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I would have liked to have driven the 2.5 Mazda3 with the manual. Unfortunately even though they were technically released at the time there were none around to test drive/buy. Did drive the auto(boring) and the 2.0 manual(gutless). Definitely a nice chassis though the interior was more cramped for my tall self. Plus there was a significant price bump over what I paid for the Kia. Which yes the higher residual value helps mitigate. But just to a certain degree. When you're sub $20k there's not as much "room" for values to fall so a $5k+ premium isn't just offset by that. Losing 40% of a $70k Porsche isn't the same as losing 40% of $18k.
I do without a doubt feel like the GTI has the styling and performance I'd like but I've kind of written off any vehicles that require premium gas. The forte 5 sx was on my list for a time. I need to go for a test drive in that one. If I went the mazda route I would definitely have to get the 2.5 engine, though I agree with @notnamed, the last time I got into a mazda (granted it was the previous generation 3) it felt somewhat cramped (especially in the back seat).
The base Golf is a strong contender too. A basic stage 1 tune and it's faster than its much more expensive GTI big brother. Not sure where the market is on those now. But I was shopping during 'dieselgate' and you could get a 2 door for $16,700 brand new.
The base Golf is a strong contender too. A basic stage 1 tune and it's faster than its much more expensive GTI big brother. Not sure where the market is on those now. But I was shopping during 'dieselgate' and you could get a 2 door for $16,700 brand new.
Yea, the tune is definitely tempting. I would have to go for a 4 door though... had a two door in the past and being in the position I might need to have a carseat in the back at times for my son the extra two doors would be needed.
Toyota Corolla and Chevy Cruze have hatchback options starting in 2017 as well. The Corolla hatchback was available in 2016 in the USA as a Scion IM.
The cruze hatch looks really cool I will admit. I like the looks of toyotas/scions 'im', but the power is so paltry on the 'im', not that I need a huge bump of power but I would prefer to have something with some pickup when I need it.
To me the VW GTI since no other one (of the ones considered) comes close to handling and interior looks.
You're talking hot hatch vs. regular family hatchback. OP may not need the power and handling at the price premium.
I'd get the new Golf, OP. Buying a car is as much emotional as it is practical (IMO, anyhow) and you've already admitted having a soft spot for the Golf, so...
With the rise of smaller hatchbacks in the market, as one who's going to be looking for a new(ish) car in the future, what direction would you go for a daily driver that occasionally might get used for road trips (kids car seat to go in the back)? The new 2017 Mazda3 looks good but I can't stand the smaller wheels on the mazda as it looks like the body is too long. As much as I don't favor Vw reliability, having previously owned a golf tdi, I have a soft spot for the new golf wolfsburg. I feel like the Soul and Elantra GT have the value card nailed. I'd be interested in others experiences/thoughts.
You can't really go wrong deciding between the Civic, Mazda3, VW Golf - forget the Koreans. Go drive them and then deal with the deluge of salesmen calling you. I have heard (unverified) that you can get really, really good deals now on the new Gulf owing to VW's emissions problems.
Go find out for yourself then practice patience negotiating.
You can't really go wrong deciding between the Civic, Mazda3, VW Golf - forget the Koreans. Go drive them and then deal with the deluge of salesmen calling you. I have heard (unverified) that you can get really, really good deals now on the new Gulf owing to VW's emissions problems.
Go find out for yourself then practice patience negotiating.
I suppose the emissions scandal is in my favor lol!
Main complains were acceleration and braking. This car isn't mostly about straight line performance, it's the curves where this car shines and that is where the joy of driving comes into the picture anyway.
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