I am considering trading into a new car and was wondering if anyone had experience and opinions on some of the small cars on the market. The ones I will be looking at:
Nissa Versa
Ford Fiesta
Kia Rio
Hyundai Accent
Toyota Yaris
But I second the returned lease option. My son got a great deal on Civic that was returned early. Vehicles depreciate a lot the 1st year. I bought a certified Toyota Highlander and I have the best of both worlds. A cheaper price and the warranty
as a rental for a few days. It was nice. it was the basic model, so it didn't have a lot of bells and whistles. I prefer my Focus. BTW, if you are over 5'6" you may have issues getting in and out of small cars.
Unless you are trying to save a few dollars. Not much different between that size and the one up or difference in MPG really to make a big $$$ difference. And you get a little comfort
my company has the worst corporate car rental policy on the planet, so I almost always get a Yaris if I'm stuck with Hertz (National, much better them I'm emerald with or whatever it's called and get "any car on the lot")
anyway, the Yaris is like a roller skate on wheels, it's tiny, you cannot fit in adult in the backseat - unless they put their legs sideways. Definitely not two adults.
drives fine, great on gas, nice "features", but size would prevent me from wanting to drive one long-term.
But since you're looking at small cars already you probably prefer them. If I liked small cars I'd have no complaints.
Thanks for the advice on getting a "better" vehicle
but I like the econoboxes, I don't want to get anything more than $15K and I have no need or desire for the bells and whistles most people prefer. Radio and AC are the only things I need. Power lock, power windows, remote start, keyless entry, etc... are just more things that can break and I don't want them. I have never struggled to roll up a window, push a door lock or turn a key.
but I like the econoboxes, I don't want to get anything more than $15K and I have no need or desire for the bells and whistles most people prefer. Radio and AC are the only things I need. Power lock, power windows, remote start, keyless entry, etc... are just more things that can break and I don't want them. I have never struggled to roll up a window, push a door lock or turn a key.
Do they even make new cars without power locks, windows and entry any more? I haven't seen one since the late 90's.
a couple of years ago. I narrowed it down to the Toyota Rav4 or the Kia Soul after trying a bunch of them. Test drove them all. Nissan and Suburu are bad on gas mileage for some reason. After doing my due diligence, I went with the Soul.
I ended up going with the Soul because it has much more head room and great visibility out of the windows than most little cars. It also sits higher off the ground so I don't have to squat to get in it like a lot of the little cars and I have a bad back. I've got 28,000 miles on it and never a single problem. I get about 34 mpg. The only thing I do to it is change the oil at regular intervals per instructions. 100k / 6 year warranty. I bought a 2014 when the 2015's had just come out so they were moving them and selling them for pennies over cost to get them off the lot and make room for the new ones coming in. Got mine (bare bones) for 15.5k, 4k cheaper than the Rav4. But even bare bones, it came with every option I ever needed including 7 airbags, multiple jacks for every type of electronic need, hands free phone through the radio, excellent radio, great heater/AC, etc.
Of note, the first time in 27 years that a non-luxury brand car has come in first in the J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Study (which rates brands by the number of flaws found by owners in their cars in the first 90 days of ownership) has come in first place. And it's Kia beating out Mercedes, BMW, and Lexus brands. Second place went to Porsche, 3rd place to Hyundai, 4th to Toyota, and 5th to BMW.
Also, I read an article in Motor Trend comparing small cars and Kia Soul beat all of them out. Rav4 came in second.
My father has a Ford Focus and he likes it. Never had a problem with it. But it sits very low to the ground and the roof line is so low that I bang my head getting in and out of the car and when driving it and the visibility out of the back window is awful. It's also noisier inside than my Soul when going down the highway. Still, it's been a good car for him.
Toyota gets more money for their cars based on reputation and are cashing in for past quality. Korean cars are doing to Japan what Japan did to American cars in the 70's.
Similar to those you mention. Love it. Drives great, rear seats fold flat, so plenty of room to haul stuff.
That is what I have now. Love it, but it is over 50K now and I am deciding whether to cash it in before I have to start putting money into it or ride it till 150-200K. That's what I do with cars either get rid of them early or squeeze everything I can out of it. It has worked well for me so far.
I don't like the new fit as much as my current one and they have priced themselves over their value imo.
but I like the econoboxes, I don't want to get anything more than $15K and I have no need or desire for the bells and whistles most people prefer. Radio and AC are the only things I need. Power lock, power windows, remote start, keyless entry, etc... are just more things that can break and I don't want them. I have never struggled to roll up a window, push a door lock or turn a key.
Do they even make new cars without power locks, windows and entry any more? I haven't seen one since the late 90's.
but I like the econoboxes, I don't want to get anything more than $15K and I have no need or desire for the bells and whistles most people prefer. Radio and AC are the only things I need. Power lock, power windows, remote start, keyless entry, etc... are just more things that can break and I don't want them. I have never struggled to roll up a window, push a door lock or turn a key.
Do they even make new cars without power locks, windows and entry any more? I haven't seen one since the late 90's.
yes
Wow, surprising. I won't debate you on it if it's your prerogative do what you want, but I can't see you saving much by not getting them and it seems like saying "I never tripped or hurt my finger changing the channel on the TV so I'm going to buy one without a remote"
My current one does. I just don't desire them and will not pay extra to have them. I befuddle many sales agents with that also they don't seem to understand why I don't care what color it is either. Seems color is an important factor to most. I see my car as a means of transportation and nothing else.
My current one does. I just don't desire them and will not pay extra to have them. I befuddle many sales agents with that also they don't seem to understand why I don't care what color it is either. Seems color is an important factor to most. I see my car as a means of transportation and nothing else.
Ha, ha....I care about color. I just want to blend in and pass on lime green, Cheez-Whiz yellow, lavender, black (too hard to keep clean), high contrasting two-tones, etc. I prefer gray, silver, dusty blue, tans-brown, light green, whatever....just as long as it doesn't scream to everyone, "hey look at me".
I had a professor who came from overseas (of course) and I remember him saying that America was unique in that people think a car is an extension of themselves. Where he came from, there was one necessity - "getting from point A to B and back to A". I tend to agree. If I lived in the city, I'd probably have a scooter, but I live in the country and it's a drive to get to anything.
I love it because it is so easy to find in the parking lot.
Funny my sister gets bright colors for the same reason. I just look for my car in the space where I parked it. I have thus far had good luck with that.
I bought it used in late 2011 when I was unemployed. It's a sedan and not a hatchback. It fits 4 adults, 2 comfortably up front. 2 shorter adults just fine in the back.
I haven't driven any of the newer ones. This is my 3rd Toyota (I've owned nothing but) and I am satisfied.
Rented a couple recently and was not impressed. While the inside/trunk had more room than expected, it drove like crap. At highway speeds it did not feel solid at all.
20k for a vs golf sportwagen. The plain golf hatchback should be doable for 17ish. Join SCCA for 500 under invoice, no haggling, you still get incentives. The 1.8 turbo is fun.
and the Mazda 3 wagon the ride that appeals to me at the moment because Consumer Reports listed it among its top performers for gas mileage, quality, fit & finish, and price. I also like sporty cars.
I currently own an Infiniti G35x, and I love it. I've had her for going on 9 years. She still a strong car and fun to drive, but she is showing her age and if I'm really going to get any trade in value for her, now is the time to consider letting her go.
I've thought about staying in the entry-level luxury car market, but I don't know if I want to deal with the higher payments versus going practical, yet still fun to drive. I'm self-employed, and my business had a great year last year and an even better year this year, so I think I can afford a more expensive car. However, in the back of my mind, I remember the 5 rough years the business had, which we almost didn't survive. Do I want to put a significant debt on the books because the business will be leasing this vehicle for me or do I keep it smaller with a more practical and fuel efficient car. It's a tough call.
Best of luck Hades - looks like you've gotten some good advice on your pending purchase. Although I'm not a fan of the econoboxes, I can't fault your logic, especially if you live in NYC. Who needs a fancy car there? Plus it's a heck of a lot easier to part a small car, versus something bigger.
and the Mazda 3 wagon the ride that appeals to me at the moment because Consumer Reports listed it among its top performers for gas mileage, quality, fit & finish, and price. I also like sporty cars.
I currently own an Infiniti G35x, and I love it. I've had her for going on 9 years. She still a strong car and fun to drive, but she is showing her age and if I'm really going to get any trade in value for her, now is the time to consider letting her go.
I've thought about staying in the entry-level luxury car market, but I don't know if I want to deal with the higher payments versus going practical, yet still fun to drive. I'm self-employed, and my business had a great year last year and an even better year this year, so I think I can afford a more expensive car. However, in the back of my mind, I remember the 5 rough years the business had, which we almost didn't survive. Do I want to put a significant debt on the books because the business will be leasing this vehicle for me or do I keep it smaller with a more practical and fuel efficient car. It's a tough call.
Best of luck Hades - looks like you've gotten some good advice on your pending purchase. Although I'm not a fan of the econoboxes, I can't fault your logic, especially if you live in NYC. Who needs a fancy car there? Plus it's a heck of a lot easier to part a small car, versus something bigger.
The Mazda 3 is an amazing ride. I have the 2012 Mazda 3 for a year now and it feels so powerful and smooth even though it only has 150 - 160 hp.
If I were you, I'd look into the 2014 or higher Mazda 3s as that's the year Mazda redesigned their look. It looks much sleeker than the previous models.
If you want more room + horsepower, and you are keen on Mazda, take a look at the Speed3 hatchback. I wouldn't consider these cars to be entry luxury brand but the 3s have amazing value for a great small car.
Called a dealer today and asked him if he still had a specific car listed in the inventory. He did and I told him I would be there at 5:20 to look at it and I didn't have much time.
You would think he would have it ready. It is still on the show room floor when I get there. I look it over and ask if I can test drive it. This seemed to surprise him, I guess test drives aren't as common as they used to be.
The car wouldn't start, I stand there amused watching him try to start it for 15 minutes before I said. Look, this wasn't the push to start I was expecting from the literature. I am out of time, I was expecting you to have it ready when I called in advance for you to have it ready. And I left.
Maybe I am unreasonable because of my lack of time to mess around with the dealership games, but this really annoyed me.
Called a dealer today and asked him if he still had a specific car listed in the inventory. He did and I told him I would be there at 5:20 to look at it and I didn't have much time.
You would think he would have it ready. It is still on the show room floor when I get there. I look it over and ask if I can test drive it. This seemed to surprise him, I guess test drives aren't as common as they used to be.
The car wouldn't start, I stand there amused watching him try to start it for 15 minutes before I said. Look, this wasn't the push to start I was expecting from the literature. I am out of time, I was expecting you to have it ready when I called in advance for you to have it ready. And I left.
Maybe I am unreasonable because of my lack of time to mess around with the dealership games, but this really annoyed me.
How many times a day do you think people say they are coming and don't show up? But you would think they could at least be able to start the car.
What bothers me more is a salesman that does not know his product. I shouldn't be able to walk in and know more about a car line than the dealership. They are more interested in pushing stupid extras then on delivering the vehicle.
Called a dealer today and asked him if he still had a specific car listed in the inventory. He did and I told him I would be there at 5:20 to look at it and I didn't have much time.
You would think he would have it ready. It is still on the show room floor when I get there. I look it over and ask if I can test drive it. This seemed to surprise him, I guess test drives aren't as common as they used to be.
The car wouldn't start, I stand there amused watching him try to start it for 15 minutes before I said. Look, this wasn't the push to start I was expecting from the literature. I am out of time, I was expecting you to have it ready when I called in advance for you to have it ready. And I left.
Maybe I am unreasonable because of my lack of time to mess around with the dealership games, but this really annoyed me.
How many times a day do you think people say they are coming and don't show up? But you would think they could at least be able to start the car.
What bothers me more is a salesman that does not know his product. I shouldn't be able to walk in and know more about a car line than the dealership. They are more interested in pushing stupid extras then on delivering the vehicle.
I am sure often. But I called at 4:30 and said I would call back @ 5 if I was going to be delayed. So even if he waited until 5 he had time to have it ready.
Me into a more expensive version of the car. The one he was going to have me drive was almost 5K more than the one I asked about.
Once you've made up your mind on the car you want, don't dance to their tune. Either use a negotiating service like CarBargains or go the DIY route and solicit offers by eMail. Either way you save money and cut down on the salesman hassle.
But I need to show up at the dealer to test drive it. If it was the right car, I would give them the price I am willing to pay for it. They either take it or not. I hate it when they chase me out to the parking lot and then can suddenly take my offer. I told one salesman that did that, sorry that offer expired when I walked out the door. I ended up calling the next closest dealer with the same offer and got the car there an hour later.
Pros: least expensive of them, terrific mileage, fairly nimble handling, surprisingly roomy with a nice-sized trunk. Lives bigger than it looks.
Cons: Noisy and weak engine, cheapo bare-bones feel inside and out. Metal on the body feels like a soda can - tap on a door or a fender and it makes that same hollow sound.
I'm pretty satisfied with the Versa. All I wanted was a commuter car that delivers value and has enough room for the family if necessary, and it delivers on that. Bought it as a low mileage certified used for much less than the competition and I average about 36 MPG, so it does exactly what I needed it for. That said, if you want more refinement and acceleration that doesn't rival a lame horse's, you would probably be happier with a different car.
But I could not get the rearview mirror adjusted in a way where I could see out the rear window properly. I do mostly city driving so visibility is a major factor for me. Horsepower not so much as I rarely am traveling faster than 40mph.
you reminded me of the one thing I hate most about my car
Have you considered a used next level vehicle like a Nissan Sentra coming off a lease? Better vehicle.
my company has the worst corporate car rental policy on the planet, so I almost always get a Yaris if I'm stuck with Hertz (National, much better them I'm emerald with or whatever it's called and get "any car on the lot")
anyway, the Yaris is like a roller skate on wheels, it's tiny, you cannot fit in adult in the backseat - unless they put their legs sideways. Definitely not two adults.
drives fine, great on gas, nice "features", but size would prevent me from wanting to drive one long-term.
But since you're looking at small cars already you probably prefer them. If I liked small cars I'd have no complaints.
Do they even make new cars without power locks, windows and entry any more? I haven't seen one since the late 90's.
I ended up going with the Soul because it has much more head room and great visibility out of the windows than most little cars. It also sits higher off the ground so I don't have to squat to get in it like a lot of the little cars and I have a bad back. I've got 28,000 miles on it and never a single problem. I get about 34 mpg. The only thing I do to it is change the oil at regular intervals per instructions. 100k / 6 year warranty. I bought a 2014 when the 2015's had just come out so they were moving them and selling them for pennies over cost to get them off the lot and make room for the new ones coming in. Got mine (bare bones) for 15.5k, 4k cheaper than the Rav4. But even bare bones, it came with every option I ever needed including 7 airbags, multiple jacks for every type of electronic need, hands free phone through the radio, excellent radio, great heater/AC, etc.
Of note, the first time in 27 years that a non-luxury brand car has come in first in the J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Study (which rates brands by the number of flaws found by owners in their cars in the first 90 days of ownership) has come in first place. And it's Kia beating out Mercedes, BMW, and Lexus brands. Second place went to Porsche, 3rd place to Hyundai, 4th to Toyota, and 5th to BMW.
Also, I read an article in Motor Trend comparing small cars and Kia Soul beat all of them out. Rav4 came in second.
My father has a Ford Focus and he likes it. Never had a problem with it. But it sits very low to the ground and the roof line is so low that I bang my head getting in and out of the car and when driving it and the visibility out of the back window is awful. It's also noisier inside than my Soul when going down the highway. Still, it's been a good car for him.
Toyota gets more money for their cars based on reputation and are cashing in for past quality. Korean cars are doing to Japan what Japan did to American cars in the 70's.
That is what I have now. Love it, but it is over 50K now and I am deciding whether to cash it in before I have to start putting money into it or ride it till 150-200K. That's what I do with cars either get rid of them early or squeeze everything I can out of it. It has worked well for me so far.
I don't like the new fit as much as my current one and they have priced themselves over their value imo.
Quote:
but I like the econoboxes, I don't want to get anything more than $15K and I have no need or desire for the bells and whistles most people prefer. Radio and AC are the only things I need. Power lock, power windows, remote start, keyless entry, etc... are just more things that can break and I don't want them. I have never struggled to roll up a window, push a door lock or turn a key.
Do they even make new cars without power locks, windows and entry any more? I haven't seen one since the late 90's.
As far as options go, I think you can still get crank windows, but it's an option and they cost more than regular electric windows.
Quote:
In comment 13042820 Hades07 said:
Quote:
but I like the econoboxes, I don't want to get anything more than $15K and I have no need or desire for the bells and whistles most people prefer. Radio and AC are the only things I need. Power lock, power windows, remote start, keyless entry, etc... are just more things that can break and I don't want them. I have never struggled to roll up a window, push a door lock or turn a key.
Do they even make new cars without power locks, windows and entry any more? I haven't seen one since the late 90's.
yes
Wow, surprising. I won't debate you on it if it's your prerogative do what you want, but I can't see you saving much by not getting them and it seems like saying "I never tripped or hurt my finger changing the channel on the TV so I'm going to buy one without a remote"
Ha, ha....I care about color. I just want to blend in and pass on lime green, Cheez-Whiz yellow, lavender, black (too hard to keep clean), high contrasting two-tones, etc. I prefer gray, silver, dusty blue, tans-brown, light green, whatever....just as long as it doesn't scream to everyone, "hey look at me".
I had a professor who came from overseas (of course) and I remember him saying that America was unique in that people think a car is an extension of themselves. Where he came from, there was one necessity - "getting from point A to B and back to A". I tend to agree. If I lived in the city, I'd probably have a scooter, but I live in the country and it's a drive to get to anything.
Funny my sister gets bright colors for the same reason. I just look for my car in the space where I parked it. I have thus far had good luck with that.
;-)
I haven't driven any of the newer ones. This is my 3rd Toyota (I've owned nothing but) and I am satisfied.
My first car was a Camry and my second a Tacoma
I currently own an Infiniti G35x, and I love it. I've had her for going on 9 years. She still a strong car and fun to drive, but she is showing her age and if I'm really going to get any trade in value for her, now is the time to consider letting her go.
I've thought about staying in the entry-level luxury car market, but I don't know if I want to deal with the higher payments versus going practical, yet still fun to drive. I'm self-employed, and my business had a great year last year and an even better year this year, so I think I can afford a more expensive car. However, in the back of my mind, I remember the 5 rough years the business had, which we almost didn't survive. Do I want to put a significant debt on the books because the business will be leasing this vehicle for me or do I keep it smaller with a more practical and fuel efficient car. It's a tough call.
Best of luck Hades - looks like you've gotten some good advice on your pending purchase. Although I'm not a fan of the econoboxes, I can't fault your logic, especially if you live in NYC. Who needs a fancy car there? Plus it's a heck of a lot easier to part a small car, versus something bigger.
I currently own an Infiniti G35x, and I love it. I've had her for going on 9 years. She still a strong car and fun to drive, but she is showing her age and if I'm really going to get any trade in value for her, now is the time to consider letting her go.
I've thought about staying in the entry-level luxury car market, but I don't know if I want to deal with the higher payments versus going practical, yet still fun to drive. I'm self-employed, and my business had a great year last year and an even better year this year, so I think I can afford a more expensive car. However, in the back of my mind, I remember the 5 rough years the business had, which we almost didn't survive. Do I want to put a significant debt on the books because the business will be leasing this vehicle for me or do I keep it smaller with a more practical and fuel efficient car. It's a tough call.
Best of luck Hades - looks like you've gotten some good advice on your pending purchase. Although I'm not a fan of the econoboxes, I can't fault your logic, especially if you live in NYC. Who needs a fancy car there? Plus it's a heck of a lot easier to part a small car, versus something bigger.
The Mazda 3 is an amazing ride. I have the 2012 Mazda 3 for a year now and it feels so powerful and smooth even though it only has 150 - 160 hp.
If I were you, I'd look into the 2014 or higher Mazda 3s as that's the year Mazda redesigned their look. It looks much sleeker than the previous models.
If you want more room + horsepower, and you are keen on Mazda, take a look at the Speed3 hatchback. I wouldn't consider these cars to be entry luxury brand but the 3s have amazing value for a great small car.
You would think he would have it ready. It is still on the show room floor when I get there. I look it over and ask if I can test drive it. This seemed to surprise him, I guess test drives aren't as common as they used to be.
The car wouldn't start, I stand there amused watching him try to start it for 15 minutes before I said. Look, this wasn't the push to start I was expecting from the literature. I am out of time, I was expecting you to have it ready when I called in advance for you to have it ready. And I left.
Maybe I am unreasonable because of my lack of time to mess around with the dealership games, but this really annoyed me.
You would think he would have it ready. It is still on the show room floor when I get there. I look it over and ask if I can test drive it. This seemed to surprise him, I guess test drives aren't as common as they used to be.
The car wouldn't start, I stand there amused watching him try to start it for 15 minutes before I said. Look, this wasn't the push to start I was expecting from the literature. I am out of time, I was expecting you to have it ready when I called in advance for you to have it ready. And I left.
Maybe I am unreasonable because of my lack of time to mess around with the dealership games, but this really annoyed me.
How many times a day do you think people say they are coming and don't show up? But you would think they could at least be able to start the car.
What bothers me more is a salesman that does not know his product. I shouldn't be able to walk in and know more about a car line than the dealership. They are more interested in pushing stupid extras then on delivering the vehicle.
Re: starting the car, the dope probably doesn't know how to start a keyless car. Generally have to press the brake while starting.
Quote:
Called a dealer today and asked him if he still had a specific car listed in the inventory. He did and I told him I would be there at 5:20 to look at it and I didn't have much time.
You would think he would have it ready. It is still on the show room floor when I get there. I look it over and ask if I can test drive it. This seemed to surprise him, I guess test drives aren't as common as they used to be.
The car wouldn't start, I stand there amused watching him try to start it for 15 minutes before I said. Look, this wasn't the push to start I was expecting from the literature. I am out of time, I was expecting you to have it ready when I called in advance for you to have it ready. And I left.
Maybe I am unreasonable because of my lack of time to mess around with the dealership games, but this really annoyed me.
How many times a day do you think people say they are coming and don't show up? But you would think they could at least be able to start the car.
What bothers me more is a salesman that does not know his product. I shouldn't be able to walk in and know more about a car line than the dealership. They are more interested in pushing stupid extras then on delivering the vehicle.
Re: starting the car, the dope probably doesn't know how to start a keyless car. Generally have to press the brake while starting.
Once you've made up your mind on the car you want, don't dance to their tune. Either use a negotiating service like CarBargains or go the DIY route and solicit offers by eMail. Either way you save money and cut down on the salesman hassle.
Cons: Noisy and weak engine, cheapo bare-bones feel inside and out. Metal on the body feels like a soda can - tap on a door or a fender and it makes that same hollow sound.
I'm pretty satisfied with the Versa. All I wanted was a commuter car that delivers value and has enough room for the family if necessary, and it delivers on that. Bought it as a low mileage certified used for much less than the competition and I average about 36 MPG, so it does exactly what I needed it for. That said, if you want more refinement and acceleration that doesn't rival a lame horse's, you would probably be happier with a different car.
Sorry I have nothing to offer about the cars listed however I do vouch for Nissan so my vote is the vers