NEED INPUT ON THE GM AVEO- TOYOTA ECHO AND HYUNDAI ACCENT.

[postma]

Am looking for some input from owners of the above mentioned cars, as i am contemplating buying a new subcompact car shortly. What are your experiences with the above mentioned cars both pro and con. Thanking you all in advance.

Henry Postma, Brighton Ont.

[frankm]

Check the seat belts closely on the Aveo. If this car is made by the same manufacturer as the Chevy Epica, they are a real problem to use.

[jcm]

I have leased an echo.....2002 base, auto, 4 door..........I like it alot...lots of power for a small engine and surprisingly good in the snow because it is so light...........I have had a trunk latch as the only problem so far with this car and it has 38 km. I get about 40 miles/g but I like to push alot on the pedal........and 25 bucks will usually fill it.........great second car. hope this helps

[woohoo!]

The Aveo and the Accent are both built in Korea, while the Echo is one of the rare Japanese brand cars that are actually built in Japan and shipped here. The Echo should theoretically be better built and more reliable.

The downside of the reliability of the Echo is the interest rate, that is higher then both the Aveo and Accent, so it might cost a little more a month. Whether it's worth the trade-off is up to you.

Also, Toyotas seem to have a low base price, but options are in packages, so the price can rise quickly.

They all have 103-108 horsepower so performance should be quite similar.

Personally, i'd pay a few bucks more a month and get the Echo.