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An important question, SomervilleCat . . . how long do you plan to keep / drive this vehicle?
I'm one of those "car nuts" who prefers to buy top quality, maintain it in perfect condition and then keep it for at least a decade and most often much longer . . . therefore, I only purchase / drive U. S. Vehicles.
It has always been my experience either via one of my weaker moments or via my family members, neighbors and Car Club Buddies that foreign vehicles tend to be much more expensive and time consuming to maintain properly after a few years. Although none of your options, I am able to personally speak for Mercedes, BMW and VW.
So, is this going to be a two or three year vehicle and then trade it in for new or, like myself, a ten to possibly twenty year vehicle for the long haul?
I've always driven hand me down cars but I finally decided to get a brand new car because I need something reliable for work. I have gone on test drives and done SO MUCH research but I'm curious to know which you'd pick in my situation.
I've narrowed it down to - (all 2016 models, all basic trim)
1. Mazda CX-3
2. Honda HR-V
3. Honda Fit
4. Kia Soul
5. Subaru Impreza Wagon
Mazda - Great car if you don't need AWD.
Honda HR-V - Can be pricey and Honda doesn't haggle well, safety is a concern.
Kia Soul - Safety concern, this is made of tin can.
Honda Fit - good car but safety is a problem.
Subaru is the only car here with good safety if you can afford it.
So all of these only the CX-3 and Suby are solid choices for safety and good driving.
An important question, SomervilleCat . . . how long do you plan to keep / drive this vehicle?
I'm one of those "car nuts" who prefers to buy top quality, maintain it in perfect condition and then keep it for at least a decade and most often much longer . . . therefore, I only purchase / drive U. S. Vehicles.
It has always been my experience either via one of my weaker moments or via my family members, neighbors and Car Club Buddies that foreign vehicles tend to be much more expensive and time consuming to maintain properly after a few years. Although none of your options, I am able to personally speak for Mercedes, BMW and VW.
So, is this going to be a two or three year vehicle and then trade it in for new or, like myself, a ten to possibly twenty year vehicle for the long haul?
I'm definitely not buying a US car or a Mercedes/BMW or VW. That's a personal preference, and I don't have the budget for the higher end. My budget is $23k and under.
Mazda - Great car if you don't need AWD.
Honda HR-V - Can be pricey and Honda doesn't haggle well, safety is a concern.
Kia Soul - Safety concern, this is made of tin can.
Honda Fit - good car but safety is a problem.
Subaru is the only car here with good safety if you can afford it.
So all of these only the CX-3 and Suby are solid choices for safety and good driving.
I'm curious what you think of as a safety problem? I agree that Subaru is the safest, but I don't think any of the other vehicles are not safe. The fit only because it is smaller.
I've always driven hand me down cars but I finally decided to get a brand new car because I need something reliable for work. I have gone on test drives and done SO MUCH research but I'm curious to know which you'd pick in my situation.
I've narrowed it down to - (all 2016 models, all basic trim)
1. Mazda CX-3
2. Honda HR-V
3. Honda Fit
4. Kia Soul
5. Subaru Impreza Wagon
I'm single, commute 50 miles a day mostly in highway traffic. I set up a table at flea markets as a hobby so I need to have cargo space. I also need it to be reliable in all weather but NJ doesn't have really crazy winters.
Options aren't that important to me but safety is. I currently drive a 2003 Honda Civic and sometimes it feels like I'm driving a lawn mower but I'd rather be driving a tank!
My favorite to drive was the Mazda. It was super peppy and a great ride, but it's still too soon for the safety ratings.
The Kia dealership is offering the best deal, but when you factor in gas mileage, the Fit wins.
Any advice would be appreciated!
I bought a Honda Fit for my son and it was a great car. Also owned Mazdas that were good. Haven't heard good things about Subaru and though Kia is getting better, I would trust Honda and Mazda more for the long haul. Since you need to haul stuff, I would go with the CX-3 or HR-V. I like the CX-3 styling a bit better so my overall recommendation would be that.
So I've narrowed and added some. I originally thought the forester was out of my price range but it's not as bad as I thought. Didn't test drive it though, so I'm going tomorrow.
Got rid of the hr-v and fit as I want to try something other than Honda.
The soul is an exceptionally good deal but I've never heard a bad thing about a Subaru and if I like the forester then I, gonna snag it.
If I may, I would suggest adding the base model Outback as well.
If it is in your price range, I think you will be pleasantly surprised at the value it offers for its price.
The question now is is the Subaru Forester worth $5k more than the Kia soul. I think it is, but I'm also trying to be frugal and I feel like the Soul is a great deal.
Just remember that like most things in life, you get what you pay for.
Just got my Subaru 2 years ago, and I'll never drive any other vehicle ever again. I've had Honda and Mazda. Never ever going back. Love AWD, the handling, the sound, everything. Very safe cars as well. My kids will get ours when they grow, and we will get new ones.
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