Mazda 6 vs Honda Accord

[BtwnUsGrls]

Hi MMers, I'm your 'new member'

So, after having hand-me-down Honda Accords (an 89 and a 95, both manual, great cars!!), I think I see a new car in my future! And by new, I mean pre-owned probably... and not a 2008 either... but anyway.

My family swears by Honda, and we have always had great luck. My 89 had almost 200k miles and my 95 now has about 180, and both have had minimal problems, and my 95 still runs great! So as far as my next car, I am biased toward looking at accords.

But, I really would like a cuter car, something a little sportier I guess, but I don't necessarily need it to be fast, because I am looking for gas mileage more than anything.

I really love the Mazda 6, I drove Jack's sisters the other day and it was so comfortable. So now, its Mazda 6 or accord..
And this is where I ask the experts, which one should I choose?

Keep in mind, I want gas mileage before power, so I would probably choose a 4 cyl over a 6 cyl (I know, I know..) and I will be getting manual, because a) how hot is it for a girl to drive manual? and b) it also increases gas mileage and c) i HATE driving automatic unless i'm in the city. And the other big thing for me is durability, I want a car that will hold up, as this will probably be a car I have for a while. I KNOW hondas are great for that, but if anyone has any input about the durability of Mazdas, please let me know.

Thanks!!!!
Carly

[Mike]

funwise: mazda 6 v6 > accord v6 > accord 4-banger > mazda 6 4-banger

i've driven them all. i really don't like the mazda 4.

reliability: accord 4-banger, accord v6, mazdas.

the accord 6 has been notorious for auto transmission problems. since you're getting a manual, that's moot. a 4-cylinder has and always will be bulletproof. the mazda 6 isn't mazda's best car in terms of reliability, but it's not bad.

given the option, i'd buy the mazda 6. however, if it's in your budget, the 6-speed v6 accords from recent years are really nice.

[BtwnUsGrls]

thanks, that was helpful, I think its going to come down to a decision of if i want a fun car vs a reliable good car. I think the differences are small enough that either one will be a good buy.

[ScottyB]

welcome....i had a 2001 (6th gen) accord 5 speed (only available with the 4 cylinder) and it was a great car...owned it for 25k trouble free miles.

personally i'm biased but i'd think the honda would be a great car for you since you're looking at the 4 cyl/5 speed combo. have you also considered the newer 6 cyl/6 speed combos in the newer accords?

good luck with the search! let me know if you have any questions about 6th gen accords.

[white_2kgt]

I have a 2003 Mazda6 sports (v6) and have only had 1 problem, the drivers side power window switch which a TSB was released for and it was fixed for free. It's got over 76k on it now and still running fine. Accords are fucking boooooooooorrrrrrrrrrring.

[Mike]

i'd argue that a 4-banger accord is more enjoyable than a 4-banger m6. the v6 accord (w/ 6-speed) is a hell of a car too, but a bit pricier than the v6m6 so i'd go with the m6 if i were on a budget.

[white_2kgt]

i'd argue that a 4-banger accord is more enjoyable than a 4-banger m6. the v6 accord (w/ 6-speed) is a hell of a car too, but a bit pricier than the v6m6 so i'd go with the m6 if i were on a budget.

I would never buy anything with only 4 pistons, so I have no argument either way.

[jongp3]

I'm biased however you can't go wrong with the Honda, a good friend of mine has a 2005 Mazda 6, it was nice when it was new but the 3 years of age and 30k miles, its got its rattles and for being a 130lbs guy the cushion already seems "worn". This guy keeps his car clean though. He loves the car though, im just a tough critic on anything non-Honda.
He also had to get his whole motor replaced due to loose of oil pressure. I don't believe it was a defect, but fault of the place he got his oil changed at, they left off a special o-ring his car needed is all i know.
With all the after market support for Honda's you would have no problem making that car fun to drive. Get a 2dr 5spd EX, pro-kit springs, basic bolt ons and you'll have tons of fun with it.
For even more fun go with a 5th Gen Prelude, they can be found for 5-7k in great condition or if you have more money to work with an RSX.
My first car was actually a 1992 Accord EX 2 dr 5spd
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loved that car