Seat or Mazda?

[Serenrose]

We are looking to replace our car and have narrowed it down to either a Mazda 3 or seat Leon. Key factors for us are boot space for pushchair, reliability and ongoing running costs. We are planning to purchase new or nearly new. Does anyone have any experience of either of these cars or ruled either of them in or out in your search that will help us decide?

This is probably too late but the Mazda every time for me. Ive had Mazdas for years and theyre really good runners with loads of space for the kids, dogs and DH lanky legs.

The Seat I always think of as a boy racer car, not made any better by the only boy racer type chap I know (in his 40's) with one drives it like a nutcase

Really pleased to hear your thoughts as we have gone for a Mazda!!

This is the question I wanted to ask!

I've had a Focus for 10 years now, so would feel a bit "stuck in a rut" if I got another. A Leon or Mazda 3 were the alternatives I was looking at. What is the room in the back/boot like? I'm a camper so need some space. What's the handling like? Does the Mazda 3 feel nippy?

Hi @Goldenbug sorry for the delay I've only just read your message.

The boot space has worked well for us, we can fit pushchair and some extra bags e.g. Overnight bags or shopping bags in there no problem. I can't comment much on handling as I hardly drive it. The couple of times I have driven it I personally haven't found the hear changes particularly in the lower gears that smooth, I've tended to jerk a bit. DH is getting on fine with it so may just be a case of confidence and practice (for me). Good luck with your purchase!

• Gear changes - not hear!

I'm on my third Mazda - it's only getting replaced so I can go for a low company car tax PHEV. They are always well specced for the price and super reliable. Had 2x 3's and now have a 6 which I will miss a lot, really lovely cars!

And I say this despite the very geeky fact I met my husband on a Seat owners forum