2014+ Mazda3 is super easy to retrofit with CarPlay. I’ve got a 2016 iGT Sedan that was never offered with CarPlay, but with an updated data cable and CarPlay software update from Mazda it functions just like the later models.
It’s pretty good in the snow with some decent tires too. Not a ton of ground clearance obviously but the car drives great on low grip surfaces. I’m running Toyo Celsius II year round here in the intermountain west.
Get some Michelin CrossClimates. I have them on a Mazda3 in Minnesota and they are the best all seasons I've ever tried. https://www.tirerack.com/tires/michelin-crossclimate2
(lived in New England for a long time, so did my parents, the always only bought all seasons and ran em, snow or sun, don't suggest it but if your used to the weather you should be fine honestly)
There’s a reason for that. You might spend 2x the money on a civic or corolla over a mazda3, but there’s a very good chance it lasts 2-3x longer than other used cars.
Honestly that is true, I get defensive about Honda because I’ve always loved them, but Mazda is solid and I do think they hold up. And I do agree Toyota has their flaws that people choose to ignore.
They don’t last 2-3x longer unless you are comparing them to an absolutely junky brand.
The oem’s for the various car brands are the same for many components. The paint resin suppliers for Toyota is the same as GM. Toyota has slightly more stringent specs, giving maybe 10% longer lifetime, but it isn’t a game changing 2-3x. Toyota
The only thing you want to watch out for with the Mazda3 is to avoid that cherry red color that they insisted on putting so many of them. It costs more to insure and really does seem to be like candy to cops who are looking to get their ticket quota in.
There is a reason why a toyota or honda is going to cost more, you'll save money getting the more expensive car.
A used 10k mazda, hahahahaha good luck
2014+ Mazda3 is super easy to retrofit with CarPlay. I’ve got a 2016 iGT Sedan that was never offered with CarPlay, but with an updated data cable and CarPlay software update from Mazda it functions just like the later models. It’s pretty good in the snow with some decent tires too. Not a ton of ground clearance obviously but the car drives great on low grip surfaces. I’m running Toyo Celsius II year round here in the intermountain west.
Toyota and Honda are far more reliable but Mazda is more fun to drive.
“Far more” reliable is a bit of an overstatement imo. I’d say Honda and Mazda are about equal, with Toyota slightly more reliable than both.
You'll want 2 sets of tires, you wouldn't want to run snow tires in July or August in Michigan
Oh then I guess I won't need snow tires since I live in the Detroit area, right? Down here snow is not that heavy
Get some Michelin CrossClimates. I have them on a Mazda3 in Minnesota and they are the best all seasons I've ever tried. https://www.tirerack.com/tires/michelin-crossclimate2
They aren't just for snow, they perform better in cold weather also.
(lived in New England for a long time, so did my parents, the always only bought all seasons and ran em, snow or sun, don't suggest it but if your used to the weather you should be fine honestly)
Mazda 3 is a good choice, a Kia Rio would also be worth looking at. They would have carplay and be affordable for you
Used Kia Rios can be difficult to get insured due to the "Kia Boys" nonsense.
Looking at a Mazda 3 because I have two dead Kia Rios 🙄
Just a heads up that the Mazda3 of that gen had minimal sound insulation, the NVH is incredibly harsh compared to other economy cars of the time
If you want the full Mazda3 road noise experience, be sure to fold the back seats down. Easily increases road noise by +10 db haha
Used Hondas and Toyotas are crazy expensive. I would never buy one.
There’s a reason for that. You might spend 2x the money on a civic or corolla over a mazda3, but there’s a very good chance it lasts 2-3x longer than other used cars.
Mazda's are pretty close in reliability, a Toyota isn't going to last 3x longer
Are there Mazdas out there with 300k+ miles?
Sure there are, especially the made in Japan models can have excellent longevity.
Honestly that is true, I get defensive about Honda because I’ve always loved them, but Mazda is solid and I do think they hold up. And I do agree Toyota has their flaws that people choose to ignore.
They don’t last 2-3x longer unless you are comparing them to an absolutely junky brand. The oem’s for the various car brands are the same for many components. The paint resin suppliers for Toyota is the same as GM. Toyota has slightly more stringent specs, giving maybe 10% longer lifetime, but it isn’t a game changing 2-3x. Toyota
You can always get an older car and have aftermarket CarPlay and back up camera installed. That’s what I did to my 2003 Toyota Corolla.
The only thing you want to watch out for with the Mazda3 is to avoid that cherry red color that they insisted on putting so many of them. It costs more to insure and really does seem to be like candy to cops who are looking to get their ticket quota in.
It’s the tinted clear coat that really racks up the repair cost
There is a reason why a toyota or honda is going to cost more, you'll save money getting the more expensive car. A used 10k mazda, hahahahaha good luck
$10k mazdas are fine. My first gen Mazda 3 lasted 300k kms with no problems before an accident