Without question I'd pick the Scion. However what I ended up doing was nabbing a Mazda2 last year before they stopped selling them in the US. $14K out the door. Kinda splits the difference / best of both worlds I guess.
I would buy this hands down!! And quite frankly this review changed my whole perception on this car and now I am planning to acquire this little champ as my next car for everyday driving and keep my own Scion tC as a weekend car. And by the way love your car reviews you don not sugar anything which is refreshing..
Great review! I've watched a few iA reviews and found yours to be the most entertaining and informative (for me) so far. I prioritize fun-to-drive dynamics over creature comforts too and I didn't expect the iA to get more praise than the iM in that respect; torsion beam rear suspension on the iA versus the independent rear on the iM. The only problems I have with the iA are: no 5-door and that front fascia looks like Jeremy Clarkson driving an Ariel Atom. I'm ready to replace my aging 2007 Honda Fit and rumor is that the next generation Toyota Yaris will be built off of the 5-door Mazda2 as well. I just hope they do a better job of reimagining the front/rear design details while keeping the excellent driving dynamics.
Yes, his final question- I researched and thought about it- and chose to spend $19,000 on a new 2019 Yaris over used or cheaper. It's ten year car for me and it looks like a solid partnership after half a year. Wonderful car ;-)
Wow great job on researching the design details on this car. This attention to detail is surprising compared to the other auto reviewers out there who pretty much say all the same things. I think what people might find surprising about this car also, is the sound system. This car has a great sounding system for such a small car. The bass is heavy and it doesn't sound cheap. I've rented a corolla and it doesn't sound as good as this car. Great job on the review.
Used car. I bought a 2003 Honda S2000 for $16,000 in June 2015. It has 57,400 miles and a clean title. However this car is interesting and I would consider buying one if I was in the market for a compact sedan. The standard features paired with a 6 speed manual for $16,000 make this one of the rare cases I would entertain the idea of buying a new car.
i was gonna get the car too. i like the way it looks and performs but the beef i have is that there's no power steering. that's what i heard from a friend who has one.
I purchased a used 2012 Toyota Corolla LE with only 35,000 miles on it for $10,500. However, if I hadn't picked up the Corolla for such a great price, I would definitely have purchased the Scion IA.
If I didn't live in Michigan and have a love for heated seats and AWD I would seriously consider the iA. The Nissan wouldn't be worth even a moment of contemplation. And as an interesting side note, you can actually get the Mazda 2 (or Demio as they call it) with AWD in Japan. I know Scion is all about their "one price" concept, but I think they would have a real winner on their hands the north east is they could deliver a nicely equipped, AWD vehicle for under $20k. You can get an Impreza for that cheap, but it's so spartan it died at Thermopylae.
Looks are so subjective. From some angles I like the front end, but from straight on ... not so much. When it comes down to it, I'd have to see it in person. Sub-compact sedans often look dowdy, especially from the rear (ie; Fiesta). The interior looks good, and I do appreciate the low profile dash, but the flat-screen tv sticking out of the dashboard looks like an add-on. I would have a tough time convincing someone it is not. Interesting that you explained the compression ratio & piston design. Something I never would believe would give a small motor more acceleration, due to it's weak HP to Wgt, ratio. Using a 0-60 calculator, 106 HP & 2400 LBS = 9.39 sec. w/manual. Very nice review.
A Mazda by any other name... This seems like the near perfect successor to my old 1999 Mazda Protege. Same length, same width, same weight and more or less same sized engine and horsepower. I loved that little car and I'd probably consider this if I were in the market.
I would buy this car! As Yaris iA next year! I was waiting for the new CIVIC, but was really disappointed. Civic is NO civic any more! Yaris iA is the new Civic.
goldpilgrim agreed. my wife had a 2016 civic and it has more interior room than my 2002 accord. compact cars aren't compact anymore. the ia is a good size
New compacts tend to be waaaay too big now. I miss the old Civic DX. Basic solid transport. Now they are bloated and cost too much with too much stuff I do not need or want.
i have ordered a manual toyota ia over a used car because of the 2 year maintenance plan and new warranty plus i am too picky about a used car being perfect and it's hard to find one that isn't scratched or scuffed for $16000.
it is mazda2 or the cx3. and 12 :1 compression ratio is what ford has been using on their focus since 2011 . it is a high but nothing really special in terms of compression. mazda 2.0 and 2.5L have a 13:1 even 14:1 in some markets and that is a really high compression.
I'd prefer a hatchback if I'm going with a smaller car like this, so I'd probably just buy the Mazda3. But there isn't a dealer near me, so I might just get the Scion anyhow haha. Very glad to hear it's got some Mazda zoom zoom in it though! Just because a car is small, inexpensive, and for economy mostly doesn't mean it has to be a bore to drive.
Here's an answer to a question: buy the IA new, a new Versa or a used car? I would definitely buy the IA. That class of cars is fun. The Fiesta is great, but this new Scion (MAZDA 2) is easy to guess how good it is. I just drove a 2015 Mazda 3 and it was excellent. Maybe this will be in dealerships in two weeks. Never stepped into a Scion dealership ever, so this will be a first.
I hated this car when it first unveiled but I think with a new set of wheels, a few dealer installed performance goodies in typical Scion fashion, I think it'd be appealing to buy new. My first car was a celica with 103hp, but it was still fun. My daily driver now is a v6 and now that I've gotten having a faster car out of my system, I'd go back to something slower but more fuel efficient. It's more fun to drive something slow fast than driving a fast car slow
Different Price Point. WRX is a better choice, Fiesta ST is a better choice...but they cost more and are less efficient and cost more to own and drive.
I have a ? And hope it makes it on your Q&A video. Why did mazda decide to drop the mazda 2 but sell it as a scion? Dumb if you ask me cause from what I've seen the mazda 2 really looks good eapically in higher spec trim. Such a shame we won't get it. Thanks. Love your videos.
veedubbcubb DAMN good question for which I have no *official* answer. I only have guesses and conspiracy theories:) Next time I get a Mazda person on the show, I say we pose the question. Thanks for bringing it up!
Thank you, thank you, thank you for this detailed review...and for the Eddie Haskel reference. I agree, the ONLY thing this thing needs is a moonroof. And a standard CD player :-)
Only the base model of the Nissan Versa is $12k, which is nothing compared to the iA. A similarly equipped Versa is about $16k, which is the same price as the iA. The iA is a way better car than the Versa.
Your question at the end is a bit hard to answer. I suppose it would depend upon why I was buying the car. Most of the people who responded to say "used" went with sports sedans or some variety of sports car. That's a whole other segment, though. I think a lot of people looking at this car might actually like this car. They might not be buying it because it's cheap - they might genuinely like it. In that case, there's no reason to buy a used car that was "nicer" when it came out. With that said, I'd go used all day because this isn't the car I want. For about the same price, I bought a used Hyundai Genesis with heated/ventilated nappa leather, double pane windows, nav, heated/dimming mirrors all around, and numerous other nice "things." Moreso, I have rear wheel drive, 383 horsepower, and if I drive responsibly I get 31mpg highway (I can hypermile 36mpg on the highway at 60mph). Hell, Carrie could even fit her canvases in the trunk, haha. Again, different purposes. If I were buying a car for my imaginary child, or for my parents- they'd be in the Scion - no question about it.
cdrom ringo Good question . . . they didn't make mention of any. I wouldn't be surprised if there isn't anything on offer as they don't make the car. That said, a bit behind the scenes. They did have an iM with TRD bits on it at the launch. I need to get it back to spend more time with it.
cdrom ringo So coming back to this . . . We brought up your question - and very good point - in today's episode: th-cam.com/video/tvms4p4g4MI/w-d-xo.html
I would take this over the cheaper Versa and a used car because I would rather get a new car than a used car. From experience, buying a used car is inheriting someone else's bad luck.
Well that depends on a lot of things. Some used cars are fantastic buys, and are the only way most people get to enjoy semi-exotic or limited run cars. Definitely worth considering.
1) 2016 Scion iA 2) 2016 Honda fit 3) 2016 Honda Civic 4) 2016 Mazda3. I am having trouble deciding on what car I should get. I have shortened the list down to these 4 cars. If I were to purchase any one of these cars, it would be the base model and automatic. What do you guys think? Which car would you choose and why? Thanks for the feedback. I can't decide!
You've probably already made up your mind since i'm seeing your comment so late but I own an iA and I absolutely love the car. That being said, the Civic would be my top choice because of how long I plan on owning my car and Honda's reliability. I was pretty strict on my budget and I don't know what your price range is but I was able to swing my iA for 14K flat and 15.2K with TTL. If you want a car with my same margins, go with the iA, otherwise spend the extra 3 to 4 thousand and get the civic.
You are so right. I also knew I was going to have this car for as long as it will drive so I decided to spend a bit more. Ended up test driving the 2016 civic, Mazda 3, and Ford Focus. In my opinion it was no competition. The civic has a nice interior, good tech, and I was afraid that I would hate the cvt, but it was no problem. I got the civic ex/with Honda sensing barely last weekend. But yeah it all depends on your budget. I would say, if you are able to, people should test drive the civic, it will not disappoint.
Civic is just way too large. They have bloated up way too much every generation. Honestly the Fit seems like a more fair comparison when it comes to size and pricing. I am on a much tighter budget, anyway. However, I just cannot warn up to the Accord from 5 years ago Size of a Civic.
I would buy a used dodge avenger 2013-2014 with the v6 pentastar with 285 horse power and save a thousand dollars, the car is youthful and moves like a rocket!
Awesome car, really love the Mazda 2 but that front look is awful, I imagine Derek and his team feeling kinda... Well, let's just imagine how a portrait artist would feel if you went around doing ugly mustaches to their works. MotoManTV I know you wont get the hatchback in the US, but I was wondering what body do you prefer, I happen to think that the Hatchback looks much better (same with the fiesta)
Juan Manuel Martinez Have to say that I do like the look of the Mazda 2 5 door but would be hard pressed to choose it over the sedan as I am like most Americans - I like me a trunk . . . :)
I would also consider an used 2012 BMW 128i -- similarly compact inside & out with a high driver seat while handles sporty, but with twice the power & fuel consumption, plus no direct injection to clogged up the intake with carbon.
I'm curious, why did they decide to badge-engineer a Mazda2 ... instead of say Toyota's own Yaris? I agree, the Versa is awful, but for me The Nissan Sunny takes the title of "The Worst of The Worst" .... even the people who drive it are the worst drivers ever lol I'd definitely go the used route! 16k can get you something much better. as always, excellent video M!
IceDree Good question. I am going to be seeing Derek soon so going to pose the question. That said, I am not certain Japan will let him answer. But hey, in this world, you don't get if you don't ask . . .
Thanks for your review, MotoMan! I've owned my iA for one year, and boy did I learn a lot about its quirks... Check out my video here: th-cam.com/video/58ESnQaDqos/w-d-xo.html
I'm sure anyone interested in Scion/Toyota like me would go for a Corolla GTS. Haha but too bad they're nearly impossible to find. A Mk2 Supra would also be an excellent choice!
What and who owns Scion? First you tested the iM which is actually a Toyota Auris elsewhere in the world and now this, which is a Mazda 2 sedan!!! What? I thought Scion was a fully Toyota brand. How did they convince Mazda to rebrand their Mazda 2 as a Scion?
SDav21 Toyota and Mazda actually recently entered into a partnership together. Toyota is a much larger company with access to many more resources, but Mazda has absolutely been killing it when it comes to innovation, and on a relatively shoestring budget. In other words, Toyota wants to know how a company as comparably small as Mazda is able to build such high quality cars while remaining profitable, and Mazda wants to see what it can make when given access to bigger budgets and more resources. The Mazda 2 becoming the Scion iA in the US is likely a result of this partnership.
I like this car a lot but I'm torn on the exterior styling, it looks kind shrunken down and odd. The iM has much better styling but isn't as fun to drive :/
Those are a Reliability S Show. I considered one. Back seat was too tight as well as the problems. Bought a clean 2015 XB for less than both these cars with only 30k miles. Its been versatile, well made, and reliable. Ill have it many years. Even found a Stickshift one!
Better than Versa, but almost everything is. The Mirage is solid. The Versa has problems and cannot match the Mirage 50 MPG + on the highway. I would for sure chose a Mirage. The comparison in terms of equipment puts Mirage ahead as well. Now, if my budget was not so tight, I would buy an iA for sure.
I would rather just get a used car. You can find so many great cars with way more features and HP for around the same price. I would probably go and pick up a 2008 TL type S.
buildmorefarms100 I watched the video to see what the car had to offer. Seems I was right. Look at the date of my comment. Soon after Toyota discontinued the brand in the United States.
Sooo basically an ugly rebadged Mazda 2. Why Mazda let Scion ruin their car??? I would buy a used Mazda instead because I get a real Mazda not a cheap rebadged especially with that Scion badge.
+jarupongch Because it benefit them. Mazda will get resources need to make a Mazda Hybrid that get 70MpG and spread out more knowledge of the engine to the people
Without question I'd pick the Scion. However what I ended up doing was nabbing a Mazda2 last year before they stopped selling them in the US. $14K out the door. Kinda splits the difference / best of both worlds I guess.
I would buy this hands down!! And quite frankly this review changed my whole perception on this car and now I am planning to acquire this little champ as my next car for everyday driving and keep my own Scion tC as a weekend car. And by the way love your car reviews you don not sugar anything which is refreshing..
+Lee Rodriguez Get Mazda 3
Great review! I've watched a few iA reviews and found yours to be the most entertaining and informative (for me) so far. I prioritize fun-to-drive dynamics over creature comforts too and I didn't expect the iA to get more praise than the iM in that respect; torsion beam rear suspension on the iA versus the independent rear on the iM. The only problems I have with the iA are: no 5-door and that front fascia looks like Jeremy Clarkson driving an Ariel Atom.
I'm ready to replace my aging 2007 Honda Fit and rumor is that the next generation Toyota Yaris will be built off of the 5-door Mazda2 as well. I just hope they do a better job of reimagining the front/rear design details while keeping the excellent driving dynamics.
Yes, his final question- I researched and thought about it- and chose to spend $19,000 on a new 2019 Yaris over used or cheaper. It's ten year car for me and it looks like a solid partnership after half a year. Wonderful car ;-)
I'd go for the Scion iA. I wish it had a sun/moon roof.
Wow great job on researching the design details on this car. This attention to detail is surprising compared to the other auto reviewers out there who pretty much say all the same things.
I think what people might find surprising about this car also, is the sound system. This car has a great sounding system for such a small car. The bass is heavy and it doesn't sound cheap. I've rented a corolla and it doesn't sound as good as this car.
Great job on the review.
Von Ace well said! 90% of them just knock on the dashboard and say hard plastic blah blah
2:19 LOL, love the monologue.
Always is much better to buy a new car than a used. And this Scion iA its making me go to the nearest scion dealer right now!!
+Tio Wesos Same here. Was between the Scion iA and the Honda fit. But I am leaning towards the scion.
More stuff on Scion iA for a good price!!
+Tio Wesos It is really good just picked one up today!
Is this car built well enough to potentially be a 200k mile car???if properly maintained?
I want to buy a scion ia, I wish it came with a sub, and a sunroof. . but can't beat the price.
+djclown7pb Wishing the samething because it would lighten up the cabin but it's still a great car at great price.
Used car. I bought a 2003 Honda S2000 for $16,000 in June 2015. It has 57,400 miles and a clean title. However this car is interesting and I would consider buying one if I was in the market for a compact sedan. The standard features paired with a 6 speed manual for $16,000 make this one of the rare cases I would entertain the idea of buying a new car.
+Arjun Karsan Mazda 3 is better
s2k nice bro, same thing i was thinking it seems like a fun car to drive and the interior is phenom.!
+Arjun Karsan Exactly right.
i was gonna get the car too. i like the way it looks and performs but the beef i have is that there's no power steering. that's what i heard from a friend who has one.
If you want a 2 seater, fine....but that isnt in this cars competitive set.
He is wrong about this car has worse mpg than C segment cars. 31/41 is better than all C segment cars with manual transmission.
Toyota iA outstanding choice. Fun to drive!! Excellent mpg too!
Great mileage indeed! Mine ranges from the high 30's to the mid 40's; once it actually hit 50 mpg. Love my iA!
I purchased a used 2012 Toyota Corolla LE with only 35,000 miles on it for $10,500. However, if I hadn't picked up the Corolla for such a great price, I would definitely have purchased the Scion IA.
If I didn't live in Michigan and have a love for heated seats and AWD I would seriously consider the iA. The Nissan wouldn't be worth even a moment of contemplation.
And as an interesting side note, you can actually get the Mazda 2 (or Demio as they call it) with AWD in Japan. I know Scion is all about their "one price" concept, but I think they would have a real winner on their hands the north east is they could deliver a nicely equipped, AWD vehicle for under $20k. You can get an Impreza for that cheap, but it's so spartan it died at Thermopylae.
Chevy trax
Looks are so subjective. From some angles I like the front end, but from straight on ... not so much. When it comes down to it, I'd have to see it in person. Sub-compact sedans often look dowdy, especially from the rear (ie; Fiesta).
The interior looks good, and I do appreciate the low profile dash, but the flat-screen tv sticking out of the dashboard looks like an add-on. I would have a tough time convincing someone it is not.
Interesting that you explained the compression ratio & piston design. Something I never would believe would give a small motor more acceleration, due to it's weak HP to Wgt, ratio. Using a 0-60 calculator, 106 HP & 2400 LBS = 9.39 sec. w/manual.
Very nice review.
Lepers
Pppeo
Scion iA all the way!!!!
A Mazda by any other name... This seems like the near perfect successor to my old 1999 Mazda Protege. Same length, same width, same weight and more or less same sized engine and horsepower. I loved that little car and I'd probably consider this if I were in the market.
+Jeff Morse It's a replacement of the Toyota Yaris.
I know what its ostensibly supposed to be, but its a Mazda through and through.
I would buy this car! As Yaris iA next year!
I was waiting for the new CIVIC, but was really disappointed. Civic is NO civic any more!
Yaris iA is the new Civic.
goldpilgrim agreed. my wife had a 2016 civic and it has more interior room than my 2002 accord. compact cars aren't compact anymore. the ia is a good size
New compacts tend to be waaaay too big now. I miss the old Civic DX. Basic solid transport. Now they are bloated and cost too much with too much stuff I do not need or want.
i have ordered a manual toyota ia over a used car because of the 2 year maintenance plan and new warranty plus i am too picky about a used car being perfect and it's hard to find one that isn't scratched or scuffed for $16000.
I was offered a brand nee 2017 for $14.250. I bought a 2015 XB manual for -2 grand instead since it is a real deal Toyota, and made in Japan.
nice grocery getter for retired people like me . think I'll trade in my minivan !
I'd buy the ia over a used mazda 3. I want to buy an inexpensive new car, maintain and modify it to my liking.
we have now. it is fun to drive in manual
Me 2 i bought one!
it is mazda2 or the cx3. and 12 :1 compression ratio is what ford has been using on their focus since 2011 . it is a high but nothing really special in terms of compression. mazda 2.0 and 2.5L have a 13:1 even 14:1 in some markets and that is a really high compression.
Given that this car comes with 2yrs, 25k complimentary factory maintenance, I would buy it rather than buy used. Great review.
Gerald Fraenkel That service a worth about 150 $ it includes a couple of oil changes and visual inspections. That is just marketing BS.
watershed44 Good point . . .
MotoManTV Yes the marketing clowns took away the REAL value of longer factory B2B warranties and replaced it with this...what a crock.
remember folks its a 2016 Mazda 2 with a trunk witch = great! So buy it lol I will
I'd prefer a hatchback if I'm going with a smaller car like this, so I'd probably just buy the Mazda3. But there isn't a dealer near me, so I might just get the Scion anyhow haha. Very glad to hear it's got some Mazda zoom zoom in it though! Just because a car is small, inexpensive, and for economy mostly doesn't mean it has to be a bore to drive.
Here's an answer to a question: buy the IA new, a new Versa or a used car? I would definitely buy the IA. That class of cars is fun. The Fiesta is great, but this new Scion (MAZDA 2) is easy to guess how good it is. I just drove a 2015 Mazda 3 and it was excellent. Maybe this will be in dealerships in two weeks. Never stepped into a Scion dealership ever, so this will be a first.
What did you do? I would choose the iA or a Kia Soul.
I hated this car when it first unveiled but I think with a new set of wheels, a few dealer installed performance goodies in typical Scion fashion, I think it'd be appealing to buy new.
My first car was a celica with 103hp, but it was still fun. My daily driver now is a v6 and now that I've gotten having a faster car out of my system, I'd go back to something slower but more fuel efficient. It's more fun to drive something slow fast than driving a fast car slow
+WretchedDrake Mazda 3 is a better choice
No
Different Price Point. WRX is a better choice, Fiesta ST is a better choice...but they cost more and are less efficient and cost more to own and drive.
I have a ? And hope it makes it on your Q&A video.
Why did mazda decide to drop the mazda 2 but sell it as a scion? Dumb if you ask me cause from what I've seen the mazda 2 really looks good eapically in higher spec trim. Such a shame we won't get it. Thanks. Love your videos.
veedubbcubb DAMN good question for which I have no *official* answer. I only have guesses and conspiracy theories:) Next time I get a Mazda person on the show, I say we pose the question. Thanks for bringing it up!
God I wish we got the Mazda 2 here
Thank you, thank you, thank you for this detailed review...and for the Eddie Haskel reference. I agree, the ONLY thing this thing needs is a moonroof. And a standard CD player :-)
Only the base model of the Nissan Versa is $12k, which is nothing compared to the iA. A similarly equipped Versa is about $16k, which is the same price as the iA. The iA is a way better car than the Versa.
You can buy a stripped Versa S manual for only $10k OTD. However, they are really cheap inside and have had issues.
Your question at the end is a bit hard to answer. I suppose it would depend upon why I was buying the car. Most of the people who responded to say "used" went with sports sedans or some variety of sports car. That's a whole other segment, though. I think a lot of people looking at this car might actually like this car. They might not be buying it because it's cheap - they might genuinely like it. In that case, there's no reason to buy a used car that was "nicer" when it came out.
With that said, I'd go used all day because this isn't the car I want. For about the same price, I bought a used Hyundai Genesis with heated/ventilated nappa leather, double pane windows, nav, heated/dimming mirrors all around, and numerous other nice "things." Moreso, I have rear wheel drive, 383 horsepower, and if I drive responsibly I get 31mpg highway (I can hypermile 36mpg on the highway at 60mph). Hell, Carrie could even fit her canvases in the trunk, haha. Again, different purposes. If I were buying a car for my imaginary child, or for my parents- they'd be in the Scion - no question about it.
Anthony Levens EXCELLENT answer Anthony . . . I will share your thoughts with Carrie . . . :)
For that price I think a used car would be a great choice. Like Toyotas or lexus have great dependability and more options too.
I will drive the Scion iA because it has way more "juice" to give me compare to a boring Versa that I feel I'm always going 40mph no mater where.
At this o=point i can find these at 10k with 30-60k miles! Definitely my first real car purchase!
Hey MOTO-MAN is there any TRD parts for this one?
cdrom ringo Good question . . . they didn't make mention of any. I wouldn't be surprised if there isn't anything on offer as they don't make the car. That said, a bit behind the scenes. They did have an iM with TRD bits on it at the launch. I need to get it back to spend more time with it.
cdrom ringo So coming back to this . . . We brought up your question - and very good point - in today's episode: th-cam.com/video/tvms4p4g4MI/w-d-xo.html
Yes I saw it! Thanks Moto-Man.
I would take this over the cheaper Versa and a used car because I would rather get a new car than a used car. From experience, buying a used car is inheriting someone else's bad luck.
Well that depends on a lot of things. Some used cars are fantastic buys, and are the only way most people get to enjoy semi-exotic or limited run cars. Definitely worth considering.
1) 2016 Scion iA 2) 2016 Honda fit 3) 2016 Honda Civic 4) 2016 Mazda3.
I am having trouble deciding on what car I should get. I have shortened the list down to these 4 cars. If I were to purchase any one of these cars, it would be the base model and automatic. What do you guys think? Which car would you choose and why? Thanks for the feedback. I can't decide!
Same here I don't know which one to get
You've probably already made up your mind since i'm seeing your comment so late but I own an iA and I absolutely love the car. That being said, the Civic would be my top choice because of how long I plan on owning my car and Honda's reliability. I was pretty strict on my budget and I don't know what your price range is but I was able to swing my iA for 14K flat and 15.2K with TTL. If you want a car with my same margins, go with the iA, otherwise spend the extra 3 to 4 thousand and get the civic.
You are so right. I also knew I was going to have this car for as long as it will drive so I decided to spend a bit more. Ended up test driving the 2016 civic, Mazda 3, and Ford Focus. In my opinion it was no competition. The civic has a nice interior, good tech, and I was afraid that I would hate the cvt, but it was no problem. I got the civic ex/with Honda sensing barely last weekend. But yeah it all depends on your budget. I would say, if you are able to, people should test drive the civic, it will not disappoint.
Civic reliability has dropped a lot in 2016.
Civic is just way too large. They have bloated up way too much every generation. Honestly the Fit seems like a more fair comparison when it comes to size and pricing. I am on a much tighter budget, anyway. However, I just cannot warn up to the Accord from 5 years ago Size of a Civic.
so mazda makes good cars
for 16k i'd go for a nice jdm car like a skyline gts-t or a 300zx from japaneseclassicsllc or a nice e39 M5
Front end resembles Kodo design, interior is totally Mazda, the whole infotainment center. It's a Mazda!
18300 with automatic nav and armrest
do you find this the ride quality to be bumpy? I feel every bump, pothotle, sewer, and crack in the road while driving the iA
.
I would buy a used dodge avenger 2013-2014 with the v6 pentastar with 285 horse power and save a thousand dollars, the car is youthful and moves like a rocket!
They'll make a turbo kit for it real soon
Awesome car, really love the Mazda 2 but that front look is awful, I imagine Derek and his team feeling kinda... Well, let's just imagine how a portrait artist would feel if you went around doing ugly mustaches to their works.
MotoManTV I know you wont get the hatchback in the US, but I was wondering what body do you prefer, I happen to think that the Hatchback looks much better (same with the fiesta)
Juan Manuel Martinez Have to say that I do like the look of the Mazda 2 5 door but would be hard pressed to choose it over the sedan as I am like most Americans - I like me a trunk . . . :)
Guo
Used car, you can find a G8 GT, albeit with a lot of miles, for the same price or a couple grand more
I would also consider an used 2012 BMW 128i -- similarly compact inside & out with a high driver seat while handles sporty, but with twice the power & fuel consumption, plus no direct injection to clogged up the intake with carbon.
Repairs!
This one definitely over a used or Versa.
i love the way he dresses. business at the top. party and what's up youngsters #YOLO at the bottom. lols
That's what I was thinking: Buy this new car the iA vs buying a slightly used car maybe a 2014/2015 Mazda 3. Tough.
+Native722 VERY tough call . . . Me, I would probably go with a Mazda 3 with a manual . . . Happy New Year!
What did you get？
that front tho ughhhhhhhhhhhh only think making me hesitate
I'm curious, why did they decide to badge-engineer a Mazda2 ... instead of say Toyota's own Yaris?
I agree, the Versa is awful, but for me The Nissan Sunny takes the title of "The Worst of The Worst" .... even the people who drive it are the worst drivers ever lol
I'd definitely go the used route! 16k can get you something much better.
as always, excellent video M!
IceDree Good question. I am going to be seeing Derek soon so going to pose the question. That said, I am not certain Japan will let him answer. But hey, in this world, you don't get if you don't ask . . .
MotoManTV yea I have that same feeling too. But hey, you never know.... he might surprise you :)
Thanks for your review, MotoMan! I've owned my iA for one year, and boy did I learn a lot about its quirks... Check out my video here: th-cam.com/video/58ESnQaDqos/w-d-xo.html
2:18 Driving Mrs Cleaver would make a nice movie, Moto lololol
if i had $16 k to spend i'd look for a used Supra
I'm sure anyone interested in Scion/Toyota like me would go for a Corolla GTS. Haha but too bad they're nearly impossible to find.
A Mk2 Supra would also be an excellent choice!
Great car I have one but know is Toyota Yaris ia
Leave it to beaver reference!!
What and who owns Scion? First you tested the iM which is actually a Toyota Auris elsewhere in the world and now this, which is a Mazda 2 sedan!!! What? I thought Scion was a fully Toyota brand. How did they convince Mazda to rebrand their Mazda 2 as a Scion?
SDav21 ummm have you forgotten about the Subaru Collab ? ...BRZ...
It's all about the money. I hear the Toyota Yaris is gonna be a mazda2 as well.
SDav21 Toyota and Mazda actually recently entered into a partnership together. Toyota is a much larger company with access to many more resources, but Mazda has absolutely been killing it when it comes to innovation, and on a relatively shoestring budget. In other words, Toyota wants to know how a company as comparably small as Mazda is able to build such high quality cars while remaining profitable, and Mazda wants to see what it can make when given access to bigger budgets and more resources. The Mazda 2 becoming the Scion iA in the US is likely a result of this partnership.
I like this car a lot but I'm torn on the exterior styling, it looks kind shrunken down and odd. The iM has much better styling but isn't as fun to drive :/
MotoManTV I would go for a used car, you can find a fully loaded 2009 IS350 for around $18k, sunroof and tan leather seats!
Karun Chendrimada VERY compelling argument . . .
+Karun Chendrimada ya but its 7 years old
Gregory Perkins so, find one with low miles closer to 2010 (
+Karun Chendrimada not me when I drove sometimes hundreds of miles a.day
+Karun Chendrimada not me when I drove sometimes hundreds of miles a.day
I wish this dude would stop saying b and c etc segment cars because literally no one but him calls them that
So it's basically a reversed HEMI? I'll call it a HEMPI
I'll admit my Ford Fan Boy bias here and say I'd rather have a low trim Fiest ST than this or the Mazda 2.
ST costs 4-5 grand more and way less reliable and requires premium fuel.
Those are a Reliability S Show. I considered one. Back seat was too tight as well as the problems. Bought a clean 2015 XB for less than both these cars with only 30k miles. Its been versatile, well made, and reliable. Ill have it many years. Even found a Stickshift one!
I think, I found the one...
12:1 compression on todays junk fuel - Hmmmmm
jake legg VERY good point . . . We answered your question in today's episode: th-cam.com/video/tvms4p4g4MI/w-d-xo.html
or you could go to my local Mitsubishi dealer and buy a Mirage for 10k brand new which that car is actually worse than the Versa
Better than Versa, but almost everything is. The Mirage is solid. The Versa has problems and cannot match the Mirage 50 MPG + on the highway. I would for sure chose a Mirage. The comparison in terms of equipment puts Mirage ahead as well. Now, if my budget was not so tight, I would buy an iA for sure.
Scion is trying so hard to ruin a Mazda2. That grill, that blue n black interior combination. Then tell everyone it is a mazda
I would rather just get a used car. You can find so many great cars with way more features and HP for around the same price. I would probably go and pick up a 2008 TL type S.
Repairs.
Going forward to the ugly past!!!
Mazda makes great cars ... now its a yaris ia
Buying a used car is always a better option in terms of price.
No.
Seems that Scion is moving backwards
+Mark David How are they moving backwards?
Native722 At least they made cars that were different but still attractive. This car looks like it was designed within 20 minutes
Mark, yet it attracted you to come watch the video review!
buildmorefarms100 I watched the video to see what the car had to offer. Seems I was right. Look at the date of my comment. Soon after Toyota discontinued the brand in the United States.
My point is that you said it "looks like it was designed in 20 minutes", yet it attracted you! :) Funny.
two cars that don't resemble each other at all ? makes no sense !
used m3. because I am young and full of hormons
Sooo basically an ugly rebadged Mazda 2. Why Mazda let Scion ruin their car???
I would buy a used Mazda instead because I get a real Mazda not a cheap rebadged especially with that Scion badge.
+jarupongch Because it benefit them. Mazda will get resources need to make a Mazda Hybrid that get 70MpG and spread out more knowledge of the engine to the people
I cannot stand the tablet on dash radio screen design! So boring and cheep looking