I need a new car

[mmm240]

New as in brand new, no modifications from half assed people, no rust that eats away at my brake lines, no silly problems that I can't diagnose.
I'm looking for completely new... and reliable.
I have four cars that are broke down atm. I am down to the bike which I will eventually not be able to ride due to snow fall. I need a good reliable daily driver. I have an 80 mile round trip for work 6 days a week.
I have been looking at the Hyundai veloster, but the silly 3 door will bother me, so it's out.
I would like a hatch and have looked into the Hyundai elantra Gt, but starting at $18k+ with minimal thrill is not a good value to me.
The Kia Rio 5 door is a good candidate and very possible with a cheap price of around $14k. But no fun to drive.
The Mazdaspeed 3 is a blast to drive! And I can probably get 30+mpg on the highway, but at a price of a little more that $22k is a bit of debt I don't want, but it's the car that puts a smile on my face.
I have also tested the skyactiv 3 and it's horrible, and only a few thousand less than the speed 3.
I am not at all attracted to the Nissan Versa, and it's not that much of a value, and at 3k more for the hatch is ridiculous.

Lend me your thoughts!

[MinisterofDOOM]

Focus.

Focus Focus Focus.

Nothing else is even in the same league at that price range.

[mmm240]

tell me why? I'm seeing higher mpg, but at a higher price...
Well, they actually come in at the same msrp. (st and speed3), but the local mazda dealer came in at $22661, hmmm, I may have to go see the local Ford dealer, but still tell me why I should choose the fucus... "she said focus"

[Rev_D21]

no silly problems that I can't diagnose.

How about tons of silly problems that you can't diagnose...that's the new car market for you. You can't do anything without hooking up to the computer at the dealer these days. Want a car you can diagnose...get an old one.

[MinisterofDOOM]

tell me why? I'm seeing higher mpg, but at a higher price...
Well, they actually come in at the same msrp. (st and speed3), but the local mazda dealer came in at $22661, hmmm, I may have to go see the local Ford dealer, but still tell me why I should choose the fucus... "she said focus"

The Focus is probably the most fun of all of them to drive. In my opinion it's also the best looking compact made right now aside from the Forte. Ford's reliability at the moment is fantastic, and in my experience their dealers are great. You don't even need an ST to have fun in one. The base N/A 2.0 with three pedals will do. You can get a dual-clutch trans in it, and while this is HUGELY preferable to an automatic slushbox, I've heard that Ford's tuning needs work, so the three-pedal is the way to go right now.

If I absolutely HAD to buy a brand-new compact right now, there's no question I'd get a 5-door Focus.

I SWEAR I'm a GM guy. I SWEAR IT. *Looks at his car and then up at the Evolution of Horsepower and SCCA CTS-V racecar posters on the wall.* I AM NOT HAVING AN IDENTITY CRISIS!

[bigbadberry3]

ST if you got cash! Otherwise base hatch 2.0 with a manual

[darylzero]

Sounds like you don't want to go over $20k; here is a list of new cars.
I would second a Ford Focus at that price range. Other option may be Scion tC hatchback, never driven one, but it seems like it would be a fun ride...

[orangeNblue]

I have to agree with doom, the Focus is hands down the best car that meets your requirements as far as MPG, reliability, and fun. I was looking at the TDI Golfs which may be another great option but they put you a little over $20k. Another option, though not a hatch, would be the Dodge Dart. They look good, get great gas mileage, and definitely fit into your budget.

[Bubba1]

All 3 of you atm choices are good, it's more a question of which fits your needs/wants best. But buying brand new tends to mean more complexity. I suggest test driving them all and see which fits you best. a couple of other cars to consider are:

Scion XA: nimble, well made

Toyota Corolla: comparatively old technology compared to others, making it easier to fix. Built like tanks and reasonably comfortable. I bought a used one for my son.

[nissangirl74]

Focus Hatch. If we didn't have 14 cars, I'd be in the market.

[PapaSmurf2k3]

If we didn't have 14 cars,

Now there's something you don't see every day

[nissangirl74]

[Rex]

I don't disagree with the Focus 5-door, check re-sale value. I'm not sure it can shake the long standing American brand depreciation. I'd look at both the Civic, the Fit and Matrix if re-sale is a concern.

Don't forget to check out what CPO offerings there are. Can save a fair amount on the purchase and (sometimes) get a better/longer warranty.

[Jesda]

Focus.

[RicerX]

I'm enjoying the hell out of my Mazdaspeed3. It is an awesome car. Everything I found down south as far as used pricing goes shows great resale value as well. I can even fit all of my drums (in hard shell cases - 7 of them) plus hardware, cymbals, and all while keeping the front seat available for my lady. It truly is the best DD for me - power, utility, fuel economy when I try (32 mpg back and forth to work, mostly interstate driving), and reliability. Mazda is great regarding service, etc. I will say that having purchased a couple new Nissans in the last five years that Mazda has them beat regarding following up with you on your purchase.

[300ZXttZMAN]

I think all the choices are good except the Kia.

[PapaSmurf2k3]

I will say that having purchased a couple new Nissans in the last five years that Mazda has them beat regarding following up with you on your purchase.

I think just about any purchase in the last 5 years has Nissan beat, including drugs, hookers, arms dealers, etc. Nissan has done a pretty poor job with customer satisfaction through their dealer network (and beyond)

[SoCal-S13]

Focus.

Focus Focus Focus.

Nothing else is even in the same league at that price range.

probably because they are wrong wheel drive.

[AZ89two4Tsx]

If I was in the market for a NEW car that needed good mpg but still is fun to drive, I'd get a TDI Golf/Jetta.

Do you care about horsepower or do you just want something economical?

-Focus
-Golf/Jetta
-Veloster
-Mazda 3
-Optima

All those come with optional turbo trims. Are you looking for more of a base model? A Genesis coupe wouldn't be a bad car to think about either.....

....Heck I'd enjoy pretty much any new car

[float_6969]

The Dodge Dart looks fun. I haven't driven one, but I've seen a couple in person over the last few weeks and they're a pretty sharp car, and have lots of engine choices available.

You should test drive one and give us a review, LOL!

[Bubba1]

The Dodge Dart looks fun. I haven't driven one, but I've seen a couple in person over the last few weeks and they're a pretty sharp car, and have lots of engine choices available.

You should test drive one and give us a review, LOL!

I'd love to testdrive a new Dart, but after leasing two first year Chrysler models, I'd advise caution, as their bugs are traditionally not yet worked out until the end of the first model year. Of course, that was pre-Fiat.

[float_6969]

Last time I checked, Fiat (italian cars) weren't renowned for their QC either, LOL.

[Jesda]

Scion XA: nimble, well made

Toyota Corolla: comparatively old technology compared to others, making it easier to fix. Built like tanks and reasonably comfortable. I bought a used one for my son.

The XA is a durable little thing indeed. I find it odd though that the passenger seat leg area is narrower than than the driver's side. I guess its a compromise to allow the car to get away with being so small. The hatch is handy too.




A metro bus pass might be preferable to a Corolla, or a donkey.

[mmm240]

Also looking at the sonic with the 1.4 turbo...

[MinisterofDOOM]

xAs feel ASTONISHINGLY cheap. I can't imagine paying money for one over any other car that also costs money.

[Jesda]

xAs feel ASTONISHINGLY cheap. I can't imagine paying money for one over any other car that also costs money.

Compared to the new Versa, the XA feels more durable and is a tiny bit more fun to toss around corners.

[MinisterofDOOM]

If I were genuinely considering alternatives to a Versa, I'd probably off myself.

[Jesda]

If I were genuinely considering alternatives to a Versa, I'd probably off myself.

[mmm240]

Did some test driving today. The Cruze 1.8 mated to the 6spd manual was beautiful! The trans worked excellent! The revs dropped quickly allowing me to shift fast and smooth. I was very impressed. That dealer didn't have an eco model (1.4 turbo) mated to the 6spd manual. Dealer down the road did though. I had extremely high hopes of this car, more mpg and a few more torques, hell yeah. Well, the revs didn't drop as fast, thus not as smooth shifts. And there was an annoying loss in power at the beginning of every gear. I understand that with every shift I lose boost, but it was ridiculous. I am very disappointed with this car. Should have been great I think.
Also drove an auto sonic with the 1.4 turbo, beat on it a little, smelled a lot of burning oil... Not a good selling point.
Didn't find a Ford dealer with a manual focus... well I did, but they didn't let me drive the ST, ummm, okay, I'll buy my vehicle elsewhere...
Really considering the ST, 32mpg hwy, just have to find a dealer that will let me drive one.

[bigbadberry3]

Did some test driving today. The Cruze 1.8 mated to the 6spd manual was beautiful! The trans worked excellent! The revs dropped quickly allowing me to shift fast and smooth. I was very impressed. That dealer didn't have an eco model (1.4 turbo) mated to the 6spd manual. Dealer down the road did though. I had extremely high hopes of this car, more mpg and a few more torques, hell yeah. Well, the revs didn't drop as fast, thus not as smooth shifts. And there was an annoying loss in power at the beginning of every gear. I understand that with every shift I lose boost, but it was ridiculous. I am very disappointed with this car. Should have been great I think.
Also drove an auto sonic with the 1.4 turbo, beat on it a little, smelled a lot of burning oil... Not a good selling point.
Didn't find a Ford dealer with a manual focus... well I did, but they didn't let me drive the ST, ummm, okay, I'll buy my vehicle elsewhere...
Really considering the ST, 32mpg hwy, just have to find a dealer that will let me drive one.

Stand strong on test driving whatever vehicle. Your money is as green as anyone else's.