Recommend a new car for me!

Beads921

The time *may* have come for my to replace my trusty old Oldsmobile (it actually pains me to say that). I say *may* because I'm not totally sure yet, but I'm considering it. I love that car; it was my first car, I've driven it for 4 years, and it's been really good to me, but it might be time to move on for logistical reasons.

I'm looking for something new, small, and inexpensive (a la Chevy Aveo, Nissan Versa, Ford Fiesta, Kia Soul, etc). Any suggestions or opinions? I'm undecided on hatchback vs. sedan, so you could also suggest pros and cons of each. Obviously this is going to be a huge change from my boat of an Olds, and no decisions will be made right away. I'm in my primary research stage and might decide to stick with my trusty rusty, which isn't really all that rusty (yet).

(My Dad, the person I go to for car advice, is favouring the Aveo himself, so any Aveo-specific knowledge would be useful). 

peekaboo2011

Don't buy Hyundai.  The warranty isn't worth sh!t.  My parents have had issues with the Tucson, and the warranty is still valid, but everytime something has broken, they've taken it in and gotten "Well, that's not covered."  Including something that was wrong with a seatbelt.  So, long story short, Hyundai will screw you over.

That's all I've got for now.  I know FI wants a Jeep next.

AudgiePodge

I'm the opposite about Hyundai.  I've had nothing bot positive experiences.  They replaced my clutch for free when it blew.  I had an '05 Sonata up until the end of '09.  I would definitely recommend a Hyundai.

peekaboo2011

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_recommend-new-car?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:136Discussion:c34c70da-7883-4b2a-b28a-36808b5d2132Post:1faee299-e099-4e9a-a789-97d023394364">Re: Recommend a new car for me!</a>:
[QUOTE]I'm the opposite about Hyundai.  I've had nothing bot positive experiences.  They replaced my clutch for free when it blew.  I had an '05 Sonata up until the end of '09.  I would definitely recommend a Hyundai.
Posted by AudgiePodge[/QUOTE]

<div>Weird.  They weren't very nice to me either.  I wouldn't have bought one if Mom hadn't insisted after the test-drive experience I had.  The guy literally only allowed me to drive around the parking lot.  Going off of that, I would have bought a Honda Fit.  The dealership copied my license and insurance, handed me the keys and told me to be careful, as we had bought it unless we brought it back perfect.</div>

alanna91

Scion Tc!  It's a hatchback, too

SKP82

I recently bought a Toyota Matrix (had a Volkswagen Jetta before) and loooove the hatchback!  There is so much more room available if needed. 

I have been thinking of Kia as the new Honda.  10 years or so ago, Hondas were very affordable cars.  Now they're pretty expensive.  I feel that is how Kia is.  The only reason I didn't buy a Kia is because they didn't really have a model that fit what I was looking for (the lower priced cars weren't the quality I wanted and the SUVs were a little out of my price range).

I drove the Scion xD and really liked some of the interior features.  I wasn't sold on the body style, though.  I liked the Matrix more.

I ended up finding a new 2009 Matrix (purchased it in September 2010).  Because it was a model from the previous year, I got a pretty good deal on it.

Take your time test driving everything you think you would like that's in your price range.  Have fun with it!

I recommend coming up with a fake phone number that you can remember.  For instance, I use an old land line phone number I had years ago.  I give this to sales people who I do not want to call me.  I would do the same with your email address.  I am still getting emails from dealerships I requested info from 6 months after I have told them I purchased a different vehicle.

Good luck!

Ember01

I was told the Chevy Aveo is a "throw away car" meaning you shouldn't expect to get more than 5 years out of it. The Chevy dealership told me this when I went to test drive it. I have had 2 Ford Focuses and I loved them! No complaints at all!

SKP82

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_recommend-new-car?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special Topic Wedding BoardsForum:136Discussion:c34c70da-7883-4b2a-b28a-36808b5d2132Post:d167f35e-7806-447f-8ebe-1d7e2b4a73a4">Re: Recommend a new car for me!</a>:
[QUOTE]I was told the Chevy Aveo is a "throw away car" meaning you shouldn't expect to get more than 5 years out of it. The Chevy dealership told me this when I went to test drive it. I have had 2 Ford Focuses and I loved them! No complaints at all!
Posted by Ember01[/QUOTE]

I test drove one of those a few years ago and felt the same way.  It felt like a toy car that would completely crumble if in an accident.  I don't know if they've improved it, though.

Elle1036

I love my Hyundai Elantra, and would recommend them to anyone.  I haven't had a single problem with it in the 5 years I've had it, and I'm not exactly militant about keeping up with scheduled maintenance (read: I'm rough on my cars).

I also drove a rented Kia Spectra for a week once, and I was quite impressed with it, too.

nefariousmango

I had an old (1991) Saab hatchback and loved how much room I had in a car still small enough to squeeze between poorly-parked SUVs.  I don't know anything about the specific cars you're thinking of, though.

peekaboo2011

Maybe the Tucson issue is a freak of nature.  

I kind of like my Elantra.  I suck at making sure that I'm up on my oil changes, and I'm too poor to take it to the dealer, so it hasn't had it's check-ups.  But, it lets me know when it wants an oil change.  And it's pretty vocal.  Generally by dropping my gas mileage from 36 to 30.  I suck with cars.

AbigailMS

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_recommend-new-car?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:136Discussion:c34c70da-7883-4b2a-b28a-36808b5d2132Post:d167f35e-7806-447f-8ebe-1d7e2b4a73a4">Re: Recommend a new car for me!</a>:
[QUOTE]I was told the Chevy Aveo is a "throw away car" meaning you shouldn't expect to get more than 5 years out of it. The Chevy dealership told me this when I went to test drive it. I have had 2 Ford Focuses and I loved them! No complaints at all!
Posted by Ember01[/QUOTE]

<div>
</div><div>I concur. Aveos suck. My mom got one, two years later she bought a prius. I LOVE MY CIVIC! Honda's are getting expensive, but I feel like anytime you can get 150,000 miles out of a car and still sell it for around $6000. Its probably worth the little extra. </div>

bsidebella

I hated my Ford Focus. I had a terrible time with that car and was all to happy to get rid of it (it was a loan).

However, I drive a Kia Rio 5 (4-door hatchback) and I love it. It's a relatively small car. It looks small on the outside but incredibly roomy on the inside. He is orange with black and orange interior and his name is Ry-Ry Peterick Suareazy the Fifth. I have had it for almost 3 years and had no issues whatsoever (knock on wood). I get about 32MPG (35 highway). I paid a little over $12000 for it in 2008 and the car was already two years old. It handles well in crappy weather, which was a big plus for me.

I love my Kia!

LizzyTish88

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_recommend-new-car?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special Topic Wedding BoardsForum:136Discussion:c34c70da-7883-4b2a-b28a-36808b5d2132Post:6989d2c3-6279-4b0c-802a-e6e94d571571">Re: Recommend a new car for me!</a>:
[QUOTE]Scion Tc!  It's a hatchback, too :)
Posted by alanna91[/QUOTE]

I <strong>really</strong> wanted one of these. The only thing was with where I am in my life I couldn't see paying for a two door car, because I want to have kids and I don't want to have to move the seat all the time.

I did all the research and finally decided and bought a Mazda 3. It is a small car and has a very good MPG. It is used, 2008, but I got it for a great price. I think new they are comparable to the cars you listed. If you want to know anything just ask.

May I also suggest if you decide to get a new car, to try to get your loan (if your going that way) from a Credit Union. They have great rates and you can use it to either get the great rate, or try to get the dealership to beat it. I work at a hospital and got my rate from here. I got a 3.8% rate for my first ever loan, on a used car. The guy at the dealership said there was no way they could beat that. You just have to play the game along with them. I would also suggest for you to not do a thing without your dad or another older male with you.

Beads921

Well you've offered lots of food for thought! I worry about the Aveo for all the reasons some of you listed. BF and I had discussed replacing my car with a Kia in a few years, and I'm still not totally against that idea, and to be honest, you guys have me even more convinced to look at Kia a bit harder. 

CDE, BF has a Mazda 3. To be honest, it's not my favourite car in the world, and I would never buy one for myself, although I don't really have a good reason as to why I dislike it, and I know he loves it (as do many other Mazda owners). As for any car shopping, my Dad will definitely be there 100% of the way.

All of you Hyundai people, I haven't really been looking at them. My cousin has an Accent, which has actually been really good to her, but it's just not a make I think of for whatever reason. It is interesting to see how much customer service can vary from location to location though. I think any dealer might be like that.  

hannahnola

I have a 2007 Scion TC, I bought it brand new and still have it. NO PROBLEMS what so ever. Before this I had 4 Hondas, 2 Preludes and 2 Accords (my dad owned a dealership), this is my favorite car I have ever owned by far. With my Acoords, boh, one was an 04 and one an 06, both had transmission problems. I used to trade in my car every year or so because I was bored with them. I have had this one for almost 4 years and it is so practical, great on gas, the trunk part is HUGE! I seriously have moved a huge mirrors, 4 dining room table chairs in my car and its great. My bf wants me to get an SUV and I don't even want to.

Ok so I promise I dont work for them or anything lol. But I paid $21,000 brand new and made sure I had the extra air bags, on the side parts of the door, this is not standard on all, so definately make sure you get this "add on" if you end up with a TC. This is a great price for a good quality car. There are also no blind spots.

marleylikeair

I'm happy with my Pontiac Grand Prix. It's a 2002. Got a great deal on it. BF loves his Focus. It's the second one he's had. He's all about the Focus.

My advice to you when you buy is not to take any crap. Don't get too attached to anything and be willing to walk away if it's not the right deal. They should allow you to test drive out on the road. (Peekaboo, that's insane that the Hyundai people treated you that way! I'll bet if you'd been a man, things would have been different.) If you end up buying used, and if you have a smart phone, get the Kelley Blue Book app and look up what the car is worth. And it's sad, but...bring your SO or your dad. Car salesmen always seem to think they can push women around. Remember that you have ALL the power. Lots of them work largely on commission and don't even make a full salary unless they sell enough cars.

Whew. Okay, that's my car-buying rant for now. Maybe you've got your buying down pat and I'm just repeating what you already know--sorry if that's the case! I just felt like I should share some of what I learned last year as BF and I both bought new (used, but new to us) cars from dealers.

Beads921

Marley, I do know all of it, but a reminder never hurts anyone. My existing car was purchased from a family member when they decided to go down to 1 car, so I've never really bought a car in the normal sense before. It's a bit intimidating haha. There's soo many options!

Hazel_B

Beads - FI has a Scion that he got in the US, I know I've seen the signs starting to go up for Scion coming to Canada but I haven't seen them at dealer yet. FI says he thinks it's pretty similar to the Yaris though.

Beads921

I'm actually considering a Scion (the xD specifically). I saw some car show about them on TV one Sunday morning (the things you learn when living with your male partner...), and since then I've been intrigued. They had nothing but positive things to say about them, and ya, they definitely are coming to Canada (if they're not here already, I haven't looked for a dealer yet). I only hesitate because they are so new to Canada.

The more research I do the more I realize I will not be happy with the cheapest cars available. I think I'm better to cough up a few thousand extra and get something that's going to last and that I'll enjoy driving, or not cough up a few thousand extra and go with something that's a couple years old. 

[Deleted User]

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_recommend-new-car?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special Topic Wedding BoardsForum:136Discussion:c34c70da-7883-4b2a-b28a-36808b5d2132Post:eff16437-c3f4-44a2-a8ce-9b857aea3345">Re: Recommend a new car for me!</a>:
[QUOTE]<strong>I hated my Ford Focus. I had a terrible time with that car and was all to happy to get rid of it (it was a loan).</strong> Posted by bsidebella[/QUOTE]

Me too! I had an '05 focus that I got second hand. I had many problems with it and was constantly taking it in to the dealership. It was under 20K miles when I bought it, so it shouldn't have been having the problems it did. I will say, Ford was great about the warranty. I was able to transfer it into my name and they covered all of the tows and all of the repairs it needed. When the warranty ran out I sold it...since I didn't believe it was truly fixed and could become a money pit.

I did test drive an Aveo and didn't think it was worth the money. They don't have very good reviews online. I would not suggest that particular car, especially if you aren't good about maintenance.

I would HIGHLY recommend nissan vehicles if you're looking for something less expensive than Honda or Toyota with the same quality!!!

Beads921

Nissan is one I haven't looked at at all yet. So thanks for the suggestion. As for the Ford horror story, I'm not looking at Ford at all...I'm one of 'those' who has an issue with Ford (for no apparent reason) and refuses to purchase one. Nothing good ever comes from a Ford (IMO). (*Disclaimer* I know lots of people drive and love their Fords. It's just my irrational opinion.)

leia1979

I have a 2008 Honda Civic Coupe, and I love it. I get gas mileage in the low 30s, and the only issue I've had was with the sun visor, which they replaced for free.

I have the Civic EX, which has all the extras except a nav system, and it was $20k out the door, including tax, title, and license. I think it was $18,200 before TTL. The LX and DX models are cheaper.

If you want a four door, the Civic Sedan is good too, but not as cute as the coupe in my opinion. The Honda Fit is pretty awesome, too, if you want a really small car. The seats reconfigure in all sorts of ways.

I'm also averse to Ford. My first car was an '89 Taurus that my parents bought new, and it had everything go wrong with it. I'm sure they're quality is better now, but my whole family is permanently turned off by Ford. We're now Toyota or Honda all the way.

Oh, and some car buying tips:
I agree with CDE--get a loan from a credit union if possible. Mine is advertising about 3% for new cars now.
Negotiate over email. I spammed every dealership within 50 miles and went with the one who offered the lowest price. It's an easy, low-pressure way to deal with them.
Once you have your top car choices, join a car forum, if there is one. Read up about what people who own the car are saying about it. (For example, I joined 8thcivic.com to learn about my Civic). You can often find what other people are paying, too.

myhonorarylife

I've been lurking for a while, but I guess it is finally time to chime in with a comment.

My bf works at a car dealership that sells Kia, Toyota, Scion, Hyundai and maybe something else, idk.  He works in Parts and they sell 2+ Kia/Hyundai* transmissions a week because the cars are just junk.  Last week they replaced a Kia transmission in a car that had 17 miles on it.  It was under warrenty, but still that is a pretty good indicator of the quality (or lack there of) of the car.  He has said very positive things about Toyota though. 

*Apparently Kia and Hyundai are part of the same company.  I just thought I'd let you know, in case, like me, you know nothing about cars.