I have three old cars that I've had to work on literally every night and some days for the past three weeks straights. I'm exhausted. I've always owned older vehicles, but I need a break. I'm a minimalist who really hates how heavy most modern vehicles are. I also need a practical, inexpensive car. So the Mazda2 seems like it might be a good choice.
My main concern is reliability. If I'm going to put grown-up money down on a car, it damn well be something that doesn't F-up very often. After all, that's what I'm trying to get away from! I know they're new (to the U.S. market anyway), but I haven't heard positive things about Fiesta/Mazda2 reliability. Specifically, J.D. Power gave the 2011 model poor marks and Car & Driver's recently completed long-term test car had more issues than a new car should. So ... what do you all think? How have your Mazda2's been to live with? Did the quality of the 2012 models improve over the 2011 models? Are there any particular weak areas of this car in terms of durability?
Also, FWIW, I would be picking up a 2 with a 5-speed manual -- probably a Sport, unless I get a great deal on a Touring. I also autocross 3-4 times a year and do an occasional track day. Not sure if any of this matters. ...
So, is this the car for me? I really don't want to become a Honda Fit owner. ...
My main concern is reliability. If I'm going to put grown-up money down on a car, it damn well be something that doesn't F-up very often. After all, that's what I'm trying to get away from! I know they're new (to the U.S. market anyway), but I haven't heard positive things about Fiesta/Mazda2 reliability. Specifically, J.D. Power gave the 2011 model poor marks and Car & Driver's recently completed long-term test car had more issues than a new car should. So ... what do you all think? How have your Mazda2's been to live with? Did the quality of the 2012 models improve over the 2011 models? Are there any particular weak areas of this car in terms of durability?
Also, FWIW, I would be picking up a 2 with a 5-speed manual -- probably a Sport, unless I get a great deal on a Touring. I also autocross 3-4 times a year and do an occasional track day. Not sure if any of this matters. ...
So, is this the car for me? I really don't want to become a Honda Fit owner. ...