new car for wife- Elantra, Civic, Forte, Cruz or ?

Frnkd213

Admired Member
Verified
Gold
Joined
Sep 7, 2009
Posts
1,407
Media
92
Likes
935
Points
358
Location
Los Angeles (California, United States)
Verification
View
Sexuality
90% Straight, 10% Gay
Gender
Male
This is the 2012 Civic over here (I guess yours will get a redesigned sedan rear tho?).

Mazda 3 is ace. Robust, fun to drive, great handling, but not the best fuel economy (think 35mpg, less for an auto). We've had a 2005 model for 3 yrs, it's great but the current version is even better (altho avoid the Speed3 - it has bad torquesteer).

That UK civic is unbelievable ! Doesn't even compare to the one in the US. No hatch here. Even the high end "stuff" is in heard of here as an option.

.
 
7

798686

Guest
I know - wish I could afford one!!! I'd have the Type R.

Tbh - if I was in the market for a similar motor to your Mrs I'd either have a Fiesta (amazing handling), Golf, Skoda Octavia (which you don't get unfortunately), Mazda 3, Hyundai i30 (smaller than Elantra) or an Alfa Giulietta. :)

I'm sure we're completely confusing you now, with too many options, hehehe. :p
 

midlifebear

Expert Member
Joined
Dec 21, 2007
Posts
5,789
Media
0
Likes
174
Points
133
Location
Nevada, Buenos Aires, and Barçelona
Sexuality
60% Gay, 40% Straight
Gender
Male
Hyundai will tell you how much to expect -- or how much your new vehicle will be wort -- in 2, 4, 5, 8 years, plus they come with a drive train warranty. The Elantras and Sonatas also have dead pedals - a place to rest your left foot that is on an angle. It makes a BIG difference in comfort when driving.

The joke in the USA is that the Ford Fiesta is the only car that has a coffin as an option. They crinkle up like an aluminum can in minor accidents.

The quality of the Mini Cooper is excellent. It is now fabricated by BMW and is NOT an English POS as in the past.
 

vince

Legendary Member
Joined
May 13, 2007
Posts
8,271
Media
1
Likes
1,674
Points
333
Location
Canada
Sexuality
69% Straight, 31% Gay
Gender
Male
We had a 2002 (Euro) Focus as a company car for 7 years and 120,000km. The thing was driven hard by my employees and by myself and other than being ugly, it was a great car. It went not bad and handled just great and was totally reliable. Other than a small leak from the power steering reservoir, nothing happened. We just did regular maintenance, tires and brakes and had zero problems with the car.

I wish we still had it because the POS Renaut Megane we replaced it with is a stupid car. The electronics have a mind of their own, the plastic body is falling to bits, as is the interior, the A/C stopped working this summer and the dealer is hopeless. Sometimes it starts and sometimes it doesn't. You push the start button and nothing happens! Or maybe it does. The dealer can't figure it out, it never happens at the dealership! One of our engineers says there is a ritual you must go through if it decides not to turn over. It involves a certain sequence of turning off the radio and locking the doors and putting in the clutch or some such nonsense. I just ignore it and refuse to ride in the POS and let them deal with it. If this car was a computer OS it would be Vista.

I rented a Mini CooperS convertible last year in Spain and it was great fun. I'd buy one.
 

LaFemme

Mythical Member
Staff
Moderator
Verified
Gold
Platinum Gold
Joined
Aug 16, 2010
Posts
40,872
Media
2
Likes
38,886
Points
743
Location
Canada
Sexuality
90% Straight, 10% Gay
Gender
Female
Hyundai will tell you how much to expect -- or how much your new vehicle will be wort -- in 2, 4, 5, 8 years, plus they come with a drive train warranty. The Elantras and Sonatas also have dead pedals - a place to rest your left foot that is on an angle. It makes a BIG difference in comfort when driving.

So that's what that thing is called! :biggrin1: I'm exploring my new car and going, 'well, hello? what's this? How convienent!'

Another plug for the Elantra. When I did my research in looking for a car, none of the other cars you mention had the features that the Elantra did as included. Audio/Bluetooth control through the steering wheel and heated front seats. I also negotiated remote start with mine as well. Winters here are tough and remote start is so convienent as is a warm tushy on the way to work. We also have distracted driving laws, and I use my phone for work while I'm driving, so having Bluetooth control is awesome.
 

august86

Experimental Member
Joined
Sep 2, 2010
Posts
286
Media
31
Likes
16
Points
53
Location
Ask...
Sexuality
50% Straight, 50% Gay
Gender
Male
There's also the new Hyundai Accent which should be released pretty soon. It's a bit smaller than the elantra but has the same overall look that Hyundai's carrying through it's latest models, but will be cheaper and will be available in both hatch and sedan.

The new Kia Rio also looks quite sharp. Like the love child of the 2011 Citroen C4 and VW Polo GTI. Once you get used to the grille, it's one sexy machine Also in hatch and sedan.

Not making this easier for ya, I guess, but your price range is one of the hardest to choose from because there are so many great cars out there, that most buyers choose based on factors other than the usual performance, etc.

If it's going to be a woman's car, I think reliability, practicality (ito space and driveability), fuel economy and value for money ito servicing and maintenance, etc would be quite important.

I'm not a fan of over-priced box-carts (i.e. : mini cooper), as I think the novelty will wear off when I attempt to load my brand new flat screen TV or a small furniture item into it.

The parents have a Jazz and we've gotten excellent mileage from it, the rear seats fold flat down for oodles of load space, and the fuel economy is comparable to similar cars.

So, it comes down to preference, I guess. Good luck :cool:
 
7

798686

Guest
Augz - Jazz = Honda Fit in America, I think?? Bit smaller than the Civic.

Midlife: Dead pedal = called a clutch rest here, lol, definitely essential in a manual. :p
 

rugger89

Sexy Member
Joined
Dec 7, 2009
Posts
130
Media
2
Likes
28
Points
173
Location
Sydney Australia
Sexuality
99% Gay, 1% Straight
i thought all cars had that foot rest thing. And yeah the sedans getting the makeover, re: civic. We have that hatch down under, but i was never a fan of hatches.

I do like golfs though! I was in one the other day and it was rather nice! But they are a little more pricey i think.
 

LaFemme

Mythical Member
Staff
Moderator
Verified
Gold
Platinum Gold
Joined
Aug 16, 2010
Posts
40,872
Media
2
Likes
38,886
Points
743
Location
Canada
Sexuality
90% Straight, 10% Gay
Gender
Female
i thought all cars had that foot rest thing.

Maybe in the great land down under, but this is the first car I've owned evah to have that nifty little resting spot for my tired overworked foot! :smile:
 

Frnkd213

Admired Member
Verified
Gold
Joined
Sep 7, 2009
Posts
1,407
Media
92
Likes
935
Points
358
Location
Los Angeles (California, United States)
Verification
View
Sexuality
90% Straight, 10% Gay
Gender
Male
There's also the new Hyundai Accent which should be released pretty soon. It's a bit smaller than the elantra but has the same overall look that Hyundai's carrying through it's latest models, but will be cheaper and will be available in both hatch and sedan.

The new Kia Rio also looks quite sharp. Like the love child of the 2011 Citroen C4 and VW Polo GTI. Once you get used to the grille, it's one sexy machine Also in hatch and sedan.

Not making this easier for ya, I guess, but your price range is one of the hardest to choose from because there are so many great cars out there, that most buyers choose based on factors other than the usual performance, etc.

If it's going to be a woman's car, I think reliability, practicality (ito space and driveability), fuel economy and value for money ito servicing and maintenance, etc would be quite important.

I'm not a fan of over-priced box-carts (i.e. : mini cooper), as I think the novelty will wear off when I attempt to load my brand new flat screen TV or a small furniture item into it.

The parents have a Jazz and we've gotten excellent mileage from it, the rear seats fold flat down for oodles of load space, and the fuel economy is comparable to similar cars.

So, it comes down to preference, I guess. Good luck :cool:


That accent does look good. Thanks another one to consider, good thing its in the same showroom as the Elantra.
 

FuzzyKen

Sexy Member
Joined
Nov 10, 2006
Posts
2,045
Media
0
Likes
97
Points
193
Gender
Male
These days the problem is getting good value for your dollar in addition to a reasonable price. The MINI is a car that offers this and the builder of the car is in fact BMW. Great power, great economy and great reliability with incredible resale.

For Asian makes the two top cars are the Accord and Camry and even with the political problems suffered by Toyota a few years ago the Camry is still a winner. Hyundai and Kia which are basically the same car and company are cheaper also rans with the exception of their luxury cars. The Genisis is absolutely an incredible value for what you get.

For domestic makes the top two are Ford and Chrysler if one choses models carefully. At Ford the decent models with good track records would include the FWD Fusion and Lincoln MKZ, both of which are based on the Mazda 6. Hyundai is decent on the larger cars with a particularly good car in the luxury Genesis.

Fiat in the American market is as yet an unknown. Both Alpha Romeo and Fiat left the U.S. Market over emissions certifications years ago, but with Europe demanding the same emissions standards at this point both will probably return. Fiat because of the partnership with Chrysler is already in the US on a limited basis.

The worst track record long term in domestic U.S. built cars is General Motors. Surprisingly the best GM track record is the Chevrolet Corvette and the worst is the Cadillac with regards to reliability.

While having been incredibly mediocre over the past few years after a good start in first years of the new millennium, the Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300 may take the lead in many markets. In spite of the physical resemblence to past models these cars have new and upgraded base powertrains and a new ZF built 8 speed automatic transmission will be placed behind the standard V6 engine now making just under 300 net horsepower.

The new transmission and changes in gear ratios will allow 31 mpg on the full sized sedans and after getting nearly that in a 2010 300 rental car, the new engine and transmission should make an outstanding combination with great comfort.

There are three pony cars that are also still good buys. The Ford Mustang base V6 is available with a 6 speed manual trans and the current base V6 makes more power and is faster with far better fuel mileage than it's predecessor. The performance is remarkable and the V6 car of 2011 and 2012 is faster than the GT V8 of only a couple of years ago.

The Dodge Challenger base with a 305 hp V6 is cheaper than many of the imports we have discussed here with great dealer incentives. It is a heavier car than the Mustang but good gearing and the late introduction of the 8 speed ZF automatic later this year will increase highway mileage numbers even more.

The Camaro is a different design concept and is a nice car, but the track record of the new Camaro has been questionable with regards to repair.

All three pony cars currently have great dealer incentives and financing, with base engines they offer reasonable mileage and they are fun to drive.

All in all there are a number of good choices, but if you want a great appliance that will go 250,000 miles the Accord and Camry are the proven winners in that market. . . .
 

Frnkd213

Admired Member
Verified
Gold
Joined
Sep 7, 2009
Posts
1,407
Media
92
Likes
935
Points
358
Location
Los Angeles (California, United States)
Verification
View
Sexuality
90% Straight, 10% Gay
Gender
Male
These days the problem is getting good value for your dollar in addition to a reasonable price. The MINI is a car that offers this and the builder of the car is in fact BMW. Great power, great economy and great reliability with incredible resale.

For Asian makes the two top cars are the Accord and Camry and even with the political problems suffered by Toyota a few years ago the Camry is still a winner. Hyundai and Kia which are basically the same car and company are cheaper also rans with the exception of their luxury cars. The Genisis is absolutely an incredible value for what you get.

For domestic makes the top two are Ford and Chrysler if one choses models carefully. At Ford the decent models with good track records would include the FWD Fusion and Lincoln MKZ, both of which are based on the Mazda 6. Hyundai is decent on the larger cars with a particularly good car in the luxury Genesis.

Fiat in the American market is as yet an unknown. Both Alpha Romeo and Fiat left the U.S. Market over emissions certifications years ago, but with Europe demanding the same emissions standards at this point both will probably return. Fiat because of the partnership with Chrysler is already in the US on a limited basis.

The worst track record long term in domestic U.S. built cars is General Motors. Surprisingly the best GM track record is the Chevrolet Corvette and the worst is the Cadillac with regards to reliability.

While having been incredibly mediocre over the past few years after a good start in first years of the new millennium, the Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300 may take the lead in many markets. In spite of the physical resemblence to past models these cars have new and upgraded base powertrains and a new ZF built 8 speed automatic transmission will be placed behind the standard V6 engine now making just under 300 net horsepower.

The new transmission and changes in gear ratios will allow 31 mpg on the full sized sedans and after getting nearly that in a 2010 300 rental car, the new engine and transmission should make an outstanding combination with great comfort.

There are three pony cars that are also still good buys. The Ford Mustang base V6 is available with a 6 speed manual trans and the current base V6 makes more power and is faster with far better fuel mileage than it's predecessor. The performance is remarkable and the V6 car of 2011 and 2012 is faster than the GT V8 of only a couple of years ago.

The Dodge Challenger base with a 305 hp V6 is cheaper than many of the imports we have discussed here with great dealer incentives. It is a heavier car than the Mustang but good gearing and the late introduction of the 8 speed ZF automatic later this year will increase highway mileage numbers even more.

The Camaro is a different design concept and is a nice car, but the track record of the new Camaro has been questionable with regards to repair.

All three pony cars currently have great dealer incentives and financing, with base engines they offer reasonable mileage and they are fun to drive.

All in all there are a number of good choices, but if you want a great appliance that will go 250,000 miles the Accord and Camry are the proven winners in that market. . . .

Thanks for a thorough run down.
 
S

superbot

Guest
The Ford Fiesta or the Mini are both excellent cars.The Mini is one of those cars that will always leave you with a smile on your face.I had an original Mini years ago and it was a hoot!!....Maybe you wife would consider a Land Rover Defender to compensate for driving in the snow......only joking!!...Check out the Top Gear review (in the shopping mall) of the Fiesta,it may just sway your decision.
 
Last edited by a moderator:

rugger89

Sexy Member
Joined
Dec 7, 2009
Posts
130
Media
2
Likes
28
Points
173
Location
Sydney Australia
Sexuality
99% Gay, 1% Straight
Maybe in the great land down under, but this is the first car I've owned evah to have that nifty little resting spot for my tired overworked foot! :smile:


Hmmm I was planning to Visit Canada next year...but with foot rests not being a standard feature I might give it a miss. Deal breaker!!!
 

Drifterwood

Superior Member
Joined
Jun 14, 2007
Posts
18,677
Media
0
Likes
2,811
Points
333
Location
Greece
We had a 2002 (Euro) Focus as a company car for 7 years and 120,000km. The thing was driven hard by my employees and by myself and other than being ugly, it was a great car. It went not bad and handled just great and was totally reliable. Other than a small leak from the power steering reservoir, nothing happened. We just did regular maintenance, tires and brakes and had zero problems with the car.

I rented a Mini CooperS convertible last year in Spain and it was great fun. I'd buy one.

I have heard this about the Focus many times, drives well, versatile, cheap to own etc etc, but if you are the type of person who wants a bit more of an event when you drive, then the Mini. Live a little. I have driven the Civics and I think they are naff. Small Toyotas are much better IMO and you can get a hybrid.
 

LaFemme

Mythical Member
Staff
Moderator
Verified
Gold
Platinum Gold
Joined
Aug 16, 2010
Posts
40,872
Media
2
Likes
38,886
Points
743
Location
Canada
Sexuality
90% Straight, 10% Gay
Gender
Female
Hmmm I was planning to Visit Canada next year...but with foot rests not being a standard feature I might give it a miss. Deal breaker!!!

OMG! *thinks quickly as to not ruin Aussie to Canuck tourism trade*

Um, but all our rental companies offer foot massage by the comely masseuse of your choice! :biggrin1:

Coming now?
 

D_Rufus_D_Dufus

Account Disabled
Joined
Apr 26, 2010
Posts
268
Media
0
Likes
58
Points
53
My 1st choice would be the Mini because it's a well made car and usually the BMW coverage. My 2nd would be Ford, they've really stepped up in car making.
As for the others I'm not too familiar with them.

Depending on the price point you're looking for keep in mind you get what you pay for. If you have a little extra to spend then spend it on something that will keep it's resale value and gives you what you need.
 

Rikter8

Expert Member
Joined
Jun 30, 2005
Posts
4,353
Media
1
Likes
125
Points
283
Location
Ann Arbor (Michigan, United States)
Sexuality
90% Gay, 10% Straight
Gender
Male
The worst track record long term in domestic U.S. built cars is General Motors. Surprisingly the best GM track record is the Chevrolet Corvette and the worst is the Cadillac with regards to reliability.

I would believe that since the 90s were disasterous for GM quality. Not sure what happened, but I think greed definitely took over.
Corvette the most reliable? I guess that could be, but don't tell that to a owner of a 90's ZR1. Back in the day, the fuel pump alone was over $1000. That quad cam monster was a gem in it's day that was a black eye when it came to be repaired.

Caddy went down with the Northstar ( AKA deathstar), and quality issues with many sensors etc.
The death of Pontiac in 2009 was a direct shout out that GM didn't care about their heritage anymore, just their profit and pocketbooks.
Same went with Oldsmobile. I dont know what the hell that Vibe was in 2010...sure looked like a Toyota to me...
Then to try and save face...they bring back the Camaro. Too little, too late. I think the devout GM performance fans long left nor will they return for that piece.

I'd prefer a 60's 70's and possibly an 80's GM though. Yea, their reliability wasn't all that great, but they can be improved with aftermarket parts.