Which compact car should I get?

[Griffoun]

I've got a budget of approx 16K for a compact car, to be used for daily short commute and as a backup. My candidates are:

1. PO Honda Civic, 2006 or later (latest model year)
2. 2009 Honda Fit Sports (Because it's totally redesigned)
3. 2009 Yaris 5-dr Liftback (It's a 5-dr and great gas mileage!)
4. PO Honda Fit Sports (Cheaper to get than a brand new, 5 drs)
5. PO Yaris Sedan (5 Drs with trunk space)

Also wondering what other options are available out there, but I'm staying away from the followings:
1. PO Corolla <= 2008 because the design is so dated
2. Yaris liftback 3-dr
3. Nissa Versa, since I already have a Nissan Murano
4. Anything with less city gas mileage than a Civic, such as Mazda 3, Suzuki, etc
5. Hybrids, because of the high residual value... I think it will come down quite a bit once more manufacturers are churning them out in the next couple years

Factors to consider...
1. Depreciation... new car depreciates more than a PO
2. Financing... not sure what we can see a couple months from now especially for small cars, but lower financing rate seems to makes sense than throwing away 16K out right. (or not?)
3. Have a family of 4, so a 5 drs is important.

What do you think?

[Plaz]

http://reviews.cnet.com/i/ss/2007/0730_Mini_Cooper_S_Clubman_Slideshow/MiniCooperClubman_1_440.jpg

[Griffoun]

Not within budget, and it runs on premium. The maintenance is also expensive compared to those on my list.

[LMC]

I've never driven one, but internet posting is fun and free :D .....so I recommend the Fit. All the magazines like it, right?

[Kamdog]

Never drove the Fit, but found it spacious, for what it is, and pretty versatile in hauling things. My neighbor has a Versa, and generally likes it, but isn't getting the mileage he expected.

[e30e]

My neighbor has a Versa, and generally likes it, but isn't getting the mileage he expected.

x2 my mom has one with the six speed, I told her to get the cvt but didnt. She gets around 28mpg and about 32mpg on the highway. She's disappointed because her 323i got pretty close that and it was much more solid. If you go the versa route get the cvt, I've read you get better mpg than the manual. But you get a lot for your money for that car.

[trueX5]

Fit...

[GBauer]

new corrolla. 32 mpg and a cheap price for a car that's not too small.

[ToyDriver]

I have a 07 yaris sedan which is nice and spacious especially considering I am 6'5. I get around 32 city and around 40 mpg highway. I also have a very light foot though.

[LuvThatSam]

http://reviews.cnet.com/i/ss/2007/0730_Mini_Cooper_S_Clubman_Slideshow/MiniCooperClubman_1_440.jpg

I saw this in person the other day. Absolutely loved it. It was in red with all black interior. :wow::yummy:

I hope I could get on one of these days...

[Griffoun]

+1 on the Versa comment. The Murano (which has CVT) has "reasonable" gas mileage but can't do better than the EPA numbers, even though I'm very lightfoot on the car. That's why I don't expect the Versa to do better on a CVT either.

I'm thinking I could get a much nicer car (although PO) if I went with Civic than a Fit Sports, although the Fit is very versatile.

That's also why I would prefer a PO Yaris sedan over a brand new Yaris because of depreciation, and a brand new Yaris (when loaded with basic options, which is 2000+) cost about the same as a base Corolla.

[Griffoun]

new corrolla. 32 mpg and a cheap price for a car that's not too small.

32mpg highway isn't that impressive... considering a Civic can do 36 and Fit is 34.

[Rmart]

The Civc is the best car in your category by far. There is no comparison.

[Chris90]

Consider the current 2008 Fit - because it's fairly old, it probably will drive a lot more sporty than the new model. In a no-frills cars like the Fit, driving fun is gonna be pretty important. Of course i say that not having driven either.

Current one's also a lot better looking.

[blueguydotcom]

I've never driven one, but internet posting is fun and free :D .....so I recommend the Fit. All the magazines like it, right?

Drove the 2007 Fit. It's fun on city streets. Bloody sucks on the highway - buzzy engine. Mother-in-law had a Civic Hybrid (current body style) and I beat on several Civic Sis in 2007. I wouldn't own one if it were 3k cheaper. Just not a very well built car, imho. The Mazda is several k cheaper and just a far better car to drive day in and day out. Nothing decent made by Toyota right now...

Mazda3 = easy choice for this price range. way better than any car mentioned above.
Golf = 0% for 60 months

[1985mb]

I've got a budget of approx 16K for a compact car, to be used for daily short commute and as a backup.


4. Anything with less city gas mileage than a Civic, such as Mazda 3, Suzuki, etc


This seems contradictory to me. For a short daily commute and a backup, the small difference in EPA ratings shouldn't rule out a car. Especially when it's something worthy like a Mazda 3, which is cheaper than a Civic.

How long will it take you to recoup the savings via fuel economy if the 3 is 1,500 less than a comparable Civic? What if it's 3,000 less?

[Griffoun]

Consider the current 2008 Fit - because it's fairly old, it probably will drive a lot more sporty than the new model. In a no-frills cars like the Fit, driving fun is gonna be pretty important. Of course i say that not having driven either.

Current one's also a lot better looking.

You think so? Somehow I don't buy it... (sorry)...

It looks ok now but feels a bit dated, but the new one looks more modern. :dunno:

[Griffoun]

Drove the 2007 Fit. It's fun on city streets. Bloody sucks on the highway - buzzy engine. Mother-in-law had a Civic Hybrid (current body style) and I beat on several Civic Sis in 2007. I wouldn't own one if it were 3k cheaper. Just not a very well built car, imho. The Mazda is several k cheaper and just a far better car to drive day in and day out. Nothing decent made by Toyota right now...

Mazda3 = easy choice for this price range. way better than any car mentioned above.
Golf = 0% for 60 months

Reminds me about the old 92 Civic... loud engine noise. The 94 Corolla's engine had less noise but road noise was very pronounced. I always feel Honda's engine are noiser than Toyota's, no matter how big or small the engine is.

BTW I drove the 3 from Hertz rental... Don't like the 4-speed auto, and the interior feels cheap compared to its class. Of course it would pretty much the same material used by Yaris or Fit.

Golf (Rabbit)... maintenance nightmare.

[Bcube]

Two months ago, picked up CPO '07 Corolla CLE with 5K on clock for daughter. $16K OTD. Drove the '08 Yaris Hatchback - the car reviews were correct - piece of crap. Tried to buy a new Honda Fit, but with limited stock, dealer tried to induce a bidding war on its last model. (Another couple was looking at the car too). Would have like to checked out a Saturn Astra but none to be found on lots.

[Chris90]

You think so? Somehow I don't buy it... (sorry)...

It looks ok now but feels a bit dated, but the new one looks more modern. :dunno:

I just saw pictures of the new one, it looks ok actually. But I think the old one looks more sporty, and I'm guessing the new one will be less fun to drive - like every new Honda.

Anyway, consider the current one, I wouldn't rule it out.

[AK]

Try a Mazda3. They drive and handle better than the others you list, although the fuel economy isn't as good.

[Dave 330i]

Strickly on a budget? Honda Civic 4dr DX. If you like a little more class but less gas mileage? Mazda 3. The Fit is nice, but the Civic is more practical. Currently, used economical cars are overpriced.
Edit: AK beat me to the Mazda 3 (also a little more money)

[fuz]

Civic is the best all-around in that lineup. Resale value on that thing defies belief.

The Fit would be my next choice. Fairly good quality, and feels unusually spacious. Engine is buzzy, but really at this price point, you're going to compromise somewhere.

Mazda 3 is also a nice vehicle, though it will be replaced by something new in a couple years I believe. It's a bit twitchy compared to a BMW 1 or 3, which you may or may not like.

The Yaris drive feels pretty awful; bothers me a lot. Not fond of the Versa's corner cutting on quality, nor its looks.

[e60lover]

My '06 Mazda 3's interior quality is horrible. I have had many small problems with the car in general. It is a good looking and (when working correctly) driving car, but I wouldn't recommend any Mazda again. They could have updated the quality of things with the facelift, but still.

What about a used VW of some type? I have never owned a VW, so I can't chime in about reliability, but they seem to be a nice affordable euro car.

[Kzang]

Smart cars are very popular here in NYC.

http://autos.msn.com/research/vip/gallery.aspx?year=2008&make=Smart&model=fortwo&trimid=-1 (http://http://autos.msn.com/research/vip/gallery.aspx?year=2008&make=Smart&model=fortwo&trimid=-1)
Pricing
pure passion passion cabriolet
Base Retail Price (MSRP) $11,590 $13,590 $16,590
Base Invoice Price N/A N/A N/A
Destination Charge $645 $645 $645
Engines & Power (more)
pure passion passion cabriolet
Standard Engine 1.0L 70 hp I3 1.0L 70 hp I3 1.0L 70 hp I3
Horsepower 70 @ 5800 RPM 70 @ 5800 RPM 70 @ 5800 RPM
Torque (lb-ft) 68 @ 4500 RPM 68 @ 4500 RPM 68 @ 4500 RPM
Transmissions (more)
pure passion passion cabriolet
5-Speed Manual Overdrive Std. Std. Std.
Fuel Economy (more)
pure passion passion cabriolet
City (mpg) 33 33 33
Highway (mpg) 41 41 41

[blueguydotcom]

.

BTW I drove the 3 from Hertz rental... Don't like the 4-speed auto, and the interior feels cheap compared to its class. Of course it would pretty much the same material used by Yaris or Fit.

Golf (Rabbit)... maintenance nightmare.


Auto? Oh, so you want a commuter car but you're paying the extra 1k for an automatic (which requires more maintenance). :dunno:

VW can be expensive to maintain. If resale and build are the issues, Honda Civic is the clear winner. It's not really a compact car anymore, though...

[AzNMpower32]

Mitsubishi Lancer. It's vastly improved and looks terrific. Also consider the VW Rabbit, although I think 2,5 litres is a bit more powerful (and thirsty) than necessary. I was disappointed with the Mazda3 when I compared it to our Civic, but both round out the list of compact sedans I recommend.

[emPoWaH]

For $16K "true market pricing", you could get a...

1) New first-tier subcompact
2) Used first-tier compact
3) New second-tier compact (with $$$ to spend on gas)
4) New second-tier midsize

First-tier = Honda or Toyota
Second-tier = All other brands

FWIW, here are the CarsDirect "best prices" for my region (Los Angeles, CA):

Category 1:
2008 Honda Fit base - $15,770
2008 Yaris sedan w/ ABS, side airbags, PW - $15,505

Category 2:
2006 Honda Civic LX, 25k mi ~ $16,000
2008 Toyota Corolla LE, 5k mi ~ $16,000

Category 3:
2008 Chevrolet Cobalt LT w/ ABS - $14,110
2008 Ford Focus SE w/ ABS - $14,386
2008 Hyundai Elantra GLS-2 - $14,525
2008 Nissan Versa 1.8SL w/ ABS - $15,235

Category 4:
2008 Ford Fusion S - $16,005
2009 Hyundai Sonata GLS - $15,866
2008 Mazda 6i Sport - $15,975

I'd be most tempted by the midsizers, as they, well, drive like a normal car. All the prices include basics like ABS, side curtain airbags, A/C, and power windows.

[Griffoun]

Try a Mazda3. They drive and handle better than the others you list, although the fuel economy isn't as good.

Strickly on a budget? Honda Civic 4dr DX. If you like a little more class but less gas mileage? Mazda 3. The Fit is nice, but the Civic is more practical. Currently, used economical cars are overpriced.
Edit: AK beat me to the Mazda 3 (also a little more money)

I did (see my previous post)... Believe it or not, I actually feel the Chevy/Daewoo Aveo (as a rental while my car's in the bodyshop) handles better than a Mazda 3, with better gas mileage, and similar interior quality.

[Griffoun]

Smart cars are very popular here in NYC.

http://autos.msn.com/research/vip/gallery.aspx?year=2008&make=Smart&model=fortwo&trimid=-1 (http://http://autos.msn.com/research/vip/gallery.aspx?year=2008&make=Smart&model=fortwo&trimid=-1)
Pricing
pure passion passion cabriolet
Base Retail Price (MSRP) $11,590 $13,590 $16,590
Base Invoice Price N/A N/A N/A
Destination Charge $645 $645 $645
Engines & Power (more)
pure passion passion cabriolet
Standard Engine 1.0L 70 hp I3 1.0L 70 hp I3 1.0L 70 hp I3
Horsepower 70 @ 5800 RPM 70 @ 5800 RPM 70 @ 5800 RPM
Torque (lb-ft) 68 @ 4500 RPM 68 @ 4500 RPM 68 @ 4500 RPM
Transmissions (more)
pure passion passion cabriolet
5-Speed Manual Overdrive Std. Std. Std.
Fuel Economy (more)
pure passion passion cabriolet
City (mpg) 33 33 33
Highway (mpg) 41 41 41


It's an expensive toy from what I see... could be useful as a "true" city commuter, that's why it's a hit in Europe. The gas mileage isn't impressive at all considering a car of this size, as a Yaris can meet the gas mileage easily and beat it in versatility dept, although not the "uniqueness" dept.

[Griffoun]

Auto? Oh, so you want a commuter car but you're paying the extra 1k for an automatic (which requires more maintenance). :dunno:

VW can be expensive to maintain. If resale and build are the issues, Honda Civic is the clear winner. It's not really a compact car anymore, though...

I've never bought an auto in my life, not beacuse I'm cheap, but it's just more fun to drive a stick. :thumbup: (My wife bought the Murano btw)

I know the Civic isni't what it used to be, but that's fine... :)

[Griffoun]

Mitsubishi Lancer. It's vastly improved and looks terrific. Also consider the VW Rabbit, although I think 2,5 litres is a bit more powerful (and thirsty) than necessary. I was disappointed with the Mazda3 when I compared it to our Civic, but both round out the list of compact sedans I recommend.

It's definitely a fun car and something I noticed just over the weekend while in a parking-lot. 7yr/100K warranty only if bought new, because it's not transferrable according to the co's website (becomes 5yr/60K). It's interesting that the CVT get less mileage than the MT. Never tried it, but on paper I would pick the Lancer over Mazda 3 if I had to choose between the two.

[AK]

My '06 Mazda 3's interior quality is horrible. I have had many small problems with the car in general. It is a good looking and (when working correctly) driving car, but I wouldn't recommend any Mazda again. They could have updated the quality of things with the facelift, but still.

What about a used VW of some type? I have never owned a VW, so I can't chime in about reliability, but they seem to be a nice affordable euro car.

Surprised to hear about your Mazda's reliability. I had an '04 Mazda3s 5-door and it was a reliable car. The only things I didn't like about it were the weak A/C and the center console that ate into knee room.