Used Cars vs New... '04 Civic, '07 Mazda3...

[IdealFugacity]

Over a few runs to various dealerships, I've narrowed down my number one car pick to a new '07 Mazda Mazda3 i Touring. Highest price on the window sticker tag is $18,355, for the package which includes side airbags.

Tonight at edmunds.com I found an '04 Honda civic (I don't like the new design, present in the '06 and '07s), which is listed on the website as $15,700. It's in a color I like (silver, light interior). It's got less HP (127 compared to 150), and about 38,000 miles on it.

Clearly I need to drive the car, see if it smells funny, quality of the interior and exterior, etc. But does anyone have a quick-and-dirty opinion on buying a car with that many miles on it, and the honda certified pre-owned warranty?

Thanks for any input

[surfinillini]

new car FTW!

[private joker]

I have an '05 Civic and it's great except for the weak acceleration (and sort of bad sight lines in the 2-door if you're sitting tall). Super reliable, never had one mechanical problem, great fuel economy, and handles nicely (brakes and steering have never let me down).

I've never driven a Mazda, but I don't think you can go wrong with an '04 Civic.

[Brainwalter]

civic by a mile, hondas last forever. Find a civic with about 100k miles and save yourself 5 grand.

[captZEEbo]

is it ever better to get the new car?

[ChuckyB]

Two words...Hyundai Elantra

[IggyWH]

[ QUOTE ]
is it ever better to get the new car?

[/ QUOTE ]

Some people really feel good about buying a new car, and that's definitely a big thing about buying any car. You don't want to have buyers remorse after putting down all that money.

However, it's of my opinion that as long as you do your research on used cars, it's always better to buy used.

[IdealFugacity]

I actually liked the '06 Accord a LOT today. It's a bit pricey though. There's one that has a sticker of $19k with only 15k miles on it, but it won't be available to even open the doors for 2 weeks, which is cutting it REALLY close to the time by which I *need* to have a vehicle (moving away from home). NJ laws don't allow them to even let you see if the previous owner was a smoker until they have all the titles in hand.

[jba]

I just got an 04 civic w/ 17k miles for 13.5. it's not a porsche or anything but it's terrific, can't really say anything bad about it. I've driven the mazda 3 a few times and there's pretty much no way I'd pay that much extra for it.

[g-bebe]

As far as I understand, Mazda's have one of the best longevities. Personally, if it's the four-door non-hatchback Mazda 3, that's what I'd go with.