Girlfriend shopping for cars. Advise

[roaf85]

Ok girlfriend is shopping for cars, however she is pretty much leaving the buying up to me for good reason. I want it to be objective so right now we are just going to dealerships and test driving cars. Below is the criteria for the car.

Type of car

Price: 18,000-19,000 max. This is assuming 4,000 trade for her SUV or 5,000 private sale. So would make price around 13,000 - 15,000 which she can afford then to finance. Not opposed to leasing if car is looked at as something that can be kept for more than 3-4 years. New or used is fine.

Fuel Economy: Must get more than 30 mpgs. Automatic preferred. This is super important as she will be doing tons of highway driving. City economy is not as important, which leads to my next point.

Size: Sticking to compacts. She claims sub compacts are enough space, but she baby sits as a side job. Also she has a Suzuki Vitra and she claims space is some what a concern with that car. Meaning I think in a year or 2 she will find a Yaris small etc. Plus a Yaris is getting no better highway economy than a Corolla etc due to the fact that the engine at highway speeds is ****.

List of must have options:
Stability control
ABS
4 star crash test rating
USB hook up would be nice

List of cars considering:

Toyota Prius (2007-2010 model years)
Ford Focus new (test driven by me)
Mazda 3 new(test driven by her)
Toyota Corolla new(test driven by her)
Used Honda Civic EX-L with navigation/VSC - Hard to find
Used Honda Fit Sport with navigation/VSC - Hard to find
Kia Forte new

My thoughts

I would like to look at a Prius as I feel it has the best size concerns to fuel economy. I am worried about the battery cost as well as I am not sure if the 2007-2009 models have stability control?

Even if the battery cost is 2,000 the depreciation costs of all these cars are going to zero out because of miles driven (400 a week). So with the deprecation on Priuses (I can find some 2009 models going for around 13-14,000 with 20,000 on the clock) does it make sense to get one and pay the battery cost in 6 years or just get a small car?

The leasing special on the Corolla is really good right now. 159 a month with 500 down, but she will go over on her miles and to be completely honest she really did not feel like it was a good car interior wise. Base options with a boring feel and interior and I know that even with the lease special when buy out time comes she would have spent about 17,000 for a Corolla anyways that it may be better for her just to buy something out right for cheaper.

She loved the Mazda 3. I can get S-Plan on it. I did not talk to guy about numbers as he seemed like a total douche. I could even lease on S-Plan, but I feel that even if the Mazda 3 is better I could probably get a Ford Focus for way cheaper.

Ford Focus I am considering if I can get a dealership to go from 16,000 on an SEL to 13,000 out the door. This would make a depreciation loss in one year time for about 3,000. Give it 5-6 years and you could probably sell the car for at least 5-6.

Still have the Civic to drive, but stability control is a must so finding an EX-L will be tough.

Open to suggestions? Thoughts. Thanks.

[GSBoek]

Honestly, I'd go for the Prius if you can get a good deal on it. I know, I am a bit biased but since she drives a lot it's a plus on the fuel economy. You shouldn't be too scared of the battery packs. There are quite a few 1st gens running around without issues ever after 10+ years.

[marc]

Civic. My SI gets 30+ on the highway. I'm told the regular ones get 40+. Drop it and put some lightweight ramz and you're probably looking at 45+.

It handles well, its reliable, it has tons of room, and they're cheap.

If you have to find one on eBay and travel, then do so - they're great cars.

[sdsu_celica01]

Civic. My SI gets 30+ on the highway. I'm told the regular ones get 40+. Drop it and put some lightweight ramz and you're probably looking at 45+.

It handles well, its reliable, it has tons of room, and they're cheap.

If you have to find one on eBay and travel, then do so - they're great cars.

This.

Buddy of mine drives like hell and still gets 30-32mpg in his SI coupe. I'm sure with a lighter foot your looking at ~35mpg.

Another friend with just a civic ex I think its an 08 averages 38mpg city driving, so highway I'm sure you'd be 40+.

Only draw back is your girl prefers auto, which the SI does not come with.

[Automaton]

Leasing is only good for when you DON'T want to keep the car longer than 3-4 years.

Anyhow, look at a Scion tC. It has ABS, airbags everywhere, a huge back seat area, iPod and AUX audio inputs, 30MPG highway, 4 and 5 start crash test ratings, and it's cheap.

[celicayounggun]

check out a subrau legacy, i believe you can get them for roughly 18,000-19,000 used. Also if your into that how about a TSX, can also be had with little miles for around that.

[GSBoek]

I don't think you can get stability control on any of the models that you listed. He can, it was an option on the Prius.

[Dasher17]

Leasing is only good for when you DON'T want to keep the car longer than 3-4 years.

Anyhow, look at a Scion tC. It has ABS, airbags everywhere, a huge back seat area, iPod and AUX audio inputs, 30MPG highway, 4 and 5 start crash test ratings, and it's cheap.

Or just get a used camry which is the same thing with more space and better quality interior......


The rolla is going to be the cheapest by far, but you already knew that. My friend got the new base model, I can't even begin to describe how boring that car is, but hey...it's cheap as sh!t and get's good mpg so go for it.

Aside from that, I know there are actually quite a few EX-L's around this area, maybe where you are they are harder to find but from that list that would be what I would get.

[marc]

you can get ASC/ESP whatever the **** the ****ers in marketing wanna call it on the Civic EX.

I don't know why you're hard up on the EX-L - the regular EX has everything but the leather, which gets cold as hell (but its easy to clean).

[roaf85]

Leasing is only good for when you DON'T want to keep the car longer than 3-4 years.

Anyhow, look at a Scion tC. It has ABS, airbags everywhere, a huge back seat area, iPod and AUX audio inputs, 30MPG highway, 4 and 5 start crash test ratings, and it's cheap.

Not always true. Depending on what I can get a new car at sometimes it is cheaper to buy. For instance on my Fusion which will probably be worth about 11-12 in 2 years we bought for around 18,200. It would have been the same thing as getting a lease for 3 years as my cost for leasing at 200 a month (great deal a year ago) would have been the same cost as buying. The disadvantage is I could have took that money I put into my car and invested, but the other advantage is I own an asset (depreciating) and was able to write off sales tax last year.

Scion is 2 doors. Probably not going to like that. 30 mpgs at best. I would like something that gets better than 30 mpgs.

[roaf85]

you can get ASC/ESP whatever the **** the ****ers in marketing wanna call it on the Civic EX.

I don't know why you're hard up on the EX-L - the regular EX has everything but the leather, which gets cold as hell (but its easy to clean).

According to Honda's page the EX-L is the only model to come with VSC

http://automobiles.honda.com/civic-sedan/specifications.aspx

Same with the Fit. You have to get Navi. It is a pain in the ass to try to find these models.

[roaf85]

check out a subrau legacy, i believe you can get them for roughly 18,000-19,000 used. Also if your into that how about a TSX, can also be had with little miles for around that.

Worst advice I have heard. Sorry but she wants a compact car. A legacy is rated for like 21-29. I might as well just give her my car.

Not going to have her get a TSX/Legacy used for that amount. Sorry.

[roaf85]

Civic. My SI gets 30+ on the highway. I'm told the regular ones get 40+. Drop it and put some lightweight ramz and you're probably looking at 45+.

It handles well, its reliable, it has tons of room, and they're cheap.

If you have to find one on eBay and travel, then do so - they're great cars.

Technically a Focus gets around 35-40 according to the 2009 model I looked at on Fueleconomy.gov by users. Not saying that a Focus is going to get better fuel economy than a Civic, but it is going to be impossible to try to compare cars based on what I think they can get.

Probably just going to have to go by the guidelines. Most of the cars can not get the epa numbers depending on the speed of driving. Here in Nebraska Interstates are 80 mph and I get around 28-30 in my Fusion. Driving 65 mph to my job interview last week I averaged about 32-34.

[marc]

meh - esc is for ******s anyways - I usually turn it off cuz it winds up pissing me off and interfering with my drive

lay your pimp hand down and teach your bitch not to text or apply makeup, and pay attention to driving instead - then she won't need it.

[DJ-of-E]

I wonder why no one is suggesting the Honda Fit Sport? These cars are actually very deceiving from the outside. It looks small, but could fit 4 6'3" guys in the car and then some space for a fat person in the middle.

[roaf85]

meh - esc is for ******s anyways - I usually turn it off cuz it winds up pissing me off and interfering with my drive

lay your pimp hand down and teach your bitch not to text or apply makeup, and pay attention to driving instead - then she won't need it.

I agree with you, but this is going to be her car and something she wants to drive and I guess feel safe in every day.

[roaf85]

I wonder why no one is suggesting the Honda Fit Sport? These cars are actually very deceiving from the outside. It looks small, but could fit 4 6'3" guys in the car and then some space for a fat person in the middle.

It is a car I am considering, the problem is finding it with navigation that would include the VSC. Plus the car does not actually get better MPG figures than the Civic.

[boothten]

Get her a Celica.
:chuckles:

No, don't. haha, either an Si, or the Fit. I like both a lot
:)

[roaf85]

Get her a Celica.
:chuckles:

No, don't. haha, either an Si, or the Fit. I like both a lot
:)

Won't be an Si. I am not sure why you guys are recommending a Honda Civic Si. 91 octane carries a 40 cent premium per gallon in Nebraska plus an Si would get probably about 10 mpgs less than a EX and it costs more. Plus she can not or does not want a manual.

This is a car she will be driving everyday not racing.

[boothten]

^:faint:
well then the Fit!

[roaf85]

^:faint:
well then the Fit!

Its cool man. I did not mean to quote only you. Other people are recommending an Si. I think people think this car is for me.

I like the Fit. Actually take that back I love the Fit. I am really partial to Honda as my family has always owned Hondas.

I have a bias towards Ford only because for buying cars I am getting insane dealer discounts.

Had my money situation been what it is not vs a year ago I probably would have got a different car.

She is a teacher though making **** for money so ultimately a car that has a lower price is going to trump it. I would like to get her into a lease, but she is going to break miles easy and at the 3 year mark it is going to be a concern buying a car she may not like (Toyota Corolla).

Right now I have a dealership willing to do 13,999 on a Ford Focus SEL automatic. Sticker price is 20,000. From my ebay research used 2009 models with 15,000 on the clock are going for around 10-11.

So pretty good deal so far. Still shopping around a bit. What do you guys think so far? Be nice to get a slightly used Prius, but MPG difference between 28 combined and probably 40 combined is about 1500 over 6 years.

[2way]

but MPG difference between 28 combined and probably 40 combined is about 1500 over 6 years. Prius has a size +, as well. With proper driving techniques, you'll probably see a higher combined than that out of a Prius.
I'm not big on the Focus. Not a Ford fan. Their 4cyls are usually sluggish... more so w/auto.
Mazda3 seems a decent option.
The SI, very nice. But, you're objections are understandable.
'rolla..... good pricing right now... make sure it has the new pedal ;)
Might look at a Scion xD. 1.8 & has traction/SC as options. I think it is a better option than the Fit.
Plus she can not or does not want a manual.
& if you're planning on marrying her........... teach her to drive teh stick. :chuckles:

[roaf85]

Prius has a size +, as well. With proper driving techniques, you'll probably see a higher combined than that out of a Prius.
I'm not big on the Focus. Not a Ford fan. Their 4cyls are usually sluggish... more so w/auto.
Mazda3 seems a decent option.
The SI, very nice.
'rolla..... good pricing right now... make sure it has the new pedal ;)
Might look at a Scion xD. 1.8 & has traction/SC as options.

& if you're planning on marrying her........... teach her to drive teh stick. :chuckles:

Mpgomatic got a 40 mpg rating for highway in the Focus. I doubt a 2008-2009 Prius is going to get much better than 50. Most of her driving will be highway where the electric engine will not be a major factor.

Most of the autos are rated for better EPA estimates than their manual counter parts. Plus there are more autos on most car lots than manuals.

Mazda 3 is a decent option with the equipped 2.0L. This is the same engine used in the Focus so yea.

Corolla has decent pricing right now, but a Corolla will be about 17-18 fully loaded. I can get a Focus with more options for 5 grand less. Even in 5 years my depreciation loss will be less with a Focus.

Unless I was to lease the Corolla, which she does not want to do for that boring car, I would rather get a Civic.

[boothten]

Its cool man. I did not mean to quote only you. Other people are recommending an Si. I think people think this car is for me.

I like the Fit. Actually take that back I love the Fit. I am really partial to Honda as my family has always owned Hondas.
I'd rock a white Fit, those things looks pretty nice. Especially the 2nd gens.
And when they're slammed, of course...
:chuckles:

Plus, it's a Hondurr. You know that shets gonna last you like 50 years

[2way]

I'd rock a white Fit, those things looks pretty nice.IMHO, I think the xD looks better and has more room.
Might look @ a Focus wagon, if she's a teacher and lugs stuff around.

[roaf85]

IMHO, I think the xD looks better and has more room.
Might look @ a Focus wagon, if she's a teacher and lugs stuff around.

Yea she wants to buy this year other wise I would have her get a new Focus next year. Actually that might not be a bad idea, but I digress she wants a new car now :(

I am planning on getting a new Focus though.

I like the xD from an options standpoint however she hates the looks. I am the person that is advising her to get a good car for the least amount of money, but I can do nothing if she hates the looks.

[2way]

however she hates the looksAre you thinking the xB or the xD??

[HardtopGTS]

Are you thinking the xB or the xD??

Either or. The xD looks like a mini car version of the xB.
Shame really cause the 1st gen xB fits the bill very well. Electronic traction control check, ABS check, 30 mpg check, lots of room check, cheap check, and they had an auto option.

[2way]

The xD looks like a mini car version of the xBLOL. Eh, almost. Its got a few more curves. I think the current model looks better than the previous one. It has plenty of room inside. I put a friend of mine in one. Very happy with it.

Nissan Versa or Yaris Sedan might fall into this category... but, IDK 'bout the trac/stab controls.

[marc]

get her a used Jetta TDI

[roaf85]

Are you thinking the xB or the xD??

xD. xB is not made anymore to my knowledge. She hates the looks of the xD

[roaf85]

LOL. Eh, almost. Its got a few more curves. I think the current model looks better than the previous one. It has plenty of room inside. I put a friend of mine in one. Very happy with it.

Nissan Versa or Yaris Sedan might fall into this category... but, IDK 'bout the trac/stab controls.

Will add the Versa to the list. Thanks.

[roaf85]

get her a used Jetta TDI

I would take a TDI over her getting it. Regardless Diesel and 91 octane here carry a 30-40 cent premium since Nebraska is an ethanol state. That being said finding a TDI is a pain in the ass as well as it being about 18-22,000 thousand used for one that is 1-2 years old.

[atrac7GTS]

get her a celica BRAAAHHH


pimp it OUUUTTT

shower it with some chromed out 19'zzzzzz...throw some--throw some--throw some D's on that b!tch!

also MURDA' that shiet out with some -20 % tints.

mob boss ya heard?

[atrac7GTS]

or some form of an Accord? :shrugs:

[marc]

sux2beu regarding the diesel - its cheaper than 93 out here, and gets waaay better economy.

[Meltica]

Toaster?

[Dasher17]

xD. xB is not made anymore to my knowledge. She hates the looks of the xD

I'm confused.

First of all, if you are so obsessed with depreciation values then why would you even look at the last 2-3 model years?

Next, the xB is the toaster, which is still being made. The xD is the little hatchback that is not made anymore. The xD is a solid choice for what she is looking for, which I think you confirmed.

Now, you say she hates the looks. I'm guessing you just mixed up the models (everyone does). The xB is a hideous monstronsity, the xD isn't a looker but it's not bad.

[marc]

all of the scions are pieces of trash

the original xA/xB were Echoes underneath

the current tC, xD and xB are just Corollas with Camry motors.

Get her a ****in Corolla or Camry.

[Dasher17]

xD. xB is not made anymore to my knowledge. She hates the looks of the xD

all of the scions are pieces of trash

the original xA/xB were Echoes underneath

the current tC, xD and xB are just Corollas with Camry motors.

Get her a ****in Corolla or Camry.

I would rather shoot my foot every day than have to spend more than 10 min. driving the new corolla. It's a dangerous car, not because of safety features, but it will literally put you to sleep while driving.... the scion is barely a notch above that, but at least the interior has something to look at (nothing good, but something).

[roaf85]

sux2beu regarding the diesel - its cheaper than 93 out here, and gets waaay better economy.

Yea I mean what can you do. I am not saying I am opposed to diesel, just that the savings are not as much in this state. Nevertheless finding a TDI Jetta for around 14,000 that is a few years old and has under like 60,000 is impossible. I am having better luck finding a Prius.

Not to mention I would probably rather take a Prius over a Jetta TDI reliability wise.

[roaf85]

I would rather shoot my foot every day than have to spend more than 10 min. driving the new corolla. It's a dangerous car, not because of safety features, but it will literally put you to sleep while driving.... the scion is barely a notch above that, but at least the interior has something to look at (nothing good, but something).

Yea she hated the Corolla and I hated it too. I told the salesman when he was saying **** about the ride that it was probably no better than a Celica outside of noise etc. **** suspension set up.

Anyways the numbers are not as great. You factor the lease costs about 5700 over 3 years and you are probably looking at 10-12 at lease end. Problem is she is going to go over on her miles so she will be forced to buy out the car. So paying around 15,000 - 17,000 (assuming cost of lease and buying the car) in 3 years for something she does not like is not happening.

[roaf85]

I'm confused.

First of all, if you are so obsessed with depreciation values then why would you even look at the last 2-3 model years?

Next, the xB is the toaster, which is still being made. The xD is the little hatchback that is not made anymore. The xD is a solid choice for what she is looking for, which I think you confirmed.

Now, you say she hates the looks. I'm guessing you just mixed up the models (everyone does). The xB is a hideous monstronsity, the xD isn't a looker but it's not bad.

I am obsessed with residuals because I can buy my cars outright. She on the other hand is a teacher with a salary that is half what mine is. Frankly she is looking at more cost of ownership.

So with the Prius there are tons of the market. For instance an 09 Prius at auction is getting around 14-15 assuming 18,000-21,000 miles. The funny thing about this is my dealership had one that they sold that amount a week ago (09 Prius 19k miles 14,900 price).

So here is my knowledge. Lets say I get her a Prius and find something like an 08-09 for 14-15,000 with 19,000-30,000 on the clock. I would have her financing 10,000 assuming she gets what I want for her trade. She will drive the car till the wheels fall off and sell. At that point 10 years down the road you are probably looking at 3-4,000 residual.

vs

A 2010 Focus SEL for 13,999 (minus trade so around 9,000) with every single option at 0 percent financing plus her trade. The fuel economy difference between 35 hwy (which she will be driving mostly) and 40/45 is almost a toss up in the Prius.

Basically I am trying to figure out if it makes sense to buy a used Prius finance 10,000, assuming I find a decent 08-09 with that miles and she gets what she wants on her trade, and for her to pay probably 1,900 in interest over 3-5 years or just get the Focus SEL with 0 percent. Will the gas savings in 10 years vs a Focus that gets decent mileage outweigh the cost difference.

Because the way I figure the residual is that assuming the car is bought and held I would have no probably selling a Focus SEL in 8 years for 3,000, which is about the same place I will be with a Prius.

Let me know if I am doing something wrong. I am pretty good at this numbers game.

[roaf85]

UPDATE:

Drove an Insight twice today. Drove a Focus again. Lied to about the Focus. Advised GF to not pay a dime over 14,000 for a Focus and they wanted like 18,000. Dealership does not know who I talked to last week about the 13,999 figure, which was bull****. Whatever I do not care.

The Insight was going to be awesome, but then was lied to again. There are some slight dents on the hood of the car. They are calling it hail damage. Probably is, but they want to knock the figure down 2,000. I don't really care anymore.

Going to play the waiting game for a bit. Might wait till November when **** gets really cheap.

[tuberider]

We bought my wife a mazda3 hatch back in 06 for 17k. Drove it for 4 years/40k miles and sold it for 11k before we moved overseas. It was in mint condition with new tires, but I was still impressed with resale value.

Awesome little car to drive, 25-30mpg, handles well for an econobox, and was punchy for a 4cyl. No maintenance problems whatsoever and cheaper to insure than its Civic/Scion competetitors.

[marc]

I too loved the Mazda3 - my ex had one and I rented one in PR

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-sf2p/v199/119/90/7406041/n7406041_32932428_2861.jpg

[2way]

the current tC, xD and xB are just Corollas with Camry motors.The xD is not. Its a 1.8L .... I think its the 1NZ-FE... a successor to the 1ZZ. The frame is based on the Yaris platform.... but, I think its better looking & roomier than the Yaris and it has a larger engine. Reclining rear seats. Stability control is now standard. Friend has one.... w/intake & TRD exhaust.... not bad... and gets great gas mileage.

Mazda3 also a good choice. Guy here at work has one w/a nice sounding perf exhaust.The xD is the little hatchback that is not made anymore.The xD is still made. So is the xB. The one that was killed was the underpowered xA.

[GSBoek]

The xD is not. Its a 1.8L .... I think its the 1NZ-FE... a successor to the 1ZZ. That would be the 2ZR-FE. Toyota is currently on the R nomenclature so it went from ZZ to ZR, from AZ to AR etc. The 1NZ was the 1.5L before they switched to the xD.

[2way]

That would be the 2ZR-FE.
Thanks :wave:

[Dasher17]

The xD is still made. So is the xB. The one that was killed was the underpowered xA.

I stand corrected. For some reason when I went to the scion site last time I didn't see it there. But yea, xD would be good for what she wants imo.

[roaf85]

I stand corrected. For some reason when I went to the scion site last time I didn't see it there. But yea, xD would be good for what she wants imo.

Yea it would, but she hates it. Sorry :( Too much like a minivan. Apparently there is a fine line between what is cute and what is a minivan judging by the fact she likes the Fit. I can not blame her though. The Fit is ****ing awesome.

Almost bought an Insight on Sunday.

[roaf85]

I too loved the Mazda3 - my ex had one and I rented one in PR



For a model that just got a platform update it was sharing with the Focus for quite some time. Actually she drove both back to back. A 2010 Mazda 2.0 base and an 2010 Focus SEL. I personally thought the Focus was a better car. However I would probably not buy both unless I was somehow to get an awesome deal on that Focus. If I get what I typed earlier on the Focus (OTD for 9 grand) I will do it. No one wants to do it though so **** em.

Lets see what happens 6 months from know when all of them are going for 10,000 at auction.

[2way]

Too much like a minivan. Apparently there is a fine line between what is cute and what is a minivan judging by the fact she likes the Fit. Sure you aren't thinking of the xB??? The xD isn't that far off from the Fit.
xD:
http://www.edmunds.com/pictures/VEHICLE/2010/Scion/2010.scion.xd.20295672-E.jpg

Fit:
http://www.edmunds.com/pictures/VEHICLE/2010/Honda/2010.honda.fit.20305274-E.jpg

[roaf85]

Sure you aren't thinking of the xB??? The xD isn't that far off from the Fit.
xD:
http://www.edmunds.com/pictures/VEHICLE/2010/Scion/2010.scion.xd.20295672-E.jpg

Fit:
http://www.edmunds.com/pictures/VEHICLE/2010/Honda/2010.honda.fit.20305274-E.jpg

Yea I showed her both. I think it has to do with the overall sleekness of the Fit that makes it cute. I really do not blame her, I think the xD looks like a mini Dodge Magnum. I would rather pay extra money for the Fit any day of the week.

As far as residuals good the Fit is probably the better residual. 1.9 percent financing is good and on 15,000 the money costs 1,500 over 5 years to borrow. Now it is just a matter of seeing if I can possibly get a Focus or something way cheaper (used car) for less without the interest rate equaling out to what a new car costs.

You have to understand my money situation was completely different. Her car is probably worth about 500-600 less than mine and I had a massive down payment mixed with only financing for 3 months. She will be making half what I make next year and probably will take her 2 years to pay off a car.

I really want to find her something better than the car she has, but with a payment that isnt going to bankrupt her.

[Thor]

Marc,

Get an A4 B7 that is off lease certified. Audi certified is great for those free loaners.

You get 4 doors, a large trunk, and the etc upon etc for those Rochester winters.

I had a 1.8 like you and I thought never again.

Most major problems were solved with the 2.0, but there are still some.

You could stretch the budget and get an 2008+.

The wife would love it even used.

I thought you wrote at one time you would never buy a new car.

Those pictures of you by a Mazda 3 are jarring to say the least.

[2way]

I think the xD looks like a mini Dodge Magnum.Yeah, kinda looks like a lowered Rav4 to me. Its probably the nose. np.

You might see if there are any used Camry, Accord, or Altima Hybrids around. If you wanted to stay in the SUV scheme.... maybe a Ford Escape Hybrid.

You could always wait for the Ford Fiesta or the FT-86 to arrive.

[marc]

Marc,

Get an A4 B7 that is off lease certified. Audi certified is great for those free loaners.

You get 4 doors, a large trunk, and the etc upon etc for those Rochester winters.

I had a 1.8 like you and I thought never again.

Most major problems were solved with the 2.0, but there are still some.

You could stretch the budget and get an 2008+.

The wife would love it even used.

I thought you wrote at one time you would never buy a new car.

Those pictures of you by a Mazda 3 are jarring to say the least.

why are you writing to me? This isn't my thread. This is .roaf's thread.

I still will never purchase a new car.

And I drove the B7 - it was a dry hump to say the least.

[roaf85]

Yeah, kinda looks like a lowered Rav4 to me. Its probably the nose. np.

You might see if there are any used Camry, Accord, or Altima Hybrids around. If you wanted to stay in the SUV scheme.... maybe a Ford Escape Hybrid.

You could always wait for the Ford Fiesta or the FT-86 to arrive.

Camry, Accords and Altimas do not get better fuel economy than a Honda Civic EX on the highway where most of the driving will be. She does not need the space of those cars or the price premium even at used prices.

Might wait for the Fiesta, but I feel like I am going to be waiting about 6-8 months for pricing incentives to hit the scene.

[roaf85]

why are you writing to me? This isn't my thread. This is .roaf's thread.

I still will never purchase a new car.

And I drove the B7 - it was a dry hump to say the least.

Marc some people do not read even the first line of the OP posts so therefore they make dumbass suggestions about used Audis without reading the need for a compact with good fuel economy and safety and just recommend some ****ty over priced used luxury car.

[marc]

Marc some people do not read even the first line of the OP posts so therefore they make dumbass suggestions about used Audis without reading the need for a compact with good fuel economy and safety and just recommend some ****ty over priced used luxury car.

this guy took it a step further, didn't bother reading the initial post and assumed it was ME looking for a car.