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Which Hatchback?

768 messages,  Last post on Jul 16, 2012 at 2:54 PM

You are in the Hatchbacks Forum.

What is this discussion about? Chevrolet Aveo, Hyundai Elantra, Ford Focus, Mazda Protege5, Suzuki Aerio, Honda Civic, Hybrid Cars, Hatchback, Sedan

Messages Page 73 of 77

#719 of 768 Re: Holding pattern [doohickie] by backy

Dec 03, 2007 (9:20 pm)

Replying to: doohickie (Dec 03, 2007 7:40 pm)
The Elantra Touring has a bigger cargo compartment (comparing the size of the rear end behind the rear wheels) and nicer interior than the Spectra5, and also standard ESC. So I'll take the Elantra Touring over the Spectra5 any day.
 
I was shocked by the Rio also--shocked that it got a "Poor" in the IIHS side crash test. So the Rio5, and its cousin the Accent hatch, are a no-op for me. Also I don't see that the Rio5 will cost much less, comparably equipped, compared to the Fit, which I think is a superior car even as a 2008 model, except for the great driver's seat on the Rio5.

#720 of 768 To all Suzuki Aerio experts...help with possible tranny issue? by w2e

Dec 07, 2007 (8:30 pm)

Okay ladies and gents...
I own a 2003 Suzuki Aerio SX 2wd with approx. 43K miles. Everything has been fine until this year.
 
First....grinding brakes. Note that the brake pads did NOT need to be replaced, they were fine, just Suzuki's inability to maintain lube on the break components (according to my mechanic...but if that sounds like a crock, please let me know).
That problem has since been fixed (it took 4 visits to the shop, but at least that problem is "at bay" for now).
 
Now for the doozy and where I really need some help.
 
Recently, after getting my battery replaced (it died), my "check engine" light went on. Apparently I had a spark plug that needed replacing. Right after that happened I noticed that at higher speeds (50-60 mph) the car would "jump" and almost loose power when I took my foot off of the accelerator. Left it with the mechanic today, and he thinks it may be a tranny issue. Fuel injector cleaner has been done and all other services have been maintained. Could it really be a tranny issue or is my mechanic full of it?
 
And if it is a tranny issue, does anyone know what the Suzuki warranty is on such issues and the expiry of such warranty's? Keeping in mind I bought the car in Canada in 2003 and then moved to the US the following year (only mentioning as I'm not sure if that has any bearing on the warranty).
 
Before I pick up the phone and call Suzuki myself, I thought I would put these issues out there to see if anyone has any wise advice. As I'm sure you can see, I'm in need of some as I'm not exactly a car expert!
 
Thank you for your words of wisdom in advance!

#721 of 768 Re: To all Suzuki Aerio experts...help with possible tranny issue? [w2e] by autonomous

Dec 11, 2007 (12:07 pm)

Replying to: w2e (Dec 07, 2007 8:30 pm)
The best thing to do is to check the owner's manual for warranty items.
 
Barring misuse, a tranny issue on a 4 year old car with only 43K miles sounds unusual to me. Is your mechanic a Suzuki dealership mechanic or an independent? Work on trannies can be expensive; it may be a good idea getting a second opinion before proceeding.

#722 of 768 which models have reclining rear seats by tmbc

Jan 06, 2008 (10:21 pm)

I am looking to purchase a new vehicle and one criteria is that I would like rear seats that recline enough that my 2 kids can sleep comfortably. Other criteria are decent gas milage (25+ mpg mixed) and quite/comfortable ride. Any suggestions on models to research? I am looking at hatchbacks as well as small wagons.
 
tmbc

#723 of 768 Re: which models have reclining rear seats [tmbc] by backy

Jan 07, 2008 (8:29 pm)

Replying to: tmbc (Jan 06, 2008 10:21 pm)
I don't know how far the rear seats have to recline so your 2 kids can sleep, but I don't know of any small hatchbacks where the rear seats recline more than a few degrees. The other consideration is, if your kids will be sleeping while you're driving, you really don't want their seats to recline much because the seatbelts will be ineffective then.
 
If you must have a rear seat that reclines a lot, you might look at the Mazda5, which has two captain's chairs in the 2nd row. I don't know how far they recline, but they probably recline more than a standard rear seat would. It might squeeze under your mpg limit.

#724 of 768 Re: which models have reclining rear seats [backy] by tmbc

Jan 12, 2008 (1:59 pm)

Replying to: backy (Jan 07, 2008 8:29 pm)
Thanks Backy,
 
Do you know of specific small vehicles that do have some degree of reclining rear seats? I dont' really care if it is a hatchback, wagon or sedan. One option I am considering is looking for a preowned Malibu Maxx. I am also considering the Mazda5, but want to wait for the 08s to arrive.
 
We are currently in a Hyundai Accent. When we drive for more than about 20 minutes, the kids (9 and 10 yrs old) fall asleep, then end up laying across the bench, held in only by the loosened lap belt. If I can find a vehicle where they can can lean back a bit, perhaps they will at least stay upright behind the shoulder belt.
 
tmbc

#725 of 768 Re: which models have reclining rear seats [tmbc] by backy

Jan 12, 2008 (3:03 pm)

Replying to: tmbc (Jan 12, 2008 1:59 pm)
The current-gen Accent hatchbacks have a reclining rear seat, but it's a slight, single notch adjustment. I think some other small hatches such as Yaris and Fit have a similar adjustment for recline also. I'll bet the Maxx' rear seat reclines more than it those cars.
 
If you live in or near a city with an auto show, it is getting to that season now (mine is in March). That is a quick way to find all the cars with reclining rear seats, and let your kids check them out.
 
Why wait for the '08 Mazda5s? Are they much different from the '07s? You might be able to get a big discount on an '07. While at Mazda, look at the Mazda3s and Mazda6 hatches also, their seats may recline a bit.
 
Have you looked at small SUVs, e.g. CR-X and Tucson? They may have reclining rear seats. Most may not make your 25 mpg limit, but the CR-X might.

#726 of 768 Getting ready for a new car.... by malagen

Mar 03, 2008 (2:15 pm)

I am getting ready to buy a new car. I have been researching for months now, and my mind is saturated with review information. I need some advice from some real world drivers I guess. I am looking for a low cost car, like most people these days. I have been looking at the Honda Fit, Scion xB and xD. I like the tC a bit, not sure if it'll fit what I want though. The new Corolla isn't too bad either. I am trying to keep the price below $18k, so other cars like a cheap Fusion might be ok. Mostly I just want a car that is quiet, I am so sick of the tire and wind noise in my car now. Mileage is another concern, hence the interest in tiny cars mostly. Any advice on the cars out there? Can anyone tell me if the Fit and the Scions are quiet? A lot of reviews are mixed on the noise, except wth the tC, everyone says it's not very quiet. I am just trying to minimize the trips to dealers, I am not a fan of playing the car buying game.

#727 of 768 Re: Getting ready for a new car.... [malagen] by backy

Mar 03, 2008 (5:11 pm)

Replying to: malagen (Mar 03, 2008 2:15 pm)
For quiet small hatches, look at the 2009 Matrix, the 2009 Elantra Touring (should be at dealers real soon), and the Rabbit 2-door. Of those, the 1.8L Matrix will probably give the best FE, with the Elantra Touring pretty close behind.

#728 of 768 Re: Getting ready for a new car.... [malagen] by poncho167

Mar 08, 2008 (7:21 am)

Replying to: malagen (Mar 03, 2008 2:15 pm)
If you want a quiet inexpensive high mileage car avoid the Scians.

Messages Page 73 of 77

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