My girlfriend is in the market for a new car. No, not a MINI . I need suggestions/ any input you may have.

The Criteria:
$15-20k new
FWD
4 banger (good mileage)
Reliable
Decently equipped (power windows/ doors, ac)
She is leaning towards a coupe, but a sedan isn't out of the question

All I can think of is the Civic LX coupe for about $18k. What else should we consider?

 

As much as it may pain me to say it, check out some Scions. (Sorry to any fans) Although, some of the new Honda's are nice cars. Either way, you're going to get the reliability and mileage you want.

 

Yeah, I've been seeing a lot of Scion tc's around lately. You can also check edmunds.com for car reviews.

 

Two good choices there- be sure to check with the insurance co as well, a lot of kids are driving the Scion TC which often jacks up the rates. I'd also check out the Honda Fit S but don't rule out used cars. You can get a lot more car for the money used and it's not hard to find one with low miles and an extended warrenty included (if that's a concern).

 

We had a Scion tC for a while and while we were happy with the car it really didn't get the kind of gas mileage that would make it worth picking over any other car in the price range.

It rolled like a boat around corners somewhat, but it was a friggin' COMFORTABLE car to be in, especially on long trips. We never had a problem with it, it was easy to do upkeep on (oil changes etc) and if you know someone that works for Toyota you can get the friends and family pricing form and (yes, I realize Scions are Pure Pricing) you will get a rebate depending on the price of the options you pick. We got around $1300 back two weeks after we bought the car.

The paint scratches incredibly easy, especially when kids stand behind your house and throw handfuls of rocks at it.

I like the Scions personally, if you end up going that route feel free to message me for honest answers to your questions about the tC in particular.

 

Heard good things about the Fit. Good thing you said not a Mini because the criteria fit a base Cooper perfectly

 

Yeah, I tried that angle. She loves my MCS, but wants something different.

 

In my opinion, the Toyota Yaris is pretty stylish. Also, it is a good bit under 18K. Saving money is always a plus.

 

Ugly but practical..Honda Fit.

 

What about a VW Rabbit. You can get either a two or four door and as long as you don't get an automatic, keeping it below $20k shouldn't be a problem. And they come decently equiped with power locks, windows, 10 speaker stereo and plenty of airbags for safety. The four door has a few more standard features than the two door.

 

Pretty tough requirements to meet while excluding a MINI. I don't feel like any other small car is nearly as safe or handles as well. VW is supposed to be bringing in the Polo Blue diesel... More than 45mpg, decent handling and safety features, might not be a bad option.

Another more radical option... How about a Zip Car membership and a Vespa? The Vespa is great for zipping around town with 55 - 75mpg, is fun and cheap, less than $6500 new. Then for those times when a car is necessary, just grab a zip car and go. This might be the best deal, and th cash she saves could fly you all on at least one trip somewhere together each year...

 

I say dump her and find a GF that's more MINI friendly!

Jim

(just kidding)

 

Toyota Yaris or Corolla, Honda Fit or Civic are all great, practical cars. Appliances, not motoring buddies, but that's ok!!!

 

im gonna tell you wat crashton is going to tell ya. that kenchan is
going to tell ya to check out the FitSport.

 

Mazda3 GT ( hatch or sedan) or better yet Mazdaspeed3 if she can live with 4 or 5 doors

 

i'd recommend the Yaris from personal experience. the gf loves it. make sure you get the ipod hookup and power package. they'll never complain about it. a little on the slow side but good enough for her.

o0o0o she gets like 38 mpg in traffic and city. great for that reason.

 

It really is too bad about the MINI- with the included maintanence and strong re-sale it really would be a great choice.

I'm not sure about pricing but the Saturn Astra might also be worth checking out-the model has been out in europe for a few years and I think it has a nice euro hatch look.

 

The Civic is a great "for the significant other's car" if they won't get a MINI. We usually take the MINI since I'm the one who likes to drive, but when we take the civic (2002 LX manual), the comparatively insulated and quiet ride seems downright luxurious. Not to mention we averaged 34 mpg on a recent highway trip from central nj to rochester, ny in light snowy weather! It's no MINI, but it still handles well, can haul a** (again, relatively speaking) if I drop a few gears and slam on the gas, has great safety, fits passengers comfortably + associated luggage, and is reliable with little maintenance.

Foxx-aay (the MCSC)
Emily (Civic LX 5spd, 4 doors)

 

One of my co-workers has a Fit and it amazes me how much room there is in it. Having owned Mazda's prior to the MINI, I would also suggest looking at the Mazda3.

 

Elantra or Spectra/5. I'll give you an employee discount if you want anything Hyundai or Kia. Otherwise, I don't mind the Yaris, and as much as I wouldn't do it, you really can't go wrong with a Civic.

 

Civics are too big!!!!

 

I'll join the Fit camp simply because I was amazed at how nice a co-worker's was. Previously, I had begun to really not like the way Honda was going with it's designs, but riding in the Fit was a great experience. I'm 5'11 and I was still pretty comfy in the and the cup holders in the doors were handy (only rode in the Fit on trips out for lunch). The owner got the Fit as a gift from his wife as a replacement for the early 90s era Saab he had been with since college and he was impressed at both the mileage and zip of the car. As far as I know he hasn't had any issues during the first 9 months of ownership.

On the other hand, I have another friend with a 06 Civic EX and he loves it and another with a Scion TC who also loves his ride. Both seem good from the passenger seat. Personally, I like the TC's looks better, but the Civic seemed a bit peppier and gets better MPG. Still, with the above requirements I think that I would be looking at a low mileage Celica (2005) or a new Rabbit (and try really hard to forget about a MC40 )

 

Too bad Fits don't do better in mpgs...Coopers seem better!!!!

 

I've heard good things about the new Civics, and the all-new '09 Corolla.

 

we checked out a lancer es today. seemed nice. 100k mile powertrain warranty makes it even more tempting.

love the suggestions: keep 'em coming!