Not really a technical question, the car is a 2.3L, 5mt with 275K and runs well. Uses about 1 quart of oil every 5k miles, which I believe is reasonable. The car has always been serviced according to the maintenance requirements. The only reasons that I consider replacing it is for the new safety features. Not really a fan of any Honda products, CVT's, turbo's on small engines. I've considered the Mazda 6 or even the 3 because the size is very size comparable to the gen 6 Honda. I want a NA engine, preferable 4 cylinder and either a stick or conventional automatic transmission. I know that Mazda is going to introduce a new CUV sometime next year, the CX-30. That may be interesting. I'm in no rush to buy anything, so I'll give that a look when it comes out. Interested in any input for alternatives, or should I keep driving the old Accord, thanks.

 

It depends what modern features you want on your car and also your budget. I'd say test drive a variety of cars and try some different setups, like the NA Kia vs their small turbo engine to feel the difference.

 

We have a 2016 Mazda3 s GT (with the 2.5 liter engine) with the 6-Speed manual and it is a better drive than the very best of the Gen6 Accords; as much as we love our 2001 Accord, the Mazda3 is an entirely different generation of car. The hatchback version of the Mazda3 has roughly as much space as the Accord, but had a heck of a lot more utility when the rear seats are folded forward. Highly recommended.

That said, I would rather drive my 2006 TL 6MT over either of those two cars.

 

Good advise from both, thanks. I have driven the Mazda 3 hb and the CX-5. I agree that the 6mt in the 3 is definitely nice. I thought the car felt a bit small, but you are right the utility with the seats down provide more than I'll ever need in a car. I thought the CX-5 was a little big for a DD. That TL is one car, I wish I had purchased back in '06. The CX-30 is a CUV based upon the Mazda 3 hatch.

 

Yeah, the TL is a keeper. My brother, a VW guy through and through, drove it once and suddenly started looking for a 2007-2008 Type-S 6MT; unfortunately for him he didn't have the patience to wait for a clean one and ended up with his third GTI.