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Which hatchback is least likely to need repairs?

4 messages,  Last post on May 12, 2009 at 11:50 AM

You are in the Kia Spectra/Spectra5 Forum.

What is this discussion about? Kia Spectra, Suzuki Aerio, Mazda Protege5, Hatchback

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#1 of 4 Which hatchback is least likely to need repairs? by frank77

Oct 20, 2008 (8:39 pm)

Hi,
I'm in the grip of indecision regarding a car purchase. I've been looking for an affordable car to have for about 3 years.
I have a total of $12,000 to spend on a used car - cash. I have been comparing hatchbacks with the following characteristics:
- Excellent dependability (by far the most important requirement)
- Decent gas mileage(doesn't have to be great)
- Decent performance(don't want a really weak engine)
- Preferably a 5-door rather than 3-door
Cars considered: Toyota Matrix, Mazda 3 hatchback, Protoge5, Honda Fit, Suzuki Reno, Hyundai Accent,and the two below.
I had assumed I could find a fairly new car then buy a manufacturer-backed extended warranty but for under $10,000 before taxes and fees most cars I have found are already out of warranty which then makes them ineligible for the MEW.
 
I need to decide between three available cars. Please tell me which one you would choose given the above mentioned.
1. A 2006 Kia Spectra5 5-door with 60,000 miles, FWD, Auto in very good condition
2. A 2006 Suzuki Aerio SX 5-door with 55,000 miles FWD, Auto in very good condition
3. A 2003 Mazda Protoge5 5-door with 80,000 miles FWD, Auto in impeccable condition
 
The Kia would cost me $2000 less than the Suzuki. The Mazda $1000 less than the Suzuki.
 
What do you think?

#2 of 4 Re: Which hatchback is least likely to need repairs? [frank77] by autonomous

Oct 21, 2008 (10:19 am)

Replying to: frank77 (Oct 20, 2008 8:39 pm)
Of the three you mentioned the Mazda Protege5 is the most reliable. However, due to the age (nearly 6 years old) and mileage be careful and ensure that it has been well maintained (has the timing belt been replaced, are the tires new, etc.). The other two vehicles seem to have a lot of mileage. Kia vehicles are becoming more reliable; safety can be an issue as some models lack ABS. In any of the above cases, have the car checked by an independent garage that you trust to ensure that there are no major issues.
Good luck!

#3 of 4 Re: Which hatchback is least likely to need repairs? [frank77] by irismg

Oct 25, 2008 (8:39 am)

Replying to: frank77 (Oct 20, 2008 8:39 pm)
I have no personal experience with either of these cars, but my co-workers Protege was a piece of crap she couldn't wait to get rid of. She bought it at Carmax, oddly enough. As to ABS, I'm currently driving an 11-year-old Toyota Coorolla that I've owned for 10.5 of those years, and it has never had ABS, nor has it ever compromised my safety because I know how to drive and don't expect the car to do my thinking for me. All that to suggest don't let the lack of ABS sway you away from the Kia. My advice to you is to visit dedicated forums for each of these brands and do your homework.
 
It's a shame you couldn't find a Matrix or a Vibe. The older model Matrixes have a rear hatch where you can raise the window without raising the entire hatch. Handy if you just need to throw something in the back. Vibes don't have this feature. Both cars are large cars, though, but there's lots of room for dogs, grocery, and sports equipment.
 
Plus people these days don't seem to mind a gray or black interior because that's about all any of them come in anymore. If you end up having a choice between cloth or leather, though, the leather is easier to clean up.
 
Good luck, and by the way, any Kia dealer should have a NEW car, a Rio5, for well under $12K - and dealers are hurting right now, so go ask about them!

#4 of 4 Re: Which hatchback is least likely to need repairs? [frank77] by sexymama208

May 12, 2009 (11:50 am)

Replying to: frank77 (Oct 20, 2008 8:39 pm)
i have a 2006 kia spectra 5 and it only has 26000 miles on it and it doesn't cost me that much for gas. so i would recemend the kia spectra 5

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