Advice: Mazda3 vs. Impreza wagon vs. Subaru Outback

[idioteque]

I'm looking for a used car ('05-ish to '06-ish) under $17000, for commuting within the city but also for mountain driving during hiking, camping, and skiing trips. It has to be a hatchback, because, well... I have one now and don't think I could live without one.

I've been doing internet research, as well as LOTS of admiring when on the roads and in parking lots, and have narrowed my choices down to:

1) Mazda3. These look great, inside and out, and from reviews i've read, they handle and perform extremely well. The fit and finish of the interior looks awesome - second to none!

2) I like the exterior styling of the '04-'04 impreza wagons, but of course the AWD is the major selling point here. My only concern is that these cars seem very small and "cheap," and you can really see it when looking at the interior fit and finish. The door panels remind me of my first car, which was a 1988 Hyundai Excel. Aside from the AWD though, I like the Mazda3 much better.

3) Subuaru outback. Compared to the Impreza, the Outback is a much more solid car, and made from better materials. the problem is that they are much more expensive, and it seems hard if not impossible to find something relatively new with less than 50k.

anyhow, i'm wondering if anyone has experience with any of the above, and can comment on how these cars compare, both for city commutes, but also for power passing in the mountains, etc.

Also, are there any other comparable hatchbacks that I am missing here?

[slinkie]

prepare for fanboys bashing the 3...

[-TOFU-]

I had a 2005 Mazda 3gt and I loved it, I never really had any problems with the car except for the engine mounts but that was covered under TSB. If you are seriously thinking of getting one, get the 2006 because im pretty sure they come with heated seats (gt model). Also might wanna look into getting snow tires for winter driving because those stock 17" goodyear tires are slippery as fuck.

[idioteque]

Really? Why? I've read nothing but great reviews about the Mazda3.

[slinkie]

loved the speed3, the interior is laid out so nicely, blind spots are not really an issue IMO, folding back seats down couldn't be easier

[Phenix]

The awd in the subaru would be my vote. Looks like this needs a poll

[idioteque]

Originally posted by Phenix
The awd in the subaru would be my vote. Looks like this needs a poll

That would be awesome, how do I make a poll? Can I add one to this thread?

[[Yu]]

Just a question, would you ever step into a SUV? or are you specifically looking for a hatchback?

With 15-17k, you can get a 2005 Pathfinder, which imo would fit all your needs, cept the gas useage part.

[93VR6]

I would go mazda 3, and for 17k you could get a really nice late model one with low low km's.

+1 on winter tires for it too.

[freshprince1]

I currently drive a 2004 Mazda 3 GT Sedan. Love it. I average 29mpg as I communte to and from Okotoks everyday. It handles really well and has sufficient pep for a car its size.

That being said, I love the subaru's but could never get the wagons...just too fugly IMO.

Good luck on the search.

[idioteque]

Originally posted by [Yu]
Just a question, would you ever step into a SUV? or are you specifically looking for a hatchback?

With 15-17k, you can get a 2005 Pathfinder, which imo would fit all your needs, cept the gas useage part.

i would definitely consider an SUV, but I am looking for something gas friendly, too. i'll look into the pathfinder, though.