Did I buy the right car? 2021 Mazda 3 GT AWD vs 2016 Lexus IS300 F Sport AWD

Question

Hey scotty,

I was looking for my first new car as a daily about a month ago and i came across two cars. I was looking at a brand new 2021 mazda 3 GT AWD @ 32000CAD and a 2016 Lexus IS300 F sport 2 @ 28000CAD with 48000 kms. I drove both of them and they both were excellent in their own ways. However i ended up choosing the IS300, yeah it wouldve been nice to have a warranty but i trusted lexus as ive heard their reputation and plus i got a great sounding v6 with plenty of power for even less money and no depreciation right off the bat. Did this make sense even though i dont have a warranty now and a history that isnt known to me outside of the carfax? Did i make the right choice? Any issues with the 2GR FSE or the rest of the car i should know about?

Thanks,

Will

Thumpy · Answer

If you are concerned about a warranty shop around for those extended warranties. Being a low mileage Lexus you should be able get one cheap. We have a ton of them in the states. They have basic plans from engine and transmission only up to full coverage. Read the fine print, there is a bunch. Things like clutches and brakes are considered wear items. If you choose engine and transmission only then realize things like radiators, water pumps etc are not considered drivetrain but part of the cooling system.

Personally I think they are a good option for someone buying a much older used car, especially with higher miles. But with yours being newer to be honest you could take the 1000-1200 buck premium you would have to pay every year and throw it into an interest bearing account, add to it every year like you were renewing the policy and if something ever happened you would have the money to fix it or use for a down payment for another.

I have bought 2 new vehicles in my lifetime, NEVER again. I think you made the right decision. Be vigilant on maintenance and it will last you a long time. Also if you can afford to do it, I like having a 2nd cheap beater car/truck. To use for hauling things, doing the dirty work like grocery shopping, should something break and leak you don’t car in a beater as much. And it helps keep mileage down on the good one.

Iggy1969 · Answer

Those Mazda’s are super sexy in red…..but you made the right choice in the Lexus. I bought a used 2007 Lexus ES350 with 129,000 kms about 8 years ago. It has been a rock solid car with just regular maintenance. It now has 320,000 kms and I just had to replace the rotors and pads….that’s almost 200,000 kms on the rotors and pads I bought it with. Keep changing the oil, get it rust checked and it’ll last a long time.