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Last post on May 20, 2013 at 2:50 PM
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Chevrolet Malibu, Nissan Maxima, Mazda MAZDA3, Nissan Altima, Honda Accord, Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra, Lexus IS 250, Acura TSX, Car Comparisons, Sedan
#2806 of 3286 Re: seeking advice on choosing new small car [backy]
by beethovengirl
Aug 26, 2012 (6:53 pm)
hi backy,
thanks for your reply. I did not realize that the Elantra GLS has auto-off headlights. Where I can find this kind of info on Hyundai's website?
Where can I read more about how leaving the headlamp switch "on" might drain the battery? I drive my car several times a week, if that matters.
Do you think there's any chance the 2013 Prius might have auto on-off headlamps in the lower end models?
re: a used car, I bought my 98 Corolla used in 2003, and I had more problems with it from 2003-2006 than from 2007-present. I just don't want to deal with the uncertainty about whether the used car was properly maintained. I realize this might not make sense financially (esp since Toyota only recently dropped auto on/off headlights from the Corolla line-up), but I would prefer to pay extra for peace of mind.
maxx4me, while my 98 Corolla is running fine now, my mechanic indicated I would need some work done in the medium-term, so that's why I'm looking into buying a new car. I also would like to have the safety features available in new cars.
thanks for your advice
#2807 of 3286 car for retirement
by smalltown
Aug 26, 2012 (7:10 pm)
I'll be retiring in a couple of years & am thinking about a new small car--hatchback or wagon. Utility is high on the list, meaning I have to be able to put my bicycle inside. We already have a small pickup and SUV. Local dealers are D3 and Toyota. Honda and Nissan are 35-45 miles away. Everything else is at least 85 miles away. Current daily driver is MINI Cooper, but it's just too small and bouncy on backroads, that I will be trading in. Current list to look at include Ford C-Max, Hyundai Elantra GT, Kia Forte 5-door & Kia Soul. I cannot get comfortable in a Toyota Matrix.
The cars I have had include Ford Pinto stationwagon, Plymouth Horizon hatchback, Chevy Citation hatchback, Plymouth Sundance hatchback, Hyundai Accent hatchback & Kia Spectra5.
Comments? Recommendations? Price not a major factor, <$35.000. Don't need a lot of electronics.
#2808 of 3286 Re: seeking advice on choosing new small car [beethovengirl]
by backy
Aug 26, 2012 (7:51 pm)
Well, Hyundai's website isn't the only source of information on Hyundais. Owner forums are a good source of info too... as you realize since you posted your question here. This might be helpful re auto-off headlights on the Elantra:
http://www.elantraclub.com/forum/lofiversion/index.php?t32355.html
I don't have a link re battery drain for the auto-off feature, I just remember reading many years ago that there is a drain, albeit a small one. I think it had to do with a circuit being open in order to trigger "lights on" when the car starts again. I've owned 3 Hyundais (2 Elantras) with this feature and it's never been a problem, but then I don't leave the lights on the "on" position for a long period of time. Maybe it would be a problem if someone left the car parked for several weeks.
If you go to http://www.toyota.com/prius-hybrid/features.html and click on the Features tab, it's easy to verify that the Prius Two and Three do NOT have auto on/off headlights but the Prius Four and Five do.
#2809 of 3286 Re: seeking advice on choosing new small car [backy]
by beethovengirl
Aug 26, 2012 (8:01 pm)
hi backy, thanks for your reply once again
just to clarify, I was asking about the upcoming 2013 Prius. I was wondering what the chances are that it might have auto on/off headlights in the Two or Three.
#2810 of 3286 Re: car for retirement [smalltown]
by backy
Aug 26, 2012 (8:02 pm)
If it were me I'd stick with something where I know I can get local service and warranty repairs if I need them. Since it appears you don't want to consider a small SUV like the Escape or Equinox, and you want to buy new, I think your best bet of those you listed is the C-Max. Two other options, from Toyota, are the Venza (really more a Camry wagon than an SUV) and the Prius v. All fit in your under-$35k range. The Venza might be a little bigger than what you want.
If you really don't mind driving a ways to see a dealer, another small car that is great on utility and can hold a bike is the Fit. A lot of fun to drive also.
#2811 of 3286 Re: seeking advice on choosing new small car [beethovengirl]
by backy
Aug 26, 2012 (8:04 pm)
If you can't get an answer from your Toyota dealer or don't trust them for some reason, try http://www.toyota.com/help/contactus.html, there's a phone number and email to contact Toyota USA re questions.
#2812 of 3286 Re: seeking advice on choosing new small car [backy]
by beethovengirl
Aug 26, 2012 (8:20 pm)
I've already tried contacting Toyota, and they did not give a helpful reply: "We apologize, at this time we do not have a tentative release date for the 2013 Prius. Typically our new models are released in the Fall. We do not have information about features and specifications for this next model, and Toyota will release more information in the coming months."
#2813 of 3286 Re: car for retirement [backy]
by mr_gone
Aug 26, 2012 (8:43 pm)
I was thinking of the Fit as well. And because you're already driving a Mini Cooper and it was not listed as one of the dealerships in your town, you are at least willing to drive some distance for repairs. Don't know how often you've had to do so with the Mini, but odds are that you'd have less of a need to visit the Honda dealer 35 miles away than the BMW-Mini dealer, wherever it is.
An argument for the Venza is that it no doubt will ride much better than the Fit. If the Mini's ride is too rough, the Venza would be a dramatic improvement. Much quieter, too, I'm sure. Fuel economy won't be nearly as good as the Fit, but it would be a more luxurious vehicle.
If you decide that the C-Max really is the perfect vehicle, I'd still recommend waiting a year to let them work out problems. This allegedly is no longer an issue with cars, but there seem to be cases from time to time still that show it can be -- Ford has had problems with the Escape and Honda did with the 2008 Accord, for example.
#2814 of 3286 Re: seeking advice on choosing new small car [beethovengirl]
by plekto
Aug 27, 2012 (12:08 am)
I'd recommend a Corolla wagon, if only because of the extra versatility.
AKA a Toyota Matrix
The Corolla itself seems to be more of the same Toyota is de-contenting it a bit since it's a "budget" car in their minds and marketing. But the Matrix is quite nice inside, and gives you a great amount of storage.
#2815 of 3286 Re: car for retirement [smalltown]
by plekto
Aug 27, 2012 (1:00 am)
I'd also look at the Volvo C30 as well. I personally like the Volvo because it offers a ride very much like a European sedan. Tight, controlled, and yet good on highways without punishing you.
Lots of power, lots of features, and plenty of luxury bits as well. Not bad for $25K. Honestly, it is a better car than something like a Matrix or C-Max.