Fluence or Mazda3 ?

savic04

Currently thinking of changing myself.

I have a 2010 Fluence TomTom 1.5, has been a great car on fuel and spec.. I also have a 07 focus as second car..

Anyway, getting a good deal from Renault to come up to RLInk top spec Fleuence, comparison to the new mazda 3 exec Se model, which although the List price is 2k more, the deal is working out 3k more..


Even though I like the mazda it isnt any bigger then fluence apart from engine (2.2 v 1.5 )
hard to say if i will ever see the 3k diff again..

Never has a mazda, anyone with experience good or bad ?

Stallingrad

savic04 wrote: »

Currently thinking of changing myself.

I have a 2010 Fluence TomTom 1.5, has been a great car on fuel and spec.. I also have a 07 focus as second car..

Anyway, getting a good deal from Renault to come up to RLInk top spec Fleuence, comparison to the new mazda 3 exec Se model, which although the List price is 2k more, the deal is working out 3k more..


Even though I like the mazda it isnt any bigger then fluence apart from engine (2.2 v 1.5 )
hard to say if i will ever see the 3k diff again..

Never has a mazda, anyone with experience good or bad ?

I think changing a 2010 Fluence for another is madness. The car is an aging design and Renault have far more exciting designs coming over the next few years. Your new Fluence will look very old hat a 2 years time.

savic04

Thats true too, i normally change every 3 years, left it 4 this time.

Least the Mazda 3 is a new model I guess.

MuppetCheck

I'd pay the extra for the Mazda. Price a few more dealers - It's a far, far superior car.

Lutecia

savic04 wrote: »

Currently thinking of changing myself.

I have a 2010 Fluence TomTom 1.5, has been a great car on fuel and spec.. I also have a 07 focus as second car..

Anyway, getting a good deal from Renault to come up to RLInk top spec Fleuence, comparison to the new mazda 3 exec Se model, which although the List price is 2k more, the deal is working out 3k more..


Even though I like the mazda it isnt any bigger then fluence apart from engine (2.2 v 1.5 )
hard to say if i will ever see the 3k diff again..

Never has a mazda, anyone with experience good or bad ?

3K is a bit stiff, but the 3 is pretty attractive, I would choose it over the Fluence if the difference was half of that. Facelift Fluence doesn't look bad (especially compared to a 2010) and this car seems to tick all the boxes (kit, economy, comfort, resale value) but doesn't have the X-factor!
Any feedback on quality/reliability on the Fluence ?

savic04

Have to say the 2010 Fluence TomTom has been a great buy, super spec and 5 year warranty.
The Fuel has been a real star average (city/long distance drive 5.3l/100km, motorway its often way less.....
Would never have bought a Renault in a million years but got a good deal on it and 5 year warranty so took a chance

Im thinking of keeping it as the second car and selling my focus instead, then going no trade in for a 2014
Insginia SC or Mazda 3 Exec SE, which i can get for same price (Insignia is a demo with 86km on it)

noelf

savic04 wrote: »

Have to say the 2010 Fluence TomTom has been a great buy, super spec and 5 year warranty.
The Fuel has been a real star average (city/long distance drive 5.3l/100km, motorway its often way less.....
Would never have bought ha Renault in a million years but got a good deal on it and 5 year warranty so took a chance

Im thinking of keeping it as the second car and selling my focus instead, then going no trade in for a 2014
Insginia SC or Mazda 3 Exec SE, which i can get for same price (Insignia is a demo with 86km on it)

One of the lads in work got the new Mazda 3 saloon great looking car with a excellent spec have it over a opel anyday. I'm waiting for a new golf to arrive so it will be interesting to see how much there worth in 2017 !

savic04

My only gripe with new Mazda is the size. Its a lot smaller then Insignia, spec is fairly the same... couple of things diff on each one. Fuel consumption is pretty similar to new model insignia too, so overall its fairly similar.

Insigina is bigger car with more expensive list RRP price too so seems a far better deal, that i can get both for more or less the same price.
I would imagine in 3 years time or 4 years time it will prob be worth more on trade in

Always liked the Insginia design actually, nice looking car but do agree the Mazda 3 is a nice looking car, personally think th Mazda is overpriced for a mid segment saloon

MuppetCheck

The insignia will be a replaced car in 3 years time, it's not a particularly decent spec and they are common. If the current generation Mazda diesel turns out to be reliable it will be a more sought after car on the used market than the Insignia. Opel have a high RRP but they like to discount, I'd be shocked if 10% dicount wasn't easily the norm on a new Insignia.

It is a car from the class above too - a direct comparison would be the Mazda 6 which will be quite expensive for the new model.

savic04

MuppetCheck wrote: »

The insignia will be a replaced car in 3 years time, it's not a particularly decent spec and they are common. If the current generation Mazda diesel turns out to be reliable it will be a more sought after car on the used market than the Insignia. Opel have a high RRP but they like to discount, I'd be shocked if 10% dicount wasn't easily the norm on a new Insignia.

It is a car from the class above too - a direct comparison would be the Mazda 6 which will be quite expensive for the new model.

Yeah I realise 2017 new insignia will be out alright. But as you say it's like Mazda 6 for Mazda 3 price at the moment and for next few years. I really like the new Mazda and up to yday my mind was made up But think Opel deal is prob better overall and has just as good a spec so my mind has changed ha

For Forks Sake

To the one person who registered a 2014 Aston Martin, I salute you.

Anyone spotted it on the roads?

Bigus

For Forks Sake wrote: »

To the one person who registered a 2014 Aston Martin, I salute you.

Anyone spotted it on the roads?

Yeah it's an iQ in drag.

















only jokin

bs2014

For Forks Sake wrote: »

To the one person who registered a 2014 Aston Martin, I salute you.

Anyone spotted it on the roads?

Anyone know which dealership this is on as a demo, I might need to call in for a test drive!!:pac:

Zubeneschamali

For Forks Sake wrote: »

To the one person who registered a 2014 Aston Martin, I salute you.

Anyone spotted it on the roads?

It's just back at the dealer to get a few niggles sorted, should be back on the road for a day or two in August.

galwaytt

Zubeneschamali wrote: »

It's just back at the dealer to get a few niggles sorted, should be back on the road for a day or two in August.

...dpf removal and solid flywheel kit, yeah ? :pac:


back to question about the Fluence vs Mazda 3: mmm, I don't think the Mazda is worth 3k more. Look at the difference in 3 years time and the Mazda will look expensive.

Mazda diesels can be a bit of a mixed bag - but the Renault you already know about. Renault dealer might fold on some hard bargaining if he thinks you're moving away and make the difference even bigger than 3k, which would make the Mazda un-buyable really. If Renault had an ex-demo Fluence you'd get buy it even better.......just an idea.

Tea 1000

galwaytt wrote: »

...dpf removal and solid flywheel kit, yeah ? :pac:


back to question about the Fluence vs Mazda 3: mmm, I don't think the Mazda is worth 3k more. Look at the difference in 3 years time and the Mazda will look expensive.

Mazda diesels can be a bit of a mixed bag - but the Renault you already know about. Renault dealer might fold on some hard bargaining if he thinks you're moving away and make the difference even bigger than 3k, which would make the Mazda un-buyable really. If Renault had an ex-demo Fluence you'd get buy it even better.......just an idea.

Completely disagree. The Fluence is a very ordinary car and looks a bit dated already. Not that nice to drive, and doesn't hold it's value well at all. And the fact that he already has one is another reason not to spend money on another.
Mazda 3 or keep what you have are the only two options in my opinion.

galwaytt

Tea 1000 wrote: »

Completely disagree. The Fluence is a very ordinary car and looks a bit dated already. Not that nice to drive, and doesn't hold it's value well at all. And the fact that he already has one is another reason not to spend money on another.
Mazda 3 or keep what you have are the only two options in my opinion.

You're missing the point: he has one, and is happy with it. He's wondering if the Mazda is worth 3k more. With Mazda's diesel 'history' and the premium involved, imho it's not worth it. That makes no comment or reflection on the Renault, only the Mazda.

JohnBoy26

Tea 1000 wrote: »

Completely disagree. The Fluence is a very ordinary car and looks a bit dated already. Not that nice to drive, and doesn't hold it's value well at all. And the fact that he already has one is another reason not to spend money on another.
Mazda 3 or keep what you have are the only two options in my opinion.

Mazda are hardly great for holding their value either though.

Nixer Jim

The Mazda Thread ....

R.O.R

Over 3 or 4 years, with reasonable mileage, I'd value a new Mazda 3 saloon at €3,000 or more, than the equivalent Fluence.

As long as the new Skyactive Diesel's don't give issues like the previous diesels, it would be a cheaper car to own and run.

Tea 1000

galwaytt wrote: »

You're missing the point: he has one, and is happy with it. He's wondering if the Mazda is worth 3k more. With Mazda's diesel 'history' and the premium involved, imho it's not worth it. That makes no comment or reflection on the Renault, only the Mazda.

I'm not really missing the point. Mazda's diesel history is blown out of proportion. Renaults reliability history isn't, if it's history we're looking at.
It is a 3k better car as much as any other car is x much better than y, whether the owner will notice is another story.
If he's happy with his current Fluence then it's a bit wasteful spending money on another one.

JohnBoy26

Tea 1000 wrote: »

I'm not really missing the point. Mazda's diesel history is blown out of proportion. Renaults reliability history isn't, if it's history we're looking at.
It is a 3k better car as much as any other car is x much better than y, whether the owner will notice is another story.
If he's happy with his current Fluence then it's a bit wasteful spending money on another one.

It certainly is not!!. Mazda have made terrible diesel engines in the last ten years. The 2.0 diesel in the 6 is one of, if not the worst diesel engine around. The 2.2 isn't much better.

The diesel fitted to the 3 is a 1.6 hdi pug unit which isn't exactly renowned for it's reliability either.

Tbh mazda haven't made a truly reliable diesel engine since the 626 era.

savic04

Yeah wouldnt keep two fluence, its grand for second car, just orig thought 3k was a bit much of a differance , mazda arent exactly AUDI/BMW


would pay 3k over the Fluence on new one though as its a new model etc


Since then I've dealt with Opel and getting a good deal on the new spec/engine insignia which is about same money give or take a few hundred over the mazda 3.. so prob go with that

Think new M3 is a lovely car and great spec, but I think they have overpriced it for the size of the actual car segment its based in

lomb

The Mazda 3 already looks dated. Def not worth the asking imo and depreciation will be very steep.

Big Nasty

Eh, how about a separate Opel v Mazda thread lads?

ba_barabus

Big Nasty wrote: »

Eh, how about a separate Opel v Mazda thread lads?

Aye +1

colm_mcm

Done

Old diesel

Would new Octavia be any good for you OP???

Peugeot 308 - new model - might be worth a look as well - but given the comments in the tread may be too small for you???.

If you like the Insignia size of car - it might be worth seeing what deals can be got on a Mondeo - have they stopped selling the current model here yet???

Might get a decent deal if not - because it is due for replacement - and generally the outgoing Mondeo has been considered a superior car to the Insignia.

Personally on a Mondeo id have the 2.0 diesel rather then the 1.6 - they are a BIG car.

Best of luck with whatever you choose to buy.

Jesus.

savic04 wrote: »

My only gripe with new Mazda is the size. Its a lot smaller then Insignia.....Insigina is bigger car

To be fair, there's nothing wrong with its size for a compact Saloon. A comparison with the Insignia is unfair as its from the next Segment up.

Maybe you should at the 6?

galwaytt

Tea 1000 wrote: »

I'm not really missing the point. Mazda's diesel history is blown out of proportion. Renaults reliability history isn't, if it's history we're looking at.
It is a 3k better car as much as any other car is x much better than y, whether the owner will notice is another story.
If he's happy with his current Fluence then it's a bit wasteful spending money on another one.

You're going to have to defer to peoples experiences of the Renault and the Mazda tbh.
OP says the Renault has been reliable and he's happy with it. (and I've owned 3).
I, and many others, can relate the opposite stories about Mazda diesel's. (btdt).

The Mazda diesel is not proven to be a better car. You're going on Mazda's petrol history - which is excellent (and I still have one).

It's a €3k gamble at best, more if it turns out to follow the path of it's predecessors.

Tea 1000

JohnBoy26 wrote: »

It certainly is not!!. Mazda have made terrible diesel engines in the last ten years. The 2.0 diesel in the 6 is one of, if not the worst diesel engine around. The 2.2 isn't much better.

The diesel fitted to the 3 is a 1.6 hdi pug unit which isn't exactly renowned for it's reliability either.

Tbh mazda haven't made a truly reliable diesel engine since the 626 era.

It's just the 2 litre in the 6 that was the big issue, and that wasn't a guaranteed problem either. The 2.2 is much better, despite what you may like to believe.

savic04 wrote: »

Yeah wouldnt keep two fluence, its grand for second car, just orig thought 3k was a bit much of a differance , mazda arent exactly AUDI/BMW


would pay 3k over the Fluence on new one though as its a new model etc


Since then I've dealt with Opel and getting a good deal on the new spec/engine insignia which is about same money give or take a few hundred over the mazda 3.. so prob go with that

Think new M3 is a lovely car and great spec, but I think they have overpriced it for the size of the actual car segment its based in

As pointed out, it's the same price as a Golf more or less. A Golf is no more worth 3k over a Fluence than a Mazda 3 is. And in my opinion, both are.

lomb wrote: »

The Mazda 3 already looks dated. Def not worth the asking imo and depreciation will be very steep.

:rolleyes: Daft statement from a Mk 4 Golf fan.

Tea 1000

galwaytt wrote: »

You're going to have to defer to peoples experiences of the Renault and the Mazda tbh.
OP says the Renault has been reliable and he's happy with it. (and I've owned 3).
I, and many others, can relate the opposite stories about Mazda diesel's. (btdt).

The Mazda diesel is not proven to be a better car. You're going on Mazda's petrol history - which is excellent (and I still have one).

It's a €3k gamble at best, more if it turns out to follow the path of it's predecessors.

You'll have to defer also then. I had a problem free Mazda 2 litre diesel for well over 100k miles. My mate also, for over 160k miles. Look at the unblown-up ones for sale here and the UK.
On the other hand, Renault really are coming from behind regarding reliability, and it'll take more than 1 reliable Fluence to pull them out of that hole.
Besides, my point was that the Mazda 2 litre diesel has a poor reputation, as has ALL Renaults from the same era and beyond. So we either go by history and stay away from anything that was once reliable or we use a bit of reason and judgement.
The 2.2 D was a modified 2 litre engine and was by and large sound, with a very small percentage of issues. This one is all new. To assume it's as bad as previous is just as silly as assuming that all new Renaults are as bad as their previous stuff, which were more than just engine problems!
Also, there is more to a car than it's engine, and that's why I said that the Mazda 3 IS a better car than the Fluence, in all the ways that you can measurably define. If you have concerns about reliability, then the Warranty will take care of those for the OP.

Old diesel

In fairness though - Renault HAVE it seems really picked up their act since 08 - and in fact I believe they WERE STARTING to make progress even during the Laguna II run - as it seems later Laguna IIs (post 05 facelift) were quite a bit better.

Think someone on here or another forum - actually produced german reliability stats to shgw that 06 was a year in which Renault started progressing reliability stats - a chap by the user name of Brian D3 I think.

There are of course other alternative cars for the OP to consider - Pug 308 (possibly too small - but theres an estate coming soon), Octavia, Mondeo (OP is interested in the Insignia, new model Civic (maybe a bit expensive), Seat Leon - and theres also the new Auris to consider - from what I can see its a step forward from the old model.

Most Irish test reports ive read seem to rate the new Toyota Corolla highly - personally im not keen - but it could be a perfectly good car for the OP.

Skoda Yeti is also worth a look - not sure how it would suit the OP - but its very highly regarded by both owners and the press - and may be worth a look.

personally though - if I were OP and was happy with the Insignia size - id consider the Mondeo instead.

Yeti may be a good compromise though in terms of size and room - hence why ive suggested it

Best of luck anyway OP

Guy:Incognito

Jesus. wrote: »

. A comparison with the Insignia is unfair as its from the next Segment up.

Which just shows how bad Mazda's prices are if it's working out the same price. They seem to think they are a luxury brand.

MuppetCheck

The Mazda is offering more than the Fluence for the price - a larger and more powerful engine being the main thing. Maybe if the Mazda had an entry level diesel like the fluence has the price difference would not be the issue.

You're getting a much more capable car with the Mazda but it's €3k more. In a situation like that you'd need to decide whether the money is worth it for more power, much nicer interior (the Fluence feels like 1988 inside) and better looks.

Old diesel

MuppetCheck wrote: »

The Mazda is offering more than the Fluence for the price - a larger and more powerful engine being the main thing. Maybe if the Mazda had an entry level diesel like the fluence has the price difference would not be the issue.

You're getting a much more capable car with the Mazda but it's €3k more. In a situation like that you'd need to decide whether the money is worth it for more power, much nicer interior (the Fluence feels like 1988 inside) and better looks.

Seen a video review of the 3 - from a Uk reviewer - and she seemed to imply there was a 1.6 diesel coming .

Assuming shes correct - I imagine we can safely assume that WILL come to Ireland.

JohnBoy26

Tea 1000 wrote: »

It's just the 2 litre in the 6 that was the big issue, and that wasn't a guaranteed problem either. The 2.2 is much better, despite what you may like to believe.

Nah the 2.2 isn't much better than the 2.0, "despite what you may believe". As I said Mazda haven't made a diesel with decent reliability in years.

Mazda don't make the 1.6 diesel in the 3. It a psa unit that doesn't have a great track record in reliability itself. the newer generation of this engine is said to be improved though, but it's still a bit too early to tell yet.

savic04

The Mazda v Fluence debate has long ended

Just dont think the Mazda dealers are going the extra mile for the deal in comparison to Opel/Renault/Toyota

I want to change but was open minded with not much in my mind, seen the Mazda 3 and liked it, like the 2.2 engine etc
but then with a deal from opel dealer who I know, i can get Insignia for same money, that deal looks the one


cheers for the help !!

noelf

savic04 wrote: »

The Mazda v Fluence debate has long ended

Just dont think the Mazda dealers are going the extra mile for the deal in comparison to Opel/Renault/Toyota

I want to change but was open minded with not much in my mind, seen the Mazda 3 and liked it, like the 2.2 engine etc
but then with a deal from opel dealer who I know, i can get Insignia for same money, that deal looks the one


cheers for the help !!

Wishing you all the best with your new opel op I guess mazda feel they can get top dollar for a brand new car.

Old diesel

savic04 wrote: »

The Mazda v Fluence debate has long ended

Just dont think the Mazda dealers are going the extra mile for the deal in comparison to Opel/Renault/Toyota

I want to change but was open minded with not much in my mind, seen the Mazda 3 and liked it, like the 2.2 engine etc
but then with a deal from opel dealer who I know, i can get Insignia for same money, that deal looks the one


cheers for the help !!

The ex demo one mentioned earlier???.

Not an Insignia expert - but one thing to note is that the Insignia was facelifted recently.

Obviously if the one your looking to do a deal on is a facelift then happy days - but something worth checking imo.

Assuming your not anti Ford a Mondeo may be worth a look too - although I do understand completely wanting to deal with someone you know and trust.

Id also take a decent test drive in an Insignia before commiting to one - I will openly admit to never having driven one myself - but from hearing from those who have - the Insignia really splits opinion.

Some people love them - but others hate them.

They are a very nice looking car it has to be said in all fairness

Best of luck anyway

savic04

Old diesel wrote: »

The ex demo one mentioned earlier???.

Not an Insignia expert - but one thing to note is that the Insignia was facelifted recently.

Obviously if the one your looking to do a deal on is a facelift then happy days - but something worth checking imo.

Assuming your not anti Ford a Mondeo may be worth a look too - although I do understand completely wanting to deal with someone you know and trust.

Id also take a decent test drive in an Insignia before commiting to one - I will openly admit to never having driven one myself - but from hearing from those who have - the Insignia really splits opinion.

Some people love them - but others hate them.

They are a very nice looking car it has to be said in all fairness

Best of luck anyway

It's a brand new insignia and the newer engine/facelift one. Have driven it before and liked it. The Mazda would be little better drive buts it's a smaller car using a slightly larger/better engine so it would.

Looked at current Mondeo but new one due out end of year here so don't want to be driving an old model after a year. New insignia isn't due til 2017ish

Old diesel

savic04 wrote: »

It's a brand new insignia and the newer engine/facelift one. Have driven it before and liked it. The Mazda would be little better drive buts it's a smaller car using a slightly larger/better engine so it would.

Looked at current Mondeo but new one due out end of year here so don't want to be driving an old model after a year. New insignia isn't due til 2017ish

Good stuff - best of luck with your Insignia

Jesus.

savic04 wrote: »

It's a brand new insignia and the newer engine/facelift one. Have driven it before and liked it.

How fast is it?

savic04

Jesus. wrote: »

How fast is it?

It's very responsive .. I'm only going for the 140bhp engine, mazda3 is 155

Not a huge diff

sawdoubters

Fluence or Mazda3

http://ksa.yallamotor.com/new-cars/compare/renault-fluence-2013-785-vs-mazda-3-2012-484

Tea 1000

JohnBoy26 wrote: »

Nah the 2.2 isn't much better than the 2.0, "despite what you may believe".

Ya, it is actually.

JohnBoy26 wrote: »

Mazda don't make the 1.6 diesel in the 3. It a psa unit that doesn't have a great track record in reliability itself. the newer generation of this engine is said to be improved though, but it's still a bit too early to tell yet.

That's a moot point considering Mazda don't use it anymore.