Todays Econo-Comparo | FerrariChat

Todays Econo-Comparo

Discussion in 'General Automotive Discussion' started by anunakki, Feb 5, 2011.

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  1. anunakki

    anunakki Seven Time F1 World Champ
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    #1 anunakki, Feb 5, 2011
    Last edited: Feb 5, 2011
    Took the GF car shopping today. She needs something to replace her 7 year old Mazda Protege. Budget of ~$30k. Needs 4-doors, leather, heated seats and sunroof.

    We went to Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Kia, Hyundai, VW, Mini and Mazda.

    I was sickened by the crap that everyone was trying to sell except for VW, Mini and Mazda.

    Toyota and Nissans offerings in this segment were embarrassing. Ugly generic exteriors, horrible cheap interiors. I walked away shocked anyone would buy one of these cars.

    Honda and Hyundai were only slightly better. Exteriors were still goddawful but interiors were a step up from equivalent Toyota/Nissan.

    I didnt expect much from Kia so was surprised to see that they were as nice as comparable Toyotas and Nissans...but significantly cheaper.

    VW stood out with nicely executed exterior and interior design but they werent much fun to drive and im concerned about reliability

    The two winners were Mazda with the RX-8 and Mini. Both great cars with good styling inside and out. Lots of pep, fun to drive and reasonably priced.

    She didnt buy today but I think its going to be the Mazda RX-8 as it really seems to be the best value for the dollar.
     
  2. GuyIncognito

    GuyIncognito Nine Time F1 World Champ
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    #2 GuyIncognito, Feb 5, 2011
    FWIW, the RX8 gets (relatively) terrible fuel economy.

    I do like the way it looks though.

    VW does great interiors but it will fall apart almost instantly. ask me how I know :(
     
  3. agup48

    agup48 Two Time F1 World Champ

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    #3 agup48, Feb 5, 2011
    And, eats oil.

    Jerry, check out the Ford Fusions, really nice car for the price.

    Does she want to buy used or brand new?
     
  4. anunakki

    anunakki Seven Time F1 World Champ
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    #4 anunakki, Feb 5, 2011
    She'd have to find a new boyfriend if she wants a Ford...the interior smell makes me nauseous.

    She'd prefer new but is open to a CPO thats lightly used.
     
  5. GuyIncognito

    GuyIncognito Nine Time F1 World Champ
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    #5 GuyIncognito, Feb 5, 2011
    two birds, one stone ;)

    :D
     
  6. S Brake

    S Brake F1 World Champ

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    #6 S Brake, Feb 5, 2011
    Zing!

    Subaru Legacy and Chevy Malibu could be possibilities.
     
  7. agup48

    agup48 Two Time F1 World Champ

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    #7 agup48, Feb 6, 2011
    ROFLMAO :D:D
     
  8. tundraphile

    tundraphile F1 Veteran

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    #8 tundraphile, Feb 6, 2011
    I wouldn't call the RX8 an econo vehicle. Like people said it drinks oil and get poor fuel economy.

    I did look at a new Mazda 2 while shopping last fall and if you can live with the cheapo interior it seemed like a good value for $15k.

    I do agre though that Hyundai and Kia seem to offer more for the same money. I kind of like the Kia Soul. If Hyundai makes the Genesis coupe in AWD that might be what I get next if the fuel economy isn't killed.
     
  9. Isobel

    Isobel F1 World Champ

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    #9 Isobel, Feb 6, 2011
    The 9-3 is great value, 2011s start at $25!, sunroof and larger alloys well under $30, 4 year warranty, 3 year 0 maintenance. Older design to be sure but the 2.0 turbo engine is pure Saab. Mine has a lovely interior, handling is crisp and it feels rock solid at speed.
     
  10. ForzaV12

    ForzaV12 Formula 3

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    #10 ForzaV12, Feb 6, 2011
    Chevy Cruze
     
  11. SSNISTR

    SSNISTR F1 Veteran

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    #11 SSNISTR, Feb 6, 2011
    Last edited: Feb 6, 2011
    RX-8 is cool, and handles great but as said, horrible mileage and the engine is underpowered for the platform. Mazda does make some nice cars, and if she likes that and wants some performance have her get a Mazdaspeed3. It is quicker then the RX-8, gets better mileage and has more space. Not to mention it is cheaper. I use one as my daily driver now, I love it.


    Stay away from the Malibu, my wife had a loaded 3.6 LTZ. After a year we traded it in. Total POS and horrible resale....
     
  12. stever

    stever F1 Rookie
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    #12 stever, Feb 6, 2011
    Around here in the Midwest, you can get a CPOed 3 year old Audi A4 with 25,000 miles for less than $30,000...
     
  13. GuyIncognito

    GuyIncognito Nine Time F1 World Champ
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    #13 GuyIncognito, Feb 6, 2011
    take a look at the Nissan Juke, I think they're pretty cool. a fan of the RX8 should like a unique design like that too.
     
  14. Doctor7474

    Doctor7474 Formula Junior

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    #14 Doctor7474, Feb 6, 2011
    VW GTI!

    Super fun to drive, dual clutch transmission, awesome interior. Owned one for a while never any problems out of it.

    Or Jetta Sportwagen TDI.
     
  15. Steveny360

    Steveny360 F1 Veteran

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    #15 Steveny360, Feb 6, 2011
    vw cc is a really nice car imo
     
  16. SSNISTR

    SSNISTR F1 Veteran

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    #16 SSNISTR, Feb 6, 2011
    You got lucky. I have a few friends with GTI's, they have horrible reliability.
     
  17. agup48

    agup48 Two Time F1 World Champ

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    #17 agup48, Feb 6, 2011
    YOU WHAT?!?!

    When was the last time you had your eyes check? ;):eek:
     
  18. S Brake

    S Brake F1 World Champ

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    #18 S Brake, Feb 6, 2011
    +1
     
  19. GuyIncognito

    GuyIncognito Nine Time F1 World Champ
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    #19 GuyIncognito, Feb 6, 2011
    I was looking at them this morning at a dealer down the street. they're a great, unique design. not everyone's cup of tea, but not going to be confused for anything else either. turbocharged, AWD, CVT transmission for $25k. I think it's a cool little car.
     
  20. GuyIncognito

    GuyIncognito Nine Time F1 World Champ
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    #20 GuyIncognito, Feb 6, 2011
    +1 :(
     
  21. pearsonhaus

    pearsonhaus Formula 3

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    #21 pearsonhaus, Feb 6, 2011
    So let me guess... you're not a Ford man right?

    I have had only one... '40 coupe, but it had a small block chevy engine in it.:)
     
  22. pearsonhaus

    pearsonhaus Formula 3

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    #22 pearsonhaus, Feb 6, 2011
    LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!
     
  23. anunakki

    anunakki Seven Time F1 World Champ
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    #23 anunakki, Feb 6, 2011
    I have no problem with Ford cars, but like I said the 'new car smell' makes me nauseous. For real. Like physically, not psychologically.

    There have been articles written on how whatever plastics or adhesives Ford uses in its cars makes a certain percentage of the public nauseous.

    I get in a new Ford and within seconds Im sick to my stomach and have a pounding headache. There is no other brand that does that to me.
     
  24. anunakki

    anunakki Seven Time F1 World Champ
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    #24 anunakki, Feb 6, 2011
    I like the Juke as well but Gina doesnt.
     
  25. anunakki

    anunakki Seven Time F1 World Champ
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    #25 anunakki, Feb 6, 2011
    After discussing MPG with the GF she has decided to take the RX-8 off the top of the list. She drives ~ 2000 miles per month and that would be an extra hundred bucks in gas every month compared to the Mini which is her second choice.
     
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