[wbradley]

Originally Posted by df.dima

I obviously don't have a broad experience, but we chose 2012 Mazda 3 for my wife after comparing with Civic and Corolla of same year. Let me tell you, what a crap tin can Corolla is in terms of flimsiness. It drives like shit too. Mazda 3 pleasantly surprised us for a cheap car. I think Toyota is becoming overrated now (or was for some time). While in the show room, I looked at same year Rav4 and Venza, noted same issues of flimsy interior, as well as crudeness in other places.
As far as rust, I don't plan to keep Mazdas until then, that's how I eliminate that worry. I agree Mazda had rust issues, as late as mid-late 2000s Mazda 3 rust fiasco. Too early to say if they improved.
I've read that new generation of SkyActiv Mazdas are even better, I'm yet to poke around them, but I can't wait for next summer when we swap out wife's 3, will consider CX-5 or a 6.

After my mediocre experience at dealerships even for service on my Scion, I don't even consider any of Scion/Toyota cars next. My dad's Lexus has been pretty good tho, it seems those are still on par for quality, but then again most agree current Lexus LS flagship doesn't measure up in terms of bullet prooff-ness to pre 2005 generation (maybe just nostalgic feelings, but seems new LS owners encounter more issues than previous gen).

I used to be a huge Toyota fan, even worked at Cambridge, but things have changed...

Lets see what a new Corolla looks like 10 years from now compared to a Mazda 3. In fact lets see the two in 5 years...

Rav 4 flimsy compared to CX5?? What are you smoking??

Toyotas are great...appliances. That's my only issue with them. But, you pretty much can't make a bad choice with the brand overall. Oh, did I mention they also bring $$ to Ontario's economy? Mazda? Nobody made money on them including salespeople when I was in the business. Strictly the dealer made anything on them. I don't know if its still the same way. They bring zero jobs to our manufacturing sector as well.

If you are a 519'er like my wife, you should LOVE Toyota. My wife has purchased 3 in a row, 1 from Cambridge and 2 from Woodstock.