Decisions Decisions
 

Hello all. I have to make a decision between the Protege 5 and the Mazda 3. I've driven the other 4 door hatchbacks in this market segment and come to the conclusion that the Mazdas offer the most overall value. I will be sharing the car with my wife and we spend the bulk of our driving time either commuting, or running around the city. My problem is that I like them both very much. I think that the styling of the Protege will probably age better, but the 2.3 engine is hard to dislike. The equipment is almost identical, but the Mazda 3 has a built-in alarm and immobilizer that are worth something in the city. The Protege 5 can be picked up for about $3000 less when you include the initial cost and the lower financing available. Now, assuming that I will own either for at least ten years (the car I'm replacing is an 88) do you have any advice as to which way to go? Thanks.