Looking for a quality used small car? It’s hard to go past the Mazda3 or Toyota Corolla.
The Mazda3’s attractive blend or style and practicality made it an instant hit in 2004 when it replaced the 323, and its proven reliability makes it a great a choice for used-car buyers today. Available in sedan and hatchback, as well as sporty variants, the Mazda3 isn’t the cheapest second-hand car in the market and it can take patience to track down a good example. Few Mazdas went to fleets or to the car rental market and most were (and still are) in the hands of private buyers that typically keep their vehicles longer or pass them down to family members.
Early examples – with mileage closer to 200,000km than 100,000km – range in price from $3000 to $5000 for the base Neo. In early 2009, an all-new BL model, with revised mechanicals was released, and with prices between $6000 and $8000 for the base model (average around 120,000km on the clock), it’s an ideal starting point.
Corollas, on the other hand, are everywhere, with 1.36 million sold here the nameplates debut in 1967. One in five Toyotas sold in Australia is a Corolla and their reliability means there are still many used examples on our roads.
It is also available in sedan or hatch, with the latter being vastly more popular. The Corolla did have sporty versions, but, unlike the Mazda3 – where the sports models offered better performance – sporty Corollas like the ZR are more about enhanced looks, with body kits and alloys rather than extra get-up-and-go under the bonnet. Corollas from 2004 follow the Mazda3 in price, and entry-level Ascent models are in the $3000 to $5000 range. In 2007, the ZRE150 series introduced, complete with a new 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine and six-speed transmission. This model would be a good starting point, especially the facelifted 2010 models that had seven airbags standard. Corollas from this period were subject to an airbag recall, so it’s important to check that the model you’re looking at has had their repair performed. Buyers can visit recalls.toyota.com.au to see if the vehicle is affected. The 2009 Ascent model ranges between $5000 and $7000, which is slightly cheaper than an equivalent Mazda3. The Mazda’s better quality and interior finishes set it apart from the Corolla, and used models seem to have held up well against the ravages of time.
Mazda’s 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine is extremely reliable, with good power and torque outputs. Transmissions are five-speed manual or more popular four-speed automatic. The auto was replaced with a five-speed in 2009, and all are similarly bulletproof. The same can be said about the Corolla’s 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine; despite being smaller in capacity, it gives little away in performance and has the edge in fuel consumption. The Mazda comes with a space-saver spare wheel, which won’t impress country drivers, but at least it’s a better option than an inflation kit.
Which one do I buy?
What makes these two vehicles so appealing is that virtually nothing goes wrong with them mechanically – the caveat is that servicing records need to be up-to-date and have been performance at a reputable service centre. Think twice if a car has no servicing records, as there are plenty to choose from that have them. Look for one that’s only had a couple of owners and avoid ones that have changed hands regularly. When both models were new, running and repair costs favoured the Corolla by a fair margin. Mazda recommended servicing every six months on its models and the tyres were more performance orientated, making them more expensive to replace. Corollas generally have lower insurance premiums, too.
Even the best models can have faults, and you still need to be thorough when looking around. Check for accident damage: opaque headlamps on one or both sides be a telltale sign the car has had been in a collision and that cheap parts were used in the repair. Any dampness on the plastic tray under the engine could indicate an oil leak, and check the rubber boots on the outer end of the driveshafts – if they’re split, they’ll require replacement.
Always seek a car with the fewest kilometres, even if the price is higher. Remember, the list price on a used vehicle is almost always negotiable. The Mazda3 probably wins out in style, but the Corolla is slightly better on the hip pocket.
