2010 Suzuki SX4 Sedan or 2010 Mazda3. Which to get?

[?NR]

http://www.cars.com/go/compare/trimC...CUSB00MAC061C0

I'd like to point out that LX is not the top of the line. ES would be top of that model line with a higher displacement I4 engine.

As for the car itself, both versions are great for the applications you want to use them for: commuting economically. They are fun to drive, just don't be expecting super-car performance. Reliability wise, they are the corollas of mazda.

[hchang]

^ Oh I didn't know that. Sorry for pointing it out.

And another thing ... which should be my last post regarding cars to get... sorry for all these questions.
A 2000 Integra that I looked at last week gave me a call today and decided to take my offer for the car.
It's an 2000 Integra with roughly 130,000 kms on it as well.
Originally 6100 but offered 5300 with sub and amp because of a few problems with it.

The "Check Engine" light is on inside, I asked him about it and he said he's already taken it to Richmond Acura but they have said it is not a problem...maybe a lie, I don't know. Which would be a gamble as it can either be a big problem... or a small one.

The Driver side window is slow...seems close to the end of its life imo.

The Timing belt has not been changed yet.

There was an accident on the passenger side, by the front tire, which will eventually in a few years rust, so that needs to be changed sometimes within the next year.

Seem good? or no.

[chucki]

Originally Posted by hchang

^ I wouldn't be saying its a "momma powered" car.. LOL.
I'll make something up saying somehow I bought it

True that I have the ability to take a new car, but if I don't use that card now I can use that card down the road when I really finish post secondary or something, and maybe there'll be better cars in the future for under $20,000?

Yes it'd be kind of embarassing as the Protege is stock except for sub, amp and sony deck. But honestly the body looks pretty ugly. Is it an easy moddable car?

Of course the cars in the future will be better, its just a decision of whether you want to enjoy the ownership of a new car now or the ownership of a better car down the road.

Like the previous post states, its (protege) a good car for its intended purpose. If you are into modding however, I suggest you to look at a civic or something instead. Parts are much more readily available.

[chucki]

Originally Posted by hchang

^ Oh I didn't know that. Sorry for pointing it out.

And another thing ... which should be my last post regarding cars to get... sorry for all these questions.
A 2000 Integra that I looked at last week gave me a call today and decided to take my offer for the car.
It's an 2000 Integra with roughly 130,000 kms on it as well.
Originally 6100 but offered 5300 with sub and amp because of a few problems with it.

The "Check Engine" light is on inside, I asked him about it and he said he's already taken it to Richmond Acura but they have said it is not a problem...maybe a lie, I don't know. Which would be a gamble as it can either be a big problem... or a small one.

The Driver side window is slow...seems close to the end of its life imo.

The Timing belt has not been changed yet.

There was an accident on the passenger side, by the front tire, which will eventually in a few years rust, so that needs to be changed sometimes within the next year.

Seem good? or no.

That is a good deal for that year of Integra, but it sounds much more fishy IMO. Especially that check engine light, and as always; its always a good idea to have a trusted mechanic to make a thorough inspection on a used vehicle (VS asking a bunch of strangers on Revscene with your observations) I'd say- don't be tempted by the price unless you are sure there are no major issues about the vehicle. Remember, you are not just buying a car, safety is also very important. A life is not worth that extra couple hundred bucks in your pocket.

[hchang]

Modding wouldn't be a big part... just some extra fun.

Car would be used for everyday city driving.

[hchang]

Originally Posted by chucki

That is a good deal for that year of Integra, but it sounds much more fishy IMO. Especially that check engine light, and as always; its always a good idea to have a trusted mechanic to make a thorough inspection on a used vehicle (VS asking a bunch of strangers on Revscene with your observations) I'd say- don't be tempted by the price unless you are sure there are no major issues about the vehicle. Remember, you are not just buying a car, safety is also very important. A life is not worth that extra couple hundred bucks in your pocket.

Thing is.. I don't know of any mechanics, and a BCAA one is pretty expensive, plus, if its not somebody you know I don't think they'd really give a flying fuck and would rush through the inspection and just give you a quick idea of the car.

I trust the people on Revscene :P

Also -- the Integra has had 2 accidents. One for 2400 and one for 3400.
Still seem like a decent deal?
I'm sure there has to be a reason to why it is still for sale and priced for cheap cause it was originally 6100, and now an ad is for 5600 but he agreed to take my offer of 5300.

[Lomac]

Originally Posted by hchang

Thing is.. I don't know of any mechanics, and a BCAA one is pretty expensive, plus, if its not somebody you know I don't think they'd really give a flying fuck and would rush through the inspection and just give you a quick idea of the car.

I trust the people on Revscene :P

Also -- the Integra has had 2 accidents. One for 2400 and one for 3400.
Still seem like a decent deal?
I'm sure there has to be a reason to why it is still for sale and priced for cheap cause it was originally 6100, and now an ad is for 5600 but he agreed to take my offer of 5300.

Never buy a car with a CEL unless you know the reason why it's on. I can't see a Honda/Acura dealership telling a customer that a CEL is "no big deal." Yes, it might be something as simple as an O2 sensor needing to be replaced, but it could also be something much more drastic. Again, a dealership will never tell a customer that a CEL is nothing to worry about. If you want to go ahead with the Integra, make a post on here asking for someone with an OBD2 scanner and a bit of mechanical know-how to come check out the car with you. I'd offer my own services, but I don't own an OBD2 scanner. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, pick up a cheap one from Princess Auto or Canadian Tire and pull the code(s) yourself. Print out a copy of the codes in advance and take it with you.

As for the Protege, I'll warn you that it's a boring-as-hell vehicle, but they're pretty solid and reliable. There isn't a lot you can do to them to make them look decent, but with that kind of car you'd be buying it more for fuel economy, practicality and reliability than anything else.

That said, I would avoid any vehicles that have a past history of accidents or multiple claims. The two cars you mentioned may look like a good deal, but there will always be more out there. If you look long and hard enough, you will always find a diamond in the rough. You just need to be on top of it every day.

Don't necessarily worry about having a car that looks good in order to show it off. My Accord is my "respectable" car and while it's far newer than my Mazda, I would far rather drive the latter because, let's face it, a modified sports car from the 90's makes me smile everytime I pull through the switch-backs, whereas the Honda makes me bored. It's a nice car... but soooo fucking boring.

[oldsnail]

or you can buy my car !
02 Infiniti G20 Sport 5spd, pearl white..(PM if really interested)

WHat grade is that Integra?
in 2000 ... you had SE,GS,GSR, and Type R.
auto or manual?

[?NR]

^ nice car. SR20DE I believe? Correct me if I'm wrong. Does VLSD come with the G20's? Its been awhile and I can't remember anymore.
Posted via RS Mobile

[oldsnail]

Originally Posted by !NiteRaven

^ nice car. SR20DE I believe? Correct me if I'm wrong. Does VLSD come with the G20's? Its been awhile and I can't remember anymore.
Posted via RS Mobile

yes it does.. only on the TOURING and SPORT(5port) models though.

[hchang]

Thanks Lomac for your input.

The Integra guy was in a complete rush to sell his car, and has been for sale for a while, so I'm sure there's something drastically wrong with that car, if nobody is buying it.

And for an update: I bought the Mazda Protege, and am loving it so far! Gave it a good clean and spent a good 5 hours detailing it on Saturday. Mechanically nothing wrong with it... so far. But there shouldn't be anything wrong.

One thing I've noticed is that the stock alloy rims are really scratched up (yet no damage on the body...which I do not understand), would you guys suggest buying it from Seattle Craigslist or something and picking it up there? Or Craigslist it here. Is there a big price difference?

And stop me if this sounds stupid...but I wanted to at least make it sound better by making the car louder. Any thoughts? Stupid...Ricer...Retarded...Good?

[1exotic]

you can't make it sound better, it's a mazda protege... you make it louder yes(obviously), but it still will be a ricer... you can drill holes in the exhaust or get some straight pipe exhaust.

btw post some pictures.
do it.
... it, do it.

[hchang]

Will be getting pics up soon, havne't had the chance to take pics yet haha.

Is drilling holes into the exhaust an easy DIY job?

[TypeRNammer]

Originally Posted by hchang

Will be getting pics up soon, havne't had the chance to take pics yet haha.

Is drilling holes into the exhaust an easy DIY job?

LOLOL

Don't tell me you got convinced by Homer Simpson, speed holes do not make your car go faster!

[hchang]

^
Not trying to make it go faster... just sound louder.

The car's pretty boring... lol.