Oh No! Not another "what car?" thread!

[Philly]

I have a cousin who is looking for a new car at the moment. She is a few years out of college and looking for something not too pricey: $15K ish. Newer is better, so there will still be a little warranty left. The options I got at first included an Impreza, Mazda3 and a Matrix. I recommended a WRX but that isn't what we are looking for. I guess that means a automatic. I learned about the warranty thing when I recommended a 90s A4.

Of the three above, I said the, but is there anything else worth taking a look at? This is the same cousin I was looking at buying a Protege from, so that is what she has driven.

 

[toyomatt84]

Mazda3's are fantastic. I would choose a Mazda3 over a Matrix from a driving perspective. The only thing I could see a Matrix being better for, would be comparing the coupe Mazda3 to the Matrix for space. Then I would say bring in the 5-door Mazda3.

 

[JCE]

Mazda3 hatch is what I'd recommend. Forget the Impreza as the insurance will be way too expensive. The only other car I'd recommend for her is a Corolla S.

 

[Philly]

Thanks guys. She was looking at the 3 5-door over the sedan anyway.

 

[Kylehnat]

The space in the Mazda 3 5-door eats the Matrix for lunch.

 

[Philly]

The space in the Mazda 3 5-door eats the Matrix for lunch.

I almost forgot that you had one. How do you like it? Is there anything you would put above it based on your experiences?

 

[JCE]

My brother has a Mazda3 (saloon) and as far as I'm concerned its a brilliant ride. I don't care what TopGear said, the interior isn't as bad as they protray it to be. It feels very nippy in the twisty stuff--and more importantly has a very secure satisfying ride. You don't feel as though you are in a cheap econobox half the time.

 

[Tornado]

Newer is better, so there will still be a little warranty left. The options I got at first included an Impreza, Mazda3 and a Matrix. I recommended a WRX but that isn't what we are looking for.

Of those, the Mazda 3 is the best. The Matrix and its brother the Vibe were great when they were new, but they are rather dated now.

However, if you are willing to go outside those 3, I would make a suggestion:
If she wants a sporty car, I'd say get a Rabbit. You could probably get one loaded used, or you could get a new one. However, I would personally suggest a 2006 Hyundai Sonata V6. They easily come in under 15 grand, they have good power, they are screwed together well, they go 147MPH and they have a 5 speed auto. They also still have plenty of warranty left on them.

 

[JCE]

However, if you are willing to go outside those 3, I would make a suggestion:
If she wants a sporty car, I'd say get a Rabbit. You could probably get one loaded used, or you could get a new one. However, I would personally suggest a 2006 Hyundai Sonata V6. They easily come in under 15 grand, they have good power, they are screwed together well, they go 147MPH and they have a 5 speed auto. They also still have plenty of warranty left on them.

Hi, my name is James and I approve of this message. 👍

 

[Kylehnat]

I almost forgot that you had one. How do you like it? Is there anything you would put above it based on your experiences?

For the price, I don't think it's possible to build a better car. I've driven $25,000-$30,000 cars that aren't nearly as solid. It could use another 20 horsepower, though (I'm working on that ). Otherwise, it's a winner. In terms of warranty, mine's got 12,000 miles on it, and hasn't so much as sneezed even once.

 

[neanderthal]

wouldnt it be better to ask her what kind of use this car is going to have before making suggestions? i might recommend something different if she is going to be playing a double bass i might not suggest a corolla. if she has a saint bernard i might not suggest a miata. if she is ..... you get the idea.

thats one thing that always puzzled me.

eg. this is a real situation; my brother is thinking about buying a new car. he wants a navigator. what do you guys suggest.

most of you would say get the ML, or the expedition, same thing, its just cheaper, a BMW is sportier etc. what none of you realise is that he drives 70 miles each way to work.

correct answer would be, get a used gator, and a small commuter car for gonig to work.

food for thought.

 

[Sakiale]

My dad doesn't like our Mazda3 hatch, but he's old.

 

[Philly]

Apparently it is a hatch she is looking for. That's about all I know.

If she wants a sporty car, I'd say get a Rabbit. You could probably get one loaded used, or you could get a new one. However, I would personally suggest a 2006 Hyundai Sonata V6. They easily come in under 15 grand, they have good power, they are screwed together well, they go 147MPH and they have a 5 speed auto. They also still have plenty of warranty left on them.

Wow. Thanks. That's just the kind of information I was looking for.👍

For the price, I don't think it's possible to build a better car. I've driven $25,000-$30,000 cars that aren't nearly as solid. It could use another 20 horsepower, though (I'm working on that ). Otherwise, it's a winner. In terms of warranty, mine's got 12,000 miles on it, and hasn't so much as sneezed even once.

Ok. Thanks. I'm sure the 20 hp deficit won't be minded. Good to know it is a very reliable car.👍

 

[YSSMAN]

Apparently it is a hatch she is looking for. That's about all I know.

Well, if you're looking for hatchbacks, your choices are limited:

- Chevrolet HHR: Again, like I've said before, for a girl it isn't going to matter much. You can find decent LT1 or LT2 models for pretty cheap on the re-sale lots, but GM is happy to give them away as well, so I'm sure they'd be happy to chop a few grand of the sticker before you even start to bargain... They're not bad, Consumer Reports actually recommends them (odd?), they're just not for enthusiasts (except the SS model).

- Dodge Caliber: Cheap. Cheap cheap cheap cheap cheap. They're not the worst things on the market, but they aren't good either. Have a look, they've got some nifty features available on them for a decent price...

- Ford Focus: Get them while they last, the MK1.2 models are about to die. Its my guess that Ford would be happy to push a ZX3 or a ZX5 out the door for cheap these days, and furthermore, they seem to be quite affordable on the re-sale lots these days... Particularly the original MKI models. Ask JCE how his Focus went over; Thus far, I'm kinda interested in a ZX3 as of late...

- Mazda3: The bases have been covered

-Protoge5: The sleeper hit, I love this car! If you can find one for cheap, by all means!​

-VW Rabbit: Brand new they can come in for just a hair more than $15K, and used ones even less. Although, I have yet to see a used one. They're built pretty well, fairly reliable, and a lot of fun to drive (ish). Much better than the MKIV it replaced...

-MKIV Golf: I love my Vee-Dubs, so I'm going to recomend it, but I send cautionary tales. Some models were screwed together better than others, so its hit-and-miss. Avoid the early 1.8T models and you should be okay, the 2.0L 8V rarely has problems, and the same can be said for the VR6. German-built vehicles tend to fair a bit better than the Mexican ones...​

- Subaru Impreza: Its been covered, but IMO, they're a bit too expensive (overall) to be really worth it... Unless you're into Subarus in the same way I'm into Volkswagens...

- Scion xA/xB/xD: Meh, they're alright. Cheap, pretty reliable, not at all fun to drive. Be happy knowing that you bought "the vehicle to stand-out" and yet blend in with all the other "hipsters" who have had them before.

 

[Philly]

Well, if you're looking for hatchbacks, your choices are limited:

- Chevrolet HHR: Again, like I've said before, for a girl it isn't going to matter much. You can find decent LT1 or LT2 models for pretty cheap on the re-sale lots, but GM is happy to give them away as well, so I'm sure they'd be happy to chop a few grand of the sticker before you even start to bargain... They're not bad, Consumer Reports actually recommends them (odd?), they're just not for enthusiasts (except the SS model).

I'm really trying to find the best car for that range. Sadly, I haven't really seen America offer something extraordinary recently.

- Dodge Caliber: Cheap. Cheap cheap cheap cheap cheap. They're not the worst things on the market, but they aren't good either. Have a look, they've got some nifty features available on them for a decent price...

That is exactly the problem I have. Cheap. I really haven't heard anything good about these.

- Ford Focus: Get them while they last, the MK1.2 models are about to die. Its my guess that Ford would be happy to push a ZX3 or a ZX5 out the door for cheap these days, and furthermore, they seem to be quite affordable on the re-sale lots these days... Particularly the original MKI models. Ask JCE how his Focus went over; Thus far, I'm kinda interested in a ZX3 as of late...

Do those still actually sell? I think this lacks the quality, and again, it just doesn't seem all that great compared to Japanese and German models.

- Mazda3: The bases have been covered

-Protoge5: The sleeper hit, I love this car! If you can find one for cheap, by all means!​

​

I really like these. The Protege5 might be a little old, but it definitly would be on any list for a relatively cheap car.

​

-VW Rabbit: Brand new they can come in for just a hair more than $15K, and used ones even less. Although, I have yet to see a used one. They're built pretty well, fairly reliable, and a lot of fun to drive (ish). Much better than the MKIV it replaced...

I want to drive this to compare it with a GTI. I'm sure I won't be disappointed, even having spent a LOT of time behind the wheel of the faster car. Why do you have trouble finding them used? In Seattle, I know they just don't sit on the lots very long. They are there, you just have to be aggressive.

-MKIV Golf: I love my Vee-Dubs, so I'm going to recomend it, but I send cautionary tales. Some models were screwed together better than others, so its hit-and-miss. Avoid the early 1.8T models and you should be okay, the 2.0L 8V rarely has problems, and the same can be said for the VR6. German-built vehicles tend to fair a bit better than the Mexican ones...

As awesome as they sound, they are probably going to be too old to be able to take advantage of any leftover warranty. Nothing great, but they certainly are there.

- Subaru Impreza: Its been covered, but IMO, they're a bit too expensive (overall) to be really worth it... Unless you're into Subarus in the same way I'm into Volkswagens...

I'm definitely a Vee-Dub guy myself now, but I definitely feel for the WRX versions of the Impreza and the Outbacks (my friend has a manual one). Regular Impreza? I drove one and pretty much hated it.

[qutoe]- Scion xA/xB/xD: Meh, they're alright. Cheap, pretty reliable, not at all fun to drive. Be happy knowing that you bought "the vehicle to stand-out" and yet blend in with all the other "hipsters" who have had them before.[/quote]

Definitely not the best. And I would say that I find them a little unattractive, but maybe cuz will like them a little better. Who knows.

How about the Astra? Could we find one of those for pretty cheap?

It really is too bad that America hasn't jumped onto the hatchback boat in quite the same way Europe has. I'm sure this would be a much more cutthroat list if we had some of the cars offered over there on it.

 

[JCE]

- Ford Focus: Get them while they last, the MK1.2 models are about to die. Its my guess that Ford would be happy to push a ZX3 or a ZX5 out the door for cheap these days, and furthermore, they seem to be quite affordable on the re-sale lots these days... Particularly the original MKI models. Ask JCE how his Focus went over; Thus far, I'm kinda interested in a ZX3 as of late...

My 2005 ZX5 SES Focus was a gem. I loved every minute of driving it. It felt solid on the road and inside. My only complaint is that the 2.0L has a dismal aftermarket and that there is no true center console as the shifter is mounted on the floor and the ebrake is in a VERY bad spot. Otherwise as quality goes the car is nearly bulletproof. I drove the ever living **** out of my 2005 and I NEVER had a problem with the drivetrain. I owned a 2007 ZX3 5spd and it was quicker than my 2005 ZX5 automatic--but otherwise it was all the same. They are cheap to buy, cheap to run, cheap to insure, they look great, and there is PLENTY of room for just about everything from 32" TV's to 4 6'2" tall people stuffed in it. I favor the 2005-2007 models personally, I like the interior and exterior changes.

But, I almost bought one of these below--which I will now comment on...

-Protoge5: The sleeper hit, I love this car! If you can find one for cheap, by all means!

The MP5 (Protege' 5) is definately the end all to be all cheap hatch. It has everything one could want. It looks brilliant, it rides and handles brilliant, its cheap to insure, its cheap to run, and has plenty of room like the Focus. I'd pick this over the rest of the cheap hatches for the simple reason that it feels better put together, and that the interior doesn't feel as cheap as the others. [/QUOTE]

 

[Philly]

My 2005 ZX5 SES Focus was a gem. I loved every minute of driving it. It felt solid on the road and inside. My only complaint is that the 2.0L has a dismal aftermarket and that there is no true center console as the shifter is mounted on the floor and the ebrake is in a VERY bad spot. Otherwise as quality goes the car is nearly bulletproof. I drove the ever living **** out of my 2005 and I NEVER had a problem with the drivetrain. I owned a 2007 ZX3 5spd and it was quicker than my 2005 ZX5 automatic--but otherwise it was all the same. They are cheap to buy, cheap to run, cheap to insure, they look great, and there is PLENTY of room for just about everything from 32" TV's to 4 6'2" tall people stuffed in it. I favor the 2005-2007 models personally, I like the interior and exterior changes.

How does it compare to the Mazda 3 or the Rabbit? I have heard a lot of good about those two, and not so much about the Focus. Plus, I really distrust Ford products, so that would take some convincing...

 

[YSSMAN]

I'm really trying to find the best car for that range. Sadly, I haven't really seen America offer something extraordinary recently.

I do agree for the most part, but the thing is, wagons/hatchbacks have only recently come into "vogue," so what you're going to find at the local Chevrolet or Ford dealer likely won't be up to snuff by comparison to some of the excellent cars that come out of Europe.

Do those still actually sell? I think this lacks the quality, and again, it just doesn't seem all that great compared to Japanese and German models.

Well, around here they do (I'm sure you've noticed). You can get MK1.2s for cheap, but even then, the MK1.3 (the really really ugly one) will start cheap too. Problem is, for the same price, we can get a Rabbit. Speaking of that...

I want to drive this to compare it with a GTI. I'm sure I won't be disappointed, even having spent a LOT of time behind the wheel of the faster car. Why do you have trouble finding them used? In Seattle, I know they just don't sit on the lots very long. They are there, you just have to be aggressive.

West Michigan is a pretty big market for VW (given the high percentage of middle and upper-middle class folks), but I've yet to see a used Rabbit on any lots around here. Given that they've just been updated with the 170 BHP I5, there may be a few that pop-up, but my guess is that its the same situation around the country... But, I doubt VW would have a hard time finding a NEW Rabbit for about $15.5-16K.

How about the Astra? Could we find one of those for pretty cheap?

Well, they're not officially out yet, but a stripper Astra XE (5-door) will start at $16K even. The more nicely-equipped Astra XR (5-door) will start at $17,545.

Here in Michigan you'll likely find them for cheap, but anywhere else, its hard to tell...

 

[JCE]

How does it compare to the Mazda 3 or the Rabbit? I have heard a lot of good about those two, and not so much about the Focus. Plus, I really distrust Ford products, so that would take some convincing...

The Mazda3 is a much better overall package than the Focus. However, the Focus is cheaper to buy and insure. The Rabbit is a VW and more importantly German, so its brilliant.

 

[Philly]

West Michigan is a pretty big market for VW (given the high percentage of middle and upper-middle class folks), but I've yet to see a used Rabbit on any lots around here. Given that they've just been updated with the 170 BHP I5, there may be a few that pop-up, but my guess is that its the same situation around the country... But, I doubt VW would have a hard time finding a NEW Rabbit for about $15.5-16K.

VWs are pretty popular across the country I'm guessing (at lest in Seattle too). When looking into used GTIs, I remember seeing one of two GTIs at pretty much every dealer lot. I believe there was usually a Rabbit or two. New is a option, but the leather and other fun options can probably be had on a used one for the price of a new one. If you can find one how you want it...

Well, they're not officially out yet, but a stripper Astra XE (5-door) will start at $16K even. The more nicely-equipped Astra XR (5-door) will start at $17,545.

Here in Michigan you'll likely find them for cheap, but anywhere else, its hard to tell...

So I guess that puts this car out of the question. I suspected they would be a little pricey yet I am a little suprised that they would be more than a Rabbit.

The Mazda3 is a much better overall package than the Focus. However, the Focus is cheaper to buy and insure. The Rabbit is a VW and more importantly German, so its brilliant.

I'm thinking we want a car that has quality prioritized over cost. That's what really seems to take the VW and Mazda really fro above anything else mentioned in this thread. Those are cars I could very easily see starting around $20k instead of being in competition with the rest.

 

[JCE]

If you're spending $20k you can't go wrong with a VW. The Mazda3 hatch is a good buy, but only with the 2.3L and that pushes the price up a bit.

 

[Kylehnat]

The 3 hatch only comes with the 2.3L engine. The base model can be had for $17,500. Being late in the model year, you could probably talk the dealer down another $1000, as well.

 

[Philly]

If you're spending $20k you can't go wrong with a VW. The Mazda3 hatch is a good buy, but only with the 2.3L and that pushes the price up a bit.

Our budget is at $15k. A VW and 3 can still be had in that range, but it might be scraping the bottom a little.

The 3 hatch only comes with the 2.3L engine. The base model can be had for $17,500. Being late in the model year, you could probably talk the dealer down another $1000, as well.

Given that we pushed a dealer down $3,000 from $23,000, getting them down $2,000 in this case doesn't sound like too much of a challenge. And that $3,000 was for a high demand car that probably would've been sold later that day or the next.

I still can't get over how cheap that sounds for such a great car.