Need a new commuter car. Focus/civic/Mazda 3. If you have one of these pls comment!

[Hutch]

Hey Everyone,
I’m looking to replaced my 2010 Ford Fusion. It’s starting to get a little tired and high in kms. It has been a great car with barely any issues. I drive about 115kms each way. I like the newer fusions but would like something better on fuel. So I have been looking at 2014 Ford Focus hatch, Honda Civic ex or Mazda 3 hatch. Cruise and auto are a must. A friend works for ford and says the transmission issues should be fixed with focus’s but I’m wondering if they are still an issue. I like the civics but I will really like a hatchback again. So much more versatile as specially for my kids hockey equipment. I really like the Mazda 3’s how they drive but I owned a Mazda years ago found parts where always expensive and lots dealer only.
So if anyone has any insight or if you own any of the 3 and care to share what you like and don’t like that would be great! Thanks!

[83 5.0]

My daughter has a 2016 Honda Fit, large hatchback area, excellent gas mileage, zero repairs, only oil changes.

[Snaketamer]

A friend works for ford and says the transmission issues should be fixed with focus’s but I’m wondering if they are still an issue.

https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a30689585/ford-settlement-transmission-lawsuit/

If you can find a automatic Civic...that's the way I'd go...

[True Blue]

Just saying... An Elantra is a great bang for your buck! Great on gas, tons of room and very reliable.

If interested I have one in storage with extremely low kms on it. Might be willing to sell :)

[FABMAN]

Personally I would not purchase the civic due to the fact that it will be the most expensive to ensure. Also I may be additionally bias but after having 2 Acura RDX models (2015 and 2017) I can tell you that Honda/Acura infotainment systems are terrible, slow and in bad need of a complete revamp.

I have had several Mazdas over the years including a 323, Mazda5, 2 Mazda6 V6s and they all proved to be good cars that were fun to drive. I think the Mazda3 would likely be my pick of the 3 but that said I would strongly recommend taking a look at the Elantra GT. Their sport version n line hatchback is a nice car for the money.

https://www.hyundaicanada.com/en/showroom/2020/elantra-gt-n-line

My brother in law has had Hyundai cars since 03 and they have all been great, long lasting cars and good on fuel.

Hope that helps.

[1BAD92LX]

Lots of room in the 2016 and up civic hatch. But 2016 was 1st year of a model change. Get one dealer service because there is lots of first year software bugs. Get the n/a 2L. There are some issues with the 1.5L turbo but mostly in the CRV’s. The CVT’s are decent now. Make sure the a/c works. They might have condenser issues.....

[Armen]

I’d stay away from the Focus with the ‘Power Shift’ automatic. Too many issues and a lot of unknowns even after the ‘fix’.

[Hutch]

I’d stay away from the Focus with the ‘Power Shift’ automatic. Too many issues and a lot of unknowns even after the ‘fix’.

I think I’ve about written off the focus now. I found more info about the ford lawsuit/settlement, so going to stay away from them.

[Hutch]

Personally I would not purchase the civic due to the fact that it will be the most expensive to ensure. Also I may be additionally bias but after having 2 Acura RDX models (215 and 2107) I can tell you that Honda/Acura infotainment systems are terrible, slow and in bad need of a complete revamp.

I have had several Mazdas over the years including a 323, Mazda5, 2 Mazda6 V6s and they all proved to be good cars that were fun to drive. I think the Mazda3 would likely be my pick of the 3 but that said I would strongly recommend taking a look at the Elantra GT. Their sport version n line hatchback is a nice car for the money.

https://www.hyundaicanada.com/en/showroom/2020/elantra-gt-n-line

My brother in law has had Hyundai cars since 03 and they have all been great, long lasting cars and good on fuel.

Hope that helps.

I had a 2015 or 16 Elantra for a rental car before. Hated it so much I took it back and got a Dodge Charger. Hated the steering feel, hit my head all the time on the window pillar and thought the seat where not comfortable.
I had a Mazda protege5 before and loved it. I think Mazda does a great job with interiors. I sold it before it started to rust out. I found that most parts where more money compared to a Civic and Acura that I had.

The other car I like is the Acura ILX but from research I’ve done they aren’t anywhere near as good on fuel compared to the Civic and mazda3.

[5.4MarkVIII]

Mazda seems to be a decent choice.

I’ve always preferred something different as well as entertaining to drive

Absolutely love our 2016 Mini Cooper s
Always dealer serviced. Just over 100k and never anything but oil changes.

Was a bit more than some of the others but puts a smile on my face every time I drive it.

[Hutch]

Mazda seems to be a decent choice.

I’ve always preferred something different as well as entertaining to drive

Absolutely love our 2016 Mini Cooper s
Always dealer serviced. Just over 100k and never anything but oil changes.

Was a bit more than some of the others but puts a smile on my face every time I drive it.

I do love those cars as well! I almost bought a cooper S years ago. So much fun to drive but premium fill ups don’t really go with the economical aspect

[5.4MarkVIII]

True.

Don’t think I have ever needed more than 45 for a fill

Averages around 7L/100k.

Way better than the truck though. Lol

[Quicksilver]

We bought a 2019 Fusion Hybrid from Heritage in January. It was a daily rental with 18,000 km, but came with an additional full 60,000 km warranty. It is loaded with every option including adaptive cruise, heated and cooled leather seats, and a sunroof. We paid $24,200, reduced from a factory list of $41,000.
We average 6l/100km, or around 45-48 mpg.
In last weeks Toronto Sun, several ford dealers still had some, including Heritage, I think.

[fast Ed]

I was going to suggest a Fusion as well but Dan is looking for a hatchback. It's too bad that Americans are so averse to that body style, otherwise Ford might have sold the hatchback and wagon versions of the Fusion (Mondeo in Europe) over here.

[Hutch]

I was going to suggest a Fusion as well but Dan is looking for a hatchback. It's too bad that Americans are so averse to that body style, other Ford might have sold the hatchback and wagon versions of the Fusion (Mondeo in Europe) over here.

With the Fusion size I don’t need at hatchback. My Fusion has been a great car and I really like the size. I just want something better on fuel. I was looking at Fusion hybrids before (and had a 2019 as a rental) but I’m a bit hesitant to own it far out of warranty because of the hybrid. Plus I would like to keep purchase price around $12k. I don’t like to put a lot of money into a daily because it getting wrecked driving on the highway back and forth to Toronto everyday and rack up the kms quickly

[Zippy]

What about a Chevy Cruise or Impala?

[Nsty04SVT]

Owned a 2013 Mazda 3 for about a year, very reliable and great on fuel from what I can remember I averaged 6L/100. Then traded it in for a 2018 Mazda CX5 which has also been great zero issues.

[IanGTCS]

I'd go Mazda 3, probably the most enjoyable to drive of the bunch. I'd only hesitate because Mazda's still seem to rust quicker than others. I'd also highly consider an Elantra wagon. There has been a few Elantras in my family and all have been good cars. Other option is a matrix. Not exciting but solid cars with good fuel economy.

[JZ67]

I'd go for the Mazda 3 as well. Personally love the hatchback. Earlier models had rust issues that seemed to get better in the later models. You didn't mention if you were looking at new or used but I am assuming used. If you can swing it, it might interest you to know that new Mazda's come with a 3 year bumper to bumper/5 year powertrain warranty with unlimited mileage.

[Gr8Stang]

I'd go Mazda 3, probably the most enjoyable to drive of the bunch. I'd only hesitate because Mazda's still seem to rust quicker than others. I'd also highly consider an Elantra wagon. There has been a few Elantras in my family and all have been good cars. Other option is a matrix. Not exciting but solid cars with good fuel economy.

I was going to comment about the rust issues. Wondered if they got better in later years, because they definitely had some issues judging by how many I saw driving around with early rust. I guess budgeting for an annual or bi-annual rust control application from your favorite provider would be a good idea....as extra insurance.

[newbiestangowner]

I was going to comment about the rust issues. Wondered if they got better in later years, because they definitely had some issues judging by how many I saw driving around with early rust. I guess budgeting for an annual or bi-annual rust control application from your favorite provider would be a good idea....as extra insurance.

I think it’s gotten better.

Rusting issues was a big concern of mine as well prior to buying new back in 2009. So far wife’s 2010 Mazda 3 has held up pretty well- we do get it treated every once in a while.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200703/47c4a1aabe5c7e554b24475cdc95fed6.jpg


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[Gr8Stang]

I think it’s gotten better.

Rusting issues was a big concern of mine as well prior to buying new back in 2009. So far wife’s 2010 Mazda 3 has held up pretty well- we do get it treated every once in a while.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200703/47c4a1aabe5c7e554b24475cdc95fed6.jpg


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Good! Wish I could say the same for my 09 Focus. Car has been solid mechanically, but the area below each of the doors is literally rotting thru...and I've seen it on a number of the Focus' with the same body style (08-11).

[5.4MarkVIII]

any mini pre 2015 was a mishmash of what ever parts they could find lots of random issues.

2015 was when bmw took over.