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We are currently looking for a third car for the family and narrowed our choices down to a 2012 Mazda 2 and a 2013 Chevy Sonic. The Mazda has 58k miles, one minor accident on its history, but is also a bare-bones model. The Sonic on the other hand, has 103k miles, no accident history and is fully loaded. The Mazda also comes in at about $1400 more than the Sonic.
I think I've gone back and forth on this decision about 10 times, as both cars definitely have their merits. Any thoughts from the peanut gallery on what I should choose?
Is the Sonic The hatchback or sedan? How do they ride? Look up EPA fuel economy ratings. How’s the interior seating room for the back seat once the front seats are adjusted for the two adults? These should also factor in your decision.
There are minor accidents and then there are MINOR accidents.
Do you know what body work was done? Any before and after pictures? Who told you it was a minor accident? Any glass broken? Any airbag deployment?
If it was just a fender replaced then go for the lower miles on odometer in every case.
But do check if the engine has a timing belt or a timing chain.
There are two types of timing belt engines - Interference and Non-interference. With one of these the entire engine blows up if the timing belt breaks.
I believe that you misread it...the Mazda has 45K miles vs the Sonic's 103k miles, but the Mazda is priced $1400 higher than the Sonic. Or perhaps you meant "45,000 fewer miles for only $1400 more that the other car". You would still have a math error in the mileage difference, though...
Back to the original question - which to buy? The Mazda has about 6 years worth of lesser mileage than the Sonic, for the premium of only an additional $1,400. If it were me, I'd lean towards buying the Mazda just for that. But I'm not you.
Who is going to be driving the third car? And for how long do you plan to own it?
Turbo's can, and will, shorten engine life quite a bit. Turbo's on gasoline engines have always been bad news.
Consider that in your choice.
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