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What is "wrong" with these new subcompacts?

9838 messages,  Last post on Feb 07, 2013 at 10:28 PM

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What is this discussion about? Nissan Versa, Toyota Yaris, Honda Fit, smart fortwo, MINI Cooper

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#7612 of 9838 What is "wrong" with the new subcompacts? by podred

May 11, 2008 (4:22 pm)

My specific response to the title of the thread is : Nothing Is Wrong!
 
They are what they are, Today's Subcompacts. They are different than the cars of the past, and while one can certainly compare them, just what is the point? The title is not "What is "wrong" with these new subcompacts _as compared_ to subcompacts of the past. And yet that is the majority of the debate going on here.
 
The cars of the past were not subject to the smog / emissions / safety rules of today. And on and on it can be argued. So I say todays cars are better than having no subcompacts today. Would I like better mileage? Of course. Would I like more sporty styling and performance? Most definitely. However when I make statements about todays cars it is in the context of the cars of today, not those of years ago.
 
Arguments:
There are so many variables simply amongst the wants, needs, values & perspectives of each buyer / owner that those considerations alone are enough to keep us debating for a very long time.
 
Relativity:
My past comment about the Yaris hatchback being sporty is a comment I stand by. Notice I did not say it was a high performance sports car. I did say that mine is relatively underpowered, as compared to Today's Mini Cooper S, which I also own. Now that's more like a sports car, yet it's over twice the price of my Yaris, so it should be. Not only that I bought each of them for drastically different reasons and usage. So why compare? My points:
 
1) An an ex-racer, I bought the Cooper S to hop-up even further and turn into a car for Track Days on the various Race Courses I frequent on Track Days.
 
2) I bought the Yaris, because the funky look reminded me of how much I enjoy funky looking cars, just for fun. A plain jane around town ride, that is inexpensive, I don't have to worry about (I'm very OCD when it comes to my "special cars") and that I could park anywhere, no worries. It's my fun city car, that I drive once in a while, not as a daily driver.
 
3) The kids are grown and out of the house, so I have no need to carry more than 2 people most of the time, therefore I get to buy 2 door coupes, which by nature are far more sporty looking that a 4 door car, or the wagon like Fit. Which I happen to really like, but avoided because of the body style.
 
4) I purchased my F40 Ferrari New, because I am a car enthusiast, not an ego maniac, or a poser. I know how to DRIVE the F40. In addition, I do not drive that car around town regularly, as obviously it draws a crowd no matter where you stop. And I would never let it out of my sight. Therefore that is another car I reserve for one of two purposes. Long runs with other exotic car owners, and track days.
 
5) The other cars in my collection are quite varied, small, medium, and large. As I do have a 2003 MBZ S-Class Sedan for evenings out in the city with friends. But again, not a daily driver as my ego doesn't require me to drive a high end car, to make me feel complete. Nor do I require it to impress others. I could care less. I buy cars because it is my passion, my hobby, my reward for years of hard work. Some people buy yachts, or airplanes, I buy cars. Therefore my wants and needs are quite different than someone who is looking for a single car to perform everything needed.
 
6) Yes, I do own and use a daily driver. It's a 2006 Corvette Coupe. A car that is common enough to not draw a lot of attention. A car the has good performance, is fun to drive, and while not economical on fuel, I am not focused on fuel costs. It's convenient that I can it have easily serviced and repaired at any of the GM dealers about town. It works for me, and thats what matters.
 
Cheers....

#7613 of 9838 Re: What is "wrong" with the new subcompacts? [podred] by thegreatoz

May 11, 2008 (4:41 pm)

Replying to: podred (May 11, 2008 4:22 pm)
It's car nuts like podred that helped put all my kids through college and buy their first homes...when I was an Allstate Agent. We thank you!

#7614 of 9838 Another negative Smart review by texases

May 12, 2008 (6:51 am)

In the NY Times...conclusion: "what's the point?"
NYT Smart avg 32 mpg

#7615 of 9838 Re: Another negative Smart review [texases] by bpizzuti

May 12, 2008 (7:06 am)

Replying to: texases (May 12, 2008 6:51 am)
At that MPG, there really isn't a lot of point...Corolla, Civic, Elantra, et. al. do better.
 
Though I have to admit the packaging of the vehicle itself is interesting, and could really ease parking issues.

#7616 of 9838 Re: Another negative Smart review [bpizzuti] by thegreatoz

May 12, 2008 (7:38 am)

Replying to: bpizzuti (May 12, 2008 7:06 am)
If a parking space is too small for a Civic, find another one.
 
I drove a Smart for a day. When the novelty wore off, I was glad to give it back and get back in my Civic.
 
I have an '05 Beetle Convertible Turbo which I -still- love to drive. Not every day.

#7617 of 9838 Re: Another negative Smart review [bpizzuti] by british_rover

May 12, 2008 (11:59 am)

Replying to: bpizzuti (May 12, 2008 7:06 am)
Exactly right what is the point? At least a SMART diesel would bump that number up in the high 40s or low 50s maybe even a little better. The novelty will wear off and I bet those waiting lists shrink very quickly.

#7618 of 9838 Re: What is "wrong" with the new subcompacts? [podred] by boaz47

May 12, 2008 (1:29 pm)

Replying to: podred (May 11, 2008 4:22 pm)
You need to spend some time updating your car space. Some of your fleet might interest many of the people here. On my site it is easy to see some of the things I enjoy and why I tend to gravitate to the vehicles I do.
 
From your comments it is a wonder you even entered this forum. The simple answer for you would have been, nothing. Oh maybe it would have been, nothing considering their restrictions because of safety or environment.
 
The title of the forum itself indicates a question on where do these little cars fall short and because of that you have to compare them to something. Either to cars we have had or ones we can get.
 
Do you run your Mini on a road course or do you run SCCA SOLO?

#7619 of 9838 Re: What is "wrong" with the new subcompacts? [thegreatoz] by podred

May 13, 2008 (6:59 am)

Replying to: thegreatoz (May 11, 2008 4:41 pm)
Ten Points for your terrific Humor...Thanks!
 
It's a small world, the funny part of this is after we graduated from college a good friend of mine became an Allstate Agent! He has been my insurance man for years, Allstate has been great to me, and everyone wins! Now years later his book of business at Allstate is be admired.......
 
So, thanks for the fond memories.......

#7620 of 9838 Re: boaz [nippononly] by podred

May 13, 2008 (7:12 am)

Replying to: nippononly (May 08, 2008 4:42 pm)
Great Post! You understand my point very clearly. Despite all the different cars I have, I have always enjoyed small, light, short wheelbase, nimble, high performance (and sometimes not so high performance) cars..... its all about the FUN!.....

#7621 of 9838 Re: boaz [podred] by nippononly

May 13, 2008 (7:15 am)

Replying to: podred (May 13, 2008 7:12 am)
"its all about the FUN!....."
 
Yes, and nobody has fun in a Camry LE. Yaris, Fit, etc are basic transportation that are ALSO fun.

Messages Page 763 of 985

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