Hello, for my first car I want either a Mazda3 manual or a Dodge Charger 8-speed V6 both 2020. I heard Scotty talk about how Mazda's auto transmissions are bad but I figured manuals are easier to swap or fix? Also seen in his videos he is not too fond about Dodge/Chrysler/Fiat cars but said that the V6 8-speed Zf was okay. Just wanted more input from people more familiar about cars than me.
I want a sporty/daily car and plan to have it until it can run no more. I wanted a muscle car but also desired for a four-door. I wanted the Mazda for awhile but heard from Scotty that their auto transmissions are bad. Although Dodge also has flaws but since I don't plan to "drive it hard" a Charger would a pretty sweet car to have. I know Civics and Corollas are reliable and stylish but I want something either faster or different from those two. That being said a Civic Si is cool too.
Hope to hear from all of you soon! Thank you.
Clarification: How many years and miles do you need it to last you?
First off, don’t even consider buying the Dodge Charger (not built well and propensity for electrical issues as it ages), so it comes down to the Mazda3 vs Civic Si. Now the Mazda 6-speed Skyactiv-Drive automatic transmission is perfectly fine and true and tried so I would not back down from it. That being said, the Mazda3 you are considering with the manual transmission comes only with the 2.5L naturally aspirated I4 engine which, unfortunately, has cylinder deactivation and I would avoid that if you plan to keep the vehicle out of warranty and for a long time. You also cannot disable it (including aftermarket - that I know of). However, if you step into the Mazda3 sedan it, too, comes with the 2.5L I4 engine but depending on the package the cylinder deactivation is optional (basically, I think Mazda just disabled it via software), but it only comes with the automatic which has proven fairly reliable. I would go that route (Mazda3 sedan with the 2.5L naturally aspirated engine and automatic transmission and do not select the package with cylinder deactivation) over the Civic Si with the smaller 1.5L turbocharged engine - jury still out on its longevity and still susceptible to oil dilution (although not as bad as before).
A bit late to answer but the 2.5L engine with cylinder deactivation is only in the CX-5 and Mazda6 models starting from 2018 and up. While the Mazda 3 has the same 2.5L engine, it does not have the cylinder deactivation.
@JustASneakyDude unless I am missing something, it appears the 2.5L NA I4 has cylinder deactivation on the Mazda3 hatch but on the sedan it’s an available option (on the lower trims); the higher trim has it as standard, however. I looked at 2020 MY, since OP was asking about that year.
https://cdn.dealereprocess.org/cdn/brochures/mazda/2020-mazda3.pdf
Double checked and strangely enough, here in Canada we do not have cylinder deactivation option in the mazda 3, even the hatchback. Only comes with the mazda 6 and cx-5. The more you know.
Go get that Civic!
Civic all the way.
Civic.
