The suzuki SX4. Highs: Price with manual transmission and minimal options, under $12k. Nice looking car, though some fussy design details. Lows: Fuel economy
Highs: decent resale, great mileage, neat looking car with right mods Lows: cheap feeling interior, room? Options?
Feel free to add some others to the list. I'm just weighing my options. I also like the Aveo (yes, I really do like them) and the focus, and I'd like to buy american, but I don't really know if they can compete price-wise. It has to be new so I can take advantage (hopefully) of the incredible trade in value that my old Chrysler van will have. Chris
1995 caravan 268k miles good driver $650 2002 Pontiac Grand Am 161k miles 4cylinder, cold a/c good heat, power windows locks cruise, CD player automatic 32 mpg $2100 1992 F-150 4x4 shortbed, 31's. 5 speed 302 $1500
My sister has a Yaris. Seems to be a decent little vehicle for the money. A good run around town type of car. Probably the smallest of the group though so if you are concerned about room I would go look at all three and see how they stack up in person.
I had an SX4 as a rental a couple weeks ago and got 36.4mpg in mixed driving around the bay area. I was pleasantly surprised at how well it handled, too. I don't think I'd buy one, but it was certainly a good car for the $.
What rebates/incentives are you using to get the yaris to $12k?
I went to kbb.com and started with a base model 2 door hatch with a manual transmission.
Then went to models in Cincinnati ($1000 rebate) plus college graduate cash back ($400 rebate)
Then added the convenience package and power package, addind up to $12955. So it's a stretch, but it fits.
Chris
1995 caravan 268k miles good driver $650 2002 Pontiac Grand Am 161k miles 4cylinder, cold a/c good heat, power windows locks cruise, CD player automatic 32 mpg $2100 1992 F-150 4x4 shortbed, 31's. 5 speed 302 $1500
Feel free to add some others to the list. I'm just weighing my options. I also like the Aveo (yes, I really do like them) and the focus, and I'd like to buy american, but I don't really know if they can compete price-wise.
$11k new Focuses are a common feature of friday newspaper ads from Ford dealers.
With the 2010 Fusions on the lot, dealers really want to get rid of the 2009 Fusions that they have left. If you find a $19k MSRP base model, you may be able to drive off with it for $12k:
Of course, if you want the cheapest new car, there are the cheap versions of the Versa and Accent at $10k MSRP (there was a recent thread where such a Versa was advertised for $7800).
I'm a big fan of the SX4 sedan. Good looking cars with good fuel economy, plenty of pep, AWD (available if you want it), and it doesn't feel as cheap as the Versa or Yaris.
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A local dealer has had base, manual, Ford Fusions in the $12k-$13k range several times over the last couple months. I'd be all over one of those if comparing it to the cars listed above.
I've also seen a mess of Dodge Calibers running around lately, so those must be dropping in price something fierce.
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Look at a Hyundai Elantra and you will not be disappointed. It's gotta be a hell of a lot smoother and funner to drive than the Yaris or the Nissan..... and it'll actually be at or under $12k, even after hidden fees.
I love my SX4. The sedan can return about 33 real world mpgs on the highway. I am averaging around 27 in the awd crossover over the past few months with about half and half, city/highway driving. The ride quality on them is really good for their segment and the interior is well executed and has durable materials. The reliability is top notch also. Hardly anyone is experiencing problems over at sx4club. I'm impressed so far and the driving experience is awesome. Such a fun car to toss around and if you have snow in your area, I hear they are basically unbeatable in performance for a "soft roader" because they are the lightest awd car you can get currently and have Mercedes Benz's traction and stability control systems on board.
$11k new Focuses are a common feature of friday newspaper ads from Ford dealers.
With the 2010 Fusions on the lot, dealers really want to get rid of the 2009 Fusions that they have left. If you find a $19k MSRP base model, you may be able to drive off with it for $12k:
I love my SX4. The sedan can return about 33 real world mpgs on the highway. I am averaging around 27 in the awd crossover over the past few months with about half and half, city/highway driving. The ride quality on them is really good for their segment and the interior is well executed and has durable materials. The reliability is top notch also. Hardly anyone is experiencing problems over at sx4club. I'm impressed so far and the driving experience is awesome. Such a fun car to toss around and if you have snow in your area, I hear they are basically unbeatable in performance for a "soft roader" because they are the lightest awd car you can get currently and have Mercedes Benz's traction and stability control systems on board.
I don't even need the awd. I would just pick up a nice FWD one. That's pretty decent mileage for that car. I had heard they had crappy mileage. I guess I have no idea what I'm talking about.
Chris
1995 caravan 268k miles good driver $650 2002 Pontiac Grand Am 161k miles 4cylinder, cold a/c good heat, power windows locks cruise, CD player automatic 32 mpg $2100 1992 F-150 4x4 shortbed, 31's. 5 speed 302 $1500
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