So I'm in the market for a new car. I was looking at the TSX, as well as the TL (though that would be stretching my budget). However, after really separating what I want from what I need, I've decided to get another plain jane economy car (I currently have a 2002 Protege). While I would eventually like to have a more performance oriented car, at this point in my life I'm still fine with a basic, reliable daily driver. With the money I save I'd rather get a nice new HDTV (still year behind on this one) and put money into investments so I can get that Corvette in about 10 years (I'm still young).

Anyway, I've been researching my choices. Just figured I'd throw them out there and get some general thoughts/opinions. The TSX is the only car I've actually test driven so far, and while it was nice, as I said I think I'm going for something much more basic for the next few years.

1. Mazda3. My Protege has been great (except multiple problems with rear brakes/calipers). From what I've read, they are still the king of "sporty" compact cars. Like the look. iTouring + ABS and sSport are comparable in price ~$16,500, though I'd probably pick the iT due to better fuel economy. 4 wheel disc brakes and alloy wheels.

2. Honda Civic. Probably the most reliable on the list. Like the styling for both coupe and sedan. Better fuel economy than 3. LX is ~16K

3. Toyota Corolla. Kind of boring yes, but it fits what I need. LE Model + ABS, alloys, cruise is around $15.9. Could possibly get a great deal in the Spring on an 08 as they launch the 09.

4. Ford Focus. I like the new look, but it's the first model year (correct?) which always makes me wary. Top of the line SES model is ~$16.2

5. Scion tC. Don't know much about them except Toyota makes them. Looks decent. Most power of all the choices. Is the 2.4L motor pretty solid? I assume since Toyota makes them it is....? Pricy at near $17K

6. Subaru Impreza. AWD and decent power. I've seen the new styling in person and thought it was pretty nice actually. Have heard Subie interiors have lots to be desired but I haven't been inside one yet. Pricy at $16.8K w/o premium package, $18.2 with.

Obviously I will try to drive all of these at some point, but just wondering initial thoughts. It may come down to who can give me the best deal (as it did when I bought my Protege).

Thanks!

 

of those listed... I'd take the Mazda3... what about a Mini Cooper? Best resale value I believe

 

Out of your choices, the Mazda 3 wins by a mile. I'd look at a lightly used one as well. White GT hatch with the black leather interior, manual transmission and sunroof would be my personal choice. my

 

Judging from your write up on each car, it looks like the Civic is the best all around car for your needs. According to your figures, out of all 6 choices its one of, if not the, cheapest one, its the most reliable, you like the styling, and the gas mileage is better than the Mazda (and probably a couple others as well). So by your words alone I'd say go with the Civic.

 

Yeah I think the Honda and Mazda are at the top of the list right now. Honda has the better reliability and fuel economy, Mazda has a bit more power as well as disc brakes and alloys. I think for my needs the Civic is probably best, but I'll still drive them all, I might hate the way the Civic rides.

 

^^^^ That sounds like a good plan, drive them all and see which one feels the best. Couple other models to consider if you haven't already are the Nissan Sentra, VW Rabbit, and Chevy Cobalt.

 

Mazda 3 for sportier car, more power, better handling, nicer-looking interior (dash and center console area), more head and leg room, better warranty (longer)..... better bang for buck IMO.

Civic for better reliability, better MPGs, better resale value, more standard safety equipment (side air bags), better crash-test results, and nicer exterior design (IMO).

 

^^^What's wrong with the Civic's interior? I love mine....

 

If you're looking for any fun whatsoever definitely get a manual, no matter which of the cars you choose. I would go with the Mazda 3.

 

My current Protege is a manual and I plan on the next one being the same. Only advantage of an automatic is I have a long commute and autos seems to run a bit lower RPM/quieter on the highway which would be nice, but I think the advantages of the stick make up for that.

Also, I just looked on Edmunds and it seems both Honda and Mazda have the same warranty 3/36 (basic) 5/60 (powertrain). Did I miss something?

 

Civic

 

New: Mazda3
Used: 05-06 Corolla XRS

 

I'd go with the Mazda or Corolla or Civic.

Check the gas mileage estimates on the scion tC, you might be suprised at what you find out... I was suprised that a toyota product got shitty mpg.

The dash... other than that it's fine

My sister had an 06, and while I loved the looks of the exterior, I couldn't see myself looking at that dash all the time.

 

Yeah looks like I'll have to test drive the Civic, Mazda3, and maybe the Corolla soon.

Right now I'm leaning towards the Civic, then I have to decide if I just want the LX or pay for the EX (I have a moonroof on my current Protege and it IS nice.....)

 

Any reason youre getting rid of the Mazda?

I only say that because if its boredom, you may want to choose a model thats design will be around longer - it seems all of them you have chosen (besides the new civic) is due for a redesign or facelift in the next 1- 2 model years. Especially the rolla.

FTR, Id go with the Mazda3.

 

Mazda 3 hatch FTW.

Have you looked at the Fit? Maybe too basic but it doesn't sound like you need much.

 

I had a tC before my TSX, and that car is comparable in power, it was also pretty comfortable and usability of a hatch can't compare to a sedan, but the gas mileage was an issue considering its a 2.4 4 cylinder engine - I was getting 17 mpg in city (I get 20 in my tsx). One more thing to add - the back seats have a tremendous amount of leg room, I dont know if it matters to you

 

Mazda 3. The Civic is a very good daily commuter. I had one, great gas mileage. Only problem is merging onto the freeway. You'll eventually make it out, after everyone else behind you has gone around you to do it first. You want the extra oomph the Mazda gives you.

 

+1 for mazda3.

but yea, definitely drive them and see what's best for you.

 

smart car...

 

3

 

so smart that it wont sit 3

 

We just purchased two Civic EX's, one is a L with Navi. Both are great cars and pretty large for it's class. Going down from a RL to this car isn't that bad at all. The Civic is really refined and drives smooth and quiet. We were really impressed with it. Gas mileage, hard to say, we are still on the first tank.

I would put that over any of the cars on your list.

 

Leaning towards Civic right now. How much did you pay before TTL for the EX (non L/navi) if you don't mind saying? MT or AT? Thanks.

 

Just to compare, between the two with the Civic being lighter, by almost 200lb, and I have driven both, the Civic feels faster than the Mazda does. It got up and went on the highway without a problem while the 3 struggled.

Mazda 3:


Dimensions




Exterior
Length: 176.8 in. Width: 69.1 in.
Height: 57.7 in. Wheel Base: 103.9 in.
Ground Clearance: 4.8 in. Curb Weight: 2930 lbs.
Interior
Front Head Room: 39.1 in. Front Hip Room: 53.8 in.
Front Shoulder Room: 54.9 in. Rear Head Room: 38.4 in.
Rear Shoulder Room: 54 in. Rear Hip Room: 52.5 in.
Front Leg Room: 41.1 in. Rear Leg Room: 36.3 in.
Luggage Capacity: 17.1 cu. ft. Maximum Cargo Capacity: 44 cu. ft.
Maximum Seating: 5

Performance Data




Performance
Base Number of Cylinders: 4 Base Engine Size: 2.3 liters
Base Engine Type: Inline 4 Horsepower: 156 hp
Max Horsepower: 6500 rpm Torque: 150 ft-lbs.
Max Torque: 4500 rpm Drive Type: FWD
Turning Circle: 34.1 ft.


Civic EX

Exterior
Length: 176.7 in. Width: 69 in.
Height: 56.5 in. Wheel Base: 106.3 in.
Curb Weight: 2738 lbs.
Interior
Front Head Room: 38.1 in. Front Hip Room: 51.9 in.
Front Shoulder Room: 53.6 in. Rear Head Room: 36.7 in.
Rear Shoulder Room: 52.3 in. Rear Hip Room: 51 in.
Front Leg Room: 42.2 in. Rear Leg Room: 34.6 in.
Luggage Capacity: 12 cu. ft. Maximum Seating: 5

Performance Data




Performance
Base Number of Cylinders: 4 Base Engine Size: 1.8 liters
Base Engine Type: Inline 4 Horsepower: 140 hp
Max Horsepower: 6300 rpm Torque: 128 ft-lbs.
Max Torque: 4300 rpm Drive Type: FWD
Turning Circle: 35.4 ft.

Fuel Data


Fuel
Fuel Tank Capacity: 13.2 gal.
EPA Mileage Estimates: (City/Highway)
Manual: 26 mpg / 34 mpg
Range in Miles: (City/Highway)
Manual: 343.2 mi. / 448.8 mi.

 

The EX has sunroof, power windows, locks, mp3 stereo, wheels. And it came out too about 19k out the door including ttl.

The EX-L was 22k out the door including TTL.

Both were AT's.

 

Cool. Thanks. The only thing the EX has over the LX for me is the sunroof and wheels. Not sure it's worth an extra ~$1,500.

 

Cooper S

 

I agree if you don't need those items. The LX would be fine for you. That would be a 300lb difference between the Mazda and the Civic and the power difference wouldn't matter then.

 

I think he wants reliable.

 

My cooper has been more reliable than my CL-S ever was.

 

Should you consider a 4 cylinder Hyundai Sonata? 4 door with 10 year warranty. Within the price range and more reliable than most of your list.

 

One could probably get a leftover Accord EX-L (non-navi) for about $22k (or less) nowadays. And I pressume that LX models would come in well below that.

 

Here is a few pictures of our new Civics....

2008s Civic EX and one EX-L w/navi

 

The 5-speed transmissions were a catastrophic failure(s). However aside from that the TL-S that my mom owns has been very reliable, no tranny failures yet....

On the other hand my brother's 2003 Cooper S has had to replace 3 window regulators in less than a year... it only has 2 windows. It also had some other issues, mainly electrical. Not to mention they were quite expensive, especially for the price of the car when it was new (or even used). Before that he leased a Ford Escape, didn't change the oil for almost 50,000 miles, had no major problems and after leasing that for a few years he wanted to buy a Lincoln. On the other hand, my brother has vowed to never, ever buy a BMW (or Mini of course) again.

Take from that what you will. I've driven it several times (its actually a Works Cooper S) and its a shitload of fun to drive, my brother usually flogs it when he drives it if its just me and him or he's alone, no engine problems, plus he thinks its more fun than his 1991 MR2 Turbo. DESPITE all that, he still vows to never buy a BMW again. To quote him: "it's a piece of shit."

I don't think anyone said or implied this, or even thought so.... but you'd be silly to think a Mini Cooper is more reliable than a Civic.

 

Very weird seeing a Civic with leather interior

 

pimpin-tl, weren't you planning on getting a civic and a different car for the RL? i thought that's what you said in a different thread.

regardless, for both new cars.

and is that gillman honda in houston?

 

cobalt? You can find a low mileage 06 ss/sc for your price range.

 

I love how these threads turn into "buy the car I got" opinions.

 

Originally it was going to be a Accord and Civic. But the Accord was a dog on the highway with the 4 banger. It felt like you could get runed over. Due to the weight and little power increase I think that hurt the Accord. Gillman Honda San Antonio.