new econo box?

[Drisump]

I'm considering the purchase of a new car for the wife. I drove the Ford Focus and Toyota Matrix but didn't have time to drive the Golf or the Jetta. Knowing this board, I'm sure there will be some strong opinions hopefully coupled with real world experiences.....any input? The Focus drives very well, has all kinds of bells and whistles and is the cheapest of the four. Top Gear loves it but my concern is about the complexity (ABS, traction control, electronic stability control, etc...) and therefore the long term reliability of it. Thanks

[Oh Haha]

The Focus would be my first choice for that type of car. Get the manual gearbox if you can.

My brother drove a 2001 for 120,000 miles with nary an issue, just the consumables. he just bought a 2010 to replace it.

I drove the Pontiac Vibes(aka Matrix) for a few years as company vehicles. The newer ones may be better but I didn't think it was all that good in the snow/slush even with new tires installed.

[onewhippedpuppy]

You're worried about the reliability of a Ford, but looking at a VW? Now that's funny.

I assume you're looking at hatchbacks? If so make sure you drive the Honda Fit, it's one hell of a nice car and pretty fun to drive. The Versa is nice as well, not sporty but HUGE inside.

[azasadny]

Mazda3 or Ford Focus, can't go wrong with either...

[kaisen]

Originally Posted by Drisump

I'm considering the purchase of a new car for the wife. .......my concern is about the complexity (ABS, traction control, electronic stability control, etc...) and therefore the long term reliability of it. Thanks

Ummmm..... where are you going to find a NEW car without ABS, traction control, electronic stability control, etc???

They are/will be MANDATED by the US Govt (which means Canadian Spec too)

You won't got far wrong with a Focus or Mazda 3

Also consider the new Chev Cruz, or (my personal choice) wait for the upcoming Hyundai Elantra

[nostatic]

Honda Fit is a nice car. If you want a little more funky, you could go with Subie Impreza but you'll likely pay a bit more. What about the new Ford Fiesta?

[porsche4life]

I love my corolla. Very good car and gets hella mileage with a stick shift. Just boring as hell.


I would love to have a new golf, just not out of warranty.

[ZOO]

I'd also consider the Mazda2 . . .

[slow&rusty]

Mazda 3 or Fit or Sentra SE-R VSpec

[Paul_Heery]

Originally Posted by nostatic

If you want a little more funky, you could go with Subie Impreza but you'll likely pay a bit more.

Since the OP is in BC, this may be a very good suggestion. I purchased a DD last year and looked at everything out there. For me, I couldn't pass up on a Subie because of its functionality, room, AWD and price. Also, it is a lot of fun to drive.

Around here, right now you can pick up a new 2010 Impreza Outback Sport for under 18K with 0% financing.

[Rick V]

Originally Posted by porsche4life

I love my corolla.

I thought it was your moms car?

[porsche4life]

Its become apparent that I am stuck with the damned car. I never got a dd after the VW and now mom has the M3 to drive...

[Tobra]

My brother has a Mazda 3, 4 dr hatch, sweet little car, not soul less, like a barn in there with the seat folded down. Fit is like that too, but the Fit is Slow

[onewhippedpuppy]

Mazda3 is another good suggestion. My little sister-in-law has a 2004, despite the best attempts of a teenage girl to destroy it she's gone 75k with zero issues. Hers is just a base model automatic but it's still damn good to drive, excellent steering, brakes, and ride/handling balance. The interior reminds me of an older Audi, high praise for an econobox.

[Drisump]

Thank you gents, I didn't know the VW has such reputation for unreliability...hmmm, they are the most expensive of what I saw as well. I must say, I like most German cars seats though, and although I didn't wheel in one yet, the Golf is supposedly a nice drive. I own two Land Cruisers (one work vehicle, and one family trip car) and have had many Toyota's over my driving career. I drove the Focus first, and I have to say, it kind of set the bench mark high for the Matrix to overcome as a driving "experience". Four wheel drive (the Subie) is nice but perhaps more money and complexity than I need.....and in Canada (in the past) I've never seen one for sale at anything close to 18k,...but maybe I should investigate. Considering the two LC's that are in the house anyway I put the four wheel drive issue as a fairly low priority. The suggestions of the smaller cars (the fit...etc) is certainly on the table but I was considering the long term, (namely phasing out one Cruiser) and using the new car as the reasonable, economical, trip car....that is,when the Porsche is not appropriate.Thanks

[onewhippedpuppy]

As a former FJ80 and 4Runner owner I'm also a big Toyota fan, but having driven several of the Matrix I can honestly say I'm not impressed. Maybe it was the co-development with Pontiac, because they always feel a little cheap. I was much more impressed with some of the other cars mentioned, and the new Focus and Fiesta both look impressive.

[Noah930]

I'd second Matt's recommendation for a Mazda3. I'm pretty happy with the Civic I chose over the Mazda, but they're fairly equivalent. The Mazda is a bit sportier. The Civic a bit more economical. I was looking to maximize economy, with the miles I drive every year. If you're looking for just an appliance with more room than a Fit or Matrix, I don't think these can be beat. It's a Honda, so it's likely to last longer than anything else out there in econobox-land.

Ford--I'm still leery of American long-term reliability. Obviously, that's my prejudice. And it'll have the resale value of any other Ford product. VW is a great chick car. Looks decent. Seems to offer a lot of initial value for the buying dollar. But from past experience ('97 Jetta) I'd never want to own one out of warranty. If your wife enjoys auto mechanics, though, have at it.

Enthusiasts say these cars have no soul (except for the hotted up versions). But I enjoy driving, so I'll have fun (albeit in varying levels) no matter what I'm in.

[pavulon]

2009 Jetta wagon TDI DSG. 30K miles. So far, oil changes only.

[Noah930]

Originally Posted by pavulon

30K miles. So far, oil changes only.

I knew diesels got good fuel mileage, but wow, oil only? That's impressive.

[onewhippedpuppy]

Originally Posted by Noah930

I knew diesels got good fuel mileage, but wow, oil only? That's impressive.

Rofl.