Looking at getting a new car.

[mapguy]

I am looking at getting a new car within the next month. I have narrowed it down to three cars and I wanted to get everyone's thoughts. (All cars will be 5spd)

1. Honda Fit Sport. Pros: Honda build quality. Phenom mileage. Nice interior. Great room. Cons: Not much bang for the buck.

2. Kia Soul 4u (! in the US). Pros: Lots of standard features. (bluetooth, sunroof, 300w stereo with wheel controls and subwoofer) Good mileage and room. Great price. Great warrany. Cons: Kia's quality history (although my parents have a Rondo and have had no problems with it.)

3. Saturn Astra 3dr XR. Pros: European design and construction. Handling. Nice interior. Cons: How long is Saturn going to be around? GM.

[Elmo T]

Our Saturn SL2 was bulletproof. We'd give serious consideration to a new Saturn, though some of the models had mediocre track records.


Honda Quality No comment given my track record with the Odyssey.

[Methanolandbrats]

I am looking at getting a new car within the next month. I have narrowed it down to three cars and I wanted to get everyone's thoughts. (All cars will be 5spd)

1. Honda Fit Sport. Pros: Honda build quality. Phenom mileage. Nice interior. Great room. Cons: Not much bang for the buck.

2. Kia Soul 4u (! in the US). Pros: Lots of standard features. (bluetooth, sunroof, 300w stereo with wheel controls and subwoofer) Good mileage and room. Great price. Great warrany. Cons: Kia's quality history (although my parents have a Rondo and have had no problems with it.)

3. Saturn Astra 3dr XR. Pros: European design and construction. Handling. Nice interior. Cons: How long is Saturn going to be around? GM.

Buy a Golf.

[extramundane]

1. Honda Fit Sport. Pros: Honda build quality. Phenom mileage. Nice interior. Great room. Cons: Not much bang for the buck.

Fit's a decent ride- I don't know that I'd agree with "not much bang for the buck." The Missus looked at one recently, but I don't think we're buying anything soon. The only issue I had was that the auto tranny seemed mushy, but the manual seemed just fine.


3. Saturn Astra 3dr XR. Pros: European design and construction. Handling. Nice interior. Cons: How long is Saturn going to be around? GM.

My experience is that Saturnized Opels = bad news. Saturn's going to be around for a while, but the Astra's already dead in the US. One assumes that Penske's people made allowances for parts availability, but you know what happens when you assume.

I'd suggest a look at a Mazda3 hatch as well.

[mapguy]

Buy a Golf.

The only Golf available up here is the "City Golf" which is a stripped down previous generation. To add AC and power windows and cruise puts it up to $20k CDN. Pretty pricey for an old 'new' car. Unfortunately there are no 2010 Golfs or Rabbits on VW Canada's web site.

[datachicane]

2nd on the Mazda, or wait a bit for a Fiesta.

[mapguy]

I'd suggest a look at a Mazda3 hatch as well.

Unless I get a base model it is out of my price range.

[Methanolandbrats]

The only Golf available up here is the "City Golf" which is a stripped down previous generation. To add AC and power windows and cruise puts it up to $20k CDN. Pretty pricey for an old 'new' car. Unfortunately there are no 2010 Golfs or Rabbits on VW Canada's web site. They are not on the USA website either, but they will be. Two friends have Golf Diesels ordered. Don't know what gas version is available.

[Sean Malone]

Buy used.

[Gnam]

Here are some reviews.
* Kia Soul review (http://www.beyond.ca/2010-kia-soul-20l-4u-review/1714.html)
* Saturn Astra XR review (http://www.motorauthority.com/review/1023412_review-2009-saturn-astra-xr)

Kia vs Saturn
HP: 142 > 138
ft-lb: 137 > 125
weight: 2833 < 2921 lbs
MPG: 33/43 > 23/33

Haven't driven any of them so it's hard to say, but I would lean toward the Kia if I had to choose.

[cameraman]

Subaru Impreza 2.5i

[nissan gtp]

Mazda :thumbup:

[rosawendel]

doesn't the kia come with hip-hop gerbils?

[nrc]

Get a Mazda 3 and put one of these on the front...
http://www.badmovies.org/othermovies/maximumover/maximumover5.jpg

[Indy]

Two friends have Golf Diesels ordered.

I didn't know they were coming this soon. When are they expecting them?

[JohnHKart]

I posted on the other older thread you guys probably have seen. The car I did drive in July in Germany was a 2010 TDI Golf. This is the best car I've ever driven. It's going to take a lot to get it and it may not happen but I am completely and totally obsessed with this car and want it bad. It's mindblowing to me that the 2010 models are already in the rental fleets over there. So glad I walked away from my prepaid rental with avis and went to Hertz, where I ended up with this. Im not technical enough to give a Car and Driver report, but I was deeply impressed with the car, the fourth and best Golf I've driven over there. Glad to see it being given some love...I've already gotten it on with it! :)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v720/JohnHKart/2009golf.jpg

[chop456]

It's kind of nice that Methanolandbrats and myself don't have to provide all the TDI yammering by ourselves anymore. :D

[extramundane]

It's kind of nice that Methanolandbrats and myself don't have to provide all the TDI yammering by ourselves anymore. :D

Whenever we get around to replacing the aging Outback, if there's TDI Jetta Sportwagen anywhere in the state, it's going to end up in my driveway.

I'm not sure she knows that just yet, but she'll come around. Venza, my ass.

[sadams]

It's kind of nice that Methanolandbrats and myself don't have to provide all the TDI yammering by ourselves anymore. :D

I'd be happy to join the TDI yammering. I've had a 04' Jetta TDi fro 120K miles and all I've done is change oil/filters every 10K and the Timming belt at 80K. 50-55 MPG starts great even in -20 F Minnesota when I visit the inlaws.
I'm looking at maybe another one or the Golf TDI.:thumbup:

[JLMannin]

Other. I'd wait for the Ford Fiesta, or if you want to pull the trigger now, the Mazda3speed hatch.

I agree that Saturnized-Opels = crap

[Sean Malone]

Other. I'd wait for the Ford Fiesta, or if you want to pull the trigger now, the Mazda3speed hatch.

I agree that Saturnized-Opels = crap

I just read that Ford's bread and butter engine will be the 'Eco-Boost' four banger. 240ponies with good fuel mileage. I hope they put it in something sporty and not just four door Fusions and Focus's.

[High Sided]

go the paul tracy route to car shopping...
http://www.legendarycollectorcars.com/featured-vehicles/radical-rat-rod-revealed-really/

[Ankf00]

It's kind of nice that Methanolandbrats and myself don't have to provide all the TDI yammering by ourselves anymore. :D



in!

[cameraman]

One of these days Subaru will bring over the 2.0D Boxer Diesel tied to their new CVT for even better mileage.

Someday..........................

[JohnHKart]

Suburu needs to do something as everything I've looked at of theirs trails everybody else in mileage. (And especially trails my 93 Escort- which can get late 30s to 40 gas mileage on the highway) . Just shouldn't be.

[cameraman]

All the Subarus are AWD. That is your mileage penalty right there.

As for the company, last quarter's sales were off from 2008 by, get this, -1.9%. That's right one point nine percent. Subaru is the healthiest car company in the US market by far.

[Sean Malone]

All the Subarus are AWD. That is your mileage penalty right there.

As for the company, last quarter's sales were off from 2008 by, get this, -1.9%. That's right one point nine percent. Subaru is the healthiest car company in the US market by far.

"Subaru posted an all-time sales record, beating its August 2008 numbers by 51.5 percent. Every line except the Tribeca SUV came in with double-digit gains."

[cameraman]

The August sales jump was the 2010 model year release, they'll be in this quarter's numbers.

[mapguy]

Buy used.

Well, that is what it is looking like now. The job that I got is part time so I cannot afford a new car. Well, I could but I'd have to cut back on beer. So that ain't happening.

Going to the local VW & Mazda dealerships to check out an 06 Mazda3. an 06 Jetta and an 05 GTI.

[Sean Malone]

Well, that is what it is looking like now. The job that I got is part time so I cannot afford a new car. Well, I could but I'd have to cut back on beer. So that ain't happening.

Going to the local VW & Mazda dealerships to check out an 06 Mazda3. an 06 Jetta and an 05 GTI.

You'll be just as happy, get a great car and won't pay for the instant depreciation. :thumbup:

[High Sided]

any reason toyota isn't an option?

[Methanolandbrats]

any reason toyota isn't an option? Perhaps he has ruled out cheap, tinny, oil burning junk :gomer:

[High Sided]

hey now :\

bet i'll still be driving my 10 year old rav4 ten years from now :gomer:

[nissan gtp]

hey now :\

bet i'll still be driving my 10 year old rav4 ten years from now :gomer:

you could still be driving a Gremlin, but that doesn't mean there would be anything good about that

[Methanolandbrats]

hey now :\

bet i'll still be driving my 10 year old rav4 ten years from now :gomer: In that case, stock up on oil and remember that old cookie sheets and tar do an excellent job of patching holes in the floorboard. :gomer:

[cameraman]

My '95 Outback is holding up just fine except for the driver's seat is wearing out. What do you do if you are not interested in sheep skin or spending $$$?

I'm thinking a new windshield would be nice too.

[Methanolandbrats]

My '95 Outback is holding up just fine except for the driver's seat is wearing out. What do you do if you are not interested in sheep skin or spending $$$?

I'm thinking a new windshield would be nice too.

Check the salvage yards to see if you can find a newer seat, it might be that seats from other newer models will bolt up.

Windshield? If you have comprehensive insurance, a well placed rock will solve that problem.

[extramundane]

Check the salvage yards to see if you can find a newer seat, it might be that seats from other newer models will bolt up.


As I've found out, Outbacks & Legacies aren't exactly frequent visitors to the pick & pull yard.

[Methanolandbrats]

As I've found out, Outbacks & Legacies aren't exactly frequent visitors to the pick & pull yard.

Ya, I know, great cars that last forever, but crashed ones go to car heaven...try these guys http://car-part.com/

[JohnHKart]

With regards to the new, ugly Mazdas. I've saw in yesterday's car ads-- maybe it's just my imagining but it seems that even Mazda is now trying to hide the uglyness, by placing a large rectangular license plate style plaque on the front opening with the word Mazda. I saw some pics on line with something similar, but the plate was even bigger and wider than this pic below to cover up the horror. My question to my friends when talking about this is how on earth did this redesign horror get approved?


http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com/media/roadtests/firstdrive/2010/mazda.3/10.mazda.3.340.jpg

[cameraman]

http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com/media/roadtests/firstdrive/2010/mazda.3/10.mazda.3.340.jpg

Wow. Really, wtf were they thinking?

[dando]

http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com/media/roadtests/firstdrive/2010/mazda.3/10.mazda.3.340.jpg

Wow. Really, wtf were they thinking?

http://groups.haas.berkeley.edu/marketing/PAPERS/AAKER/BOOKS/BUILDING/neon.gif

:gomer:

-Kevin

[SteveH]

Everytime I see a new Mazda I think of this dork....

http://www.thisboyistoast.nu/images/enzyte.jpg

[chop456]

http://www.milleracing.com/atrace/images/L_MikeNeville.jpg

[Sean Malone]

To make matters worse, every Mazda model has that god awful grin!

[grungex]

http://www.tallpinescampground-ny.com/i//cars_movie.jpg

[Indy]

http://img185.imageshack.us/img185/3940/1000227.jpg

[dando]

Everytime I see a new Mazda I think of this dork....

http://www.thisboyistoast.nu/images/enzyte.jpg

:tony:

;)

-Kevin

[nrc]

To make matters worse, every Mazda model has that god awful grin!

Almost. The new 6 was mercifully spared the cartoon treatment.

http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/04/09mazda6_450.jpg

[Napoleon]

Toyota Yaris. I love mine.

[JohnHKart]

For several miles on the freeway tonight I was behind, alongside and behind and alongside a gorgeous TDI Jetta/Golf Wagon . God, what a car. If the driver would a looked over at me I would have given the thumbs up.

[Methanolandbrats]

For several miles on the freeway tonight I was behind, alongside and behind and alongside a gorgeous TDI Jetta/Golf Wagon . God, what a car. If the driver would a looked over at me I would have given the thumbs up.

Jetta Sportwagen :thumbup: They sell em as fast as they make em.

[Indy]

Brats, I am still stuck between a TDI Sportwagen, and TDI Golf (if and when), and an '05 TDI Passat. The Passat saves me ten grand in depreciation, but then I have the maintenance/repairs to worry about. The Sportwagen is probably ideal from a practical point of view, but it is pretty expensive. The Golf may be a bit too small for the family, but it would be awesome as a fun car for me.

John, here is a Jetta Sportwagen TDI:
http://img6.imageshack.us/img6/4654/jettasportwagen09scre01.jpg

[nissan gtp]

^sweet :thumbup:

[Steve99]

Mazda MX-5 concept.

http://wheels.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/09/15/mazda-mx-5-superlight-a-stripped-down-speedster/

http://blogs.edmunds.com/straightline/2009/09/2009-frankfurt-auto-show-mazda-mx-5-superlight.html

I notice they don't show it head on.

[extramundane]

Mazda MX-5 concept.

http://wheels.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/09/15/mazda-mx-5-superlight-a-stripped-down-speedster/

http://blogs.edmunds.com/straightline/2009/09/2009-frankfurt-auto-show-mazda-mx-5-superlight.html

I notice they don't show it head on.


http://jalopnik.com/5361110/2009-frankfurt-motor-show-postkarte-from-day-zwei/gallery/?selectedImage=2

It's as happy as its siblings.

[Sean Malone]

http://jalopnik.com/5361110/2009-frankfurt-motor-show-postkarte-from-day-zwei/gallery/?selectedImage=2

It's as happy as its siblings.

Mazda in Japanese means "Happy Go Go Car Monkey Zoom Zoom". I'm serious.

[oddlycalm]

Jetta Sportwagen :thumbup: They sell em as fast as they make em.
And in the future they will get even better fuel economy.
VW L1 concept car (http://autos.yahoo.com/auto-shows/frankfurt_auto_show_2009/1106/Volkswagen-L1-Concept)

Extreme statement, but dialed back to usable size and shape a turbo diesel hybrid with a largely composite structure would be incredibly efficient.

oc

[chop456]

And where's that TDI/Hybrid Golf, anyway? :\

[JohnHKart]

The new Mazda: It's a car so freaking awful ugly...one came up behind me yesterday..I actually took my hands off the wheel, covered my mouth and screamed. (While steerring with my knees). Yuck! :thumdown: