Continuing the car search. Automatic Mazda6 hatch vs (manual) Vibe GT

"dogisbadob" (dogisbadob)
11/07/2019 at 18:32 • Filed to: None

I really want a 4-cylinder manual Mazda6 hatchback, but they are almost impossible to find with a sunroof. Even that orange one I posted about yesterday is already gone!

But I found one with an automatic at a good price, an 08, last year of the hatch. And I also found a 2003 Vibe GT at a good price too.

There is also the Vibe GT with the 2ZZ engine which makes it really cool, and it’s a Toyota and Toyota makes the best cars. The only problem here is that the 2ZZ requires premium. The best part about the Matrix/Vibe is that awesome 2ZZ, and I love the idea of that engine in a crossover thing! I wouldn’t buy a 1ZZ base model because most of the reason I like the Matrix/Vibe so much is the 2ZZ, and also the base model has rear drums (I HATE drum brakes!) [all Mazda 6 models have 4-wheel disc brakes]

I swore for the longest time that my next car was going to be a Vibe GT or Matrix XRS, but then I remembered the 6 hatchback which is fucking awesome. Both cars have about the same EPA rating (22/28 for the Vibe GT, 21/28 for the 6). The price difference is 50-60c a gallon. Also, aftermarket parts availability is a little better for the 6 than the Corolla wagon. For example, Bilstein shocks and 304 exhaust.

Fun fact: the Vibe uses a different HVAC system than the Matrix. Toyota has a Denso system (of course), while the Vibe has some Korean shit. The cabin filters are also different. The Matrix uses the same one as the Corolla and probably other Toyota cars of the time. The Vibe uses the same cabin filter as the Tacoma, which was also NUMMI-made.

The car I have now (4th gen Maxima) is falling apart, and the exhaust is loud as fuck because the pipe after the cat rusted off right behind the flange. And no, it’s not the original pipe (I had that replaced a few years ago), but surprisingly, the cat seems to be OK. For awhile it was hanging by the rear oxygen sensor, but even that came undone. The tires are also worn. And it has a transverse V6 which sucks too. It “recommends” premium, but you can use regular, and I have for the almost 5 years I’ve owned the car.

Somebody makes a 304 stainless exhaust for the 6, but not the Matrix/Vibe. I could only find an axle-back in 304 for the Vibe. While Magnaflow does make a system for both cars, Magnaflow uses 409 which is not as good as 304.

One disadvantage of the 6, besides the trouble finding one, is the cartridge oil filter they use, which can be a bit tri cky.

Hopefully I can find a I4 manual 6 hatch soon, but at least these two alternates are here if not.

DISCUSSION (15)

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > dogisbadob
11/07/2019 at 19:11

You can’t go wrong with either, though the Vibe will be more “useful” if you life requires it. Absolutely cavernous. Headspace for daaaaaaays.

As long as you don’t buy the same 6 that Jake had, you’ll be fine.

dogisbadob > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
11/07/2019 at 19:28

LOL no I’m not buying Jake’s! Wasn’t his a V6?

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > dogisbadob
11/07/2019 at 19:30

Maxima Speed > dogisbadob
11/07/2019 at 19:36

The Mazda 6 will rust away if you are in the rust states. The Vibe/Matrix won’t.

Monkey B > dogisbadob
11/07/2019 at 20:01

I’d prefer the Mazda (had an 06 sport) even f the Vibe is probably more likely the slightly more trouble free and sensible choice . Not enough to make up for the better driving dynamics IMO . Mine was a 4 cyl auto and I didn’t mind it coming out of an E46 wagon.

Hows a Mazda 5 on your list? It’s like an extremely practical Mazda 3 with a small 3rd row good for occasional use and some light household item hauling that it can handle. Yes, I have one and I believe they can be found in manual form.

InFierority Complex > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
11/07/2019 at 20:03

Mazda doesn’t have and si trim level. Are you thinking of Honda?

Monkey B > Maxima Speed
11/07/2019 at 20:03

I dunno, seen my share of rusty Toyota’s, Vibe included. Probably only slightly better chance the Mazda oxidizes meaningfully faster.

dogisbadob > Monkey B
11/07/2019 at 20:19

Yeah, I’d consider a 5

But finding a manual 5 with a sunroof is just as difficult as finding a manual 6 hatch with I4+sunroof. Is it easy to work on? I know a lot of minivans have less space under the hood due to the short hoods most companies put on their vans. (the only exception I know of is those big Nissan NV vans)

A 4-cylinder 6 will probably be almost as good as a Toyota, maybe a notch below at most. A small engine in a big car should be no problem at all.

Under_Score > dogisbadob
11/07/2019 at 20:25

https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/785608031/overview?aff=share_other

dogisbadob > Maxima Speed
11/07/2019 at 20:26

Toyotas rust, too, even if not quite as bad as Mazda.

Also, the 6 in question is 5 years newer (2008) than the Vibe (2003), so maybe it’s a wash? :p

Under_Score > dogisbadob
11/07/2019 at 20:44

Here are some wild cards that fit the bill. May be pricier than you’d like, though. https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/784093048/overview?aff=share_other

https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/792248588/overview?aff=share_other

https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/785658397/overview?aff=share_other

for Michigan > dogisbadob
11/07/2019 at 21:25

That 6 comes with the 2.3 L MZR, right?

dogisbadob > for Michigan
11/07/2019 at 21:29

Yes, the MZR

for Michigan > dogisbadob
11/07/2019 at 21:41

As I have recently come to understand , those engines have problems after 150K miles. If you google “Mazda 2.3 oil consumption ” or something similar you will find pages upon pages of people with 2.3 MZRs that burn massive amounts of oil. It seems to usually end in a spun bearing or a thrown rod.

Maxima Speed > dogisbadob
11/07/2019 at 23:29

Unfortunately as much as I love that gen of Mazda 6 they had major faults with rusting at the rear wheel arches. The rust on them is terminal once it begins and will eventually cause severe body and structural rust. The vibe has much better chance in my book. The Mazda would be waaay more fun though I imagine.