Hatchback/Wagon recommendation for PHX area (Phoenix: 2015, buying, budget)

[R072]

Hello,

I'm wondering if anyone in the Phoenix area has a recommendation for a decent used hatchback/wagon. I'm interested in the Honda Fit, though I've been hearing that the AC is somewhat weak, and there is a lot of road noise at highway speeds.

So... a good cargo friendly subcompact that can handle the AZ heat. Any ideas?

Or, any Fit owners want to chime in?

Thanks.

[DetroitN8V]

Mini Cooper S. The most fun car out there short of an M3/4 or a Porsche.

[Bungle]

Mazda 3 is a great car with plenty of room in the back. No problems with A/C out here

[KurtAZ]

Subaru WRX STi?

Ford Focus Hatch?

[larrymoencurly]

Mazda 3 (but with either pre-2008 or pre-2010 Mazdas, check the problem regarding VVT engine noise at startup, which is a warning of a major breakdown: factory technical service bulletin

Toyota Matrix, but it was also sold as the Pontiac Vibe -- just as reliable but often cheaper

Honda Fit -- amazing interior flexibility.

Subaru Outback wagon

I don't think I'd get a Ford Focus or Fiesta, especially with the infamous dual-clutch automatic.

[cab591]

Good friend of mine has a Fit (2011). Definitely more road noise than more expensive vehicles (you can tell you're in an economy hatch), but it's not terrible. I've driven it for hours pretty comfortably at freeway speeds.

A/C works alright (I've experienced better and worse in similar aged cars). Biggest difference is interior/exterior colors, and whether or not you have window tint. Unfortunately the Fit is only offered with a black cloth interior. Buying one in a lighter exterior color and tinting the windows will mitigate the temperature. Keep in mind, however, that any vehicle in Phoenix will be $%&#ing hot if it's parked in the sun in the summer, and it'll take a while to cool down once you get the A/C going. Some tips to help with this:

- Crack your windows when you park. This will keep the car closer to the ambient air temperature, and avoid the "oven" effect that gets car interior temps up into the 140's out here.

- Use the "air bellow" method to blow out the hot, stale air before you get in. Crack the front passenger window, and close all others. Then open and close the driver door repeatedly. This'll create a bellow effect inside the car, and force the hot air out through the open window, getting you down to ambient air temp.

- Sun shades. You can buy them at any auto parts store, walmart, and elsewhere. Buy a quality one. I prefer thick accordion style with a layer of insulation. Basically, don't cheap out -- the most expensive one is usually the best / thickest.

As far as wagon / hatch recommendations, it really depends on budget. That'd include anything from a used, 90's civic hatch on up to a Mercedes E class wagon. Personal favorites go out to Mazda and Subaru, but there's several great options on the market.

[Hschlick84]

I drive a 2010 Mazda 3 hatchback, still only has a little below 45k miles. It's a great car and fun to drive.

[R072]

Thanks so much for the info and recommendations everyone. For some reason, I wasn't getting notified via email when responses were posted, hence the late reply. Looks like I'll give the Mazda 3 a test drive.... cab591, your heat tips are very helpful!

[stopnik]

Would you like my VW TDI????

[R072]

Thanks stopnik... I owned a 93 VW Fox for 18 years, so I'm hoping to try another make. Fun car, tough.