Honda Civic EX 2008 or 2007 vs Mazda3 GT 2008

I'm in Canada, and hesitating between the following models :

- Honda Civic EX 2007
- Honda Civic EX 2008
- Mazda3 GT 2008

I was told Honda is riding off its reputation lately... but I just can't get used to the "boxcar" look of the Mazda3 (it's just so damn boxy).

I'm really split down the middle. The 2007 Civic EX doesn't have the leather seats (the 2008 does), and the price is almost identical to the 2008 (why? there are no leather seats!), but the financing is a lot more affordable (1.9% over 4-5 years, vs 4.9% for the 2008).

Mazda on the other hand offers a low 2.9% over 4 years on its 2008 models. The financing at Mazda for 2008's is almost half that of Honda's. Not to mention the Mazda is offering 2.3L engines in its GT model, vs 1.8L for the Civic EX(L).

Buying a Civic EX 2008 seems like I'd be overpaying because of the Honda name and the year. $25,000 CND (when our dollar is actually worth more than the US's) for a 1.8L engine @ 4.9% financing... how can Honda possibly survive? Is the brand's name THAT strong?

Mazda seems a lot more reasonable... but dammit... the Civic LOOKS so much better.

Personally, I like the Hondas - I always have. I've never had a Mazda, but I'm sure they are better than they were several years ago.

Here are some actual prices of each that might help you in your decision:

Link removed by Moderator - unauthorized advertising

These prices are actual prices that people paid, not KBB or Edmunds estimates.

Hope this helps.

Personally, I like the Hondas - I always have. I've never had a Mazda, but I'm sure they are better than they were several years ago.

Here are some actual prices of each that might help you in your decision:

Link removed by Moderator - unauthorized advertising

These prices are actual prices that people paid, not KBB or Edmunds estimates.

Hope this helps.

Thanks, but I tried everything to get them to lower their prices. Neither one budged, and that's after visiting 3 different dealers for each manufacturer. They're banding tightly, it seems. The most I got was $250 knocked off the Honda. Honestly, that's as far as they'd go, despite repeated visits at all 3 dealers.

Honda lowered its interest rates for the 2008 models in Canada today, and knocked $750 off their 2007 models (whatever ones are left). Even with the lowered interest rates, though, Mazda's financing has them beat by a full percent point across the line.

The 2007's, however, are still 0.9% for 36 months, and 1.9% for 48.

So at this stage of the game, due to a number of factors, I'm leaning towards the 2007 Civic EX.

hey buddy..take a look at this this may help you decide out...and if you had decided which one will you going to grab..and needs car insurance quotes..here is a one stop auto insurance provider..you can check here the different car insurance provider in your place..just compare them and get what best for you..best regards..good luck.:runaround:.

Online Auto Insurance Quote: Link removed by Moderator - unauthorized advertising
Review on Honda Civic EX 2008:
http://www.intellichoice.com/reports/vehicleReport/vehicle_nmb/23303/2008/Honda/Civic

Review on Honda Civic EX 2008:
http://ca.autos.yahoo.com/newcars/mazda/mazda3/2008/11871/style_overview.php

Comparing the two:
http://ca.autos.yahoo.com/newcars/select_overview.php?cmp1=11871&cmp2=11590&compare=Compare+cars

dont forget to grab check this to get your car insurance quote:
Online Auto Insurance Quote: Link removed by Moderator - unauthorized advertising

Review on Honda Civic EX 2008:
http://www.intellichoice.com/reports/vehicleReport/vehicle_nmb/23303/2008/Honda/Civic

Review on Honda Civic EX 2008:
http://ca.autos.yahoo.com/newcars/mazda/mazda3/2008/11871/style_overview.php

Comparing the two:
http://ca.autos.yahoo.com/newcars/select_overview.php?cmp1=11871&cmp2=11590&compare=Compare+cars

Thanks, but those aren't reviews... they just state specs. That information is the first thing I got 2 weeks ago when I began the hunt. ;-) Now I have 24h to pick which one I want.

What would be helpful is a side-by-side review (and actual review, with opinions and such, pointing out where each car outdoes the other, head-to-head).

PS: As for the insurance info, thanks again, but that's for the U.S. - I'm in Canada.

Thanks, but those aren't reviews... they just state specs. That information is the first thing I got 2 weeks ago when I began the hunt. ;-) Now I have 24h to pick which one I want.

What would be helpful is a side-by-side review (and actual review, with opinions and such, pointing out where each car outdoes the other, head-to-head).

PS: As for the insurance info, thanks again, but that's for the U.S. - I'm in Canada.

sorry bout..that..i'm just surfing when i saw that..in thought i'd would help..good luck..post some pics..of your brand new car if you have already got it...:naughty: good luck again buddy..