Hello, I will be in the car market here soon, and have narrowed down my selection to 2 cars, the 2012 Mazda 3 with the skyactiv engine, and the 2012 impreza with the car. Does anyone have any input on either cars? My friend, who is very good with cars, and a subie fan, says to stay as far away from Mazda as possible. He says they are unreliable and just awful cars. Is this true? Any input would be greatly appreciated.

 

I would say Subaru are awful & unreliable.

2012 Mazda 3 is just about bulletproof.

And yes I own a 2012 built Mazda 3.

 

Sorry, I have to say your friend is a idiot; the Mazda3 has a very well deserved reputation for being reliable and long lasting (the 2.3 liter engine from the Gen 1 models being the exception).

 

I believe he is basing it on the gen one 2.3. He is more into the oldish cars. He has himself a 2.2L outback sport, and he has had no mechanical problems with it. Can you explain your experience with the 2012 model?