Which car would you choose? 25K -> Impreza, Civic, Lancer, Jetta, Mazda 3 etc...

[Azxster]

GF is looking for a new compact car...

Just wondering what would you choose and why?

I think the Impreza 5 Door is a good car since it is around 26K for the Premium package from Van Bortel (6.1% Duties, 13% Tax). It is equipped with the famous Subaru boxer engine, AWD, and VDS.

Although there are many Civics on the road... you can't really go wrong. Unfortunately the Si does not come in automatic and that is what she want. So the EX-SR would be the model of choice on a Civic.

The Mazda 3 is a fun car to drive and ride in. I am unsure of reliability but it offers a lot for the money. The new changes for 2008.5 are quite attractive.

I do not know much about VW but gf likes the looks of the GTI.

What do you guys suggest considering? It would be great to take advantage of the Canadian dollar purchasing power and the Subaru is a very good price especially since they are so accommodating with exporting the vehicle to Canada.

[belgiangenius]

I'd say avoid the Golf. German cars are bottom of the barrel for reliability these days.

[jedijome]

for 25k you could get the new malibu 08.

i don't know what's with me but i really like the car. i was pricing it out the lt2 and it comes to 27400 which is really really appealing.
apparently there are a couple of trim levels below it which should come in under your 25k limit.

i never though i'd be seriously considering a sedan from gm since so far i've really been interested in the mazda3 and/or the lancer.

[stuffthatsgood]

I’d pick the Impreza. The AWD was the deal maker when I was in this same market for buying a new car in November 2006.

[belgiangenius]

for 25k you could get the new malibu 08.

i don't know what's with me but i really like the car. i was pricing it out the lt2 and it comes to 27400 which is really really appealing.
apparently there are a couple of trim levels below it which should come in under your 25k limit.

i never though i'd be seriously considering a sedan from gm since so far i've really been interested in the mazda3 and/or the lancer.

The Malibu is a really nice car - I saw it in the mall the other day. Two things bother me about it, though:

1. Four speed automatic. Is it still 1995?
2. No multi-link double wishbone suspension, like the competition.

[VivienM]

for 25k you could get the new malibu 08.

i don't know what's with me but i really like the car. i was pricing it out the lt2 and it comes to 27400 which is really really appealing.
apparently there are a couple of trim levels below it which should come in under your 25k limit.

i never though i'd be seriously considering a sedan from gm since so far i've really been interested in the mazda3 and/or the lancer.

Saturn Aura, too... you get the warm-and-fuzzy female-friendly dealers, and the car might be easier to find than the Malibu.

*sigh* Speaking of Aura, what happened to the engine options? What happened to having a proper American engine under the hood of an American car?

[VivienM]

1. Four speed automatic. Is it still 1995?

I think they were planning to offer some 4 cyl Malibus with 6 speeds later in the 2008 model year. Not sure that's still the plan; I haven't been keeping up on my GM rumours.

But realistically, who cares? If the car has competitive fuel economy and performance numbers, does it matter that it has one less gear?

[VivienM]

GF is looking for a new compact car...

It has to be compact?

If it didn't... well... everybody knows what I'd say ;)

[jedijome]

gm w body?
hahah


yeah the lack of a six speed option is bothering me, that's the one thing that i wish they'd just offer since that would really seal the deal for me. currently the only way to get the 6spd option is with the top of the range ltz or if you upgrade the lt2 with a 2000 dollar package.that gives you 6 the 6 speed tranny, the v6 and a whole bunch of other neat options. but imo that just makes the car too expensive and with gas prices today i don't know if i want a v6.

[woodstock827]

I really don't like the look of the new Impreza.
From your list, I'd probably go for the Lancer or the Rabbit (or City Golf if you really cheap).
How about some sub-compacts like Accent, Fit, or Versa? I personally love the Versa after test-driving it.

I also guess your GF is buying.. If you can lease, (never thought I'd say this) I'd try out the Saturn Astra.. although I wouldn't buy it since I still don't trust GM..

[ElvaSoShexai]

i haven't been in the new imprezzas but the previous generation imprezza is really cramped inside vs the new civic... also, my frd's imprezza has so many electrical problems and minor mechanical problems.

the new civic has a really crap interior. sure, the car is reliable, but all the small things will get to u. sometimes i wonder how long the interior can last. the fabric seems crappier than my 93 camry (actually, the fabric of all cars in this category from several makes seems crappier too). the plastics are horrible and easy to scratch. i'm always careful with my cars... but other ppl when they get in. no so much. u WILL hear rattles... um there will probably be a bunch of minor stuff that'll get to u. like sometimes when i turn the key to start the car, it won't start. but it's becaue of some weird thing where u turn it too fast or something... and apparently.. it's common...

the mazda3 is pretty nice actually. as long as it's new, it won't have AC issue... do new ones have dead pedals now?.. i've seen a lot of dead ones on the road... but none of my frds w/ mazda3s hv any complaints.

no clue about vw...

[mikecb]

Impreza is a nice car for sure... especially at that price point. I just purchased a car actually and after examing all my options ended up getting something I wouldn't have expected - A 2005 mercedes-benz C320.

The thing about new cars as I'm sure you know is that they lose so much of their value the minute they leave the lot, but buying used is usually just a crappy idea. That being said, you can search on MB's canadian site and find vehicles that are listed as "Star Certified" which means they still have their original warranty up to 120K kilometers. For 25Kish I would suggest looking at anything from 2001-2005 (the 2001 is when the new body style came out). These cars are great to drive, surprisingly fuel efficient, and even the base models have always come with more features than most other cars! If you're interested in the Subaru's AWD, the MB 4Matic option is great, check 4matic.ca for info. about it.

Just an idea, but might be worth looking into. They offere some really good finiancing options and the cars retain their value better than most others. I thought we would finance but we ended up leasing - very reasonable monthly payments and so far my girlfriend and I absolutely love the car.

Anyways, good luck!

[baboo]

looks like OP is open to purchase from down south, then impreza FTW hands down.

For 21k+tax+duty, you can get a 5 door hatch the AWD and NAVI...can't beat it........

[ShadowVlican]

u get more value from the impreza vs the mz3

i haven't personally compared it with the other cars though

[tugzy]

Too bad you want an Auto

My 2008 Honda Civic Si Sedan is an awesome car...amazingly fun daily driver, and i cant wait to take it to the track next spring.
http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w260/chrismtwn/DSC_0002.jpg

[frogger]

yeah the lack of a six speed option is bothering me, that's the one thing that i wish they'd just offer since that would really seal the deal for me. currently the only way to get the 6spd option is with the top of the range ltz or if you upgrade the lt2 with a 2000 dollar package.that gives you 6 the 6 speed tranny, the v6 and a whole bunch of other neat options. but imo that just makes the car too expensive and with gas prices today i don't know if i want a v6.
I recall reading that the 6 speed auto will be available with the 4 cylinder model by the end of the year.

[Azxster]

...

[P90Puma]

I know you said new, but still my choice:

http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2006/11/13/028492.1-lg.jpg

2000-2001 6spd = 25k after import = :twisted:

[XxXSnake23XxX]

2004/2005 Subaru WRX STi!
you can find those for under or on par with 25,000
300 HP baby!! and AWD!
can't beat that..

[DeimosBeros]

2000-2001 6spd = 25k after import = :twisted:

interesting....proof? where/model/km? i want a fast summer ride, getting tired of the ricer(02 si)

Here, here! What's the catch? SELLING YOUR SOUL? :twisted:

[bionicbadger]

What is she using the car for? just commuting in the city? does she want sporty driving? Is fuel economy more important? Will people actually sit in the back seats of the car often/for a long time?

You have GVR as the icon, but are talking about van bortel which is on the other side of the continent, why? Look at cars101 if you are in vancouver.

Imprezza and GTI are both nice sporty cars. Audi A3 is nice little car too.

If fuel economy is important take a look at a TDI.

Mazda3 is an alright car, but resale isn't great on it (too many in the market?)

[M-e-X-x]

impreza for me.. already on my 2nd one...

really no choice/no brainer for the 3 conditions i wanted for a car:

1. a japanese car actually MADE IN JAPAN
2. sub 30k out the door
3. true AWD (search for my posts on my def. of true AWD)

no fwd for me as i've been a little spoiled from driving only 4wd, awd, or rwd vehicles... family's cars were either one of these configurations

[M-e-X-x]

i haven't been in the new imprezzas but the previous generation imprezza is really cramped inside vs the new civic... also, my frd's imprezza has so many electrical problems and minor mechanical problems.

lemon impreza maybe?

2004/2005 Subaru WRX STi!
you can find those for under or on par with 25,000
300 HP baby!! and AWD!
can't beat that..

OP's gf wants auto, not stick

[KawaiiTentacleBeast]

I know you said new, but still my choice:

http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2006/11/13/028492.1-lg.jpg

2000-2001 6spd = 25k after import = :twisted:

Pfft. Everyone knows that's not a real Porsche. Air cooled 993 or go home.

[Ironballz]

It's a little more than 25k but I would definitely go with the new Altima sedan. I love that car. It was my primary choice but out of my range so I settled on an 08 Lancer which I really like as well.

[Slippery_Pete]

lemon impreza maybe?


Impossible, since its MIJ.

[M-e-X-x]

Impossible, since its MIJ.

to quote adidas, impossible is nothing :lol:

it's rare to hear of these kinda problems ur friend is having with his impreza...

[sannin]

Whichever one has more room between an Imprezza or Mazda3 Sport, that's my pick.

[EH100501AC]

Impreza :) Fun/safe in the winter!

[corykg]

You can get a Subaru Legacy 2.5i SE with auto for about $22000 from Eastside Subaru in Seattle. I found Zach easier to deal with than Joe at cars101.com.

(I imported in Nov 2007.)

edit: Could get a Legacy 2.5i Premium w/leather and traction control for ~$25000

[grant]

If you REALLY can find me one of those, 6 speed, 2000/2001, under 80,000miles, in good condition, for $25k imported... I will paypal you $300 in gratitude!

BTW, $25k = $21000 in the states, + 18.1% duties/taxes, + 200 RIV. (I'll set aside PPI, provincial inspection, and transportation costs).

I know you said new, but still my choice:
[snip: image of silver 996]
2000-2001 6spd = 25k after import = :twisted:

[redkid]

I'd say avoid the Golf. German cars are bottom of the barrel for reliability these days.

fine go buy a civic which will last you forever and be one of the million
life is short, buy what you want, enjoy the smooth ride of a nice german vehicle which makes you feel like a real man

i drove civics and is like having a shoe box with wheels
yeah it's realiable, yeah u put gas and oil change and goes and goes
but it sucks on corners, has no power you need to modify and upgrade to be an almost decent car oh and i forgot to mention is one of the cars which thieves love to break into and steal more often as it's so easy to get in to without keys :) also it's made out of cheap fabric

after driving few germans, they're so much better and comfortable, they look nicer, drive is tighter and repairs are not so bad like they say

[ssainani]

i would get the VW also

they're not horrible how this stupid forum makes them out to be --

if you want a nice car the VW is the choice -- if you don't care about anything except the cheapest possible and most reliable car...the civic is it

[movieman]

i would get the VW also
they're not horrible how this stupid forum makes them out to be

It's not 'this stupid forum' making VW out to be horrible; I was reading some used car guides recently and VW had one of the lowest reliability ratings of all car manufacturers. I've never owned a Mexican/Brazilian VW, but after reading those I wouldn't want to either... and to get the German models it appears you have to pay Geman prices.

Haven't tried the Lancer or Mazda 3, but I have test-driven 2008 Civics and Imprezas while looking at new cars with my girlfriend, and, between those, I'd say it depends. The Impreza has more space, is more fun to drive and is vastly better on snow, but the Civic is more fuel efficient, has a more modern auto box and a better looking interior (no idea whether it will last better).

Right now it looks like my girlfriend is getting a Civic and I'm getting an Impreza :).

[M-e-X-x]

Right now it looks like my girlfriend is getting a Civic and I'm getting an Impreza :).

good stuff... girls look cute in civics imo... or at least the girls i know look cute in their civics haha...

impreza for me since i'm paying the same amount for freight, pdi, for a car made in japan and for one made in canada, so why not get more for my money in a sense?

[speeeeee]

impreza since i have one and know they are the BEST for our climate... AWD IS AMAZING

[Spray]

USDM Legacy? :P

[artemm]

Test drive a Jetta. You should also seriously consider a diesel Jetta. Sporty ride, excellent engineering, great styling, and unbeatable fuel mileage.

[DaLurker]

I also recommend you consider the Jetta.

[ES_Revenge]

Although there are many Civics on the road... you can't really go wrong.
Oh you can go wrong alright--by buying a Civic! :lol: Plus Civics (particularly the Si) are for boy-racers, not for people that want to be taken seriously.

But some of these cars are wildly varying in price no? Like a [non-MazdaSpeed] Mazda3 is not as much as a GTI right? And surely it can't cost as much as an Impreza? (Though I'm not sure about that one). And then a Civic Si is surely more expensive than any currently available Lancer...

I don't think the Civic, the 3, or the Lancer really fit in with the Impreza and GTI mentioned.

Anyway I've driven all these cars except the Civic Si (but have driven the other Civics in the same generation), and the new Impreza. But given the choice I'd probably go with the GTI, but the new Impreza looks very nice as well. If it was Golf v. Impreza though I'd go with the Impreza.

*sigh* Speaking of Aura, what happened to the engine options? What happened to having a proper American engine under the hood of an American car?
:confused: The Aura XR has the LY7 in it no? The LY7 and it's direct-injected counterpart (the LLT) are quite certainly the best V6s GM has put in small/midsize cars since, well, since forever.

Regarding the G6/Aura/Malibu as a purchase for the purposes of this thread though? I would only recommend the OP do that if it's going to be a lease or a car that she'll keep for 10 years or so. Otherwise the depreciation is gonna be tough to swallow come 4-5 years down the road...

[VivienM]

:confused: The Aura XR has the LY7 in it no? The LY7 and it's direct-injected counterpart (the LLT) are quite certainly the best V6s GM has put in small/midsize cars since, well, since forever.

And I'm sure you're aware of my preference for pushrods. The Aura XE was launched with a 3.5L VVT pushrod as the base engine; they've since replaced that with a DOHC 4 banger Ecotec. I call this a step back!

Regarding the G6/Aura/Malibu as a purchase for the purposes of this thread though? I would only recommend the OP do that if it's going to be a lease or a car that she'll keep for 10 years or so. Otherwise the depreciation is gonna be tough to swallow come 4-5 years down the road...

Depends how generous GM is feeling right now. If the financing terms are the same as for the imports, sure. But if not...