PDA

View Full Version : New car... what to buy ?

sirsleepsalot
06-11-2006, 05:36 AM
Hi there...

I'm in the market for a new car, and I've been going around a couple of dealers.

I'm looking for something that is fuel efficient, and is kinda fun to drive, and won't be breaking down on me every other corner in a few years.

So far, those that have caught my attention are the 06 Suzuki Aerio SE, 06 Saturn Ion-1 Quad Coupe, and (have yet to test drive) the 07 Dodge Caliber. All base models.

So, that should give you an idea of my price range. Now, there are a few other cars that I would have liked, but I have to live with a pretty annoying contraint.... I'm 6'4".... I really liked the way the Mazda 3 felt, but stopped at a corner and shifting back into first, I'd have the really annoying tendency to step on my own foot, and it was a little too cramped to my liking. Same goes for the Chevrolet Optra.
XTrail1
06-11-2006, 06:14 AM
Have you tried the Yaris, the upcoming Nissan Versa is going to be very roomy.
jww
06-11-2006, 05:50 PM
In the sub-compact market, I'd consider:
Toyota Yaris
Honda Fit
Nissan Versa - OK, it isn't out yet, but I love the Renault Megane styling, and would be willing to wait until I could test drive one before I made the jump.
Hyundai Accent
Kia Rio5

In the compact market it would be:
Kia Spectra5
Honda Civic
Toyota Matrix

Not sure I like the Caliber. It's too new - and with a Dodge badge, that has meant reliability issues with some early models.

jww
sirsleepsalot
06-12-2006, 06:50 AM
I'm not sure the sub-compact market is such a good idea for me. As I've mentionned, I'm 6'4", so I need something that is roomy, at least in front.

Between the Suzuki Aerio and the Saturn Ion Quad Coupe, what would you recommend ?
F1mania
06-12-2006, 07:20 AM
If your leasing i would consider the chevrolet Cobalt , or Pontiac Pursuit .
jww
06-12-2006, 10:40 AM
I'm not sure the sub-compact market is such a good idea for me. As I've mentionned, I'm 6'4", so I need something that is roomy, at least in front.

Between the Suzuki Aerio and the Saturn Ion Quad Coupe, what would you recommend ?
Not a fan of either, to be honest. I imagine I'd go with the Suzuki if I was only able to choose between it and the Saturn. Go with the hatch though - it has a more flexible cargo area.

jww
sirsleepsalot
06-12-2006, 04:34 PM
If your leasing i would consider the chevrolet Cobalt , or Pontiac Pursuit .

I don't feel good in the Pursuit, and my head touches to roof in the Cobalt.... and I don't have much in the way of leg room.
big_block
06-12-2006, 05:00 PM
At 6'4'' you'll have some difficulties to find a small car with enough headroom. The list is not very long for you in the compact segment. Maybe, you should look at the Yaris, Civic and even the new Rabbit 2007. German cars have a reputation for having space for tall mens. A lot of cargo space in the VW. The Matrix is a good idea too for headroom. Keep an eye on the Nissan Versa arriving very soon.
F1mania
06-12-2006, 08:21 PM
Hummer H2 you should have no problems fitting in there :lol:
sirsleepsalot
06-13-2006, 01:28 PM
Hmmm.... me no likey H2....

Plus, I don't have 12 000 per week to spend on gas.... :p
F1mania
06-13-2006, 09:47 PM
Hmmm.... me no likey H2....

Plus, I don't have 12 000 per week to spend on gas.... :p
:banana: :banana: :mrgreen:
woohoo!
06-15-2006, 10:43 AM
Try the Fit... surprisingly roomy up front ;-)

The Aerio is quite good in headroom, also, due to its high roof.
sirsleepsalot
06-15-2006, 08:43 PM
Well, looks like I pretty much settled on the Saturn Ion.

If all goes well, I should be in it sometime next week.
F1mania
06-15-2006, 09:19 PM
Not a bad choice , congratulation :drive:
jww
06-16-2006, 07:56 AM
Well, looks like I pretty much settled on the Saturn Ion.

If all goes well, I should be in it sometime next week.
While this wouldn't have been my choice (I would have waited until the re-badged Astra had come to our shores), I do wish you luck and hope you enjoy your new car. It's always a great feeling driving new.

jww
big_block
06-16-2006, 11:22 AM
Congratulation sirsleepsalot. Hope you're going to have a copy 'troubles-free' from GM. If you are going with a lease you should not be worried. The 4 doors make this coupe very versatile. Only the RX-8 have the same config on the market so far. Have fun with!
sirsleepsalot
07-01-2006, 03:24 AM
Well, I've had the car for a little over a week, and so far, so good... I'm really liking it. (Even if every passenger who'se gotten in behind me hates the car for it's lack of rear leg room... Mouahahahaha).

I'll be getting the spoiler installed soon enough I hope... it's still backordered...
PJCMTL
07-19-2006, 11:00 AM
I Just had a look at the new Nissan Versa. It has plenty of room,

economical and does not look bad at all at it's price level.
jww
07-20-2006, 12:05 PM
I Just had a look at the new Nissan Versa. It has plenty of room,

economical and does not look bad at all at it's price level.
There has been plenty of discussion on this vehicle on the CarTalk Canada forums.

http://www.cartalkcanada.com/forum/index.php/topic,46484.0.html