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#29622 of 32357 Re: A little test driving today [breld] by ateixeira

Jan 28, 2013 (7:31 am)

Replying to: breld (Jan 27, 2013 5:38 pm)
The 3 Touring also has alloys, rear discs, soft touch dash, and leather on the steering wheel and shifter, plus a trip computer. For $17.6k, remember.
 
The dealer was a doofus and brought me a 2.5l model to drive, I noticed when the auto didn't have a 6th gear. I was shopping with my sister so we had no more time to try the SkyActiv 3. She drove a CX5 and liked it, but I felt that car was too heavy for the 2.0l. It needs the new 2.5l from the 6, or a diesel.
 
I actually liked the Impreza more, better visibility, smoother ride and operation, and MUCH roomier back seat. Roomier than the CX5, where you have to remove the rear head rests to fold the seat.
 
But the Subie (and the VW Golf) are priced at a premium, and this is the car where rear seat room is least important to me. The Imprezas I like have paddles for the CVT, but I can get moonroof and Nav on the 3 for the same money. VW wants crazy money for the TDI, 5 grand or so higher though they're nicer inside, I'm just not a dash stroker.
 
I think I will drive the SkyActiv 3, and maybe an Elantra GT for that lovely panoramic moonroof. Value is similar to the Mazda also.
 
Basically I want the Hyundai warranty and panoramic moonroof with the Golf interior and TDI range and the Subaru AWD and paddles with the fuel bill and price from the SkyActiv. And by the way I want heated cloth seats and 30 mpg city with a smooth auto start/stop. For around 20k.
 
I'm not asking too much, am I? LOL
 
I have about $500 Subaru bucks and Mazda has a $500 loyalty rebate, so that helps but would not sway me by itself.
 
Other strikes - Elantra's real world mileage and smaller gas tank, not sure I trust VW reliability, and why get a 2nd Subaru when I can borrow my wife's on snow days like today?
 
All cars have too-big alloys on the well equipped models I like, so compromise compromise compromise.

#29623 of 32357 Re: A little test driving today [ateixeira] by breld

Jan 28, 2013 (11:02 am)

Replying to: ateixeira (Jan 28, 2013 7:31 am)
Interesting thoughts on all those. Given the roominess of the back seat you mention on the Impreza, I may take a closer look at those.
 
I liked the Elantra GT when I drove it - I'm a little put off by the recent news that Hyundai fudged the EPA numbers in such a way that they'll be paying refunds to current owners. It'll be interesting to see what their revised EPA ratings come out to be. [EDIT] - just checked the Hyundai site, the revised estimates are there. Most of the ratings were adjusted 1-2 mpg - obviously not a significant change, but they do miss out on that magical "40" number on the Elantra now.
 
TDIs certainly are nice, especially the Golfs. But I'm a bit turned off by the premium on diesel right now - seems to be as much as 20-30% more. And I have enjoyed our VW ownership experiences, but I'm not ignorant to the potential headaches of VW reliability.
 
The Mazda3 seems to be a good bet - good reliability, relatively sporty, reasonably priced, and they live up to their EPA ratings.
 
I like the Focus too, but given I'd be interested in an automatic this time around, I understand that trannie is a major shortcoming of the car.

#29624 of 32357 Re: A little test driving today [breld] by michaell

Jan 28, 2013 (11:08 am)

Replying to: breld (Jan 28, 2013 11:02 am)
The Mazda3 seems to be a good bet - good reliability, relatively sporty, reasonably priced, and they live up to their EPA ratings.
  
I like the Focus too, but given I'd be interested in an automatic this time around, I understand that trannie is a major shortcoming of the car.
 
+1, breld. The automatic transmission paired with the skyactiv engine is a treat. We've got a similar transmission in the CX-7, and I like that it will downshift automatically when going down a hill to maintain speed.
 
And, I'm not convinced of the longevity of the DCT or DSG transmissions found in Ford and VW. Much rather have a stick myself for those brands.

#29625 of 32357 Re: A little test driving today [breld] by sandman_6472

Jan 28, 2013 (11:13 am)

Replying to: breld (Jan 28, 2013 11:02 am)
Tranny on Focus is a bit wonky but after some time, think it would smooth out a bunch. Love the Elantra GT for it's versatility and warranty. It's nice to have a problem and drive it in and have it fixed under warranty...happened with the kids Accent and got great service with the piece of mind. For the $, the Elantra GT is a very good choice though the Mazda reliability is something we're living with first hand now. Our 3s has been a great, reliable sled with a few issues cropping up after we hit the 105k mark. After repairs, car sounds and drives like brand new so we're gonna just keep it. My CPA wife loves it and can't see a reason to spend 20 large on something new right now.
 
If money was no object, I'd get the Lexus CT as it's a cool looking ride with stellar mileage. But since I'm totally frugal at this stage of life, the Elantra GT followed by the Mazda3 hatch would be on my short list. Since my next ride will be my last one, I will have to choose very wisely. I do love the "cheap to keep" aspect of my current Civic so replacing it with the Hyundai or Mazda hatch is the prudent thing to do but the driver in me wants the C Class or 1 and 3 Series for the sheer driving enjoyment. A dilemma for sure but luckily, I have a few years to decide here.
 
On another note, while insurance shopping, got a great quote on Metlife for both cars, I mean really great for South Florida while other brand name companies were totally outrageous. Just shows that one does need to shop around as Clark Howard says!
 
The Sandman

#29626 of 32357 Re: A little test driving today [breld] by ateixeira

Jan 28, 2013 (11:31 am)

Replying to: breld (Jan 28, 2013 11:02 am)
EPA numbers are easily fudged. I mean, they're on a dyno in a lab.
 
In my research, I found that Hyundai falls short, Mazda and VW exceed expectations, and Subaru is about where they claim to be.
 
The killer is that Impreza supply is very short so prices are significantly higher than Hyundai or Mazda.
 
I wish the 3 had a bigger moonroof.
 
Speaking of which....

#29627 of 32357 Panoramic Moonroofs - who has 'em? by ateixeira

Jan 28, 2013 (11:33 am)

Hyundai Elantra GT has a nice one.
 
Veloster also offers a nice one but I hate that it has 18" wheels and the back seat is pointless.
 
Prius V offers one, but I'm sorta looking for a small car right now.
 
Audi A3 has one, but a TDI with the roof is over $30k, my most expensive choice by far.
 
Tried a 500C but it felt tinny and the useless back seats doesn't help, plus you can't see behind you when it's folded.
 
So....who else? Aiming for $25k or less, list price.

#29628 of 32357 Re: Panoramic Moonroofs - who has 'em? [ateixeira] by fintail

Jan 28, 2013 (11:39 am)

Replying to: ateixeira (Jan 28, 2013 11:33 am)
Thanks MB.
 
Does list price mean new car or blue book?
 
Out of that list, I would pick the GT.

#29629 of 32357 Re: Panoramic Moonroofs - who has 'em? [ateixeira] by stickguy

Jan 28, 2013 (12:06 pm)

Replying to: ateixeira (Jan 28, 2013 11:33 am)
Having a VIP contact at SOA is nice. I never have to worry about supply/demand pricing. Not that I could convince my wife to get one. maybe this summer, when my son needs one!
 
Roofs? not too many cheaper cars with them. Mini cooper is an obvious choice. Does Scion still make the tC? that had a nice one.
 
what are you looking to do? Replace the miata, or relegate it to toy status, with the new car becoming the commuter?

#29630 of 32357 Re: Panoramic Moonroofs - who has 'em? [ateixeira] by breld

Jan 28, 2013 (12:13 pm)

Replying to: ateixeira (Jan 28, 2013 11:33 am)
Good question - I can't think of any others off the top of my head. Many of the German wagons have/had them, but obviously way over the $25k threshold. VW's Jetta wagon has one - but that model is closer to $28k.
 
I guess Hyundai should be commended for offering them on entry-level cars - though last summer when my wife and I were looking at the Veloster, the salesperson showed us one in the repair shop on which the sunroof had shattered while the driver was on the highway. Not sure what the circumstances were, but in any case, that would have scared the bejeesus out of me. I think since then I read that there was some potential recall on those sunroofs.

#29631 of 32357 Re: Panoramic Moonroofs - who has 'em? [fintail] by ateixeira

Jan 28, 2013 (12:15 pm)

Replying to: fintail (Jan 28, 2013 11:39 am)
Yeah, I think the old C "coupe" (it was a hatch) was the first vehicle I sampled that had one.
 
Feels like a convertible but more liveable day to day.

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