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Troll for opinions on a range of commuter cars.

204.174.12.17
Posted on October 8, 2004 at 15:28:44
beken
Audiophile

Posts: 260
Location: BC
Joined: May 14, 2001
 Hi fellow car nut type inmates. I have decided I need to replace my aging commuter car that I've owned for 20 years (Pontiac Fiero V6 4spd). I have a budget of roughly 25K CDN or $17K US. The car needs to be available in Canada. So something like Toyota's MR2 or a Scion is out. So the poll goes like this. I'm interested in the following. What kind of problems are associated with any of these? What are features that one has that would make it better than the other two?

MINI Cooper, Mazda 3GT, Subaru Impreza 2.5RS. This is my short list and I just need to find time to go for testdrives and further research before I do my purchase.

I'm going to miss that mid-engined feel and handling.

Thanks for helping me with my research.

 

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Re: Troll for opinions on a range of commuter cars., posted on October 9, 2004 at 11:44:45
Rich Brkich
Dealer

Posts: 832
Location: Near Syracuse, New York
Joined: April 3, 2000
 The three cars you mention are all very nice rides. I luv the mini cooper, but as a commuter car the suspension may be a bit too stiff (though the handling is great) if you face a long commute and I would be concerned about long term maintenence costs if you are going to be keeping the car for 20 years.

From what I've seen, the new Mazda 3GT looks like a really nice ride. I have a freind who had the prev 5 dorr version of this and it was a nice car.

I really like the subies... AWD should be much fun in the Canadian winters.

I can't really say which would be more problematic than the others... the best thing to do check on various forums for each car... often a place were folks will gripe about common problems.

No car is perfect though... buy what you like!
Happy Listening,
Rich Brkich
Retailer & Audio Asylum Industry Liaison

 

Re: Troll for opinions on a range of commuter cars., posted on October 10, 2004 at 09:00:25
evl bnkr
Audiophile

Posts: 333
Location: Bronx, NY
Joined: July 19, 2003
 Hi beken,

I have a 2002 Protege 5 (hatchback) which is the previous version of the Mazda 3. It's a great car. The feature that sticks out the most in my mind is the handling. You will be able to make turns and corners on a dime. The downside side is the acceleration. 130HP. However, this is something that was beefed up in the Mazda 3 so it might not be an issue. I would diffently give the 3 a test drive.

 

Where on earth are you going to find those 3 cars for $17K US? n, posted on October 11, 2004 at 06:15:24
mr grits
 n
( huh? )

 

Re: Where on earth are you going to find those 3 cars for $17K US? n, posted on October 12, 2004 at 11:49:15
beken
Audiophile

Posts: 260
Location: BC
Joined: May 14, 2001
 You probably won't actually be able to BUY any of these at $17K US but that is the base list price for these models. Of course the dealer might add "mandatory" options and freight etc etc.

In Canada, a version of the MINI Cooper called the Cooper Classic lists for $22K CDN which roughly translates to less than $17K US.

The Classic package does away with traction control (though ABS is still standard) and the Xenon headlights. It also has a limited number of color choices.

The base price of the Subaru TS2.5 (which is the RS without leather seating) is $22K CDN.

The price of a Mazda 3GT is 22K but at dealers with freight and a few options attached, I saw them stickered at $24K CDN.

 

Well, in that case, go for the Mazda . . ., posted on October 12, 2004 at 21:09:25
mr grits
 You will have less pain in the long run. Plenty of dealerships, decent proven reliability, and it should be easy on insurance.

I just got an xB and am totally thrilled at what a blast it is to drive. Mileage is terrific and it is solid as a rock. Rethink.


( huh? )

 

Re: Well, in that case, go for the Mazda . . ., posted on October 13, 2004 at 09:34:46
beken
Audiophile

Posts: 260
Location: BC
Joined: May 14, 2001
 Hey! I saw a couple of xB's in Vancouver last week with Canadian plates on them. But they are not marketed under the Scion brand. They have Toyota logos on them.

I drove a Toyota Echo as a courtesy car awhile ago. It was absolutely a no-fun kind of car. But the xB looks kinda funky. I think they would lower Toyota's average customer age a bit.

 

I live in the Deep South and "oldsters" are buying as many . . ., posted on October 13, 2004 at 13:33:40
mr grits
 as college kids and 20-somethings. The car is a super value and parts galore are already available. In Japan it is a Toyota bB. The ride is very firm and sporty (visit it's height vs. width)and driven moderately it will yield over 30 mpg. Test drive one, at least. The shape of the xB garuntees it won't be out of style four years from now as it never was in-style.


( huh? )

 

Re: Troll for opinions on a range of commuter cars., posted on December 29, 2004 at 20:12:47
MylesJ


 
The Mazda 3 seems to be the winner. They spec'd about 100,000 units for first year production, then went to 200,000 and now have orders for 300,000. It is a joint Mazda/Ford/Volvo. They saved a lot (25% or so) with the joint development. Mazda took it off the price. Volvo has a Volvo motor but other mechanicals are the same and the car starts for $10,000 US more. The Ford is the European Focus which is a big hit over there. The market has decided this question for you.

 

Kho tang meo vat Viet Nam, posted on July 10, 2006 at 05:52:13
meovat


 
Kho tang meo vat viet nam, meo vat, doi song, xa hoi, tam ly, huu ich, nha cua, mua sam, may tinh, tin hoc, vien thong, lam dep, suc khoe Kho t?ng m?o v?t vi?t nam, m?o v?t, ??i s?ng, x? h?i, t?m l?, h?u ?ch, nh? c?a, mua s?m, m?y t?nh, tin h?c, l?m ??p, s?c kho?, chua benh, ch?a b?nh, thu?c d?n gian, thuoc dan giann

 

Sports cars, posted on June 21, 2012 at 12:33:12
Sumflow
Audiophile

Posts: 382
Location: On the road
Joined: June 7, 2012

None of those cars are mid-engined. You will realize your mistake at the first corner. Can't you find a nice used Boxster and continue the tradition as a middie driver?
~~~
Hide it ~ nothing looks better..

 

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