My girlfriend is/HAS to buy a new car. Her's is falling apart, literally. She's torn between a Hyundai Tiburon and a Mazda 3. Here's what she's getting:

Tiburon:
Leather Interior
138hp 2.0L DOHC 4cyl
AM/FM/CD/MP3 6 speaker.
10L/100km hwy

Mazda 3:
Leather Interior
150 HP 2.0L DOHC 4cyl
AM/FM/CD/Sattelite 4 Speaker
8.1L/100Km

Both stick.

The cars are comparable. Main difference is the 2 door. Anyone have any input on this? I want her to get the Mazda 3, because it's a freekin nice car to drive under 22,000. She wants the Tiburon because of the 2 door sporty look, however insurance will KILL her for it.

Both the same price for leasing (roughly, give or take $20-40).

My brother-in-law has the Mazda 3 GT GFX sedan (2.3L) and it's a very well built car and an all around good package. For what it is, performance, handling, reliability and fuel economy are very good. I personally like the styling, it just needs more offset to make the wheels stick out more. His was one of the first in Canada and the only real factory flaw was the passanger airbag sensor. He has 90K on it now and is due for his first set of brakes all around (surprisingly the rears are more worn than the fronts). The seats are nice, although I feel they could have done a better job on the sound system, to me it lacks crispness.

Have you and her driven them? The Mazda is a really nice drive. Quick steering, handles nicely without being too firm. The Tiburon on the other hand is pretty harsh, feels heavy, and to me just doesn't seem like it handles very well (in my opinion).

Sure, the Tiburon looks nice, but if you take looks out of it it really has nothing on the Mazda 3.

Never driven a Tib but I am driving a 06 M3 Sport right now and I love it, awesome all round car, I have no real complaints at all...

Matt

What happened to the Saturn Redline Ryan?

Between the two? The Mazda3 would be the one to go for. Better investment.

More room, great looks and more power. Better resale value. If it was a Tiburon GT V6, it'd be a harder choice, but with their theft ratio?

That, and there's some good deals on Mazda's right now. Their resale value probably won't match what they predict, though.

After the numbers were put out, WAY over her priceline.

We did drive the Mazda 3. It was a nice drive, and Sam was really impressed. We haven't driven the Tiburon yet. But yes, from what I have heard the theft ratio and the ride are rough.

I'll go for Mazda 3. Drive better, better realiability, and you've mentioned, better gas mileage.

If she wants the look, I honestly think there are other choices over the Tiburon.

My gf will be getting her dad's Mazda 3 shortly. They are quite peppy and handle really well, I was impressed by the power it had. Plus I think the interior looks cool. I'd go with the Mazda, I beat a Tiburon with my wastegate arm off of the wastegate flapper. I know speed isn't the issue but come on that just sucks, the Mazda feels quite powerful.

I'm a mazda fan.
If I remember correctly, their suspension is based on the MIATA, MX3, and ford focus. That would explain the good handling.

I also believe they hold their value much better. I sold a 92 mx-3 GS stock last year for $3500. It had over 220 K and was runnning fine.

Tiburon is nice but I'm seeing a trend here....

Mazda 3, Mazda 3, Mazda 3.....Not because I sell them......the reason why i sell them, is because i Love Them.....

1)looks
2)Value
3)Insurance rates
4)Handling
5)Power
6)Reliability
7)resale value
8)MADE IN JAPAN
9)MADE IN JAPAN

I think we're all leaning Mazda 3. I vote for the Mazda too. I drove my friends Mazda 3 and I thought it was great. I have also driven a tib and felt kind of uncomfortable in it.
My two cents

before my Talon I owned a V6 Tib. Right now my mommy drives a Mazda 3. Both are very nice cars to drive. Personally I think the Tib is nicer looking. However, I would imagine you will have far fewer troubles with the Mazda.

Try a Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart, I think its better than both the Mazda and the Hyundai. Plus it has a tremendous warranty and 0% financing.

Still the Mazda 3. It is a very well built car.

The Lancer just isn't as well put together.

If you are going for a small four door take that Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart out for a spin.

I've drivin every mazda (I work at a dealership) and the mazda 3 is alot of fun. Theyre also coming out with a mazdaspeed 3, which should be here by august?

^^^

I heard about the Mazdaspeed 3. Same engine that's in the speed 6 but on a smaller car. The speed6 is not going to be produced in '07, so I've been told.

What's the Ralliart like for $$$$???

I think they start at $21-$22 grand to start.

But don't forget 0% financing and Mitsu's have a 10 year warranty. Thats impressive.