Zebra Posted April 16, 2014 Share Posted April 16, 2014 ****I bought a car, update in post #42...thanks for the help!!!*** I am looking for a new car to replace my Scion XB. We have 1 child, so I don't need a very big car. Also, we mostly stay in a small area, I don't even put 10,000 miles a year on my car. I don't love sedans, I am more interested in hatchback/wagon/small SUV type cars. I've tried the Kia Soul, Nissan Cube, Prius C, Jeep Cherokee and new Scion XB. I also have some hatchbacks on my list to try sometime. Honestly, I am so burnt out from testing driving I am ready to just get a horse and buggy and be done with it :lol:! Does anyone have a smaller car they would like to recommend :lurk5:?????? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jennifer in MI Posted April 16, 2014 Share Posted April 16, 2014 My husband likes his Chrysler 200. And, he liked his Chevy Malibu before that. He'd prefer the 300 or the Impala, but it's his work car and they cut his budget a few years ago! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Miss Mousie Posted April 16, 2014 Share Posted April 16, 2014 The Honda Fit might work for you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alice Posted April 16, 2014 Share Posted April 16, 2014 We have a Nissan Ventra. I like it fine. I don't care about cars that much so I don't care that much but it's comfy, has enough room in the hatchback, and has been reliable. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
creekland Posted April 16, 2014 Share Posted April 16, 2014 I really like our Ford Focus. Of course ours is a 2002, so not quite updated, but when we go places and rent cars we also try for them and have been pleased with the newer versions too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
73349 Posted April 16, 2014 Share Posted April 16, 2014 I would've recommended a Chevy Cobalt until they were recalled.... :glare: Listening in. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laura Corin Posted April 16, 2014 Share Posted April 16, 2014 I'm very happy with my Ford Focus hatchback. They are very common here so parts/servicing is cheap. Mine is 5 1/2 years old and has not had anything done beyond basic servicing. L Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted April 16, 2014 Share Posted April 16, 2014 I have an '89 Honda Accord LX--bought it in 2003 and have had very little trouble with it. No plans to go into debt for anything newer and shinier. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wheres Toto Posted April 16, 2014 Share Posted April 16, 2014 I've always loved the Honda Civic. I had many of them in the past. Great gas mileage, and very reliable. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
unsinkable Posted April 16, 2014 Share Posted April 16, 2014 We have a Kia Optima I like a lot. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LifeLovePassion Posted April 16, 2014 Share Posted April 16, 2014 We have a '14 Focus. Love it! Well hubby does, and I will once I learn to drive it better this spring (it's a manual) :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jilly Posted April 16, 2014 Share Posted April 16, 2014 I went from a Scion XB to a Scion XD and have been very happy. It is small but doesn't feel like it. I highly recommend it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sara in AZ Posted April 16, 2014 Share Posted April 16, 2014 DH drives a Honda Fit. We love it! It's zippy and fun compared to my van, though it does not, in fact, "fit" our whole family. 😉 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jerico Posted April 16, 2014 Share Posted April 16, 2014 The Honda Fit might work for you. We love ours. All 5 of us can fit and it was our only car for a while. We bought it new for like 15,000 and haven't had any problems with it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cinder Posted April 16, 2014 Share Posted April 16, 2014 How small are you thinking? Dh loves his new Ford Fiesta. It's a really basic model, even manual shift but he has fun driving it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maplecat Posted April 16, 2014 Share Posted April 16, 2014 We love our Honda Fit. It gets good mileage, handles well, and fits two in booster seats surprisingly well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dana Posted April 16, 2014 Share Posted April 16, 2014 Another for the Fit. Ours is a 2010. First new car we've ever owned :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Audrey Posted April 16, 2014 Share Posted April 16, 2014 I recently bought a little 2012 Ford Fiesta SE hatchback. It was very inexpensive. I quite like the gas mileage and it is a comfy ride AFAIC. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Slache Posted April 16, 2014 Share Posted April 16, 2014 We dig our Prius. 50 mpg. Woot! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SABE Posted April 17, 2014 Share Posted April 17, 2014 We have a 2006 Ford Focus with 95k miles, and it hasn't given us a bit of trouble. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tutor Posted April 17, 2014 Share Posted April 17, 2014 How small are you thinking? Dh loves his new Ford Fiesta. It's a really basic model, even manual shift but he has fun driving it. My husband just bought a 2012 Ford Fiesta and he loves it. Fits all four of my kids, my dh, and all of their fencing gear just fine and gets great gas mileage. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jenny in Florida Posted April 17, 2014 Share Posted April 17, 2014 I went from a Scion XB to a Scion XD and have been very happy. It is small but doesn't feel like it. I highly recommend it. That's my plan when I can next afford to look at cars. I really like my xB, but once my nest empties this summer I won't need as much room. So, I'm strongly considering sticking with Scion but going down one size. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Miss Mousie Posted April 17, 2014 Share Posted April 17, 2014 So, Zebra, have we overwhelmed you with suggestions so that you really will go with the horse & buggy? :P Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
creekland Posted April 17, 2014 Share Posted April 17, 2014 So, Zebra, have we overwhelmed you with suggestions so that you really will go with the horse & buggy? :p She said "small" so I assume she'll want a pony and cart... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brilliant Posted April 17, 2014 Share Posted April 17, 2014 So, Zebra, have we overwhelmed you with suggestions so that you really will go with the horse & buggy? :p Yeah, I think you guys mentioned at least 10 more cars that she needs to go test drive! I hope she is on spring break this week. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
happypamama Posted April 17, 2014 Share Posted April 17, 2014 DH drives a Ford Focus (hey, the Pope drives one too!), and it's been a good little car for the price (several thousand less than the comparable Civic or Corolla). We've had it almost six years, and he puts about 500 miles a week (that's not a typo) on it. He's 6'2" and a big, muscular guy, and I am very petite, and both of us can drive the Focus comfortably. Its backseat is surprisingly roomy and was able to hold a big infant seat, a big toddler seat, and a booster; it was a little snug to buckle, but it worked. The trunk holds a lot as well. He gets about 30 mpg. It's needed surprisingly little work, considering that it's now 10 years old and has just over 200K miles on it. We put a new-to-us engine on it at about 170K miles, because otherwise, it's in good shape, and we expect to get another few years out of it. Overall, it's definitely been a good value, and I would certainly look to replace it with another Focus. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LucyStoner Posted April 17, 2014 Share Posted April 17, 2014 I covet the Honda Fit. I have several friends with them and have driven one and it's a great little car. We were making tenative plans to maybe buy one from my friend who is moving abroad. Due to family circumstance and having 2 extra kids here we have to go up in car size just now so I am looking at minivans instead of the Fit and it makes me a wee sad. But people are more important than small fun cars, right?! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lady Florida. Posted April 17, 2014 Share Posted April 17, 2014 My husband really likes his Hyundai Elantra. Great gas mileage, but the ride isn't very smooth. It's not bad but he had a Honda Accord before so it was a pretty noticeable difference. His is a sedan, but they do make hatchback models. My mother had a Kia Optima which she really liked. We found it didn't have much head room, so if any of you are tall, it might not be a good choice. Still, a reliable vehicle with good gas mileage. I have several friends who own a Kia Soul (various years, some older some newer) and none of them have any complaints. In fact, I think they're all pretty happy with them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lady Florida. Posted April 17, 2014 Share Posted April 17, 2014 We dig our Prius. 50 mpg. Woot! DSS and DDIL just bought a Prius and they love it. However, the OP did say cheap. :( Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zebra Posted April 17, 2014 Author Share Posted April 17, 2014 Wow, my husband told me to try a Honda Fit and I was too lazy :laugh:. Now I think I must! The person who went from the XB to the XD, does it seem smaller than your XB? I was thinking of, maybe a dogsled.......or a cart with some cats. Or walking. Or never leaving the house. OR "beam me up Scottie". Anything but more test drives! Some car salesman are so nice, but even then they want everything short of stool sample from you (and maybe some of them even want that, who knows!) and it's exhausting. Then there are the pushy jerks who make giving a stool sample seem easier. I should know better than to ask things on here :drool5:, so many helpful suggestions.....I wanted you all to say, "No give up, it's hopeless!" :lol:!!!! I think I've narrowed it down, but I may have to go try the Fit and the XD and.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zebra Posted April 17, 2014 Author Share Posted April 17, 2014 I have several friends who own a Kia Soul (various years, some older some newer) and none of them have any complaints. In fact, I think they're all pretty happy with them. I think that's my first choice right now. It's a lot like what I have, only a little bit more cargo space and seems a bit sturdier, which is nice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
creekland Posted April 17, 2014 Share Posted April 17, 2014 I think that's my first choice right now. It's a lot like what I have, only a little bit more cargo space and seems a bit sturdier, which is nice. Ponies are pretty sturdy and a cart can have a lot of space... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Slache Posted April 17, 2014 Share Posted April 17, 2014 DSS and DDIL just bought a Prius and they love it. However, the OP did say cheap. :( I know but she looked at one and cheap is relative, so I thought I could help. When we bought ours we took the gas mileage into consideration because we save about $50 a month on gas. We got ours used with 45,000 miles on it for $12,000. I wouldn't call that cheap, but we have a *very* reliable car with payment, gas and insurance totaling less than $250 a month. Ask the kids if they found any of the secret compartments yet. :leaving: Also, tell them about this. They'll learn about cheap all purpose floor mats, tricks you can do with the computer, and all sorts of stuff. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zebra Posted April 17, 2014 Author Share Posted April 17, 2014 Ponies are pretty sturdy and a cart can have a lot of space... Plus there is all that lovely manure you can put in your garden, it's better than a Prius! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zebra Posted April 17, 2014 Author Share Posted April 17, 2014 I know but she looked at one and cheap is relative, so I thought I could help. When we bought ours we took the gas mileage into consideration because we save about $50 a month on gas. We got ours used with 45,000 miles on it for $12,000. I wouldn't call that cheap, but we have a *very* reliable car with payment, gas and insurance totaling less than $250 a month. Ask the kids if they found any of the secret compartments yet. :leaving: Also, tell them about this. They'll learn about cheap all purpose floor mats, tricks you can do with the computer, and all sorts of stuff. I did try a Prius C and it was more in my price range, the high end. So they do have a cheaper one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pam in CT Posted April 17, 2014 Share Posted April 17, 2014 Love, love, love my Subaru hatchback. :001_wub: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Slache Posted April 17, 2014 Share Posted April 17, 2014 I did try a Prius C and it was more in my price range, the high end. So they do have a cheaper one. I have no idea how much mine would have cost new. Unfortunately we aren't a new car kind of family. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SemiSweet Posted April 17, 2014 Share Posted April 17, 2014 I loved my Mazda 3, so sporty and fun to drive and cute. Ah, I miss that car. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dana Posted April 17, 2014 Share Posted April 17, 2014 Drawback to the hybrids is when they need a new battery. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dbmamaz Posted April 17, 2014 Share Posted April 17, 2014 Oh, i'm glad someone said Mazda3 - i have a Mazda5 i really love, and I keep thinking my empty-nest car could be a 3 . . or a 2, except right now the 3 gets better mileage than the 2, which is odd. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spryte Posted April 17, 2014 Share Posted April 17, 2014 We love our VW passat wagon. Love, love , love it. Get the rubber floor mats - awesome!!!! And the dogs just pile in the back. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zebra Posted May 5, 2014 Author Share Posted May 5, 2014 Probably no one cares at this point, but sometimes I like to hear how something ended up on one of these threads. I did appreciate all the suggestions and test drove many of them, so thanks to everyone. We did end up buying a Kia Soul, and I am thrilled with it. Absolutely thrilled. You may now return to you day..... :lol:! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mary in VA Posted May 5, 2014 Share Posted May 5, 2014 The Honda Fit might work for you. :iagree: :iagree: :iagree: We loved our Honda Fit so much that when our dd needed a car we sold her our Fit and bought another!!! Our younger dd is lobbying to get that Fit when she needs a car and telling us to then buy a new one. Then we'd be a three Fit family :001_smile: We have had them for 4 and 3 years now and have had NO problems with them at all. They are fun to drive, get GREAT gas mileage, are very roomy inside for a compact car, can carry a lot, are reasonably prices and reliable. My only complaint is I lose it in parking lots between SUVs and vans. Edit: Well I was obviously too late to this conversation :001_smile: Congratulations on your new car! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zebra Posted May 5, 2014 Author Share Posted May 5, 2014 :iagree: :iagree: :iagree: We loved our Honda Fit so much that when our dd needed a car we sold her our Fit and bought another!!! Our younger dd is lobbying to get that Fit when she needs a car and telling us to then buy a new one. Then we'd be a three Fit family :001_smile: We have had them for 4 and 3 years now and have had NO problems with them at all. They are fun to drive, get GREAT gas mileage, are very roomy inside for a compact car, can carry a lot, are reasonably prices and reliable. My only complaint is I lose it in parking lots between SUVs and vans. Edit: Well I was obviously too late to this conversation :001_smile: Congratulations on your new car! It's okay :). People have fits over their Fits. I did try one, and I liked driving it but the backseat was a little smaller than what I wanted for our family car. It's a cool little car though! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Susan in TN Posted May 5, 2014 Share Posted May 5, 2014 W love our 2005 Malibu Maxx. We got it last fall with 126K miles on it for $5000. From the reviews we found, they are reliable and also easy and inexpensive to fix if something goes wrong. Not great on gas mileage, but not the worst either. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest submarines Posted May 5, 2014 Share Posted May 5, 2014 We dig our Prius. 50 mpg. Woot! :iagree: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FaithManor Posted May 5, 2014 Share Posted May 5, 2014 We just bought a Saturn Astra - a Saturn made on an Opel platform for sale in Europe and Canada. It has 45,000 miles on it and cost us $6800.00. It was a steal. It rides very comfortably and handles like a dream due to that wonderful German engineering. They only sold them for two years before GM discontinued the Saturn name. It's a 2009. It gives us 30 mph around town and 35 on the highway. The trunk is very generously sized for the size of the car, and it has better safety ratings than most of the other American small sedans. We'll drive it into the ground. My next car - I WANT A NEW CAMARO!!!! That's just because I got to drive one for about five miles at a GM ride event. WITH THE TOP DOWN! :drool5: Wonderful...so much fun... Sigh...I'll never get one though. :( Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DawnM Posted May 5, 2014 Share Posted May 5, 2014 Glad you found a car. I don't know too much about Kias other than the two people I know who have them like them. We bought a Toyota Camry Hybrid last month. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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