Which car to buy (compact, fuel efficient, sub $17K)

[Thrasher]

I need advice on buying a new vehicle. I was thinking something compact and very fuel efficient and reliable. Probably a Japanese car. Was looking at Nissan Versa, Toyota Yaris, and possibly Suzuki SX4, Mazda 3, although the last two are a little bit out of my price range.

I would like to have good cargo capacity, so a hatchback would be preferrable, but not overly necessary. Air conditioning would be nice, but I can live without it (not really needed here in Calgary).

Although I swore I would never buy a GM vehicle again, the Pontiac G3 is priced very competitively now with $11K including delivery. Is GM really that bad and unreliable and risk buying even with a 5 year warranty?

So far my top candidates are Nissan Versa hatchback and Toyota Yaris Sedan (I don't like the looks of the yaris hatch).

Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.

[coriolis]

New and on the road?


The Hyundai Elantra perhaps?

[deadprez]

Its red tag deals at toyota.ca

They are advertising a corolla for $15,000 brand new.

I don't think you can go wrong with this car in terms of reliability and fuel efficiency.
It is infinitely more comfortable then the Yaris.

http://www.toyota.ca/cgi-bin/WebObjects/WWW.woa/9/wo/Home-tu7CMkRLpS61Nk44MHbWIw/0.5.0.1?fmg%2fhome%2fhome.html

[cyc1120]

Have you considered the Hyundai Accent hatch? It seems to fit your requirements well.

[scouzer]

I need advice on buying a new vehicle. I was thinking something compact and very fuel efficient and reliable. Probably a Japanese car. Was looking at Nissan Versa, Toyota Yaris, and possibly Suzuki SX4, Mazda 3, although the last two are a little bit out of my price range.

I would like to have good cargo capacity, so a hatchback would be preferrable, but not overly necessary. Air conditioning would be nice, but I can live without it (not really needed here in Calgary).

Although I swore I would never buy a GM vehicle again, the Pontiac G3 is priced very competitively now with $11K including delivery. Is GM really that bad and unreliable and risk buying even with a 5 year warranty?

So far my top candidates are Nissan Versa hatchback and Toyota Yaris Sedan (I don't like the looks of the yaris hatch).

Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.

I can tell you from experience that yes, GM is THAT unreliable even with a 5 year warranty.

I'd go with the Versa as it's the most comfortable.

[help_questions]

I need advice on buying a new vehicle. I was thinking something compact and very fuel efficient and reliable. Probably a Japanese car. Was looking at Nissan Versa, Toyota Yaris, and possibly Suzuki SX4, Mazda 3, although the last two are a little bit out of my price range.

I would like to have good cargo capacity, so a hatchback would be preferrable, but not overly necessary. Air conditioning would be nice, but I can live without it (not really needed here in Calgary).

Although I swore I would never buy a GM vehicle again, the Pontiac G3 is priced very competitively now with $11K including delivery. Is GM really that bad and unreliable and risk buying even with a 5 year warranty?

So far my top candidates are Nissan Versa hatchback and Toyota Yaris Sedan (I don't like the looks of the yaris hatch).

Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.

As many others will tell you here, YES, GM is that bad. If they gave you a lifetime warranty, you'd spend your lifetime getting your car fixed. It is not worth the risk, so don't take the chance. You made the right decision before when you swore off GM. Stick to it. I suggest getting the Nissan Versa hatchback.

[charliebrown]

I think some ontario toyota dealers are selling the yaris w/ a $2300 cash rebate; if you dont need options or automatic, you can get the 5dr LE or even the RS on the road for $17k

[mr_raider]

Does the Focus still come in hatchback?

Yeah, GM builds some decent cars, but the G3 isn't one them. Of the bunch you listed, the Mazda 3 or Versa would be my pcik.

[VivienM]

Yeah, GM builds some decent cars, but the G3 isn't one them.

The G3 is built by the ex-Daewoo operation in Korea. Whether that makes it better/worse than an old-school built-in-North-America GM is a whole other debate.

[Thrasher]

Thanks for the imput guys! I will look into Hyundais a little bit more. But I suppose Nissan Versa is still my first pick. I do need automatic, so Toyota Yaris might be too expensieve with all the bonus options.

What do you guys think about the Nissan Versa sedan? It's $1.5K cheaper than the hathback...

And thanks for the advice about GM. I think I'll stay away from them for good.

[mannyb]

Was looking at Nissan Versa, Toyota Yaris, and possibly Suzuki SX4, Mazda 3, although the last two are a little bit out of my price range.Today, I pulled a carcostcanada report for the Yaris and Mazda 3. Here are the details to help you with your choices:

2009 Yaris 5dr HB Auto RS
MSRP: $20,270 (dealer invoice: $18,931)
Freight: $1,220
Air Con tax: $100
Extra Cost Paint: $255 (dealer invoice: $214)
Total: $21,845 ($20,465)

Other incentives:
Factory to Dealer Rebate: $1,750
Graduate program: $500
Toyoto gas card: $250

Finance Program:
Retail Finance 0.00% 36
Retail Finance 2.90% 48
Retail Finance 3.90% 60

Lease Program:
Lease Rate 1.90% 36
Lease Rate 2.90% 48
Lease Rate 3.90% 60

General Comments:

No Security Deposit on all leases.
The Graduate Program can be combined with any other available factory incentive. Please check with dealer regarding eligibility and further details. This program is to be applied to the after tax amount.
The Toyota Gas Card program applies to deliveries between April 1, 2009 and April 30, 2009. The customer has a choice of receiving a cash discount of $250 off their purchase price or a Pre-Paid Gas Card of the same value. This program can be combined with any other available Factory incentives and is to be applied to the after tax amount. Please consult your dealer for further details.
The Non-stackable Trading Dollars/Factory to Dealer Rebate can not be combined with any other available factory incentive (including lease, finance rates and Trading Dollars, if available).

[mannyb]

2010 Mazda MAZDA3 4dr HB Auto GX

MSRP: $18,195.00 (Dealer Invoice: $16,981.00)
Freight $1,395.00

Optional equipment selected
- AIR CONDITIONING -inc: outside temp display (AB00) $1,195.00 (Dealer Invoice: $1,115.00)
- FEDERAL AIR CONDITIONING EXCISE TAX (-EXTAX) $100.00 $100.00
- SOLID PAINT (-PT) $0.00 $0.00
- EXTRA COST PEARL PAINT (-EXTRA) $200.00 (Dealer Invoice: $163)

Totals including all items above $21,085.00 (Dealer Invoice: $19,754.00)
*Retail Price - Also referred to as the M.S.R.P. or Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price or Retail Factory Price. The price the dealer wants you to pay.

** Wholesale Price - Also referred to as the Dealer Invoice Price, Dealer Factory Price or Dealer Cost. The price the dealer pays for the car, before adjusting for any applicable Factory Incentives. To start your negotiations, take this number, add a fair dealer markup/profit (3%-6% on most cars) and deduct any applicable factory incentive below.

Current Factory Incentive Programs.
Incentive Type Value Term Expiry
Cash Incentives
Security Deposit Waiver $0.00 June 30, 2009
Grad Award/Factory to Consumer Rebate $500.00 June 30, 2009
Finance Program
APR Retail Finance 2.9% 24 June 30, 2009
APR Retail Finance 2.9% 36 June 30, 2009
APR Retail Finance 3.9% 48 June 30, 2009
APR Retail Finance 3.9% 60 June 30, 2009
APR Retail Finance - 60 months term/84 months ammortization 4.9% 60/84 June 30, 2009
APR Retail Finance 4.9% 72 June 30, 2009
APR Retail Finance 4.9% 84 June 30, 2009
APR Retail Finance 5.1% 96 June 30, 2009
Lease Program
Financial Linx Lease Rate 6.9% 24 June 30, 2009
Financial Linx Lease Rate 6.9% 36 June 30, 2009
Financial Linx Lease Rate 6.9% 48 June 30, 2009
Financial Linx Lease Rate 6.9% 60 June 30, 2009
General Comments and Additional Factory Incentive Program Details
The Grad Award/Factory to Consumer Rebate can be combined with any other available factory incentive. Please check with the dealer regarding eligibility and further details. This program is to be applied to the after tax amount.
The Owner Renewal Discount of 1.0% APR Finance Rate/1.0% Lease Rate is available to all customers who previously financed or leased a Mazda vehicle. Please consult your dealer for further details.
There is no Security Deposit required on any subvented Mazda lease

[mannyb]

I also pulled the carcostcanada reports for:

2009 Hyundai Elantra Sedan Auto
2009 Kia Rio5 5dr HB Auto
2009 Kia Spectra5 5dr HB Auto
2010 Kia Soul Auto 2u
2009 Hyundai Elantra Touring 4dr Wgn Auto GL

If you want the details to the above cars let me know and I'll paste it onto this thread.

[Thrasher]

Sorry I'm new to this. What exaclty do these reports mean? What does dealer invoice mean? and are the quoted prices final including taxes and everything?
Yes, I would be interested in Kia Soul and Hyundai Elantra prices. Thanks.

[mannyb]

Sorry I'm ne to this. What exaclty do these reports mean? What does dealer invoice mean? and are the quoted prices final including taxes and everything?
Yes, I would be interested in Kia Soul and Hyundai Elantra prices. Thanks.Dealer invoice is what the dealer paid the manufacturer for the car. Try to negotiate the price as close to "dealer invoice" as possible. The final prices do not include PST/GST so you need to add the taxes accordingly. Do you want me to post the Elantra sedan or the Elantra Touring prices?

[emay]

I also pulled the carcostcanada reports for:

2009 Hyundai Elantra Sedan Auto
2009 Kia Rio5 5dr HB Auto
2009 Kia Spectra5 5dr HB Auto
2010 Kia Soul Auto 2u
2009 Hyundai Elantra Touring 4dr Wgn Auto GL

If you want the details to the above cars let me know and I'll paste it onto this thread.

Could you please post the report of 2009 Hyundai Elantra Sedan Auto? Thanks!

[mannyb]

Could you please post the report of 2009 Hyundai Elantra Sedan Auto? Thanks!You owe me ;-)

2009 Hyundai Elantra 4dr Sdn Auto GLS
4-door Mid-Size Passenger Car

Manufacture warranty
Basic: 5 Years/100,000 km Drivetrain: 5 Years/100,000 km Corrosion: 5 Years/Unlimited km Roadside Assistance: 3 Years/Unlimited km

Fuel economy
EnerGuide Estimate - City (L/100 km): 8.2
EnerGuide Estimate - Hwy (L/100 km): 6.0

Retail Price * Wholesale Price**
Base $20,595.00 (Dealer invoice: $19,303)
Freight $1,495.00 $1,495.00
Optional equipment selected
- FEDERAL AIR CONDITIONING EXCISE TAX (-EXTAX) $100.00 $100.00
- STANDARD PAINT (-PT) $0.00 $0.00
Totals including all items above $22,190.00 (Dealer invoice: $20,898.00)
*Retail Price - Also referred to as the M.S.R.P. or Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price or Retail Factory Price. The price the dealer wants you to pay.

** Wholesale Price - Also referred to as the Dealer Invoice Price, Dealer Factory Price or Dealer Cost. The price the dealer pays for the car, before adjusting for any applicable Factory Incentives. To start your negotiations, take this number, add a fair dealer markup/profit (3%-6% on most cars) and deduct any applicable factory incentive below.

Current Factory Incentive Programs.
Incentive Type Value Term Expiry
Cash Incentives
Security Deposit Waiver $0.00 April 30, 2009
Stackable Cash Discount/Factory to Dealer Rebate $3,500.00 April 30, 2009
Graduate Rebate Program $500.00 April 30, 2009

Finance Program
Retail Finance 0.00% 24 April 30, 2009
Retail Finance 0.00% 36 April 30, 2009
Retail Finance 0.90% 48 April 30, 2009
Retail Finance 2.55% 60 April 30, 2009
Future Value Finance - 60 months term/84 months amortization - except Quebec 2.55% 60/84 April 30, 2009
Retail Finance 2.55% 72 April 30, 2009

Lease Program
Promotional Lease Rate 6.10% 24 April 30, 2009
Promotional Lease Rate 6.10% 36 April 30, 2009
Promotional Lease Rate 6.10% 48 April 30, 2009
Promotional Lease Rate 6.10% 60 April 30, 2009
General Comments and Additional Factory Incentive Program Details
The Graduate Rebate Program can be combined with any other available factory incentive. Please check with dealer regarding eligibility and further details. This program is to be applied to the after tax amount.
No Security Deposit required on all leases.
Please consult your dealer regarding The Future Value Finance Program for further details.
The Stackable Cash Discount/Factory to Dealer Rebate can be combined with any other available factory incentive (including lease and finance rates) excluding the Dealer cash, if available. Please note a dealer participation fee of $500 applies which needs to be added to the Wholesale Price Total. Please consult your dealer for further details.

[Thrasher]

Dealer invoice is what the dealer paid the manufacturer for the car. Try to negotiate the price as close to "dealer invoice" as possible. The final prices do not include PST/GST so you need to add the taxes accordingly. Do you want me to post the Elantra sedan or the Elantra Touring prices?

I see.... Can you post the Elantra Touring price? Thanks...

[mannyb]

I see.... Can you post the Elantra Touring price? Thanks...


2009 Hyundai Elantra Touring 4dr Wgn Auto GL
Small Station Wagon

Manufacture warranty
Basic: 5 Years/100,000 km Drivetrain: 5 Years/100,000 km Corrosion: 5 Years/Unlimited km Roadside Assistance: 3 Years/Unlimited km

Fuel economy
EnerGuide Estimate - City (L/100 km): 8.7
EnerGuide Estimate - Hwy (L/100 km): 6.5



Retail Price * Wholesale Price**
Base $19,995.00 (Dealer invoice: $18,754.00)
Freight $1,495.00 $1,495.00
Optional equipment selected
- FEDERAL AIR CONDITIONING EXCISE TAX (-EXTAX) $100.00 $100.00
- SOLID PAINT (-PT) $0.00 $0.00
Totals including all items above $21,590.00 (Dealer Invoice: $20,349.00)

*Retail Price - Also referred to as the M.S.R.P. or Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price or Retail Factory Price. The price the dealer wants you to pay.

** Wholesale Price - Also referred to as the Dealer Invoice Price, Dealer Factory Price or Dealer Cost. The price the dealer pays for the car, before adjusting for any applicable Factory Incentives. To start your negotiations, take this number, add a fair dealer markup/profit (3%-6% on most cars) and deduct any applicable factory incentive below.

Current Factory Incentive Programs.
Incentive Type Value Term Expiry
Cash Incentives
Security Deposit Waiver $0.00 April 30, 2009
Security Deposit Waiver $0.00 April 30, 2009
Graduate Rebate Program $500.00 April 30, 2009

Finance Program
Retail Finance 2.55% 24 April 30, 2009
Retail Finance 2.55% 36 April 30, 2009
Retail Finance 2.55% 48 April 30, 2009
Retail Finance 2.55% 60 April 30, 2009
Future Value Finance - 60 months term/84 months amortization - except Quebec 2.55% 60/84 April 30, 2009
Retail Finance 2.55% 72 April 30, 2009

Lease Program
Promotional Lease Rate 4.20% 24 April 30, 2009
Promotional Lease Rate 4.20% 36 April 30, 2009
Promotional Lease Rate 4.20% 48 April 30, 2009
Promotional Lease Rate 5.00% 60 April 30, 2009

General Comments and Additional Factory Incentive Program Details
No Security Deposit required on all leases.
No Security Deposit required on all leases.
The Graduate Rebate Program can be combined with any other available factory incentive. Please check with dealer regarding eligibility and further details. This program is to be applied to the after tax amount.
Please consult your dealer regarding The Future Value Finance Program for further details.
Please note when leasing or financing a dealer participation fee of $150 applies which needs to be applied to the Wholesale Price Total. Please consult your dealer for further details.

[emay]

[QUOTE=mannyb;8578456]You owe me ;-)

2009 Hyundai Elantra 4dr Sdn Auto GLS
4-door Mid-Size Passenger Car
......

Thank you!!!!!!!

[Thrasher]

Does anyone know what the dealer invoice price is for the Toyota Yaris Sedan 2009 cash purchase price with just the automatic transmittion and no other options?

[UrbanPoet]

How about a Saturn Astra? It comes in a 3 & 5 dr h/b

[Thrasher]

How about a Saturn Astra? It comes in a 3 & 5 dr h/b

I prefer not to buy GM.