My feedback on a few budget 3 or 5 door hatchbacks

Robor

Elite Member
Oct 9, 1999
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Decision made: Last night I drove off the lot in a new 2008 Saturn XR 3 door. I was looking at the 5 door models trying to pin down a color. I liked black but this car is going to sit outside so I wanted something that would show less dirt. We walked out onto the lot to see colors in person. We walked past this 3 door and it caught my eye. It had everything I wanted as far as options - leather interior, manual, handling package + 18" rims, and premium audio. It also had the sport seats which are only available in 3 door. My wife asked why I don't like it and I said it's a 3 door. She reminded me my car is usually to/from work with just me in it. The salesman grabbed the keys and we got in. She instantly loved the way the seats wrap/support. I did as well. We took it for a 20 minute drive and both agreed it was a nice balance of ride and handling and had enough pickup and passing power. We got back to the lot and several hours later had the deal done.

((((((( Original message below )))))))


I've had some big $$$ dumped into my 2000 VW GTI GLX in the last year or so and I'm thinking it's time to consider something more reliable and fuel efficient. I love the versatility of hatchbacks so my goal is to find a new and reliable replacement. Here's my test results...

Honda Fit 5 door... Read online reviews and came in expecting to be 'wowed. IMO not all that. The cabin sits far back and I found the front pillars hard to look around at certain angles. Test drove 2 different times and found it the same way. Also found the car not as sporty as advertised. I didn't push it hard but comparing it to my wife's Mazda3 I found it top heavy side to side. Flip down center arm rest could be better as well. On the plus side it's very roomy inside and the back seats fold up/down better than any other in class. Definite advantage in instrumentation as well.

Nissan Versa 5 door... Disregarded this car when I got in it because I already drove the Fit and found the front pillars being something to look around. Model I drove had a center console arm rest I found lacking in the 'fold down' version of the Fit. Small wheels make it look 'clown car-ish'. Again, didn't push it but the ride was good - on par with the Fit but didn't feel sporty either.

Toyota Yaris 5 door... Pretty roomy considering the outside appearance. Pickup as expected - not great but adequate to get in traffic. Harder passing. Center instrumentation may take some getting used to. Ride was fine until going over speed bumps. There it was *really* bad even at a slow pace. We have 5 in our neighborhood and I discounted this car based on that.

Scion xD 5 door... Drove this after the Yaris and it had much more comfort, power, and ride. Inside we fitted 5 adults with no problem and still it felt fine pulling into a 55mph road. Went over some speed bumps and it fared well. One problem I had was the lack of rim options (none). Turning circle was quite large as well - even the salesman noted the Toyota's turn better. ;)

Hyundai Accent 3 door... I drove both base and sport versions and had 4 occupants . Both were *very* slow in acceleration. Both had adequate features in a budget car like power locks, windows. The ride was nice in both cars but the base model felt 'sloppy'. We went back and tried the 'sport' model and it was much tighter and still had a comfortable ride. Overall we were impressed. The 5 year 60K warranty is a big plus on this car.

Saturn Astra XE 5 door - Test drove a pre-owned 2008 with 7K... I loved the look of this car when I saw it online while comparing hatchbacks. I learned it was based on the Opel version from Europe. I'm a sucker for Euro cars (see sig) so I tried to avoid it but I test drove it anyway. It was impressive to say the least and easily the best overall experience based on comfort, handling, and ride. Also, it had leather interior. Sticker was $15K for the XE used. We went to Saturn and talked to them about the XR (including better handling package) and they were ready to bend over backwards to get me into one. They were offering me numbers like the used XE from CarMax. They gave me a 'bottom line' price with my car on what I wanted in an XR and I left for more research.

In the end I'm torn on the last 2 cars - Accent or Astra - or keeping what I have and hoping I don't have to continue paying into the VW devil.

(Edited for clarification)
 

ashishmishra

Senior member
Nov 23, 2005
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Out of those two I would definitely go for the Astra, much more classy, powerful and comfortable, unless saving the cost differential between the two is very important.
 

ElFenix

Elite Member
Super Moderator
Mar 20, 2000
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you think you can hold out until the new fiesta is here?
 

Bignate603

Lifer
Sep 5, 2000
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If Saturn is on the chopping block like they're saying I'm hoping the Astra gets moved to another brand. It wouldn't be a bad fit for the chevy brand or possibly even a pontiac.
 

razor2025

Diamond Member
May 24, 2002
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Any reason why you haven't tried the Mazda 3 hatch? Is it out of your price range? If you're willing to wait another year, and assuming Ford makes out okay to 2009/2010, you can look into getting the Fiesta.
 

NutBucket

Lifer
Aug 30, 2000
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You guys. Read the damned post. His wife has a Mazda 3. Maybe he would rather buy a fully loaded something else instead of a lesser equipped 3? At any rate, if you're down to those two choices, go for the Astra. GM isn't going anyplace despite what all the naysayers want you to believe. Its a good car that is priced a bit too high (well, MSRP wise anyway)

And yes, the Fiesta should be an awesome choice but time will tell if they end up sticking to their words and not butchering it for the American market.
 

Robor

Elite Member
Oct 9, 1999
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ashishmishra: Honestly after driving all I am leaning that way with the exception of the warranty - 3/36 vs 5/60. Another thing is I've a bad experience with Euro models (VW - see sig).

ElFenix: I don't 'need' to move aside from avoiding the next major breakdown. The problem is with VW's nothing is cheap when they break. Right now it needs some front end work (ctrl arm due to bushing), throwout bearing complains once in a while, and washer pumps leaks. I can't remember specifics but IIRC in all (from the dealer) it's 1/2 of what the car is worth to trade in ($3K) so I'm not fixing it.

Falloutboy: Good call! :) A year ago we choose the Mazda3 5 door Grand Touring for my wife's car. Unfortunately, we can't afford another for me so any model below would be 'settling' on the same but less. Still an option I guess but I'd always miss the pluses of my wife's car. ;)
 

Robor

Elite Member
Oct 9, 1999
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Bignate603: I agree... To be honest I didn't check out the Aveo or Fusion in person. I looked online and didn't like what I saw based on price, looks, and featuers. Plus my wife is biased toward Asian cars based on feedback from friends (and she's Asian ;) ). This is what would make the Astra a hard sell to her. For me it's the price of Euro parts/labor based on my VW experience.

razor2025: Yep, we own a Mazda3 5 door Grand Touring. Amazing car. My only complaints in it are only somewhat adequate A/C (here in FL during summer anyway) and some engine knock with 87 octane gas - again when it's hot/humid. Other than that in our 13 months of ownership this car is amazing. I'd buy another if I was looking in the price range. I'm looking $5K less though. ;)

NutBucket: I see you've got a Suburu... A friend had one and it was sweet. Love them WRX wagons but can't afford the price and want better mileage. I'm old (41) so I don't need to go fast anymore. I just want to be able to pull out in front of the many slow FL drivers and be able to pass and change lanes when necessary.

**Does anyone have any info on reliability ratings on the Astra? I've tried to find some and there wasn't much available. I know it's been a great seller in Europe. The only thing I found was some JD Powers stuff and the stats were negative but didn't got into details. I can't imagine there's much feedback here in the US since it's a newer model. Again, I loved the Astra but I don't want to get into another expensive maintenance headache.
 

NutBucket

Lifer
Aug 30, 2000
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Well, you could get maybe an '03 or '04 WRX for the price of a new Astra. But I definitely like my Legacy a lot. A few MPG is a small price to pay for loads of power. Besides, I managed to get 30 on a couple roadtrips last year...and California is far from flat.

41 is hardly too old for speed. I have a number of speed crazed coworkers about the same age as you;) I mean truly speed crazed though. One is restoring an old Alfa with a S2000 drivetrain and another has built a number of ridiculously fast Evos and other cars.

And no, I'm not in the automotive industry. I work in the Defense Industry.
 

Vette73

Lifer
Jul 5, 2000
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Astra uses the same type motor as all the other 4cyl GM cars, the EcoTec. It is a good proven motor and uses a timing chain not belt. So reliabilty should be good on the power train. If you can get one for what you are saying then I would do that.

The only neg I see for the car was the MSRP price but you seem to have that fixed.
 

vi edit

Elite Member
Super Moderator
Oct 28, 1999
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Looked at a Pontiac Vibe? It's basically a Toyota Matrix but with a better warranty and price.
 

Vetterin

Senior member
Aug 31, 2004
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If you are concedering the Accent, I would definately check out the 2009 Hyundai Elantra Touring. As a matter of fact, I'm think about trading in my 06 Legacy wagon for one.
 

Robor

Elite Member
Oct 9, 1999
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Originally posted by: NutBucket
Well, you could get maybe an '03 or '04 WRX for the price of a new Astra. But I definitely like my Legacy a lot. A few MPG is a small price to pay for loads of power. Besides, I managed to get 30 on a couple roadtrips last year...and California is far from flat.

41 is hardly too old for speed. I have a number of speed crazed coworkers about the same age as you;) I mean truly speed crazed though. One is restoring an old Alfa with a S2000 drivetrain and another has built a number of ridiculously fast Evos and other cars.

And no, I'm not in the automotive industry. I work in the Defense Industry.

I love the WRX's but I'm looking at new or 'near new' for the factory warranty. I worry about owning a car that I'm paying on for 5 years with none of the bumper-to-bumper warranty left. With the Astra I'd get 3/36 and the Hundai 5/60.

I used to be a 'gear head' back in my late teens and early 20's. I had a '70 Nova SS with a fairly built 355 all tubbed out and coil overs etc. After spending more time working on it than driving it I sold it and swore off working on cars (and speed). No more days of my mullet laying in oil, rear end fluid, tranny fluid, etc. ;)
 

Robor

Elite Member
Oct 9, 1999
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Originally posted by: Marlin1975
Astra uses the same type motor as all the other 4cyl GM cars, the EcoTec. It is a good proven motor and uses a timing chain not belt. So reliabilty should be good on the power train. If you can get one for what you are saying then I would do that.

The only neg I see for the car was the MSRP price but you seem to have that fixed.

What about the rest of the car? Any ideas on the electrical system, A/C, suspension, etc? My VW hasn't had a major powertrain issue but it's cost a small fortune with all of the stuff around it.
 

CRXican

Diamond Member
Jun 9, 2004
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Originally posted by: Falloutboy
mazda 3 might be a car your overlooking

seriously, WTF

better than your whole list

::edit::

oops in late

should still get one
 

Robor

Elite Member
Oct 9, 1999
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Originally posted by: vi edit
Looked at a Pontiac Vibe? It's basically a Toyota Matrix but with a better warranty and price.

Looked at both but didn't drive either. I don't like the looks of the Vibe at all and the Matrix is 'ok' but like the Mazda3 gets expensive when going outside of the base model.
 

Robor

Elite Member
Oct 9, 1999
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Originally posted by: Vetterin
If you are concedering the Accent, I would definately check out the 2009 Hyundai Elantra Touring. As a matter of fact, I'm think about trading in my 06 Legacy wagon for one.

I really want the versatility of a hatchback. I'd like to have 5 doors for convenience but I could live with the Accent since it's usually just me in the car (to/from work).
 

Robor

Elite Member
Oct 9, 1999
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Originally posted by: ViviTheMage
Yaris baby

Considered it drove and it but IMO pricey for what you get. It's slow off the line and the lack of power is more noticeable at speeds. It's also very rough over speed bumps and my neighborhood has 5 big ones.
 

Robor

Elite Member
Oct 9, 1999
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Originally posted by: CRXican
Originally posted by: Falloutboy
mazda 3 might be a car your overlooking

seriously, WTF

better than your whole list

::edit::

oops in late

should still get one

It's a matter of my wife having one already and she's got the top in class (Grand Touring), well, except for the Mazda3 Speed. I dunno, if I may go see what kind of deal they would give me. Anyone looking for a fun to drive, comfortable, 5 door hatchback should consider one. Or maybe I'll roll the dice and look for something 2-4 years old for a little less $$$ so a lower payment in case I do need to do repairs.
 

Arkaign

Lifer
Oct 27, 2006
20,736
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They're not sexy by any means, but have you checked out the Spectra5?

Good fuel economy - check
Good safety ratings - check
Roomy/Configurable - check
Lots of options - check
Good performance/road Handling - check
Reasonable price / heavy discounts - check

Pretty nice ride. I tested one before I picked up my Focus, and I really was surprised by what a good little car it was.

Although they only have 138hp, it works well as the thing only weighs ~2800lbs.
 

adlep

Diamond Member
Mar 25, 2001
5,287
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How bout a used Mazda 3 Hatch? or used Honda Element?
You can get a decent Element with low miles for around $14,000. I would imagine that you will have even more choices at $15,000.
Go to autotrader.com, select search radius to 100 miles and search for the Element or Mazda 3

Edit:
Mazdas available in Detroit (100 miles radius)
Mazdas

Whatta beauty! -> Only 19,000 miles :shocked:

Brand new for $12,600 :shocked:

There are few Elements as well:
Elements

These are example searches that could provide to be useful for you...

IMO,
A new Chevy Aveo for $12,000 does not compare AT ALL to a used H. Civic or Mazda3. Also, I am not really sure about the Opel Astra's (Saturn) long term reliability. They are good in Europe but the US/Mexican assembly may be a negative factor (the same happened to your VW)...
 

Funyuns101

Platinum Member
Jun 15, 2002
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Originally posted by: Robor
Originally posted by: Vetterin
If you are concedering the Accent, I would definately check out the 2009 Hyundai Elantra Touring. As a matter of fact, I'm think about trading in my 06 Legacy wagon for one.

I really want the versatility of a hatchback. I'd like to have 5 doors for convenience but I could live with the Accent since it's usually just me in the car (to/from work).

EDIT: the "Touring" is a wagon/hatchback~

OP, if you can hold out a little bit longer... I am also seriously considering this car... here's a short review:
car & driver

It's supposed to be pretty similar to the Spectra that Arkaign suggested.
 

ashishmishra

Senior member
Nov 23, 2005
906
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Originally posted by: Robor
Originally posted by: Vetterin
If you are concedering the Accent, I would definately check out the 2009 Hyundai Elantra Touring. As a matter of fact, I'm think about trading in my 06 Legacy wagon for one.

I really want the versatility of a hatchback. I'd like to have 5 doors for convenience but I could live with the Accent since it's usually just me in the car (to/from work).

Are you sure you're looking at the Elantra Touring, it should be available anytime now. I test drove the 5 speed sedan version and was quite impressed, auto version was so so (only in terms of acceleration), now the touring version is supposed to have sportier suspension with the versatility of a hatchback.

EDIT: Missed Funyuns101's post, but yeah.