New car shopping list...

[mrhoaf]

I've mentioned a couple times that I've started the process of shopping for a new car. My trusty 01 has 127k and counting, is due soon for a timing belt, needs new struts, and won't go forever on the stock breaks and clutch... and will be paid off in September.

SO, I thought I'd get some opinions and see if I could get some good suggestions or cars to research, test drive, and consider.

The rules:
1. I'm getting an automatic. It pains me to say this, but I don't get the chance to enjoy driving much anymore, and I would appriciate an auto in all of the traffic here. If I still lived in WV, I would be getting a manual... but I don't, so I'm not.

2. The car must be new or certified pre-owned

3. Under $20k... probably closer to $17-$18k...

4. A hatch-back is not required, but I might pass on one if I fall in love with something else.

5. no SUV's... I want a car. Also, 2-doors are not completely out, but I'd have to fall in love with it first...


OK... what I have so far, in no particular order:

Caliber: I test drove one today... See my post in the Caliber thread for the full review, but I liked it. Well equipped for the price compared to similar cars. (Vibe/Matrix)

Sonata: This one breaks the "hatch" rule, but it seems like a great car, and would be a nice step up. I haven't had a chance to drive an auto, but I kinda hope I like it better than the 5-spd I drove the other day (guy I work with has one) The breaks were super touchy, and the clutch was totally different from my XD (of course this won't be an issue with an auto...) Price will possibly end up being an issue here too...

Spectra5: Haven't test drove one yet, but it's here instead of the XD2 because I like the looks of it much better.

Vibe/Matrix: I drove a Vibe a couple years ago and liked it, but they might end up being just out of reach of my price range for the options I want.

Elantra HD: This will depend on timing really... I like what I've seen so far, but I'm not sure I'll be able to wait for it to get here.. plus I'd be really bummed when the hatch came out 6-8 months later...

Rio5/Accent and Honda Fit: Not sure how I feel about these yet. I'm not a small guy, but these would be cheap and get great gas mileage... I'm keeping them in mind...



*** cars that have been suggested***

Mazda6: would have to find a used one to fit budget, but on my list to check out.



Cars I'm not considering (unless I get an offer I can't refuse):

PT Cruiser: I wanted one of these BAD when they came out. Then Mom and dad bought one... I don't really want one now....

06 XD2: I'm not considering a 06 XD2 for a couple reasons. It's not really enough different from what I have now, and I've always like the look of the XD better... I like my XD, and it has served me well, but I don't think I'd be satisfied with a XD2...

Scion xA or xB: I just don't like them.


One last thing... I'm going to try to restrain myself from acting on this until the end of model year sales kick in, so that will help with the budget... But driving that Caliber fuled the desire for something new...

Alright... have at it!

[robs02elantra]

caliber, sonata or HD. Sonata coming out on top for me for best in the list.

There have been a lot of people asking the same question lately though, so you should be able to get the majority of peoples opinions from those threads.

Definately the Sonata though, I really like the new sonata, and would get one now if I had the money.

[evan938]

what about a mazda 6? its an awesome car, im pretty sure it has an i4/v6 engine choice, hatch/sedan, aftermarket, 5speed/manual option.

and to top it off, im sure you could get a 1-2 year old one for 18k, maybe less (havent priced used ones lately)

[mrhoaf]

Good call Evan... I had forgotten about the "Zoom Zoom"....

[04GTboySC]

i'd agree with evan on the mazda or maybe stick with the hyundai sonata

i test drove a caliber the other day.. those things are sweet

[SuperGLS]

Yeah, Caliber seems to fit what you are looking for. The Vibe/Matrix is too much if you want a good one. I like my girlfriends Vibe a lot, but she paid over $20 for it and it's not even a GT. I imagine the Caliber has similar space in it for less money. Plus the engine is part Hyundai so it can't be that bad, right?

The Accent GS/SE should be out in "Spring 2007." Hyundai's definition of spring is probably mid June. I suggest this because of the good gas mileage, it's a hatch, it's inexpensive, and you can get some factory add ons if you like.

If I were you I'd probably end up with a Sonata, although if I were to buy one I'd want the LX. I think there is currently $2500 off it though, which helps.

[02ChiantiGT]

I would look at the Sonata or Accent SE, the Accent comes out within the next couple of months according to Hyundai's site. You can pick up a 06 Sonata for probably less than $18,000 at the end of the year. I work at a Hyundai dealer and I have never seen a stick Sonata, atleast not an 06.Good luck!

[Leviathant]

My vote goes towards the Sonata. It's a lot of car for the money. It's not a hatch but... if I can fit an entire drum kit and a guitar amp into my Elantra and still have room for a passenger, and the Sonata's bigger than the Elantra... how much more space do you need ;)

[QuickSilverGT]

I was at the dealership the other day to checkout the honda fit. It could grow on you but from the outside I think its damn ugly. It's sweet as hell inside though. They did an amazing job with the interior on the car and its pretty spacious for the front seat passengers. Wasn't able to test drive it because someone has a deposit on it so all we could so was look at it but at 32? mpg city and 38? highway... it doesn't impress me all that much. My old 94 DX gets about 40 highway.

[hyunelan2]

I was going to get a Matrix (aka Vibe) until I drove one... it felt like it would move faster if I got out and pushed. I personally thought the Cailber was clostrophobic, but I'm taller than most people.

What about the Mazda 3? I like the 3 just about as much as the 6, and it's available in a hatch. My next car will probably be a Sonata, but if it's not a Hyundai, it very likely could be a Mazda.

The low-end Impreza also falls into your pricerange at around 19K if I remember correctly.

Fit/Yaris are supposed to be good on milage - that's all I can say about them.

[mrhoaf]

I'll probably give the mazda3 another shot... I test drove a 5 door a couple years ago when they came out and wasn't impressed...

as for the imprezza, that's also one I'd consider if I could find one for the right price...

I'll also probably test drive an Ion too... 'cause they're giving out $25 gift cards...

Unfortunately, I have to drive to the next town to go to any dealerships, and traffic can be a ***** in the evenings, so that kinda leaves me with every other saturday to go test drive... I also need to find some good roads to test the cars on...

[skeetre]

take it down 98 towards Navarre, or go down Beal pkwy away from 98 towards Eglin AFB, then you can turn down Eglin Pkwy and head back to Hollywood that way. Get a good driving experience in longer open roads, and city driving that way.

[selmor50]

Those new Toyota Yaris are pretty big inside, the remind of the elantra's size. You can pick up a used matrix with about 20.000 miles certfifed for right around 20,000. They usually have a sunroof and some other stuff like that. I don't know what ur feelings are about Chevy, the new cobalts are pretty neat, you can even get the SS package but i think there running around 22. But its supercharged, has the suspension, big wheels, body kits and ready to smoke a lot of cars in that price range.

[Gman]

I was at the Chevy dealer the other day for service, and was looking at the Malibu Maxx. They had about 10 or so 05s that they had been using for salesmen cars for sale. They had the old Pre-price changes sticker of $25K but I did a little research and found used ones with under 15k miles are going for around $15-18k. Not a bad price for a pretty big hatchback.

here's one near you
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_id=200097165&dealer_id=71094&car_year=2006&mod_bookmark_id=null&search_type=both&make=CHEV&distance=50&model=MALI&address=32541&certified=&advanced=&max_price=17000&bkms=1148501025305&min_price=1&first_record=1&end_year=2007&start_year=2005&isp=y&pager.offset=0&lang=en&cardist=11

[julien98]

Im Currently Looking At The New Nissan Sentra. Its A Beauty!!! I Dont Have Pics, But Google It!

[BobMs_wht2k2]

I know my opinions here are shunned like the plague, but I would HIGHLY recommend NOT buying a used 6. I know many who bought new and are still fighting problems.

[mrhoaf]

I know my opinions here are shunned like the plague, but I would HIGHLY recommend NOT buying a used 6. I know many who bought new and are still fighting problems.

We've had our dsagreements in the past (usually about GM products) but yeah... I'd heard this in the past too... actually I was kinda surprised so many people were singing it's praises...

The Malibu MAXX is not on my list... I'm not a GM fan, I think they're ugly, and "Malibu Maxx" sounds like a shady character from GTA...

Skeetre, thanks for the route tips!

[korai9989]

I am buying a Mazda 6 this june. Certified pre-owned 2005 V6, it's about $18,000, and it has a 6 speed automatic transmission... but im still looking, cause i kind of want a stick shift.

[robroe]

i went and used the virtual builder for the yaris. I tried to build it as close to my current blue elantra xd2 hatch as I could. My elantra is an 04' so it came with the kenwood stock and i got the rubber liner for my hatch free too...I payed extra for the sunroof but I think that is the only option i got.

to get away from the steel / hubcap wheels on the yaris you have to get 18" trds for 400 bucks a piece. wheels that big on a little yaris look stupid to me but its the only option similar to the stock XD wheels. I also got the optional armrest console like the one that came standard in my elantra +129 bucks.....and another 150 dollars worth of floor mats similar to the ones that came on my elantra stock. No option for a sunroof that i could find. there is also no option for foglights that came standard on the XD.

"Here's the Yaris you've configured.
Be sure to print out this summary and present it when you meet with the dealer. But remember, the vehicle price in this summary is only approximate - the actual price will be set by the dealer.


Model:

3-Door Liftback 4-Speed Automatic ( 1422) $11,850

Delivery, Handling and Processing Fee:** $580

Options: $740
50 States Emission, All-Weather Guard Package Includes: Larger Washer Tank w/ Level Warning, Heavy-Duty Heater, Heavy-Duty Starter, Rear Heater Duct & Daytime Running Lights (DRL), Convenience Package Includes: AM/FM CD Player w/MP3/WMA Playback Capability & Auxiliary Audio Jack, 15-in. Steel Wheels w/Full Wheel Covers, Rear Window Wiper & Rear Defroster

Accessories: $2,278
Arm Rest ( EL) $129
Carpeted Floor & Cargo Mats ( CF) $150
Upgrade 18" TRD 5-spoke Alloy Wheels & Tires (Set of 4) ( L7) $1,999

Total MSRP:*** $15,448"

thats in the ball park of a 04 elantra xd 2 years ago.

things i don't like:

no sunroof
big *** wheels
integrated dash radio
no fog lights
smaller engine

......i think this elantra has spoiled me. its going to be very hard to trade it in, its got so many extras that came standard, that i will actually pay off the loan and end up driving it for "free" for another couple years after 2008

[hyunelan2]

^^^Not completely true about the wheels. The ugly 3-door only comes with the steelies (or $2K 18" chome option), and is available in limited colors and interior packages.

However, If you get the 4-door 'S' version, it comes with 15" Alloys. Or if you get the 'power' options package on either of the other 2 4-door models (AT, MT) they come with the 15" alloy wheels as well. The prices on those cars start running into the $16K mark when yo0u put on the options standard with the Elantra.

In short, not even Toyota's 'cheap car' can match the value of Hyundai.

[robroe]

good to have a 2nd opinion on the non-hatch cars, since i was just trying to build a straight up replacement for my hatch

i just built a Fit to try and match the XD / Yaris.

Base MSRP*: $14,650
Destination & Handling: $550
MSRP including selected accessories: $17,280



Selected Accessories (installation costs not included):

EXTERIOR [Edit]
Front and Rear Splash Guards $94
Fog Lights $329
16" Alloy Wheel $836

INTERIOR [Edit]
Leather Shift Knob $79
Cargo Cover $165
Carpet Floor Mats $99
Cargo Tray $99
Leather Steering Wheel Cover $65

ELECTRONICS [Edit]
Security System $165
Keyless Entry $149


the list of options for the FIT to get it up to the XD is rediculous.

Still no leather seats
Still no sunroof
and this is the regular (non-sport) fit. not the fitsport
not worth it.

[chillbro1]

I think i'd give the following a look:

Mazda 3
Sonata
Accent SE
Non-Turbo Subaru Impreza (if for nothing else...aftermarket support)
VW GTI (a little above the price range, but they have 2.9APR right now which might make it a better deal after financing)

Peace,


Chill

[mc87yanks]

What about an Audi A4? A friend of mine got a certified-pre owned with 35k miles on it for $19,500. Nice car with a decent warranty as well. If you want a step up, I'd go with that. All the other cars mentioned are very similar to the XD.

BTW, the Mazda 6 is a pretty fun ride.

[mrhoaf]

thanks for all the suggestions guys! I'm going out testing today with my Brother-in-law and the only planned stop I have is the <gasp> Saturn dealership.... I have a coupon for a $25 gift card for testing a Ion... Other than that, not sure where we'll go. The Saturn dealer is also Suburu... prolly also hit the hyundai/nissan/mitsu dealer and maybe the honda or kia dealer too....


results and impressions will be posted later on...

[mrhoaf]

well.... I had a pretty crappy day of testing cars...

I had tried printing the saturn coupon at the last minute, had trouble, and gave up on it...

the honda lot was kinda busy, and I wasn't asked if i needed help for about 10 minutes.... but they didn't have any Fits on the lot, and the next 5 in are already sold...

stopped a the Kia dealer... no Spectra5's, didn't like the Rio5.... sat in a Spectra and the seat felt so bad I wondered if it was assembled wrong... if that's how they're supposed to be, then that car hasalso been eliminated...didn't drive anything there either.

last stop was the Hyundai dealer... didn't have any v6 sonatas at all. none. just loaded GLS i4's stickered at $21k-$22k. I drove one and I like it, but I think I'd want the v6 if I get one.... meaning that I'll probably have to get a REALLY good deal, or find a used one...

overall a crappy day, but I did learn that I won't be doing business with the honda dealer in Ft Walton, and my first impression of the Hyundai dealer in Ft Walton was correct... they suck....

[ilanpro]

Hey my friend had a 03 Escalade with the works, it has a rebuilt title, he wants only 27K

[chillbro1]

well.... I had a pretty crappy day of testing cars...

I had tried printing the saturn coupon at the last minute, had trouble, and gave up on it...

the honda lot was kinda busy, and I wasn't asked if i needed help for about 10 minutes.... but they didn't have any Fits on the lot, and the next 5 in are already sold...

stopped a the Kia dealer... no Spectra5's, didn't like the Rio5.... sat in a Spectra and the seat felt so bad I wondered if it was assembled wrong... if that's how they're supposed to be, then that car hasalso been eliminated...didn't drive anything there either.

last stop was the Hyundai dealer... didn't have any v6 sonatas at all. none. just loaded GLS i4's stickered at $21k-$22k. I drove one and I like it, but I think I'd want the v6 if I get one.... meaning that I'll probably have to get a REALLY good deal, or find a used one...

overall a crappy day, but I did learn that I won't be doing business with the honda dealer in Ft Walton, and my first impression of the Hyundai dealer in Ft Walton was correct... they suck....



Might be a good time to visit the Subaru dealer...or the VW dealer (cause that 2.9 APR will save mad money over time)


Peace,


Chill

[Doohickie]

Spectra5: Haven't test drove one yet, but it's here instead of the XD2 because I like the looks of it much better.

Vibe/Matrix: I drove a Vibe a couple years ago and liked it, but they might end up being just out of reach of my price range for the options I want.

Rio5/Accent and Honda Fit: Not sure how I feel about these yet. I'm not a small guy, but these would be cheap and get great gas mileage... I'm keeping them in mind...
I'll only comment on these cars, since they are the only ones I have something to say about.

Spectra5: I thought for a while there I would end up with a Spec5 because 05 Elantra hatch stocks were down to almost nothing when I bought in October. I think I would have been satisfied with it, but having owned an Elantra I think I would see the Spec5 as almost a step down. And if you compare cargo areas, the Spec5 actually has almost 2 cu ft less cargo area (since it is 6 inches shorter than the Elantra hatch). I bet if you bought a Spec5 you'd regret it down the road and wish you had considered an XD2.

Vibe/Matrix: They ended up being too SUV-like for my tastes. I didn't like the orientation of the shifter; reminded me of a school bus. And when I went over some washboard road on a test drive, the up-and-down of the road surface translated into a very uncomfortable forward-and-aft "gallop". They don't look that high, but they feel like SUVs on the road, which I didn't like.

Rio5/Accent. While these are on the same platform, the Rio5 is actually slightly bigger and according to Car & Driver (http://www.caranddriver.com/comparisons/10925/comparison-test-review-2007-dodge-caliber-se-vs-2007-honda-fit-sport-vs-2006-hyundai-accent-gls-vs-2006-kia-rio5-sx-vs-2007-nissan-versa-18sl-vs-2006-suzuki-reno-vs-2007-toyota-yaris-s.html), the Rio5 is a better car, even better than the Yaris. I test drove the new Rio sedan and if the Rio5 had been available last fall, I may have bought one.

The Fit would have gotten a close look from me as well if it had been available. Blasphemy, I know, but if I had waited till the spring, I might have gone for the Fit. I haven't driven one, though; it's just my impression. It reminds me of the Suzuki Aerio SX, which I loved inside but just couldn't get used to the exterior lines. The Fit has a much cleaner exterior.

[velantra]

Any luck finding a car yet? Have you tried test driving the Mazda3 again? I bought my wife a Mazda5 3 weeks ago and she loves it. Hell, even I love it. Mazda calls it a multi-activity vehicle. I say its more of a sports wagon or micro van. Its based on the 3. Get some of that Zoom Zoom.

[BobMs_wht2k2]

Wait another month and the Suzuki SX4 will be out. That car might just fit your needs.

[quickfingerz]

Sonata has a $3000 rebate for the GLS & LX. There's your answer. IMO

[mrhoaf]

I'm kinda limited in when I have time to test drive... I work 8-5, and the lots are 20-30 minutes away... Plus I work sundays and every other saturday...

the $3000 in rebates on the v6 sonata is pretty sweet.... especially considering that I should be able to get one at $200 over invoice through one of the guys at work... he's worked with the dealership in Pensicola many times....

[Tx_boy]

Man you should be able to get it for invoice. That is what I payed for my 05 GT.

[stussy2870]

Love my Mazda Speed 6!!!

[mrhoaf]

Well I had an interesting day yesterday... On my way to the Toyota\Mazda dealer, I stopped on a whim at the Suzuki dealership. 3 hours later I almost left with a red Aerio SX...

yeah... I was surprised too.

Turns out that this particular Suzuki was actually built by Suzuki and not Daewoo... so I gave it a shot... and I liked it. They were offering me a good deal on it too...

But in the end, I left telling them I would call them monday with a final decision. I hadnt even considered that car before I walked on the lot, so I hadn't done any research on it... so I didn't feel comfortable with it.

So I still need to decide if I want to get it. I think I want it, but I'm still not sure. I also still need to get an insurance quote on it....

Thoughts?

[ilanpro]

That is a Small Car dude, I personaly dont like them, wait a few months and get an HD

[Doohickie]

mrhoaf: Your experience with the Aerio is almost exactly like mine. There are several reasons I decided against the Aerio and for the Elantra:

1. Harshness. The ride is a little harsher but due to the added height of the vehicle, the body roll is still as least as bad as the Elantra. Also, although the 2.3 L engine is significantly more powerful than the XD, the engine, especially at the low end (i.e., when maneurvering in parking lots), seems harsh to me. That was with an AT, though, so if you are looking at MT, the engine RPM harshness may be different.

2. Suzuki engineering.... go over to Suzuki-Forums.com (http://www.suzuki-forums.com/f6-suzuki-aerio-liana-forum.htm) and ask how many people have had problems. I think that in general Suzuki engineering is good, but when I was looking about a year ago, it seemed that there were a few people on the forums that had valid complaints. In fact, there is a thread I started almost a year ago (http://www.suzuki-forums.com/t2332-bottom-line-on-aerio.htm) asking about the car.

3. Styling. I kind of liked the the Aerio SX wagon except.... for the black surround of the rear window. It just seemed to throw the proportions off. The proportions in general seemed a little funny to me. When I was buying, only the Aerio SX and the Chevy Aveo (made by Daewoo) had that look so it seemed kind of cheap and odd, but perhaps they will blend in better with the Fit, Yaris and Versa on the road. That should bring that basic look upscale.

4. Rear seating. The rear seasts seem very upright. They seem to be comfortable enough, but it just appeared awkward. If you will rarely have rear seat passengers, this may not be a problem.

The stereo was impressive for a stock stereo. As I recall, it had seven speakers including a subwoofer. Not bad. And although I wasn't looking for AWD, there is an AWD version of the Aerio available for about $1000 more than the AT model (all AWDs come with ATs).

I would say ask about the car over at suzuki-forums.com and the Suzuki board over at Edmunds.com. I was very impressed by the Aerio last year and if there wasn't a better value for the money I would have bought it without a second thought. I just thought the Elantra was better overall, though.

[mrhoaf]

Ilan.... the Aerio is pretty much the same size as the elantra.... maybe a bit narrower...

BTW, I am looking at a base model, not a premium (which has the stereo with the sub :( ) with a AT (also a bummer, but I know in the end I will be happier without a clutch...)

I've checked out the forums on the Aerio and what I've gathered is that if you get a good one, it's a great car. If you get one and start having problems, you're SOL. Interestingly, it does very well in initial quality...

as for the back seats, the seat backs recline a bit... it seemed alright to me...

The other thing that is weighing in on this is that in the process of them finding financing for me, I've discovered that the many of the cars I've been looking at and targeting are probably going to be too expensive. Looks like all I'm going to be able to afford to finance is about $16k thanks to my less than stellar credit. SO, if I'm going to get something new, my options have suddenly become much more limited....

and buying a used car is such a pain in the ***...

[ilanpro]

I would still wait for the HD

[03SilverBullet]

I would still wait for the HD
You mean hyundai corolla. :D

[mrhoaf]

I would still wait for the HD

and when is the hatch version going to be available?


I don't think I'm gonna get the Aerio tomorrow, but the longer I wait, the more likely I am to have to start putting money into the XD.... money I won't get back out of it in trade value.... The HD sedan will come out sometime this fall, but the hatch... who knows? I've been very happy with my Hyundai and I'd like to stick with them, but right now they don't offer anything I want. I'd love to consider the HD hatch an option, but unless it's coming in the next few months (like 3), it will be too late...

[ilanpro]

Then get a Mazda 3 wagon those are hot

http://www.mazdaclub.net/download/takehome/wallpaper/mazda3sedan-2_800x600.jpg

http://www.avtorinok.ru/userfiles/Image/Mazda/large_26434.jpg

[Doohickie]

Have you looked at the Rio5? Car & Driver rated it higher than the Yaris. If I were in the market right now, that would be on my list.

I test drove the new Rio but the Rio5s weren't out yet. The Rio left a very favorable impression though.

[ilanpro]

How about a Spectra5

[Cypher]

VW passat :D thats the car i wanted but when i went to go get it with my parents they sold it 10 minutes before i got there (no lie literally 10 minutes). only thing that sucks would be using premium but german engineering and being one of the few VWs still made in germany make it a great car. very roomy and comfortable. my friend had a 91 i used to drive around all the time and i loved it. the new ones are AWD now i think.

[Doohickie]

Yeah... Spec5 too. But that's almost a reskinned Elantra. The Rio5 is almost as big and gets better mileage.

[OPZ]

Or a golf. My friend has one, gets 30-40 mpg, but its a 5-speed, and with the stowing back seats, it can suddenly fit a LOT.

[Doohickie]

Or a golf. My friend has one, gets 30-40 mpg, but its a 5-speed, and with the stowing back seats, it can suddenly fit a LOT.

That is gonna cost more than $16k.

[jayupark]

I'm sure that your XD will last for at least a few more months. I would wait for a few more months to see if the Elantra hatch is going to come out, or at least to get year end pricing on this years 06 models. That way you'll have a bit more time to decide too... don't want to rush in on this eh?

[mrhoaf]

I didn't buy the Aerio.

The Rio5 is too small... didn't like it.
The Spectra's seats were very uncomfortable to me... I imagine the 5's seats are the same... I'm willing to give it a chance though...

I think I'm gonna start looking for a low mileage year-old or so mazda3, matrix/vibe, etc...

[mrhoaf]

I think my next test target is the Focus ZX5...'cause even if I don't like it, I'll still get a $50 gas card!

When I bought the XD back in '01, it came down to it and a ZX3...

[ilanpro]

Focus are Crap

[2001GLS]

Check out the new Accent perhaps. A little smaller motor than your Elantra but size wise the new Accent isn't far off from the XD. Personally I'd keep driving your XD a little longer & save some extra money for a Sonata. You'll be way happier in the long run....

[Cypher]

DO NOT GET A ZX5!!! my friend has one and the transmission has broke at 33k miles. those cars are a pain in the *** to work on. just don't get it. focuses have reliability issues from what i understand.

[Kens GLS]

Focus are Crap

Don't forget UGLY

[02ChiantiGT]

Stay away from the Focus, my mom had one, the car was declared a lemon and crushed. It was literally at the dealer every 2 weeks. Radio worked when it wanted to, rear washer leaked, and just flat out broke down, luckily it was across the street from the Ford dealer.

[yahoo1z]

mazda3 or tc.

[mrhoaf]

it's strange... talking to people who have owned a focus, they all like them and had positive experiences... yet people here talk about them the biggest pieces of **** on the face of the earth...

not sure who to believe.... I'm guessing it's really somewhere between the 2 extremes...

oh well.. time to do some more research... and I'm still thinking about that Aerio too....

and who knows... maybe a used Honda Element... :eek:

[mrhoaf]

so.... since I realized that I can avoid another year of property taxes in WV if I sell the car before july 1, I'm going to be looking to buy when I go shopping on Saturday....

There's an 3 Saab 9-5 4 door (linear i think) with 59k miles at a dealership for 13,495... probably not serious about it, but who knows....

[mrhoaf]

well... today I test drove a new and a used Focus, a Saab 9-5 linear, and then I stopped by the VW/Subaru dealership because they had a pretty blue 03 WRX wagon sitting out front... and thought I'd check out the new Rabbit if they had any...


4 hours later.... and I am the first in the Fort Walton Beach/Destin area with a 06 Rabbit!!!

It's a silver 2-door with the 6-spd automatic.... They claim I got it for $300 over invoice, but the car is so new I have no way to verify it...

so far.... I LOVE it!!!

[04GTboySC]

post pics!!!!

[ilanpro]

PICS Please

[mrhoaf]

ok... I didn't get any pics taken before dark, but here is what I can get right now.... please excuse the shaky hand.... the radio display looks a different color from the blue in the gauges, but in reality it's the same... The yellow lighting above the radio is the passenger airbag light...

http://members.cox.net/mrhoaf/rabbit in the dark.jpg

http://members.cox.net/mrhoaf/gauges dark.jpg

http://members.cox.net/mrhoaf/rabbit dash dark.jpg

[ilanpro]

Nice choice

[04GTboySC]

nice choice, hope to see day pics soon i just saw one this morning they look really nice

[BigWillieLL66]

I want a 4 door, but 18,000 is a little too much for me. For that much I'd rather get an Impreza Wagon.

[mrhoaf]

OK... took some daylight shots, and the memory stick crapped out while copying them over to the computer.... only got the side and *** shots...

http://members.cox.net/mrhoaf/rabbitside.jpg

http://members.cox.net/mrhoaf/rabbitrearshot.jpg

This is an awesome shot of the rabbit logo.... mad props to my Brother in Law (who did the panorama shot for the big Pittsburgh meet last year)

http://members.cox.net/mrhoaf/rabbit logo.jpg

I'll try to get more shots of the front tomorrow....

Oh, I thought I'd post the last picture of the XD... I realized that I'd never taken a pic of it after I had the right sized tires put on it, so I snapped a pic with my phone before I drove off in the rabbit...

http://members.cox.net/mrhoaf/Elantra's last pic.jpg

Farewell XD... you never let me down and always treated me right...

[BigWillieLL66]

I'm gonna take a few pics of my bro's tomorrow. I also get to drive it tomorrow while he goes to get the new brakes and starts installing them. I can't wait to beat the piss out of it a little.

[mrhoaf]

Finally got some more pics taken....

http://members.cox.net/mrhoaf/rabbitfront.jpg

http://members.cox.net/mrhoaf/rabbitfrontside.jpg

I like the little VW logo in the headlight....
http://members.cox.net/mrhoaf/rabbitheadlight.jpg

http://members.cox.net/mrhoaf/rabbitinterior.jpg

http://members.cox.net/mrhoaf/rabbitshifterradio.jpg

[04GTboySC]

that looks cool, not a fan of the wheels but it looks cute

[Gabigster]

AUTOMATIC?

what is wrong with you...

[mrhoaf]

AUTOMATIC?

what is wrong with you...

I loved my 5-spd in the twisty mountain roads of West Virginia... I got tired of it in all the traffic here... plus you get an extra gear with the tiptronic! (6 total!)


and yeah... the wheelcovers pretty much suck... I'll get wheels for it when I can...

[NY2002ElantraGT]

Make sure you take that dealer sticker off! i hate when dealerships do that.

Looks good, firts time i saw the commercial i was like, i want one! slap a turbo on that 2.5L and have some fun!

[hyunelan2]

For some reason I love the new Rabbit. VW maintenance cost and reputation still scares me a little, but I think I could see myself driving the Rabbit.

[Cypher]

the rabbit is still just the golf with a new name and slightly redesigned style. it comes nowhere close to living up to its older reputation

[mrhoaf]

I stopped in for a peek around and was surprised to see my thread active....


I've got over 3k miles on the Rabbit now and I'm very pleased so far. Plenty of power for everyday driving, and real nice on the highway. Took it on a 2K mile road trip and it was a pleasure to drive... smooth at 75-80mph.

Mileage around town with the 2.5 I5 sux... low to mid 20's.... but on the highway I get about 33mpg which isn't much less that the XD got...

I'm pleased with the 6spd auto for the most part. I missed the manual when I was driving on the twistys in WV, but manual mode was a decent substitute. If I still lived up there, I would still be driving at manual.

Oh yeah.... I peeled off the dealer sticker within a couple weeks :)

And to clarify... the car has always been called the Golf in most of the world... it's just the Mk1's and now the Mk5's that are called Rabbits in North America. I've always thought Rabbit was a better name than Golf...

[SuperGLS]

Right. I've read that the 2.0l VW's get better mileage. Oh wells. 33HWY ain't bad.