lemon Guide and then drive the cars. If your mind can't live with the reported quality issues of the Fiesta or the price of the Mazda or your heart can't live with comparative test drive boringness of the Mazda keep looking until you find a car that both your heart and mind (or the heart and mind of whoever is going to mainly drive the car) is happy with.

**aussiblue** · 06-01-2008, 03:02 PM

Steffo when did you get the Fiesta I thought you had a Nissan Pintara or such like?

**aussiblue** · 06-01-2008, 03:20 PM

OK Steffo; I found your old post where you moved on to a Fiesta in Dec 04. Your older model Fiesta got an OK review in the Dog and Lemon Guide so perhaps Ford Europe's export RHD cars quality has slipped since then.

waggaclint · 06-01-2008, 06:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steffo

You do realise that the German built Fiesta, which is, exactly the same car underneath as the Mazda 2 has about as much to do with your built-in-Melbourne F6 Typhoon as a piece of beef does with an apple?

They're both food, just as the Fiesta and F6 are both cars.

Reminder to all - the quality or lack thereof of American and Australian Ford products has absolutley NOTHING to do with cars like the Fiesta.

fiestas arnt built in germany (they are designed there) the only ford built there is xr5....and they arnt the same as a mazda2 the new mazda2 has a new platform as does the new 6 about to be released as well....