What car should I purchase? Mazda, Honda, or Toyota?
I'm looking to buy a car soon and am curious as to which would be right for me. I drive a lot for work, probably 150 hwy miles a day or so, maybe more. I also will be taking several trips of 2000 miles per year. I need something gas efficient and reliable that will last a while. I'm looking to spend between $6-$8000. I need it to fit 2-4 people and a large dog comfortably. I live in Denver, CO so something that can handle a little snow, inner city and highway driving would be ideal, I don't really do any mountain driving.
I have previously driven a 2000 Honda CRV that I absolutely loved, I'm just curious as to how that might compare to another similar vehicle. I love the idea of a mini-SUV, I've been looking at the RAV4 and prius as well. I do not want a Subaru, I would never drive one. What can anyone tell me about mazdas? How many miles can they handle, maintenance, etc? I'm very unfamiliar with the brand.
If the CRV worked well, why change? Who driver 150 miles a day for work related activities with a large dog? Did I get that right?
- Why Suzuki is not as popular as Toyota, Honda.Nissan, Mazda, and Subaru? I hardly see any Suzuki vehicles on the road, and wonder why if t is also Japanese. it appears that both Mitsubishi and Suzuki lag behind its Japanese counterparts. I feel Suzuki are very good cars, but most people fail to see that and they don't notice it.
- Should I have a mechanic inspect the car I'm about to purchase (2009 honda civi hybrid - 52K miles)? It is at wheels and deals. I do not know if they check out the cars or allow inspections. I know nothing about cars. Should I have a shop inspect it? Or is it okay not to do since I'm buying from wheels and deals and the car has very low miles?
- Nissan vs Hyundai vs Toyota vs Honda vs Scion. Which one is more reliable and a better purchase? Nissan vs. Hyundai vs. Toyota vs. Honda vs. Scion… Which one is more reliable and a better purchase?
- Mazda reliability? Particularly 2013 mazda 3? I'm in the market for a new car and I was looking between 2013 Toyota corolla which is just boring and doesn't have as much features compared to Honda, or mazda. The Mazda 3 is at a good price 1000 dollars cheaper then the Toyota. So my question is, is Mazda reliable for that generation, or should I stick with a very well known reliable car maker?