The Pontiac Vibe (non GT) is rated the EPA mileage as the Matrix. You can also get good deals/financing on the Vibe. Granted, I think the Matrix looks better. But if price/fuel economy is low, it should be cool. My friend had a Golf 4 door 1.8T (2002) and traded it in for a brand new Vibe (needed more room for bikes and hauling crap with a baby), so far after 9,000mi no problems and averaging about 32MPG with the 5 speed trans (non-GT Vibe, but loaded with options). A freshening is up in 2005.

The VW Golf TDI's have been rated pretty good for reliability and the quality has improved in the last year or two. Plus if you want economy, a TDI can't be beat. TDI's also command good resale, so if it pisses you off, unloading it won't be as pricey.

But in the end, the Matrix is a solid choice. Good on fuel, and should be reliable in the long-term :smile:

 

Chris, I feel sorry for you because in your heart I think you really, really want the MINI. Every time you mention an alternative to the MINI, there is a qualifying "but."

Stay tuned for my report on my MC "tearing up the (half) country." (Hint: it performed flawlessly, and more...)

 

One word: TDI/PD (if you don't live in a state that follows CA emissions standards). If you are not getting another MINI, I really think you should take a second look into VWs. Realiabilitywise, it's not any worse than a MINI. VW has a longer history so comparisons to the new MINI are not fair. Averaging 45-50 miles per gallons, 170 ft-lbs of torque, 110 hp (chip it and you get 220 ft-lbs of torque and 135 hp). Your choice of Golf, Jetta, Passat and New Beetle.
-BruinToo

 

I'll put in another vote for the TDI. While I have a 2003 Jetta Wagon GLS rather than a Golf, I have been really happy with the car. The mileage has been great, as expected and the rest of the car is put together very well. I may be biased, but I've heard of issues with the '04 PD engines and thier inability to stomach crappy US diesel, so I would receommend searching out a 2003. The 90 hp '03 engine was pretty much unchanged vor many years and I'd say they got all of th bugs out of it. The chassis of my car has fewer squeaks and rattles at 21k miles than the MCS at 7k.

Interior-wise, I like my car much better than the MINI. The seats are more comfortable to me and the overall fit and finish is nicer, IMHO. I optioned my car fairly well and it was $20,900 with leatehr and the upgraded stereo. MSRP was $23k. I skipped the OBC as my previous car had one and it was distracting to me.

When I was looking at cars last Winter, the MINI was considered (this was before Jerseygirl bought hers). I also considered a GTI w/ a VR6 & 6 spd and a Acura RSX Type S (I had a 91 Integra for many years and loved that car). In the end, I chose the TDI for it's mileage, size and quiet "uniqueness." I see many more MINI's than TDI wagons around here. I will say that if the TDI had given me issues, I probably would have been at the Acura dealer in a heartbeat.

If the car has a major weakness, it is in the handling. It is nowhere near on par with a MINI. However, there are improvements available. Right now a Shine Racing suspension kit ($900 for shocks, springs and rear sway bar) is tempting...

I don't know if I'll get 10 years out of the car, but I'm on pace to hit 100k miles in 3 years or so and I am confident the engine will make it there without too much trouble. Provided I don't do anything stupid to the car, the rest of the chassis should be fine as well.

Btw, I filled it up today for less than $18 for 11.6 gallons to the tune of about 50 mpg.

 

38.48 mpg, 38.19 mpg and 38.06 mpg on one of my recent trips across Wyoming and Utah. Average speed 70 mph.

Didn't break the elusive 40 mpg barrier, but I know I'll be able to achieve it next time with a new oil change, Magnecor ignition wires and Yokohama ES 100 tires.