raymo19

I agree with Dave. The cars you're considering are so close in specification that your decision is most likely to be subjective - based on how the car drives.

Good luck with your search.

RMurphy

Thanks!

Purpose of this car is to take a bit of a beating hauling around crap. People expect a little bit of a beat up econo-box (if I resell it one day), but not so much on a Mini, so I hadn't really considered it. How much cargo space do they have if you don't lay down the back seats?

Admittedly, I'm kind of set on new and that definitely rules out the Mini then. I don't have too much time to wait for just the right Mini to come along in the used market either.


Cargo capacity insufficient. The 500 Pop is closest to my price range, but still starts at more than my cap. And I'm just not enamored with the Fiat 500.


Thanks for the luck. Yeah, that's pretty much what it's coming down to-- finding what local dealers actually *have* the manual trans cars available and just driving them.

I'll keep you all posted on what I end up choosing and why.

valentine

Can't wait to find out what you get!

TooSoon

the Mazda 2 isnt too bad imo, as long as it isnt that awful green color, i die a little each tie i see one lol. the fiesta would be a close second for me, although, maybe consider the focus for a bit more? the fords will take a good beating and be cheap and east to fix if need be.

the kia and hyundais though i just couldnt trust tbh. i know they've come a long way but i just cant lol

/2cents

dean

Fair enough. I think they're cute little cars, but their reliability worries me. I still remember the shoddy build and overall quality of the Fiat imports of forty years ago.
Now that you have your list narrowed down, I guess it's time to devote some time to cruising the dealers' lots, taking test drives, and shopping for deals, checking reliability ratings, etc.. I don't envy you.

plantpixie

Why not the Honda Fit? I love mine ... fun to drive (manual tranny) and lots of room to put stuff!

S1997

Roseanne, Toyota is selling new 2013 Corollas for $14,800. The one I saw advertised today was a four door. Or maybe that's too big for your current search.

freq

If any of those cars in your list are "brand new from the ground up" I'd stay away from them.

I have a 2013 Ford Escape which is completely brand new and it has been back to the dealer (there now as a matter of fact) 5 times for the same issue.

MAGGIEMAE

Have a Fiat and it is a great little car for buzzing around. Throw down the rear seats and it turns into a little cargo carrier if that is what you need But I agree you need to drive them all before making a choice

zdave87

Scion xB?