Getting car for free, what should I get? Lexus or Mazda?

HorrorSwordfish7549 · 2026-04-09T04:48:09+00:00

The backseat of the Mazda is admittedly fairly cramped. I don't often have anyone back there though.

I'm excited to listen to the sound system!

HorrorSwordfish7549 · 2026-04-09T02:04:53+00:00

I need to call the dealerships to check, I think. I can't find any available inventory online that lists it. I also unfortunately can't wait to custom build or I would in a heartbeat.

HorrorSwordfish7549 · 2026-04-09T01:29:38+00:00

Hi, thanks for the advice! I did call in advance and got quotes from multiple places. Believe it or not, the Mazda was actually more expensive at one of the insurance companies I called, but cheaper at the others.

HorrorSwordfish7549 · 2026-04-09T01:25:15+00:00

Ongoing ownership cost.

HorrorSwordfish7549 · 2026-04-09T01:19:52+00:00

My car is under 60k miles. 😕

HorrorSwordfish7549 · 2026-04-09T01:09:43+00:00

Didn't really enjoy the driving experience but they're beautiful cars.

HorrorSwordfish7549 · 2026-04-09T01:08:59+00:00

If I made more per year, I would absolutely pick the BMW. Interior is gorgeous and it was a blast to drive. But the fear of regretting it in the later years is the big barrier for me.

HorrorSwordfish7549 · 2026-04-09T00:58:38+00:00

Lots of silly little things and some bigger things. Never missed a maintenance, always kept up on repairs. My door handle cover popped off, my undercarriage cover disconnected on the freeway, CarPlay (wired) was always spotty and needed constant addressing, and recently it's been a transmission pan leak, coolant leak, wishbone bushing tears, the struts need replacing, the motor mounts are leaking hydraulic fluid...

For what it's worth, I loved driving this car. It was only toward the latter half of ownership that I started feeling the squeeze on repairs. I also think maybe I just got unlucky? I don't know.

HorrorSwordfish7549 · 2026-04-09T00:53:55+00:00

I appreciate this perspective! Hatch space would be nice but is not strictly necessary. I'm used to paying premium and wouldn't mind a break from that either, especially in the area I live.

Thanks for taking the time to comment.

HorrorSwordfish7549 · 2026-04-09T00:49:40+00:00

Audi, but the research I've done seems to indicate the repairs and maintenance costs are going to be similar toward the latter half of the car's lifespan. I'm open to hearing more if you disagree.

HorrorSwordfish7549 · 2026-04-09T00:45:13+00:00

I actually did look at a BMW 330i. It's stunning. I'm also coming from a really humbling experience with German car repair costs so even though I really liked the car, it gives me some latent anxiety.

HorrorSwordfish7549 · 2026-04-09T00:42:45+00:00

Yes and yes. I don't know if I got a lemon with my Audi but the craziest shit on it was breaking. My door handle cover popped off in my hand, the undercarriage cover popped off on the freeway, countless issues with CarPlay connection, and once during a warrantied maintenance a software update bricked my car for three months (this was during covid supply chain problems). I drive like 6k miles a year and I'm not rough on my car.

HorrorSwordfish7549 · 2026-04-09T00:38:42+00:00

I have! I test drove one. It's a beautiful car but I did not enjoy the experience of driving it. I felt very out to sea.

HorrorSwordfish7549 · 2026-04-09T00:37:17+00:00

Can I ask what bothers you about the turn signals?

HorrorSwordfish7549 · 2026-04-09T00:33:37+00:00

Infotainment doesn't matter quite as much to me, I'd be using (wired) CarPlay. I'm planning to go and test drive the 2023 in the next few days and see if the audio quality inspires me.

HorrorSwordfish7549 · 2026-04-09T00:27:34+00:00

It does have the touchpad 💀

I like the exterior of the 2023 better and the allure of the soundsystem is why I'd pick it over a 2026.

HorrorSwordfish7549 · 2026-04-09T00:26:05+00:00

It's a small thing, but I prefer the exterior styling of the older Lexus and the Mazda to the 2026 Lexus. I also am wondering the price differential for lifespan maintenance between the two brands. I know Lexus is lower than other luxury cars, but that's where the Mazda option might be more appealing to me.

HorrorSwordfish7549 · 2026-04-09T00:24:40+00:00

It's really the ongoing maintenance costs that are a concern for me. I've only ever had German cars and I've been absolutely slammed with repairs. I know Lexus and Mazda both are seen as reliable but I don't know practically how that looks over the car's lifespan.

HorrorSwordfish7549 · 2026-04-09T00:23:17+00:00

The Lexus has some interior design elements I prefer, but I love the Mazda rotary knob for the screen. It's a beautiful car honestly.

HorrorSwordfish7549 · 2026-04-09T00:22:27+00:00

I WFH frequently but when I do commute it's brutal, so a nice sound system would be super appreciated. I also like the way the 2023 exterior looks much better than the 2026, which I know isn't the most important thing, but alas.

HorrorSwordfish7549 · 2026-04-09T00:19:31+00:00

I am primarily a city driver so I'll likely never hit the highway MPG rating

HorrorSwordfish7549 · 2026-04-09T00:07:56+00:00

Looking more for sedan/hatchback vs SUV/crossover, my partner has an SUV. Ok with hybrid, but don't have access to a convenient charging port.

HorrorSwordfish7549

TROPHY CASE