Quote Originally Posted by jut703 View Post
The Mz3 costs 965k, while Yojin3 is equivalent to a 36k discount (6k per PMS twice a year for 3 years). So effectively it's like buying the car for 929k.

On the other hand, an Altis G MT costs 893k, and discounts are usually around 35k, putting it at 858k. Still a 71k difference, which is significant for me.

Of course, if we compare AT to AT, the difference is smaller - 949k for the Altis G CVT less 35k discount = 914k, or just a 15k difference with the Mz3 1.5V.

If I were getting an AT, I'd get the Mz3 over the Altis. But since I prefer manuals (getting a manual offers significant savings and better performance), I was left with no choice but to get the Altis G MT since Mazda doesn't offer the 3 with a stick shift.

Another thing against the Mz3 1.5 is that it just looks awful with the 16" rims and without the ducktail, unlike the Altis which looks pretty decent with its stock 16 inchers even without a ducktail. When I was considering the Mz3, I factored in the cost and difficulty of sourcing OEM 18" rims as well as an OEM ducktail, which really made it a pricier option.
I agree with bro Jut with the last paragraph. When I got my Mz3 few months back, the first two mods i had were the 2.0 OE 18" rims and the ductail. The 1.5 sedan looks bare in stock form. It made a lot of difference when the minor upgrades were done.

I also have the same strong considerations between the Altis 1.6G AT, 1.5VX Jazz and the Mz3 1.5V. Price difference at the time was just 10k from Altis to Mz3. Dropped the Jazz because wife doesnt want to have a subcompact car again. The clincher for me though was the Yojin3. Also, units were available at that time so I was able to reserve but had to wait for a couple of weeks as i needed to accomplish paperwork first and wait for bank's approval.

My suggestion is you consider and test drive the Mz3. So far I am happy with my choice. I do not feel it underpowered probably because I have a subcompact car before. I couldnt gripe on the interior and exterior looks of the Mz3 (aside from the 16s and ductail which is minor). Quality of the interior is also one of the best for compacts. FC is very good on long drives. You can easily average 6-7L/100km or 16km/l with an average speed of 90-100kph it could even get better if you go 80kph.

Nevertheless, it should really be a toss up between the Altis and Mz3. Goodluck sir!