What would you choose? Both cars with options.

Also, if you own or have checked out a previous Gen. Altima, please don't direct your impressions of that particular model towards the redesigned '07. They truly are different cars ('07 is much improved, IMO).

 

I'd probably still go with the 3. it's simply the best car in it's class, hands down.

 

Street Spirit ...

I would never trust a first MY Nissan (especially one assembled in North America). Materials inside may have drastically improved but their process has always been suspect.

Go with the Mazda (if you had to choose between the two). I'm not a fan of the orange / red instrument panel.

I chose option #3 of your poll ... keep the TL another year and wait for the 2nd yr Nissan (coupe if you could wait for that!)

 

Nissan FTW!

 

Thanks Derrick. Yes, I am totally aware of the problems with quality control at Nissan's Canton plant.

I've searched well over 20 pages of LOCAL Canadian Inventory and can't find a single car from that infamous plant ( I read the VINs). All of our cars seem to come from the Smyrna plant.

Have talked to many people who either own or have friends/family who own the Mazda 3 or previous model year Altimas. Both groups have said they love their cars and haven't had any problems.

 

...and :IBDomkicksmyassforconsideringthe2007Altima:

 

 

I'd go with a fully loaded 3. I think they are pretty damn nice.

 

i'd go with the altima.

 

Having owned a 2004 Nissan Altima 2.5 S, I say go with the new Altima. The lines are sleeker, the interior has a better design and materials and you can get TL like features for a non-TL price.

I am suspicious of Mazda reliability, just from lack of knowledge and experience. I can vouche for the Altimas quality

 

altima

 

altima

 

I am biased. I've never driven an altima for more than 2mins but I hate Nissan. So I vote 3

 

My friend just picked up an 05 Mazda 3 loaded (minus the navigation option) and it is a fantastic little car. I highly recommend it.

The Altima is a nice car but they are dime a dozen and the interiors are nothing speical in my book. The 3 will offer a little more sporty ride for a reasonable price.

 

I think the mazda has better resale.

Would both models get the same amount of options? Or would the altima be bare bones?

 

good question.

 

I'd probably be considering the 2.5SL Altima with the following (includes ABS standard, unlike the U.S. model):

2.5 S Xtronic CVT

* Xtronic CVT(Continuously Variable Transmission) with manual mode

---> IntelliKey System w/ Push Button Start

2.5 S Convenience Package

* 16" aluminum-alloy wheels
* 8-way power adjustable driver’s seat
* Heated front seats
* Leather-wrapped steering wheel with steering-wheel-mounted audio controls
* Front-passenger window one-touch auto-up/down and anti-pinch feature
* Key-operated front windows up/down
* Remote keyless front windows down
* Dual illuminated visor vanity mirrors with sunvisor extenders
* Wood-tone trim (Blond interior)


PLUS Everything Below:

2.5 SL Package

* Power sliding glass sunroof with tilt feature
* Leather seating surfaces with heated front seats
* Power driver’s seat lumbar support
* Bose audio system with AM/FM/in-dash 6-CD changer with nine speakers
* MP3/WMA playback capability
* Radio Data System (RDS)
* Speed-sensitive volume control
* Bluetooth® Hands-Free Phone System
* Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control
* HomeLink universal garage-door opener
* Auto-dimming rearview mirror with compass
* Rear passenger air vents
* Illuminated centre console
* Requires 2.5 S Convenience Package and CVT.

U.S. V6 Altima includes HID headlights, so they can always be retrofitted (not available in Canada on either model).
I really wasn't crazy about the Altima's cloth, so I'd probably lean towards the model that would provide leather seats. That package also includes lots of other features, as seen above.

---------------------------------------------------------

And the 2.3 GT Mazda 3 Sedan with Luxury Package (model names are different than in the U.S.):

GS Features Plus...

• 2.3L engine w/ sequential valve timing
• 156 hp and 150 lb./ft torque
• 17" alloy wheels
• 205/50R17 tires
• 6 Speakers vs 4 speakers
• Carbon fibre appearance panel trim
• Anti-theft system
• Front heated seats
• Leather wrapped steering wheel
• Leather wrapped shift knob
• LED Hannabi taillights
• Sporty bumpers
• Side sill extensions
• Body coloured grille
• Sporty fog lights
• Tri-mode electrominescent gauges

PLUS Everything Below:

Luxury Trim Description

• Leather seats
• 6-Disc In-dash CD Changer
• Automatic Climate Control
• Xenon Headlights (HID)
• Moonroof

Mazda 3 with Traction Control and Stability Control is not available here, as they are in the U.S.
I didn't mind the Mazda's cloth. It looked quite durable!

 

I voted wrong....I was assuming Altima V6.......
Sice we are talking 4cyl. I'd go with teh 3

 

Wait for the '08!! And get it with the V6!!! (my preference would be the '08 coupe w/ V6)

 

I test drove the Altima myself after I read your last thread, and I'd have to say that it was absolutely gorgeous. I love it


Altima wins my vote.

 

u can get a fully loaded v6 sonata for under $20k...

sorry..i just had to mention it..

 

Here in Canada, where car prices are a lot more expensive, you can't get a fully-loaded anything for under $20,000.

And I did consider Hyundai as well. I wasn't keen on the interior styling or their quality just yet. I give them another 5 - 10 years to improve before they become comparable with Honda and Toyota.

 

Did you test the 4 cylinder or the V6?

 

The only reason I'd wait for an '08 model is due to the whole first-model-year-quality scare. I have to say, I have a '99 TL, Dan has an '04 TSX - both first year releases, and they've been fine. Some features are usually added each year, but depending on what those might be -- it might not matter to me at all. There were some "features" added to the Second Gen TL's that I didn't care for at all (useless to me) and was glad I didn't have (one less thing to go wrong).

The problem with me waiting is that I will get less on the trade-in of the TL due to higher mileage, and it will be considered another year older once a new model comes out. Plus, the only reason I'm even considering a different car is because my tranny is showing signs of going. I have to get rid of it before the tranny goes or I'll get nothing for it. It's not going to die ASAP, but it is showing symptoms. So waiting for Fall models is kinda risky.

I'm not going to look at V6's. I'm going to test drive the V6 Altima for kicks, but I'm really only looking to end up with a 4 cylinder, 4 door sedan.

 

don't know how the 2.5 performance is, but I'm really diggin' the new look! That backend looks awesome!

 

I test drove the 3.5 SE or was it SL... Let's just say I was overwhelmed.

 

the new altimas are WAYYYY better than the 2003 models.....they improved the inteiror and everything alot....i like the new body style too even though they are both similar

 

Wouldn't the Mazda6 be more comparable to the Altima than the Mazda3?

 

The Mazda3 is a better car IMO. It seems to have better build quality, better handling, better acceleration (compared to the i4 Mazda6) and better mileage, and better price. The only thing the 6 seems to have on the 3 is size (if you need a bigger car).

 

In terms of them both being mid-sized sedans, yes. But I looked at the Mazda 6 and wasn't nearly as impressed as I was with the 3. The 3 is still built in Japan, while the Mazda 6 is built in the States...and you can definitely tell the interior build quality and materials are not comparable between the two. I drove the 3 and really liked it....I didn't even bother with the 6. So my decision now lies between the 3 and the Altima. The 6 is out. They are two very different cars....that's why the decision is tough. They aren't straight comparisons.

 

Out of those, I like the mazda 3 the best... but if you're gonna do the altima, I'd get a 2008 2.5 Nissan Altima (I really like the coupe)... I'd crossshop the civic too... (but you probably already have).

 

Post some pictures of yourself so we can get an idea of your build, because one might fit you better than the other.

My 5'11" frame doesn't fit the Civic that great...btw, so if you are of that height, the Mazda 3 may not be the best choice...especially since you are used to the room that a TL has.

 

Don't you think I've sat in and test driven all of the cars I've been considering the past few months??! I fit, but yeah, the Mazda 3 is obviously a lot smaller than the Altima.



The Civic was never on my list of possibilities.

 

I think you're too young for an Altima , so MZ3 gets my vote.

 

Thanks for your vote and sharing your thoughts!

Now go change your tires and keep things safe!

 

Nah, it's too damn cold outside...so I'm just going to rotate them and wait it out till next month...besides, finals are coming up.

 

I'm over six feet and don't seem to have much trouble at all in small cars, in fact the new Civic interior seemed almost too airy for my tastes. The Mazda3 interior size fits its sporty nature quite well IMO. Are you sure your problem is hight and not girth?

 

Not sure how I missed this thread but when did you decide to buy now?

Between the choices given I'd wait for the 08 Altima but that opens up another can of worms altogether, notibly the 08 Accord. So between the 07's I'd still go Altima. The 3 is nice but the Altima is IMO more you. I hardly know you so take that with a grain of salt.

And I had a chance to sit in the 07 Altima in Detroit and I have to say that I wasn't all that impressed with the nterior. It was ok, but no where near Accord levels IMO. And thats unlikely to change for 08 so......

So although I voted "wait til 08" I really suggest waiting til the fall. At worst you can pick up a leftover 07 Altima for cheap.

 

I HATE Nissans... Interior just feels and looks "cheap" to me... Most of the used nissans I have sat have broken interior components. Like the sunglass holder does not open right anymore, any little doors dont close right... Just cheap...

I would either wait for the 08 accord or get the mazdaspeed 3

 

I've had both a 2000 and a 2003 Altima. Liked them both. I don't like the dash and body changes to the 07's. If you don't need the extra space go with the Mazda 3, I think you'll have more fun with it. I did like the 4 banger that was in the 2003, I think it was 175 hp. it did get good mpg.