Need a small, safe, new car for the GF

[DanTMWTMP]

She's been fancying the small cars that's been zipping around recently (Scion IQ, Fiat 500, Chevy Spark, etc..).

I know you guys cry foul when I say that I must lease this, but yes.. I must lease it. The GF has been driving in Taiwan. There are more insane drivers there, therefore, she has a bit harsher driving style; hence why I am less inclined to have her buy a car (Asian-girl-driver stereotype comes into play here, ). If you guys have any leasing suggestions, or want to sway me to actually buy a car, then please let it be known in your reply.

I personally really dig the looks of the IQ, but goddamn that CVT!!
Fiat 500 is cool, but the for the price, I am not so sure? I'm not poor; it just doesn't seem like a great value when compared to other small urban cars.
Smart42? No, not even a chance.. for the price and mileage, it's not even for consideration.
Chevy Spark seems to hit the spot on all categories though. It looks great, fun, has a large screen inside standard, and priced just damn right.

Maybe I'd even consider a used Mini Cooper, but those things aren't cheap for a used car; and I'd want her vehicle to be as maintenance free as much as possible.

This car will be used only as a DD, but I'd be damned if I don't take it on the fun east-county roads of San Diego.

Here are my requirements for such a vehicle:
* SAFE
* Must be fun to drive
* Good value
* Pleasant interior

Her requirements :
* Cute
* Safe
* Cute
* Easy to park
* Cute


She really likes the IQ, and the Spark.
I'm pulling for the Spark.
What says you?

 

[JCH13]

Of those two the Scion IQ has better crash ratings from IIHS.

 

[manimal]

The 500 isnt really a bad a car at all.I would look at the scion however.


Is the fit too plain? It would have a bit more storage.

 

[Dr. Detroit]

Get the 500 - huge discounts and super cheap leases.

Spark, Sonic, Fiesta, Mazda 2 - all very small.

If she likes Toyota, get a 3dr Yaris.

 

[halik]

Saw the IQ for the first time the other day; couldn't help but to think what happens when it meets the business end of something like a Yukon. Modern day Cavalier?

 

[NutBucket]

I would go for the Sonic hatch with the 1.4 turbo motor instead of the Spark. The Spark just seems like it would be too slow.

 

[jtvang125]

128i/135i convertible

 

[unokitty]

Here are my requirements for such a vehicle:
* SAFE
* Must be fun to drive
* Good value
* Pleasant interior

Her requirements :
* Cute
* Safe
* Cute
* Easy to park
* Cute


She really likes the IQ, and the Spark.
I'm pulling for the Spark.
What says you?

Its her call, but I'd say that it would be good for her to also consider the Honda Fit or Fit Sport.

Uno

 

[AMCRambler]

 

[Zap]

Fiat 500 is cool, but the for the price, I am not so sure?

You two should go check it out next time you hit up 99 Ranch Market. The dealer is just a few blocks away. I don't think they'd go for MSRP because the lot seems to be always full. They also just expanded, so maybe they'd be hungry for sales?

You can do all the leg work and get a logical choice, but the most important thing is that SHE likes it and makes the choice. If it works out in the long run she will be happy about her choice. If it doesn't, she won't be (as?) upset at you.

 

[Mermaidman]

She likes the Spark, you like the Spark, there's nothing bad about the Spark. (I think it's hideous, but totally subjective.) So get the Spark.

The Fiat 500 looks good, but the interior ergonomics are quite atrocious. I've rented it about 5-6 times because it's fun to drive, but the buttons, levers, etc are set up poorly.

 

[Jumpem]

CVTs are great. After having owned one, I would consider a traditional automatic a huge negative.

 

[BeauCharles]

CVTs are great. After having owned one, I would consider a traditional automatic a huge negative.

My car has a CVT, but I wouldn't call it a plus. Not really a minus either - but all things being equal I'd rather have a 6 speed auto.

 

[power_hour]

New driver in California in a smallish car? Get her a used Honda Accord. Those cars you listed are too dangerous as a DD. Cute is great in the country where you rarely see a transport truck. Guess what I am saying is get her something a bit larger and safer. You need to expect a few scrapes and dents so thats why I said used.

 

[Jumpem]

My car has a CVT, but I wouldn't call it a plus. Not really a minus either - but all things being equal I'd rather have a 6 speed auto.

I don't like how RPMs go from idle up to say 4k, drop down to 2k on an upshift, then climb back up to 4k again. Through five or six gears.

I much prefer the behavior of a CVT, where the RPMS go from idle to 4k, and just stay there until you are up to speed.

 

[saratoga172]

Spark, Sonic, Fiesta...have her test drive some. Sentra is a nice price for the base model.

 

[MovingTarget]

Saw the IQ for the first time the other day; couldn't help but to think what happens when it meets the business end of something like a Yukon. Modern day Cavalier?

The IQ is really more in the same class as the smart fortwo, size-wise. As a current Cavalier owner, I'd say a more valid comparison would be the Sonic or the Cruze. Heck, the smart fortwo would probably do better in a crash than my Cavalier.

 

[MovingTarget]

My car has a CVT, but I wouldn't call it a plus. Not really a minus either - but all things being equal I'd rather have a 6 speed auto.

Perhaps, but consider the weight/power class of the IQ. A CVT would probably be better in that case. Hell, people would probably be all over the smart car if it had a CVT instead of that godawful "automatic manual".

 

[JulesMaximus]

Ford Fiesta is nice.

 

[DanTMWTMP]

You two should go check it out next time you hit up 99 Ranch Market. The dealer is just a few blocks away. I don't think they'd go for MSRP because the lot seems to be always full. They also just expanded, so maybe they'd be hungry for sales?

You can do all the leg work and get a logical choice, but the most important thing is that SHE likes it and makes the choice. If it works out in the long run she will be happy about her choice. If it doesn't, she won't be (as?) upset at you.

thanks! I did notice the dealer off the corner of convoy and clairemont mesa, but never really gave it any thought.

I would like to thank everyone for their suggestions, and I have shown her the thread. big thanks! It's going to be a busy month to have her sample all those cars . And yes, Ford Fiesta is nice (she really digs that car too)

 

[Throckmorton]

I don't like how RPMs go from idle up to say 4k, drop down to 2k on an upshift, then climb back up to 4k again. Through five or six gears.

I much prefer the behavior of a CVT, where the RPMS go from idle to 4k, and just stay there until you are up to speed.

You don't like how normal cars work?

 

[CraigRT]

Ford Fiesta is nice.

I personally like it more than the other 2... Well, I kinda like the IQ, but the Spark is godawful looking.

 

[Ryan]

I think the Honda Fit needs to be on your shopping list - it's one of the best handling small cars available, it looks good, and it's full of great features. It's a little larger than some of your options, but it's more practical.

 

[SandEagle]

i was going to say honda civic, but i saw a volvo c30 a few days ago. had to do a double take. nice car.

 

[Jeff7181]

Check out the new Jetta. Not sure what its safety ratings look like but the hybrid gets 43 mpg combined or something crazy like that.