Hatchback/Wagon under 18k?

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weirdichi

weirdichi

Diamond Member
Sep 19, 2001
4,711
2
76
It'll be a daily driver so gas guzzlers are out. Styling is a plus, hence the Fit and Mazda3 on the list.

In no particular order:

Satur Astra
Suzuki SX4
VW Rabbit
Honda Fit
Mazda 3
Scion xD
Scion xB
Toyota Matrix
Pontiac Vibe

The Fit was underpowered, but I expected that when I drove it. I liked it though. Lotsa room and nice looking.

The xD had a peppy little engine for 129HP. But one of my girl friends said I looked gay driving it.

Tested the new Ford Focus today (not a hatchback, but I gotta $50 BB GC out of it) and it was ok if I just wanted something to drive around town. It doesn't really stand out. The style is meh.

I tested my friends Mazda 3 5-door a while back and I wasn't really impressed, but I could probably get it for a bit less since the Fit and xD weren't exactly staying on the lots.

Any suggestions? Also, when do the dealers start clearing out the year's models and making room for next year's models?
 
MiataNC

MiataNC

Platinum Member
Dec 5, 2007
2,215
1
81
I had a 2007 Mazda 3 hatch before trading it for my Miata (long story) I loved the car, but if gas mileage is a concern, I don't recommend it. The 5-door comes standard with the 2.3l engine, and I never got better than 19-20mpg around town and 25mpg on the highway using the blend of fuel we have here in central California.
 
Dr. Detroit

Dr. Detroit

Diamond Member
Sep 25, 2004
8,542
940
126
Nissan Versa - Looks wise it is a bit frumpy but its solid and very spacious.

6spd manual gets great mileage as well!

 
Fenixgoon

Fenixgoon

Lifer
Jun 30, 2003
33,357
12,944
136
vw rabbit? yes yes, i know AT is not a fan of VW's. i'm just adding to the list.
 
thecoolnessrune

thecoolnessrune

Diamond Member
Jun 8, 2005
9,673
583
126
If gas is most important, the Aveo5 is pretty nice at least to me and is really really cheap pricewise.
 
N

Nutdotnet

Diamond Member
Dec 5, 2000
7,721
3
81
From your list, I'd say the Fit.

If it was me, I'd seriously look at the Rabbit. GREAT little cars for the money.
 
S

sjwaste

Diamond Member
Aug 2, 2000
8,757
12
81
For a daily driver, the Focus w/ Sync wouldn't be a bad way to go, especially if you have a bit of a commute. Being able to plug in your ipod and shout at the car for what you want to hear is pretty cool.
 
Z

zoiks

Lifer
Jan 13, 2000
11,787
3
81
Honda Fit and nice looking don't belong on the same page much less the same sentence.
 
D

Dman877

Platinum Member
Jan 15, 2004
2,707
0
0
Impreza's have a bug motor and AWD so they don't get the best fuel economy. Mid/high 20's is disappointing in a small car...
 
T

thomsbrain

Lifer
Dec 4, 2001
18,148
1
0
Not that I would recommend one, but in addition to other options, Suzuki makes at least one 4-door hatch/wagon in that price range, with standard AWD.

I think the Fit and Mazda 3 are the most appealing cars in that segment. The Fit is clever, has amazing cargo space, and gets great mileage. The 3 has more power and better styling. If you need AWD, look at the Matrix and Impreza.
 
weirdichi

weirdichi

Diamond Member
Sep 19, 2001
4,711
2
76
Thanks for all the suggestions. I'm really going to look into a Astra and a Rabbit. The Rabbit is only 16,500 after the options I want, before taxes.
 
R

raildogg

Lifer
Aug 24, 2004
12,892
572
126
Originally posted by: weirdichi
Thanks for all the suggestions. I'm really going to look into a Astra and a Rabbit. The Rabbit is only 16,500 after the options I want, before taxes.
Click to expand...

If gas savings are one of your top priorities, then take a second look at the Rabbit and the Astra. I have test driven the Rabbit a couple of times and was impressed by the solid feel of the car but the fuel economy is not that good for a car of that size and power.

The Fit is now my top choice along with a few other cars because of their great fuel economy. When you factor in the Fit's athletic handling, its a great choice.

Here is an article of the upcoming 2009 Honda Fit:

http://www.edmunds.com/insidel...rives/articleId=122688
 
weirdichi

weirdichi

Diamond Member
Sep 19, 2001
4,711
2
76
Originally posted by: raildogg
Originally posted by: weirdichi
Thanks for all the suggestions. I'm really going to look into a Astra and a Rabbit. The Rabbit is only 16,500 after the options I want, before taxes.
Click to expand...

If gas savings are one of your top priorities, then take a second look at the Rabbit and the Astra. I have test driven the Rabbit a couple of times and was impressed by the solid feel of the car but the fuel economy is not that good for a car of that size and power.

The Fit is now my top choice along with a few other cars because of their great fuel economy. When you factor in the Fit's athletic handling, its a great choice.

Here is an article of the upcoming 2009 Honda Fit:

http://www.edmunds.com/insidel...rives/articleId=122688
Click to expand...

The difference in gas per year at current prices ($3.50) is about $400. I agree that the gas mileage is kinda crappy for that size, but it's not that bad either. The new fit looks like a mini-minivan to me. I like the current styling better, but the 09 probably has more room. Thanks for the article.
 
SketchMaster

SketchMaster

Diamond Member
Feb 23, 2005
3,100
149
116
The Suzuki SX4 is a great little car that has started getting pretty popular here in CO. I've got one and have very few issues with it, only big one is a slight lack of power but if you get the 5speed it isn't that big of a bother since you can take advantage of its low-end torque (~136 @ 3,500k).

It's got great space, handles well, AWD, can be had for under 16k for base and still has many high end (for an econo box) features standard, I can get 32MPG highway if I take it easy on the gas (going 75mph), and I have 30k of HARD miles in high dust area and no major issues to date other than an ABS sensor getting too much dust but was replaced under warranty.

Take a look if you have a Suzuki dealer around, Suzuki is really starting to get their act together.
 
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