This Our trusty 2007 Honda Civic developed a cracked engine block after 11 years. I was ticked off because this was due to a manufacturing defect that made Hon

This Our trusty 2007 Honda Civic developed a cracked engine block after 11 years. I was ticked off because this was due to a manufacturing defect that made Honda extend the warranty to 10 years. While I fought with Honda to cover the cost of it, we decided to lease a Mazda 6. I've driven a 3 series before, and I was surprised how close in comfort the Mazda was. We've had the Mazda (and the fixed civic) for a while, and I have to say, I'd have a hard time justifying buying a BMW or Mercedes because the Mazda 6 is fancy enough for me (we also ended up getting a Honda Odyssey minivan and that is even fancier). If feels like the luxury car brands have lost ground to other car manufacturers and instead of adding value they are nickel and diming their customers for features that other car-makers include at a lower cost. I do find the only cars I lust after are either the Porsche Boxster or 911.