Hi everyone. I am a long time visotor but first time poster. I really would like some help deciding which car I should get between a tC and a Mazda3. I was really into the 3 until I saw the tC and its pricetag. Afterwards, I couldn't think of any other car other than the tC but after seeing some nice Mazda3 5doors on the road and one at my church, I am having mixed feelings. All the reviews I read have pretty much say the same thing for both cars. I think I am biased because I am leaning towards a pure import vs a car that has some ford parts in it. However, I have read a lot of topics talking about all the problems that the tC has because it is a new car after all. I really dont know, both cars look good imo and after pricing them, they come out to pretty much the same price. Can you guys please help me out. I am sorry if there was a similar post.

get the tC...enough said...lock the thread...

it was a toss up between the 3 and the tC. Both cars are well made, handle well for their class, and are peppy. After test driving the tC it was my choice though. Slightly cheaper, more options.. and I don't need 4 doors.

The tC's most common problem is a hatch rattle, which at least in my case is hardly noticeable (although there). From what I hear, mazda 3 is having some serious issues with a/c and rattles. But, all heresay, as with all on the internet. But my choice would most definately be the tC. Then again, you could probably get a mazda 3 below invoice now that demand is down (and it's no longer buy-a-car season for dealers)

its a simple choice of 4 door vs 2 door, reliability vs nicer interior, styling vs styling

everything else is about the same.

Test drive both. See which one you like.

I believe the mazda 3 is more money if you equip both with same options.

HID is an option for Mazda 3 that is not available on tC... I wish it is...

This is your car, you need to make the final decision.

i was in your same position. i drove both . i like the gauges on the three a little better but i hate that the radio is this weird massive part of the dash so forget just getting a metra kit and getting a aftermarket deck cause it aint gunna happen on the 2. as far is the ac goes i leave in vegas and it is hot mind you i did this all in june so it was very hot. and the 3 took for ever and a day to coll off and plus just the slightest acceleration would make the ac shut off for three seconds. and plus since i have own the tc i have had three mazda owners saying i have a nice car and they wish the bought the tc instead.

and like the tc the 3 was a first production car too, wasnt it?

test drove both, and they were VERY different from each other. the 3 ultimately felt faster/more nimble, but that wasn't it's overall characteristics. power was very good in the upper RPMs, but decently lacking under 4k or so. as far as handling, the car was quite nimble with little to no body roll or understeer, but still felt like driving a minivan. the integrated stereo was quite a disappointment, as was the fact that the price was thousands more than the tC. sales rep seemed reluctant to deal on the 2004s, and we preferred the way the tCs had a lot of things standard so there wasn't much hassle in getting what we wanted.

definitely drive them both, and then make your decision.

get a tC, I just bought one 2 weeks ago and love mine...

No rattles at all yet either, and I have 2 10s, with a JL amp...

Both the 3 and the tC are both good cars. My opinion is that the 3 costs much more than its worth. If you do one of those side by side comparisons on edmunds.com or even the mazda site...then you'll clearly be able to see that the standard features that come on the tC are far better than those on the 3. If you were considering the 5 door...then i think it would be a harder decision deciding between the 2, but the price of the 5 door compared to that of the tC gives the advantage to the tC. Though i'm biased to the tC considering that i chose to buy one, i think its a better buy than the 3. The intangibles such as it being having one of the few tC's that are around compared to the bunch of 3's is also one of the main reasons why i decided on the tC.
Even though i like the styling of the 5-door Mazda 3, i dont think the price tag is worth it and my honest opinion is to go with the tC.

I personally think the Mazda 3 hatchback is a better car... the interior is much nicer and the ride is more compliant and it absorbs bumps more effectively. The dash material is infininately better (I think Toyota's decision with the whole "rice paper" texture is one of the worst decisions ever).... and the guages are also more exciting.

Friend bought a mazda 3 2 days ago. Brought it by. We both agree that the mazda 3 is teh nicer car. I suggest you drive both.

Mazda 3 was quieter, less road noise, less interior noise. Mazda handled better, shifted better. Power felt same. Mazda's seats were more comfortable, more headroom.

IMO, it had a nicer dash. Only thing it lacked was the sunroof, but I rather have no sunroof than a sunroof that is noisy.

I too was in the same situation, I test drove the mazda 3 5 door and while I was still negotiating a price I decided to go take a look at a Tc, now I own a Tc. A few things, I felt that the tc is way more comfortable than the mazda 3, as well all tc come basic to the dealership and you get the options you want not what is in the current package, they send out mazda 3 with different upgrade packages and you might get some stuff you dont really want or might be lacking something you do want and unless you get it ordered you are stuck with it. Plus the tc is way better looking than a mazda 3, I would go with the tc but its best to test drive both and see what you think, lastly about what someone else said that the mazda 3 felt faster, to me it was the other way around, and I test drove a mazda 3 5spd vs a tc auto and I found the tc had more balls, they are both same hp.

I personally will never buy a car w/ ford parts in it again! All my cars have been ford by-products and they all were pieces - especially the Mazda I owned. IMO the TC looks better anyway - I am not a fan of 4 door cars!

Like many of the posts, I also came down to either the Mazda 3 or tC. You might hear about some of the tC problems but the Mazda 3 also had some problems such as scratches appearing on the brakes, check engine light appearing, and another type of idiot light showing up due to a plastic lense cracking and moisture getting in the lense. Sorry I don't have more detail as I stopped comparing in 4-5 months ago. Also the Mazda 3 was more expensive and did not have some of the standard features like the tC. For the tC, I am NOT replacing the stereo but on the Mazda 3, the stereo really sucked and I would have spent $1000 on replacement.

Kevin

i had the same struggle, but after test driving both, i liked the tC a ton better.

i thought the tC was a better value than the mazda 3 and had better styling (both interior and exterior) and motor.

i test drove the 3, and i did like the inside of it, But it wasent what i was looking for,

so i went and put a Deposit down on a TC> with ground effects and spoiler...

for lesss then what the loaded 3 had...

i think i made the "Right" Decision...

jas<

ONLY thing the 3had was a navagation System, the Screen came out of the dashboard! way cool.

but the only positive i really saw!

I like the 3... but once you get the options you want =$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/6/web/678000-678999/678362_21_full.jpg

i test drove the 3, and i did like the inside of it, But it wasent what i was looking for,

so i went and put a Deposit down on a TC> with ground effects and spoiler...

for lesss then what the loaded 3 had...

i think i made the "Right" Decision...

jas<

ONLY thing the 3had was a navagation System, the Screen came out of the dashboard! way cool.

but the only positive i really saw!

Yeah, the NAV system on the Mazda 3 is nice but so expensive (as is all NAV systems).

Kevin

I'd suggest that you head over to the Edmunds.com forums for the Mazda3 and the tC. They have problems and solutions forums that you can scan and get a good sense of what tC and 3 owners are _____ing about with their cars.

Anyone else think the pic above kinda looks like a PT Cruiser? Especially the front & the fenders. Weird, huh?

haha it does actually...

Thats the one i test drove the hatchback..

not THAT one, but a blue one like it, lol

I was in that position a while ago. I wanted the Mazda3 before the tC came out. If you're worried about problems, the Mazda3 has just as many. I lurked on their club-forum for a couple of months. The only thing that I like better about the Mazda3 is that it's a 5-door instead of a 3-door.

Handling = mazda3
Speed = tC (I haven't compared them but it should be. tC has +10 ft/lb torque at about the same rpm and weight... damn the panoramic sunroof!)
Comfort = tC
Standard Options = tC (ABS isn't standard on the Mz3)
Fuel Econ = Mazda3 (by 2 city mpg)
Cargo Space = tC (if you put the seats down you get 29 cubic feet more than the Mazda3 with the seats down)
0-60 = tC (by .30 seconds -says Motortrend)
Dealer quality = tC (by my experience)
Upgradability = tC (hands down)
Price = tC

So, by my numbers the tC wins 8 to 2. And the handling issue can be fixed by a suspension upgrade or maybe even just new tires. Oh, and don't expect the Mazda dealers to give you a break on MSRP. I talked to a dealer a little over a month ago and they said that they didn't have any cars stocked because they are waiting for the '05s. Even if they did, they wouldn't be able to lower the price or they would lose money. Oh, thats another thing. The tC is an 05 and the Mz3 is an 04, I don't know if that would effect resale value but it might.

tC tC tC tC tC tC tC tC tC

the chant says it all

the mazda is nice with a pretty motor. but the tail end looks... well....

anyway the tC would be a better choice imo because

1.toyota
2.toyota motor
3.toyota quality
4.not sold in any other county
5.why not

[quote="DJ_X_Trodinaire"]I like the 3... but once you get the options you want =$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

Turncoat! :roll:

I was looking at both cars too when I was picking out cars. I would've gotten the 3 but the price tag was a little higher, and they didn't have 3 with the options I wanted. Most dealerships weren't giving me the price I wanted and therefore I got a tC a little bit later. The thing is with all those problems you've been reading about, they're all fixed now. My car has a production number 12,XXX and it doesn't have any of the known problems the people with earlier ones were having. I'm sure they are fixing the problems at the factory so they come off the line perfect and ready for you :).

When I was looking for a car, it was between a xB, Mazda 3. Mazda 3 was way too much. xB, or tC, still a couple thousands more.

The 3 looks good, an eye catcher. I think overall tC would be better though. Mainly because on that couple of thousands more.

I did not ever consider the 3, and never will- The car if Fugly IMO- I guarantee the tC will have better resale than the 3 also. The nav is a nice option, but that is the only thing I like better about it.

The only other car i was looking at was a rex, but I'd prooly keep modding it until it stopped working.....tC!

LOL...this is exactly the same question I've asked myself. And I'm going to be coming from a Mazda6. I love the styling of the 3...more so than the slight generic-ness of the tC. But the 3 is so much more $$$ it's not even funny. I think if Scion offered the type of colors that Mazda has for the 3 I'd be sold...cause thatwould help "liven" up the tC a bit. :o

my friend has the 3...i have the tC...and all of my friends (including the 3 owner) have decided that mine is better and definitely faster. :-)

i won't comment on what has already been said, but i was considering both of these cars side by side. i decided to go with the tC because of these things:

- proven toyota reliability
- price (the 3 was just too expensive for the same options and performance)
- handling. call me crazy, but i thought the tC was more fun to drive.
- design. i've never seen a coupe with so much versitality. the back seats are huge, the whole thing folds down into a huge couch/bed thing. it's like they took the concept of the sports coupe and tweaked it a bit.

overall, i'm very happy with my tC. keep in mind that if you get a 3, the mazdaspeed 3 that will come out in a few years will make it look dull :/ :P

i have driven the mazda 3 and it is a very nice car, gives you a great feeling from the inside and has great styling. The tC is everything the mazda 3 is and more. You will definately pay more if you want the same options that the tc has stock. Test drive them some more until you are sure of your decision, no one can make the decision for you.

Like others I too was contemplating the Mazda 3.....heck even a WRX.
The 3 looks good but in my opinion the tC looks mucho better :wink:

The 3 doesn't have a 2 door + hatch, that sealed the deal for me.

I found it interestin that in order to get the Mazda 3 Navigation for the huge price of 1750, you also have to get the ABS/SAB/SAC Package and the Xenon/TPMS Package as well. So for Navigation you have to pay a cool 3250 dollars? Kinda silly.

I know this is a long web address but if you check this out it will show you the difference between the two cars.


http://scion.edmunds.com/products/nvc/scion/VehicleComparison;jsessionid=BWnpoZJy9JHO7oj6MQULBywbrdTlaLvUa8uzeh6BZBUba0QXAgI1!-1657045792?basestyleid=100394782&styleid=100341154&styleid=100350402&styleid=100358824&styleid=100463425&maxvehicles=5&refid=&op=3&tab=advantage

Boom12V
Regional Sales Manager
Memphis Car Audio

I was at the same position as well. I went to the Mazda dealer and tried to get a 3 instead, not b/c it's better, (i thought they're pretty equal at that time.) but b/c it's cheaper. ( i was just gonna get an AC and power window) it's about 1000 cheaper compared to tC (around 19000) BUT, the ppl at Mazda dealer fuxked it up. They tried to check my credit BEFORE even we talked about the price or ANYTHING. I was like WTF? Then they kept trying to avoid my subject about the price and just kept bragging about how good the car was. THen gave me a different price from what we have agreed on and said they made a mistake and also gave me the cheaper I model instead of the S Model. After that they tried to waste my precious time by forcing me to test drive it again ( which I already did a week ago) I finally got ____ed off on the midway and we turned back. Finally I just walked out of the place b/c they're bunch of bad bad salesmen. Then I got my tC two days later.

Why don't you test drive a Hyundai? They're also hatchbacks.

Also, if you don't want a noisy sunroof, you could try purchasing a BMW. I hear their sunroofs are quiet.

People are so whiney. If they dropped the price of the tC to 9,998 would you take it?

Bet you would... And you'd still _____ about the noisy sunroof.

The noisy sunroof can be fixed. Just take it to the dealer and viola, NO Noise.

Kevin

Buy A tC!!!


Bought a new '04 Mazda3 s autostick <<--(really, what's the point?)two months ago for the woman......loaded w/ everything possible except navigation and leather for a little over $20,000.

A month ago bought a '05 Scion tC 5spd for myself ....... with 6disc, fog lights, security , all the airbags, ground effects......just about everything except the sub, cargo stuff and those dumb neons. All for a little over $20,000.

Our tC's have more everything in every field compared to a Mazda3 (s, not the base i model). Both inline4's- ours 2.4L, theirs 2.3L. Both160HP. Ours:163LB/FT Theirs:150LB/FT
We have one-touch up/down windows on both and reclining rear seats.
Mazda3 has one-touch DOWN ONLY on drivers side and no reclining seats or second sunroof ..... yes, 4 doors, but what guy REALLY wants a sedan?

Ya'll are pimpin' then in the garage. :D

http://www.scionlife.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=240966&highlight=#240966

old thread.. same topic

if it makes anyone feel better, i passed a brand spanking new mazda 3 being loaded onto a tow truck today. the owner looked bummed.

:P

I was in that position a while ago. I wanted the Mazda3 before the tC came out. If you're worried about problems, the Mazda3 has just as many. I lurked on their club-forum for a couple of months. The only thing that I like better about the Mazda3 is that it's a 5-door instead of a 3-door.

Handling = mazda3
Speed = tC (I haven't compared them but it should be. tC has +10 ft/lb torque at about the same rpm and weight... damn the panoramic sunroof!)
Comfort = tC
Standard Options = tC (ABS isn't standard on the Mz3)
Fuel Econ = Mazda3 (by 2 city mpg)
Cargo Space = tC (if you put the seats down you get 29 cubic feet more than the Mazda3 with the seats down)
0-60 = tC (by .30 seconds -says Motortrend)
Dealer quality = tC (by my experience)
Upgradability = tC (hands down)
Price = tC

So, by my numbers the tC wins 8 to 2. And the handling issue can be fixed by a suspension upgrade or maybe even just new tires. Oh, and don't expect the Mazda dealers to give you a break on MSRP. I talked to a dealer a little over a month ago and they said that they didn't have any cars stocked because they are waiting for the '05s. Even if they did, they wouldn't be able to lower the price or they would lose money. Oh, thats another thing. The tC is an 05 and the Mz3 is an 04, I don't know if that would effect resale value but it might.

True, if you also look on caranddriver.com, they have a nice article describing the tC to competing cars, such as the 3. They also rate the tC performace better than the 3. Love the options on the tC for the price as well.

If you are planning to put any performance mods on the car go with the tC. My niegbor sells Mazdas and was telling me if you put a CAI on the 3 say goodbuy to your engine warranty. Scion sells the stuff to mod your car so they are obviously cool with the idea of some after market mods and not voiding the warranty. Plus the tC comes with a camry engine. It will run for a long time.

the ONLY reason i would get the mazda3 was if i needed 4 doors.... but if ya dont get the tC at least u didn't get a civic :roll:

Get a MazdaSpeed 6...hehe...call it a day :P

Drove both. 3 is sluggish on the low end, you'd need to rev it to get into the powerband. Not my cup of tea. With AC on, the distinction is even greater. If I was to add turbo to both, I'd like as much low end torque before turbo spools. So, for my particular taste, tC is an outright winner in both performance, amenities, and price.

...oh, and to add, I doubt Mazda 3 will come out with FI solution that is warranteed. TRD supercharger for the Scion will put it way ahead of 3 in terms of performance.

Funny someone should mention it... That exact Car and Driver article pretty much sold me on the tC!

http://caranddriver.com/article.asp?section_id=3&article_id=8288&page_number=2

Mazda makes sporty feeling cars, but they don't always wear so well. I've known a few people who have been less than impressed with their overall 'value.'

Plus, if you're looking for any resale value, I would go with the Toyota. Toyota resale always stays high.

The tC feels solid, and if you expect to be driving around with your girl--or, shudder, kids--you'll feel a lot better about her slamming the crap out of your door in the tc than you will in the Mazda. The difference is like closing a safe versus closing a microwave door.

Whatever you decide, kudos to you for actually getting out and doing some research. Nothing says "live bait" like an uninformed buyer at a Dealership. Just remember: The tC is 17,800 comfortably equipped, with better features than a lot of sports coupes.

Personally, I test drove the Mercedes Benz C230 to compare to the tC, and even though I was offered the C230 for 20,000 through my dealership at the time, I still chose the Scion tC.

I still am struggling between 3 and tC, and I did lot a research. Even though I didn't test drive any one of it, I believe tC has better performance overall.
For the price issue, even though 3 is little bit more expensive, you might save more money by getting 3.Why? first of all 3 has better mpg, and secondly insurance. While tC is counted as a sport car, 3 isn't. Also 3 has 4 doors, much more seating room than tC.
I would say Mazda 3 is a better car, but for some unknowing reason I would rather get a tC.[/list]

I still am struggling between 3 and tC, and I did lot a research. Even though I didn't test drive any one of it, I believe tC has better performance overall.
For the price issue, even though 3 is little bit more expensive, you might save more money by getting 3.Why? first of all 3 has better mpg, and secondly insurance. While tC is counted as a sport car, 3 isn't. Also 3 has 4 doors, much more seating room than tC.
I would say Mazda 3 is a better car, but for some unknowing reason I would rather get a tC.[/list]

All you did was say the 3 will end up being cheaper in the long run.

Too bad you left out resale.

look up resale on a mazda, then do a toyota.

If you ever plan on selling your car the tC is a better deal.

You already like it better anyways

plus the tC is a 2-door hatch, not a sports car (at least to State Farm). 8)

I can accuratly compare the two because, well, we have both in my family. IMO the M3 has quite possibly one of the nicest interiors of any car in the 15-30k range. I love how the center console is arranged and how the buttons on the radio are setup. However with the tC the interior is almost bland. The one thing that Scion needs to do is add a much nicer standard shifter. Adding some silver to the shifter would help tie the whole interior together. I do like the flip down cover over the cd player, but it kind of feels plasticky and almost cheap. Maybe I need more time to play with the interior features on the tC when I get it, but I spent a lot of time just pushing buttons on both cars. However for sportyness and just pure sex appeal, the tC wins, hands down. I love the 17's, the headlights are bangle-esque designed, and the moonroof is freakin sick. All things considered the tC is a nicer car, not by much, but a nicer car.

I drove a coworkers 3s hatch couple of days ago - the Mz3's interior looked a tad cheaper than tC's. The shifter with chrome accent was a good idea, but the way they did it - it was tacky. They should have done like Celica GTS/Matrix/Rolla XRS are done - that's a nice shiftknob.

The doors on the 3 are light and tinny. tC feels like a Lexus compared to it. I did not like the gauges much either - font too big, gives it toy-ish look, but on the other hand tC's gauge color is not perfect either... Integrated CD player is kinda cool - nobody will try to jack it, and power/ suspension wise the 3 is excellent.

I'm also looking at the Mazda3 vs Tc. Essentially I can get them for close to the same price because I can get s-plan discount on the mazda. From what I've read the mazda 3 has better breaking performance and handling than the Tc. The other thing the makes a 3 more favorable is the 4yr 50k mile warrenty. Not that Mazdas or Toyotas break down much but its nice to know you've got a longer warrenty standard. I'm currently driving a Mazda Protege5. I like the look of the Tc more than the 3. So its still a toss up for me. I'm trying to figure out if my 17" rims will work on the Tc they have the 5x100 bolt pattern but they are a +48 offset, does anyone know? My P5: http://www.atcomdot.com/P52.JPG

I'm also looking at the Mazda3 vs Tc. Essentially I can get them for close to the same price because I can get s-plan discount on the mazda. From what I've read the mazda 3 has better breaking performance and handling than the Tc. The other thing the makes a 3 more favorable is the 4yr 50k mile warrenty. Not that Mazdas or Toyotas break down much but its nice to know you've got a longer warrenty standard. I'm currently driving a Mazda Protege5. I like the look of the Tc more than the 3. So its still a toss up for me. I'm trying to figure out if my 17" rims will work on the Tc they have the 5x100 bolt pattern but they are a +48 offset, does anyone know? My P5: http://www.atcomdot.com/P52.JPGIts only a difference of about 3mm for the offset so it should be fine. What kind of wheels are those? I really like them.

I'm also looking at the Mazda3 vs Tc. Essentially I can get them for close to the same price because I can get s-plan discount on the mazda. From what I've read the mazda 3 has better breaking performance and handling than the Tc. The other thing the makes a 3 more favorable is the 4yr 50k mile warrenty. Not that Mazdas or Toyotas break down much but its nice to know you've got a longer warrenty standard. I'm currently driving a Mazda Protege5. I like the look of the Tc more than the 3. So its still a toss up for me. I'm trying to figure out if my 17" rims will work on the Tc they have the 5x100 bolt pattern but they are a +48 offset, does anyone know? My P5:

FYI, the Mazda is 4 year, 50k warranty for everything, tC is 3yr, 36k warranty bumper-to-bumper, and then 5yr 60k powertrain warranty. Sort of a toss-up, less b-to-b but longer powertrain.

I also looked hard at the A3, but chose the tC for the following reasons:

1) A3 has an integrated radio. didn't sound that good, and can't imagine replacing all of that area just to put in an aftermarket radio.
2) A3 more expensive. like 3k more, at least, possibly more for the same options as come standard on the tC (comparing 5-door). ties in with #3:
3) Sales guy was a complete douche. Toyota dealer on wed at about 8pm was packed, but we were asked 3-4x if we needed any help. At Mazda on thurs at 7pm, place was deserted and still had to flag someone down. didn't seem like they'd budge on price, even though they had a half-dozen 2004 5-doors in the lot ("Gee, we can't keep these in stock...")
4) Power MUCH better on the tC. While they're both comparable in high HP, the lower torque meant you had to keep the RPMs above 3500 or so to actually feel like you're getting anywhere. the tC just feels better driving at lower RPMs.

Overall, if the price had been similar, and we desperately had need of the extra space (cough cough, family, cough cough), I'd probably be driving an A3. But I love the tC, and haven't had any problems (knock on wood) so far, 2200 miles in a month and a half or so.

Its only a difference of about 3mm for the offset so it should be fine. What kind of wheels are those? I really like them.

Go to my webpage to get a better look http://www.atcomdot.com/P5/. The Rims are RS Limited Elites in sandblack. They have a machined polished face, and the insides are a dark grey almost carbon fiberish in color. They really shine at night.

I was on the fence for a Mazda3 and tC too. Initially I was leaning towards the M3 and only 1 dealer had the config I wanted. But the Mazda dealer acted like an ___ and that totally put me off. Another Mazda dealer had the car I wanted coming in the 2nd week of December. So I decided to wait. In the meantime I shopped around for another car. And by chance I came across the tC from web searching. Took a test drive and I was equally impressed.

So basically it came down to whichever car would come in first. And somehow the Scion dealer was able to pull through for me and got me one for the 3rd week of November. So looks like tC for me soon.

the 5 door is kind of interesting

i was in your same position. i drove both . i like the gauges on the three a little better but i hate that the radio is this weird massive part of the dash so forget just getting a metra kit and getting a aftermarket deck cause it aint gunna happen on the 2. as far is the ac goes i leave in vegas and it is hot mind you i did this all in june so it was very hot. and the 3 took for ever and a day to coll off and plus just the slightest acceleration would make the ac shut off for three seconds. and plus since i have own the tc i have had three mazda owners saying i have a nice car and they wish the bought the tc instead. :roll:

i was also thinking about the mazda 3...

plus the tC is a 2-door hatch, not a sports car (at least to State Farm). 8)
Really?
I heard all companies accept tC as sport car.
But isn't State Farm Rip off anyways?

plus the tC is a 2-door hatch, not a sports car (at least to State Farm). 8)
Really?
I heard all companies accept tC as sport car.
But isn't State Farm Rip off anyways?

nope, got quotes from several other companies (including progressive, can't remember the others) and SF was lowest. I don't think that any of them actually classified the tC as a "sports car" as the quotes definitely weren't astronomical, we're paying $900/6-months. High, but that's what you get for living in NY in the tri-state area. For comparison only ~40 more/month than my old 1995 Jeep Cherokee. Can't really think of any reason to qualify the tC as a "sports car" except maybe the fact that it only has 2 doors. Its got front wheel drive, only 160hp, 5-seats...

i won't comment on what has already been said, but i was considering both of these cars side by side. i decided to go with the tC because of these things:

- proven toyota reliability
- price (the 3 was just too expensive for the same options and performance)
- handling. call me crazy, but i thought the tC was more fun to drive.
- design. i've never seen a coupe with so much versitality. the back seats are huge, the whole thing folds down into a huge couch/bed thing. it's like they took the concept of the sports coupe and tweaked it a bit.

overall, i'm very happy with my tC. keep in mind that if you get a 3, the mazdaspeed 3 that will come out in a few years will make it look dull :/ :P

i agree with him...cept for the handling...but yea...for the most part Toyota reliability, price...yes indeed, and design and design and price played the most part of my choice.

Bpth of the 3 and tC are nice cars. I have the tC and younger bro has a 3, both of them nice cars, i like the seats, dash on the 3, but i like the waterfall cover, and dual moonroof on the tC.

Mazda 3 yellow paint OWnz the TC
Mazda 3 red guage color owns the ___ orange Tc ones
TC wins in every other category,

I just couldnt justify everything else being superior on a TC and still getting a yellow 3...... hence im a scionlife member : )

FYI, the Mazda is 4 year, 50k warranty for everything, tC is 3yr, 36k warranty bumper-to-bumper, and then 5yr 60k powertrain warranty. Sort of a toss-up, less b-to-b but longer powertrain.

For an extra 30 dollars a month, I'm driving on a 6-year warranty. I think the choice is really one of personal taste. Get the one you'd enjoy driving and be happy with.

Warranty-wise, I'd rather have a 36,000-mile basic warranty and not need to use it than have a longer one that gets worn out. ;)

Mercury Insurance classifies the tC as a "Two-door, Five Passenger Vehicle." It's not a sports car. It's a Sporty Coupe. Not a sports car.

plus the tC is a 2-door hatch, not a sports car (at least to State Farm). 8)
Really?
I heard all companies accept tC as sport car.
But isn't State Farm Rip off anyways?

nope, got quotes from several other companies (including progressive, can't remember the others) and SF was lowest. I don't think that any of them actually classified the tC as a "sports car" as the quotes definitely weren't astronomical, we're paying $900/6-months. High, but that's what you get for living in NY in the tri-state area. For comparison only ~40 more/month than my old 1995 Jeep Cherokee. Can't really think of any reason to qualify the tC as a "sports car" except maybe the fact that it only has 2 doors. Its got front wheel drive, only 160hp, 5-seats...

Well I bought the Tc, The down payment has been made and my car should be arriving in about 2 weeks. Anyone want to buy my Mazda Protege5?? Or know anyone who might be interested? I'm Asking $9,800 here is the link: http://www.atcomdot.com/P5-FORSALE/

Most of the Mazda 3 reviews I've read have been really good. Compared to the TC it would seem the Mazda 3 is the more sporty / fun car to drive. I've read complaints about a clustered center console, a lacking air conditioning system & a dramatic rise in price when you start to put the extras on.

I was looking at the Mazda 3, but there's one reason why I didn't buy it.................Mazda's relationship with Ford. My family has owned the following Fords:

1 used Mercury Cougar, 1 new Ford Escort, 2 new Ford Probes, 1 new Ford Tempo, 2 new Ford Countors + a new Ford F150

When I think about all the problems my family has had with these cars(except for the escort) it makes me want to take a dump. A big volcanic splatter on the side of the toilet dump. I've had to endure a never ending cornacopia of electrical problems. Enough tie rod replacements to start my own scrap metal factory. More recall work than should be allowed by law & oh yes, last but not least; that horrible feeling on long trips that you might not make it where you're going.

Toyota is known for relibility. While Ford may not be known for making crap somehow or another their products magically turn into it.

Having purchased so many Ford products because I let my American pride get in the way of my .......well my brain. I won't buy another Ford product until I see the japanese driving it. Thats right I said it .........when hell freezes over.

I say buy the TC. I love mine & I love Toyota.

Get a MazdaSpeed 6...hehe...call it a day :P


Strongly Agree :)

Get a MazdaSpeed 6...hehe...call it a day :P


Strongly Agree :)

The last time Mazda made something turbo, look how reliable it turned out. The car didnt last a week without breaking down. Even though the mazdaspeed sounds nice, i highly doubt its going to be reliable.

Aside from that, the tC is more upgradable than the 3, will hold its value better than the 3, is faster in straight line performance than the 3, and looks much better than the 3. People confuse the tC with BMW's while people confuse the Mazda3 with Ford Focus's. Yes, initally the 3 may handle better, but with some sway bars and new springs, the difference is negligible.

We have a camry engine, its BULLET PROOF, and has been over-engineered, i havent heard a whole lot about the 2.0 and 2.3 in the Mazda 3. Personally, i love knowing that in 7 or 8 years, my car is going to run like brand new.

Mazda's track recent has been so-so, and everyone knows toyota will soon become the worlds largest car maker, and by no co-incidence. They offer the total package.

Get a MazdaSpeed 6...hehe...call it a day :P


Strongly Agree :)

The last time Mazda made something turbo, look how reliable it turned out. The car didnt last a week without breaking down. Even though the mazdaspeed sounds nice, i highly doubt its going to be reliable.

Aside from that, the tC is more upgradable than the 3, will hold its value better than the 3, is faster in straight line performance than the 3, and looks much better than the 3. People confuse the tC with BMW's while people confuse the Mazda3 with Ford Focus's. Yes, initally the 3 may handle better, but with some sway bars and new springs, the difference is negligible.

We have a camry engine, its BULLET PROOF, and has been over-engineered, i havent heard a whole lot about the 2.0 and 2.3 in the Mazda 3. Personally, i love knowing that in 7 or 8 years, my car is going to run like brand new.

Mazda's track recent has been so-so, and everyone knows toyota will soon become the worlds largest car maker, and by no co-incidence. They offer the total package.




:clap: Totally agree

Um, Mazda hasn't actually had any real problems with F/I engines...


If you are referring to the RX7, the main problem was that was not the turbo, but the rotary engine design.


And actually, while it's true that the scion tC may look like a BMW, most people would say that the Mazda car lineup is the closest thing to a cheaper/lower end BMW. Their cars are more driver oriented than other brands like Toyota or Honda.

The tC may be more reliable, "look better"(subjective argument), and have slightly more power, I doubt it'll be as sporty as the Mazda3. It's kind of like saying....well so my Accord V6 can outrun a BMW 3 series so it's a better car, but no, not really. A little something called driver feedback.

Um, Mazda hasn't actually had any real problems with F/I engines...


If you are referring to the RX7, the main problem was that was not the turbo, but the rotary engine design.


And actually, while it's true that the scion tC may look like a BMW, most people would say that the Mazda car lineup is the closest thing to a cheaper/lower end BMW. Their cars are more driver oriented than other brands like Toyota or Honda.

The tC may be more reliable, "look better"(subjective argument), and have slightly more power, I doubt it'll be as sporty as the Mazda3. It's kind of like saying....well so my Accord V6 can outrun a BMW 3 series so it's a better car, but no, not really. A little something called driver feedback.

The problem with the RX7 was the tremedous heat that built up in the engine bay. If there was a problem with the rotary engine, they would have never re-introduced it in the RX8.

I've never heard anyone say that a Mazda felt like a BMW. Never.

And yes, stock for stock the Mazda3 does out handle the tC, but very few people are keeping the stock suspension on the tC. Most people are adding sway bars and dropping them a few inches. That being said, the tC is much more upgradable than the Mazda 3. And i get plenty of driver feedback in the car, i'm not totally sure why you said that.

mazda3 hatch looks nice imo. the mazdaspeed3 will own the tc, even the s/c tc...

The problem with the RX7 was the tremedous heat that built up in the engine bay. If there was a problem with the rotary engine, they would have never re-introduced it in the RX8.

I've never heard anyone say that a Mazda felt like a BMW. Never.

And yes, stock for stock the Mazda3 does out handle the tC, but very few people are keeping the stock suspension on the tC. Most people are adding sway bars and dropping them a few inches. That being said, the tC is much more upgradable than the Mazda 3. And i get plenty of driver feedback in the car, i'm not totally sure why you said that.

There are still problems with the rotary engines in the RX8, it's not completely problem free.

Mazda is compared to BMW in that both sell mainly driver oriented cars. While Honda and Toyota have a few sports/sporty cars, the rest of theirs are made to be practical/purpose focused cars. Mazda and BMW cars care a lot more about the "fun" factor in driving.

I was saying that the 3 probably has more driver feedback due to a more sporty feeling transmission and just the way it drives. When I was in the tC, I just feel as if all the sound insulation and everything was a bit subdued, whereas the 3 would probably make you feel more to drive it harder.

Obviously this may be just an opinion, but I'm sure most people would agree with me on that.

Um, Mazda hasn't actually had any real problems with F/I engines...

If you are referring to the RX7, the main problem was that was not the turbo, but the rotary engine design.


The problem with the RX7 was the tremedous heat that built up in the engine bay. If there was a problem with the rotary engine, they would have never re-introduced it in the RX8.

Mazda has in fact had a history of troublesome f/i engines. Several were rotary based like the Cosmo, T2 FC, and FD. They've also had a very unsuccessful history with f/i piston engines, to include the Mazdaspeed Miata and Protege, as well as other cars like the 323 Turbo. The rotary based engines often suffered from detonation and quality problems, and most all of Mazda piston-based f/i motors have been basically anemic. Honda has 2-liter engines pumping out more power naturally aspirated than most of Mazda's f/i piston offerings. There's no point in using forced induction if you can produce a better engine that's naturally aspirated. The Miata's intercooler was about the size of a box of Girl Scout cookies, no joke.

The main problem with the FD RX-7 wasn't the engine bay heat, or the rotary design. It was the turbo system itself. The sequential twin-turbo system in the FD is retardedly over-complicated, with a massive "rats nest" of vacuum lines. It's also comprimised by some inferior quality materials in the engine bay. Notably the vacuum lines themselves, which tend to become brittle and break over time due to the huge changes in temperature. The other problem is the engine does not care at all for knocking. A bad tank of gas, a fuel system malfunction, improper tuning, etc. can all lead to an apex seal-blowing lean condition. This is why so many RX-7 tuners like to switch to a single-turbo, and do reliability mods like getting a bigger intercooler and changing out the vacuum lines.

The only Mazda f/i engine that has proved to be reasonably successful really is the Series 8 FD RX-7s that were made from 1999-2002. They basically worked all the major kinks out of the FD's design. Though, the Efini turbo system was still needlessly complex. Unfortunately none of these cars were ever sold in the US.

Comparing the tC and Mazda 3 are kinda like apple and oranges. You either want 4 drs or not.
BTW am I the only one that thinks it's funny that the originator of this thread has not said a word since he started it??? Strange.....