[icyunv]

looking for a new car for daily, snow, work, rain, etc. budget is 20k, so far its either a new mazda 3 hatch or a used audi a3. heard alot of good reviews on the mazda 3, and mix reviews on a3, mechanical and electrical problems, etc.

wat do you guys think? anything else out there worth looking into?

[blue2fire]

I know the new Impreza has AWD for that price. You might be able to score a used WRX/ Ralliart Lancer.

[Artmasterx]

I think the a regular Mazda 3s would be a good, reliable daily that is a bit of fun and would have reasonable repair costs. The Audi would definitely have better fit/finish, and probably be a bit faster (my guess it would also be more expensive).

I assume you are looking at used cars since you mentioned the A3. Also, if you are considering the A3, definitely look into a 4-door VW GTI... I would probably take that over an A3 if I was doing a FWD car.

If you think you need AWD, definitely take a look at the used Subarus. You can easily find a regular impreza or Legacy for that, and I am sure you could also find a WRX or Legacy GT if you want a bit more fun (with a bit higher mileage). Subaru repair costs will also be reasonable compared to Audi. I think the NA Subarus are very reliable, but the turboed ones may have more issues/costs down the line.

If I wanted a more fun car, I would take:
Mazdaspeed3 or VW GTI (if FWD was ok)
05-09 Legacy GT or a WRX (if AWD was wanted)
(the Legacy GT actually has a decent interior)

If you want a more reliable (non-turbo) car:
Mazda 3s (FWD)
Legacy or Impreza (AWD)

Unless you really want the fit/finish of the A3, I wouldn't get it... but it all depends on what's important to you.

[ptack]

The Audi should be nicer, but for the same price the reality is that the used Audi is likely to be a giant headache in terms of reliability. Unless you know the owner and can attest to quality of that particular car, I wouldn't do it. The cost of ownership would be much higher on the Audi.

[JoosyJoos]

Mini Cooper?

Admittedly I don't know a whole lot about them as far as reliability goes but it may be worth test driving one.

Subaru's are fairly bullet proof if the maintenance is kept up and they aren't beaten up on. Definitely won't have the refinement of the A3 though... Just depends what you're looking for I guess.

[Bcube]

Recently looked and test drove Mazda 2 & 3, Base Hyundai Sonata, Ford Fiesta, and Kia Seoul for the wife. Hyundai Sonata was best value for the buck but was physically too big, the others didn't either have the safety content or the right driving experience. She chose a 2011 Mini Justa for upscale content, safety, maintenance plan, and driving feel. And the dealer lowered MSRP by $1200 to keep us from test driving other cars.

[mtla4]

Had an 2010 Mazda 3 2.5 GT. I liked that car. My DD is now a GTI. Go for it . Honestly I can say that enjoy the GTI as much as the 135I. In fact maybe a little more. It's cheaper more fun to drive (FWD sucks btw) it handles better then the 135 but brakes are not as good.

[Mateo01]

Originally Posted by icyunv

looking for a new car for daily, snow, work, rain, etc. budget is 20k, so far its either a new mazda 3 hatch or a used audi a3. heard alot of good reviews on the mazda 3, and mix reviews on a3, mechanical and electrical problems, etc.

wat do you guys think? anything else out there worth looking into?

Both the cars are good, but I feel that it would be better to go with a new Mazda 3, because buying a brand new car is the best thing to do instead of buying a used one. And as you said, there are few technical problems in Audi A3. Go with a brand new Mazda 3; don’t give a second thought about it.

[graider]

get a new wrx man.