Mazda or VW? | TheaterFire

[-]

ActuallyStark@reddit

So the fact that you're looking to lease kind of throws most arguments out the window. for example, VW is usually a little more expensive to repair when needed, but you'll be covered under warranty and so most "cost of owning" issues will not really be an issue. Mazda usually has longevity issues by comparison to VW, but you'll be turning them in before then.

I always buy used, and always do my own repairs/maintenance. I have owned 2 Mazdas (3 if you count the pickup 35 years ago, but I don't) and something like a dozen VW/Audis (have kids who drive). The Mazdas were definitely easier to repair, but CONSTANTLY needed it. the VW could pop an error light for something small and continue to run perfectly until I could get around to fixing it. If you add up all the miles on all the VW group cars I've owned (and kids, parents, etc) I'm nearing 1.5 million miles. The fit and finish is better, the ride is better... the dealers in my experience are more accomodating...

I've had friends who have switched from Mazda to VW out of sheer exasperation, but also friends that have dumped VW for Toyota, etc... bottom line is that you'll always hear some "car guy" tell you that x brand is trash, and the common misconception out there is that german cars are hard to work on. ALL brands have their trash... and german cars got WAY easier to work on after about 2006-- so anyone that tells you this hasn't done it since the '90s.

Agree with other comments on the TAOS.. stay away.

Best thing I can tell you as a "non-car-person" is look at the platform not the model... manufacturers use one platform to make several different cars.. things like a Tiguan, an A4, A5, passat, jetta, Q5, etc all share a lot of components... look at the overall reliability of the platform, and you'll find the best car. Every model has that one thing that someone got burned on and will throw the brand off forever with "x broke!!! NEVER AGAIN!!!".

But to reiterate.. it's a lease... it really won't matter much.

[-]

jogafooty10@reddit

What do you think about the golf R?

[-]

ActuallyStark@reddit

I think it's one of the most amazingly balanced cars ever produced. Great daily while an absolute riot on a track, comfortable to ride in and one of the most telepathically communicative cars I've ever driven.

It's made for sensible people who aren't dead inside.

[-]

seamusoldfield@reddit

Excellent advice.

[-]

nortonj3@reddit

the VWs are a LOT more fun. if you're going to be driving it, don't you want it to be fun? The best advice about women I've ever heard was from a song. it's something like 'girls just wanna have fun'

[-]

OverComedian4222@reddit

Mazda for both, honestly just as someone who has worked on cars for a while, I would not recommend getting a Jetta. With this being said a Honda Civic would also be great option along with the Mazda 3. If you want to move one step up in size the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Kia K5 and Hyundai Sonata are all great options. For families I also highly recommend checking out a Kia Carnival. If you are looking for optional AWD I would have to recommend the Mazda 3, Toyota Camry, and Volvo S60. If you Husband is just really dead set on having a Volkswagen I would have to recommend an Audi A4 2.0T with a couple years on it.

[-]

OverComedian4222@reddit

Now this is subjective but I can also give you my list of my favorite SUV’s on the market under 50k

Toyota Highlander, Nissan Pathfinder, Mazda CX-9, Buick Enclave & Ford Bronco

Hyundai Santa Fe, Palisade & Tucson Kia Sportage, Telluride, & Sorrento

My top option is definitely a Kia Carnival for the money though. Again if you are really deadset on the VW the Audi Q3 can be a great option for you which removes any pesky build quality issues. When Considering a Kia and Hyundai, please chose the one that is cheapest or has the best lease options, they are the same car different badges.

[-]

Walksuphills@reddit

I am on my 3rd VW. I am just about at 100K miles on my 2018 Tiguan with no mechanical issues, so I tend to think reliability concerns are overblown, particularly with a lease. I did lease my two previous VW’s, both Jettas before I got the Tiguan, and had a good experience. I really like the comfort and control layout of VW compared to other cars I’ve driven, including a Mazda3 I test drove. A lot of this might be down to personal preference, since I also like Nissans, and it sounds like you don’t. But for leasing I wouldn’t shy away from VW.

[-]

OverComedian4222@reddit

Not going to lie VW’s kept the shop I was working at kept us in business through Covid with minor repairs. There is very little wrong with the actual mechanical reliability of these cars, but build quality is the worst in the industry along with Tesla. These minor repairs do add up also over the years, so if I am advising this person to get the best car for their money there are better options in the price range, especially when some come with AWD at that price.

[-]

bluemagman@reddit

Mazda all day. Get the red, most beautiful color. VW sux on quality, and you need too many special tools to repair.

[-]

aquatone61@reddit

And Mazda doesn’t have special tools? LOL , every brand does. If you go to a shop that doesn’t work on German cars of course they won’t have the tools.

[-]

Departure_Sea@reddit

Never needed any special tools for my Mazda 3.

[-]

aquatone61@reddit

By special I hope you don’t mean torx bits.

[-]

bluemagman@reddit

I fix all kinds of cars, vw is the worst. I'll have a Mazda. Check out the new SP.

[-]

WingForeign8517@reddit

Invest in a consumer reports online membership and see their car ratings. They’re incredibly accurate

[-]

Hot_Block_9675@reddit

No need, it's available publicly:

Who Makes the Most Reliable New Cars? - Consumer Reports

[-]

WingForeign8517@reddit

Not at all, i have the subscription, you dont. You can see the forest but not the trees with your link. You get waaay more details about your potential $40,000 purchase. The crash safety test ratings, overall good/bad features, and detailed descriptions of many more features. Are the AC controls intuitive? Is the suspension any good to your liking? What good does it do you if you know Toyota makes good vehicles and you end up buying a lemon model Tundra or Corolla? Good car companies, even the best, absolutely shit the bed sometimes

[-]

Hot_Block_9675@reddit

Granted, once a decision on brand is made a more in depth probe is needed, and CR has been doing that for a loooooooong time. Worth every penny.

I'm always stunned how incredibly cavalier people are toward making one of the biggest purchases in their lifetime.

When I buy a used car I insist the seller provide me with a Chevron Lube Watch oil analyses. This is AFTER they show me maintenance logs and they look genuine.

I pay for his oil change at a facility of MY choosing along with the $25.00 analyses - but the analysis is my property - unless they want to buy it from me. This is also the perfect time for me to do an under carriage inspection - usually at no extra charge by tipping(!) the Manager a Jackson for letting me poke around with a high powered headlamp. Win or lose the seller gets a free oil change in the deal. If they won't agree upfront to both I walk. We part as friends. That simple.

I like the saying "Trust, yet verify." :-)

[-]

WingForeign8517@reddit

Yep, good call on the oil analysis

[-]

Particular_Quiet_435@reddit

For the price, neither offers what Tesla does with the Model 3 or Model Y: better efficiency, top safety ratings, better performance, Autopilot, a great sound system, a better security system, built-in dashcam, remote preconditioning... all standard. Federal incentives come off the purchase price if you qualify.

[-]

Hot_Block_9675@reddit

PLEASE ignore all the expurts here. It's a waste of time getting their opinions. Like that old saying "opinions are like assholes - everyone has one". Unfortunately most posters on Reddit have two assholes, one on each end.

Data doesn't lie and here's a sample of over 330,000...

This also proves you're a LOT smarter than your husband. :-)

Who Makes the Most Reliable New Cars? - Consumer Reports

[-]

KlammFromTheCastle@reddit

VW reliability issues are wildly overstated online. They are excellent cars.

[-]

Hot_Block_9675@reddit

Here's what a sample over 330,000 says about that. Data doesn't lie. VW is at the bottom of the barrel.

Who Makes the Most Reliable New Cars? - Consumer Reports

[-]

moshmore@reddit

I recently got a 2025 Jetta S (Base). And i honestly really like the thing. As others have said you should test drive all of your choices but i am really liking the VW. If i don t have any major issues id be more than willing to step into a future Taos or tiguan.

It's alot more quiet than I expected for the price and more fuel efficient than I anticipated as well. Wireless Android Auto/Apple Car Play has been great as well. I only have 600 miles on the darn thing but I'd be lying if I said I didn't love it.

I'll know more about the reliability in a few years, but as others have said you'll be leasing so that's not much of an issue.

I would have considered the madza3, but my ex had one and I hated the blindspots and "cramped" feeling of the interior. And also don't like the look of the rear end.

I can't speak on either brands SUVs since I've never been in one.

Good luck!

[-]

aquatone61@reddit

I wouldn’t do a Taos but the other VW’s are okay.

[-]

SativaShelly@reddit (OP)

Why not the Taos?

[-]

aquatone61@reddit

They have been having issues with the engines in them needing head gaskets, it may have been fixed by now as it was an issue with earlier production vehicles.

[-]

proscreations1993@reddit

He's leasing so it really doesn't matter. It's not his problem lol

[-]

aquatone61@reddit

Well, when head gaskets are on back order for long periods of time and you can’t get a loaner from a dealer and you are still making payments it becomes a problem pretty quickly. Not personal experience but it’s happened.

[-]

TheStig827@reddit

That engine isn't only in the Taos... The TSI Evo is available in most VWs and probably has the same head gasket issue.

[-]

maybach320@reddit

As someone who doesn’t like either brand, Mazda if you think you might keep it after the lease. That being said if you’re going to stick with leasing and don’t plan on buying it after the lease it doesn’t matter that much and VW might have the better lease prices.

[-]

jibaro1953@reddit

Mazda

[-]

drewskiguitar@reddit

First things first: Comfort and taste are subjective, so please go on long test drives in each vehicle you consider and don't take anyone's word for it without verifying with a long test drive.

I rent a lot of vehicles for about a week at a time. I have rented the Taos as well as the Atlas from VW. I've rented the CX-5 from Mazda, so I can't speak for the Mazda trucks or the VW sedan but I drove each of these daily for about a week. All of the rentals have been model years '23 or '24.

What I will say about the Mazda CX-5 is that it's... fine. It's nothing fancy but will get you point A to B just fine in relative comfort.

Both of the VW's I have rented were a nicer place to sit. More comfortable to me and had way more power. The VWs I rented went like scalded dogs(for an SUV), which surprised me for a compact and mid size SUV respectively. The Mazda was again... fine. Quicker than the Nissan Kicks(don't buy one of these) but not as quick as the VWs. This may not matter to you but the VWs are more fun to drive when you want and you have the road to get after it. They also felt more responsive and generally felt sportier all around.

As for cargo space, the Taos and CX-5 were similar being small SUVs. I never had passengers in the rear. The VW atlas is significantly larger but not as large as a suburban, for example. So with size comes more cargo space. Not really much else to say.

For my money, I would go VW. They are sportier and just more premium all around to my senses.

I can't speak to the reliability of any of these cars, but regular maintenance will keep most cars running well over 150k miles. I'm sure plenty of people will disagree with that statement. Read everyone's opinions and go test drive. Please test drive for as long as they'll let you. That's ultimately the best way to make your decision.

[-]

SativaShelly@reddit (OP)

I sincerely appreciate your detailed response. I'm trading in a Nissan Kicks. What a mistake getting that car! Definitely going to test drive some VWs - thanks!!

[-]

drewskiguitar@reddit

No problem. Wife and I made the Nissan Kicks mistake ourselves. We got in a hurry and I didn't take my own advice. The Mazda is better than the Nissan in almost every way but the VWs I've driven just seemed a cut above the rest. The new Hyundais are pretty nice too as well as the Cadillacs. Haven't driven Volvo but I've heard good things.

Good luck in your next car search!

[-]

seamusoldfield@reddit

We just bought a 2019 Cadillac XT5. Never even considered a Cadillac before. For the price? Forget it. Cadillacs do not hold their value. We got a beautiful, low-mileage vehicle with every option we could possibly want for thousands less than what a base-model Toyota would have cost. Take a look.

[-]

drewskiguitar@reddit

Good to know! I rented an XT5 for about a week and it was super comfy and plush. It was no slouch for performance either. Nice to know the used ones can be had at good prices.

[-]

seamusoldfield@reddit

Great car. I'm coming from a Mazda, and I couldn't be happier. Um, heated steering wheel!

[-]

boringguy2000@reddit

To add the OPs comment, the mazda3 is significantly nicer than the CX-5. Mazda updated the sedan quite a bit and the fit and finish is very nice.

[-]

seamusoldfield@reddit

This.

[-]

klipse@reddit

This just about sums it up here. We traded in our 2018 CX-5 for a new 2024 Atlas CS and couldn't be happier.

[-]

seamusoldfield@reddit

I had a Mazda 3 hatch, and it was the best car I've ever owned. Period. However, when my wife was shopping for a new lease, the Jetta had by far the best value. It drove great, smooth, plenty of power and, unlike competition from the Japanese automakers, had all the creature comforts/options we could ask for. It was a no-brainer.

[-]

Impressive-Bag-384@reddit

I'd only pick a mazda if you care about safety

https://www.iihs.org/ratings/top-safety-picks?tspPlusOnly#award-winners

[-]

zacc313@reddit

Mazda easily

[-]

MycologistAny1151@reddit

VW makes some gorgeous vehicles but the reliability goes to Mazda.

[-]

Life-ByDesign@reddit

Get a VW Golf R. You will not regret it.

[-]

ingodwetryst@reddit

Get the one you enjoy driving more and like the features of. That's truly the answer here. Test drive as many vehicles as you want until you go, "This is it."

I've had multiple Mazdas and my stepdad is from a VW family. Ample experience driving both.

I also have a Nissan coming up on its sunset years (184k) but apparently since it's not automatic I escaped having a really shitty car. My next car will either be some type of reasonably fast VW that still comes in manual or I can get lightly used for whatever that's worth. I drive 50-80k miles per year and I'm willing to trust VW with that.

[-]

ragingduck@reddit

I just got rid of my VW Atlas for a Mazda CX-90 PHEV. Mazda all the way. VW reliability was spotty.

[-]

p1plump@reddit

Neither has super duper resale value but the new mazdas, if you enjoy the driving experience, are superior on all levels. The VW have, largely, been void of passion for years.

[-]

Chinaski420@reddit

The great part about leasing is it doesn’t matter! Get the one you like!

[-]

cream-of-cow@reddit

Ten years ago, I was given a rental VW Jetta and other VW drivers stopped downtown Manhattan traffic to let me make a left turn out of a gas station during rush hour. It repeated with every lane change, VW drivers are nice to other VWs. I bought Mazda and a Toyota, so now I have to merge like an unseen commoner.

[-]

Jealous-Release1532@reddit

I just rented a Mazda cx-50 for a month and a half. I work for a non profit and was doing relief work in North Carolina after the storm. My job was 10-12 hours a day driving through all the most effected areas, particularly way up mountains and through flooded valleys trying to reach the most isolated people. I was floored by how amazing the Mazda performed. Handled like a sports car, awd settings got me through stuff I would have been nervous about in similar vehicles. I would absolutely buy this suv. Didn’t expect much when I picked it up but it blew me away

[-]

Queen-Celebriel@reddit

We own one of each 🤷🏻‍♀️

[-]

FreemansAlive@reddit

Lease whatever you prefer. Long term ownership, Mazda only.

[-]

_Captain_Queef_@reddit

If leasing, doesn't really matter. Test drive both and choose whichever you prefer.

If buying, Mazda 100%, much more reliable than VW

[-]

bwillpaw@reddit

If you can swing a GLI instead of a Jetta you won't regret it. That said the Jetta with the 1.5t is still pretty peppy, especially around town. Very quick 0-30 times but kind of runs out of steam a bit up to 60 and beyond. Definitely a "slow car that feels fast" kind of car and it handles well especially for how big the new ones are. The trunk is huge!!!

[-]

mehmetunalb@reddit

Owner of a vw passat for 6 years. I had to fix only an AC motor flap last year other than that it's rock solid. We had so many long trips in it. Punchy power and quiet highway cruises, 40-43 mpg on highway. The only downside in my opinion is that it's more expensive to maintain than a Japanese car and you cannot neglect the maintenance on German cars. I like the look of mazdas and I might own one in the future.

To summarize: if you want a solid engine and low maintenance cost but still decent interior and exterior I'd recommend Mazda. If you want a bit more premium feel and smoother and qyieter ride I'd recommend vw. I'd also recommend hondas Take your time, test drive them and make your decision. Good luck!

[-]

Think-Variation-261@reddit

I like the CX-5 and will probably buy one when I replace my current car.

[-]

President_Camacho@reddit

My used VW cost me more to operate than a new Mazda. I'd never own a VW again.

[-]

MareDoVVell@reddit

Despite being loyal buyers for decades, my family swore off VW in 2018 after they refused to warranty a blown clutch on a new GTI with only ~10k miles on it, also I've heard horror stories repeatedly about the Taos specifically.

[-]

TheRealJYellen@reddit

Either will do. Mazdas drive really well in my experience, their whole skyactiv thing really works, and their taller vehicles seem pretty stable in corners. I have heard the mazda 6 sedan is pretty awesome, but haven't driven one. Some of their smaller engined suvs are a bit slow on the uptake, but you can just get the turbo version and be fine. Mazda's paint is also way prettier IMO.

I currently drive an older VW, and while I like it and how good it feels at speed, I head that VW has fallen off lately. I assume they're still good cars, but from what I hear they are moving more towards toyota/honda and less towards quality. There's purportedly a big difference between their german built cars and their others. Only very specific models are built in germany and the construction is supposed to be much better.

Just to be pedantic, mazda doesn't currently make any truck-frame vehicles, neither does VW. Something like a 4runner is really just a tacoma playing dress-up, while most SUVs these days are assembled more like big cars since thats how they're usually used. If you want to go down the rabbit hole, look into unibody vs body on frame construction.

[-]

gmpeil@reddit

I feel like asking this question on reddit isn't going to get you the most objective answers. I have no direct experience with current Mazdas, but I have some with experience with a couple first gen Mazda 3s, and while they seemed nice at first, their longevity was just not good. Interior that wore out, endemic rust on fender wells, etc. A lot like the people on here who claim Hyundai/Kias look good but fall apart. Yeah, like that.

On the other hand, people like to talk about how shittily built VWs are, and my anecdotal experience has been the opposite. My dad has had several VeeDubs over the years, and they've always been great. He's currently driving a 21 Jetta GLI that is excellent in every way. My neighbour has a 23 Taos that she loves and seems to be on par in terms of quality to my dad's GLI.

I'm not saying the current Mazdas aren't good cars, but just because they might look like they've upscaled the luxury of their interiors doesn't mean they will hold up over time. I know they've come along way since they were basically Japanese versions of Fords, but again, that doesn't mean they are on par with Lexus or something.

[-]

nicclys@reddit

Today? Mazda. Few years ago? VW.

[-]

MPA___321@reddit

After owning both, Mazda. Cheaper repairs and more reliable, and probably more fun to drive.

[-]

Automatic_Mulberry@reddit

Mazda for me, thanks.

[-]

supah-saiyen@reddit

Mazda for me too.

Very reliable and fun to drive, plus repairs are cheaper for Mazda should you need it.

[-]

clydetorrez@reddit

I prefer VW, but Mazdas are great cars too. They have a little more soul than the other big Japanese makers, in my experience.

That said, and assuming costs are similar, I’d go with whichever lease has better benefits, I.e. free maintenance.

[-]