Mazda 3 Automatic vs. VW Golf Automatic

Cintrapark

I'm considering trading in my 4 year old Skoda Fabia for either a Mazda 3 or a VW Golf (2014+ model). Any thoughts? I've read that the Mazda 3 is much more reliable but I've always had my heart set on a Golf....

Rain_Shadow

Cintrapark wrote: »

I'm considering trading in my 4 year old Skoda Fabia for either a Mazda 3 or a VW Golf (2014+ model). Any thoughts? I've read that the Mazda 3 is much more reliable but I've always had my heart set on a Golf....

My experience of Mazdas is that they are indeed extremely reliable.


But if you want a Golf, get one.

daveyjp

Howver the DSG gearbox on a Golf may not be so reliable.

dark_knight_2

I've a manual Mazda 3 and I think it's fantastic

loskie

Golf DSG gearbox notoriously bad for both failure and being dangerously hesitant at junctions.
http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/askhj/answer/68796/has-volkswagen-sorted-all-of-the-dsg-issues-

FOREVER21

I have had 3 Golfs with the DSG auto gearbox and have not experienced any problems. The change in gears I find is very smooth and you do not notice it changing.


On the other hand my son has a Mazda 3 manual and I was surprised by the amount of extra equipment he got as standard compared to my car.

BeenThroughItAll

gilberto wrote: »

The DSG transmissions are actually quite good, if not one of the best auto boxes out there bar the BMW ZF 8 speed transmissions and dual clutch transmissions used in their M cars.


Usually, DSG boxes fail because the transmission fluid needs to be changed as per their intervals and its quite an expensive job to do.

BINGO!

Message too short

thescouselander

Mazda's Skyactiv auto is actually very good too - better than the VAG DSG IMO. As mentioned you'll probably get more kit on the Mazda. On the downside Mazda's paint finish is abysmal.

The best thing to do would be to drive both yourself and then decide yourself.

Cintrapark

Thanks guys. It seems that the Mazda 3 is winning. Will of course test drive both and see which one I prefer.