Suggestion for what kind of new car

[trip]

Long story short. It looks like I may not get my car back from the shop due to too much work($) needing to be done.

 

Since I only drive for about 2 hours every other weekend, a car is not that important to me. However, I do need one for various reasons.

 

The requirements are:

-Easily available in the US.

-Not too expensive.

-Relatively compact. Something in the hatch back world, because I do have the need to transport larger items and crap. It has to be small because I live in a city and only have parallel street parking.

-I've never owned an American car, but I'm willing if it makes sense.

[ghost420]

1995-1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee

[trip]

1995-1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Too big, and I'm looking to buy new from a dealer. But thanks - If I didn't have to worry about parking I would be getting a pick up truck, wagon, or something more utility vehicle like.

[ska]

I would say check into the new Ford Fiesta, but that may just be a tad too small for what you're looking for. Great car, though. $15,670 for the base hatchback model.

[4 Bagger]

Toyota Yaris? Not too bad of car really. Rather small and it is a hatchback. Not sure how easy they are to get in the US as I don't live there but the Yaris is not too bad on petrol and should be able to fit what your looking for. There not too high in price either.

[trip]

My wife was just checking out the Fiesta, and she says they aren't bad.

 

Shes onto the the Yaris now.

 

Really guys, thanks for the suggestions. This is a trying time for me.

[Stinky12]

How about renting a car, that way, you can try different cars and see what is best before actually buying.

[Moth]

If the Fiesta is to small, you could go for the Focus Hatchback. You could also look at the Hyundai Accent or Elantra Touring, depending on your size needs.

[trip]

 

How about renting a car, that way, you can try different cars and see what is best before actually buying.

I've been doing that in a way. We have a car sharing service where I live. Today I took the Mini Cooper to the super market. Normally I take the Mazda 3 because it has more room.

 

Since I'm not a car person, I really don't care what I get as long as it is new, cheap and reliable.

 

edit:

@The General. My wife was just looking at the Hyundai Accent(as you were posting), and she said it looked like a good choice.

[ska]

Just make sure it isn't a previous generation Accent, if they still even have those on the lots at this point. The current Accent is light years ahead in terms of quality and refinement.

[Lurch]

Dodge Viper, yo.

 

 

But seriously, Mazda 3. I've probably logged almost as many miles in one as I have my BMW and it's pretty nice. Just make sure you get a top spec manual one. Which I guess would be a 2.5 hatch in this gen. My mom has a 1st gen 06 2.3 5 speed hatch and it's a great little car.

 

 

And, if you're really into smaller city cars, I'd say a Mazda 2 or a Fiesta would be good picks. And then minis are always nice but a bit on the pricey side.

Edited December 24, 2011 by Lurch

[ghost420]

1995-1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Too big, and I'm looking to buy new from a dealer. But thanks - If I didn't have to worry about parking I would be getting a pick up truck, wagon, or something more utility vehicle like.

Pontiac Grand Prix then lol.

[*MURDOC*]

Pontiac doesn't even exist anymore homeslice.

[Ronnyboy]

Pontiac doesn't even exist anymore homeslice.

Don't remind me, I'm already paying out the ass for parts

 

You consider a Golf or maybe even a Beetle? Dependable, long lasting, small vehicles that are great fun and work well in the city.

[*MURDOC*]

Pontiac doesn't even exist anymore homeslice.

Don't remind me,

Pontiac doesn't exist anymore.

[Lurch]

1995-1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Too big

Also, kind of wondering where you're coming from here as the ZJ is more or less the same length and width as a Mazda 3 and every other standard compact out these days.

[*MURDOC*]

I'd guess he means he'd rather be closer to the ground for better obstacle avoidance.

[Lurch]

But wouldn't that be 'too high/too tall' instead of 'too big'.

 

 

Definitely a trait I'm not big on either but just clarifying that the original statement is somewhat ignorant to size dimensions that matter when parking. .

Edited December 24, 2011 by Lurch

[Illousion]

I've heard great things about the new Focus, maybe that could be something? Or the Cruze eco?

[mr quick]

-

Edited April 27, 2016 by Marwin

[trip]

Pontiac doesn't even exist anymore homeslice.

Don't remind me, I'm already paying out the ass for parts

 

You consider a Golf or maybe even a Beetle? Dependable, long lasting, small vehicles that are great fun and work well in the city.

My last 3 cars have been VWs, with the Golf being my current car. Love VWs. Getting another Golf was my first thought. I could never get a Beetle. I had a '66 Bug when in high school. Also, I'm pretty sure they would take my Harley card if I pulled up to the bike shop in a new VW Beetle.

 

Lurch, the Mazda 3 I have been using is a sedan. I didn't know they made a hatchback.

 

Thanks for all the suggestions everyone. It is a quiet day here, so me and the little lady will be spending some time on vehix to check them out.

 

 

[Ari Gold]

You consider the VW Polo, Trip? Slightly smaller than the Golf, slightly cheaper too, but it's a great auto with plenty of interior space, and it goes. Really fun car to drive.

[trip]

I don't think we have the Polo over here in the states. I've never seen one, and I can't think I've ever heard of it. It looks pretty close to the re-release of the Rabbit though.

 

The slightly cheaper than a Golf is appealing. Not that I am trying to save money or anything, it is just that I'm realizing I shouldn't spend a bunch on a car considering that I don't really drive much, and I'm not a car guy.

[Lurch]

I guess guess a Golf would be a pretty good choice if you're used to them. Standard 5 cylinder so decently peppy as well.

 

 

And on the Mazda 3 hatch's. They're fairly common. The new gen is ugly as sin though.

 

 

Edited December 24, 2011 by Lurch

[Ronnyboy]

Seen any Volvo's as well? I forget the name of their new hatchback, but it seems like a small, quality vehicle. I myself have always been impressed with Volvo, friends dad had an S60 that was just gorgeous inside and out.

[ghost420]

I forgot your wanting it from a dealer lol.

[Lurch]

I am kind of wondering why you're wanting a new car. The only upside to a new car is the warranty and I don't really see much going wrong with it under warranty with as little as you drive. Than once it's conveniently out of its warranty, it will go to sh*t due to not being used enough like the previous golf.

 

 

Also, the old golf sounded like it had a ton of little things you could have done yourself and shouldn't have cost near that much to fix.

 

Also, I don't get how buying a new car and spending 20 grand wins out over fixing a very low mileage car and spending a grand on work.

Edited December 24, 2011 by Lurch

[-Bruce-]

The new gen is ugly as sin though.

 

 

Well thats youre opinion...and i don't like it.

I would suggest also the new Fiesta, looks very good and price is alright too.

[Lurch]

 

The new gen is ugly as sin though.

 

 

Well thats youre opinion...and i don't like it.

 

It looks like some ugly japanese fish. Like something waddy would own. Mechanically though, it should be pretty stout. And from experience, the bigger engined mazda hatchback models are usually decently equipped.

[*MURDOC*]

I agree with Lurch, the new 3 is butt ugly, the recent previous style actually looked way better, they tried to stylize it too much.