So, I'm about to go test driving cars

"KillerRaccoon - Group J's Sébastien Loeb" (KillerRaccoon)
05/30/2014 at 15:38 • Filed to: None

It's going to be a graduation gift, which I know is extremely unfair and lucky. Let's move past that, though. Because it's a graduation gift, it's going to be a compact around $18-19k. This means that my primary choices are the Impreza, Focus and Mazda3. I'm also probably going to test drive the Lancer (why not), Elantra and Fit (yes, I know it's a subcompact). I would consider the Cruze, Jetta and Dart, but they have meh reviews for what I'm looking for and don't have hatch variants, which are pretty essential as I play the string bass.

What are some important things to consider as I decide which I want? I'm talking about stuff that will either grow on me or piss me off more over time, like an annoying turn signal, pleasurably tactile HVAC controls, etc. Also, shifter and clutch feel, as the cars dealers have in stock will probably be automatic and I'm going to get a stick.

DISCUSSION (50)

CRider > KillerRaccoon - Group J's Sébastien Loeb
05/30/2014 at 15:42

Fiesta ST.

Jake - Has Bad Luck So You Don't Have To > KillerRaccoon - Group J's Sébastien Loeb
05/30/2014 at 15:43

Don't get a Fit. Visibility is awful.

Also, a car for graduation? $18-19k? Holy hell. That could buy every car I want at the moment (caddy Seville STS, Buick Roadmaster wagon, 80s El Camino, 2001 Firebird, and a Buick Park Ave Ultra).

For graduation I got $150 which immediately had to be spent because my hard drive failed the next day, and then told I have to get a job and buy my own gas from now on. Still don't have a job, and my tank is getting low.

Hold me.

dinobot666 > KillerRaccoon - Group J's Sébastien Loeb
05/30/2014 at 15:44

So you're wanting a sporty hatchback of some sort for around 19k? Could you beg your way into a 22K Ford Fiesta ST?

MPA > KillerRaccoon - Group J's Sébastien Loeb
05/30/2014 at 15:44

Fit is fun to drive, but crazy slow. I thought I remember seeing someone on here say FiSTs are $19kish?

Mazda3 will be fun to drive. Impreza awesome in bad weather.

mazda616 > KillerRaccoon - Group J's Sébastien Loeb
05/30/2014 at 15:44

FWIW I have owned a Mazda3 hatch for five years and its cargo capacity is quite awesome. I have moved with it three times, and have literally crammed everything I own minus my bed into the car each of those times. On top of that, it is hella fun on twisty back roads. Even with stock suspension. I have had it on Eibach springs for three years now and they only improved it. The new SkyActiv engines are excellent, providing good power for daily driving and excellent fuel economy. My wife drives a Mazda CX-5 with the SkyActiv 2.0 and we have achieved 37 MPG twice.

youshiftem > KillerRaccoon - Group J's Sébastien Loeb
05/30/2014 at 15:46

Ummm... $18-$19k?

2005-2010 Mustang GT?

E39 M5?

1969 Charger?

1970 Chevelle?

My advice? Don't be stupid.

KillerRaccoon - Group J's Sébastien Loeb > youshiftem
05/30/2014 at 15:50

As I said, graduation gift. I'm restricted to new cars. I wish, though.

KillerRaccoon - Group J's Sébastien Loeb > dinobot666
05/30/2014 at 15:51

Nope. I wish, though. I wish really bad.

KillerRaccoon - Group J's Sébastien Loeb > CRider
05/30/2014 at 15:51

Out of price range. My parents are uncompromising on that, and couldn't care less about having fun in cars.

KillerRaccoon - Group J's Sébastien Loeb > MPA
05/30/2014 at 15:53

They're more around 21-22k. Who knows, maybe if I sweet talk the dealer enough they'll bring that down a couple grand.

Milky > KillerRaccoon - Group J's Sébastien Loeb
05/30/2014 at 15:53

This and buy a trailer.

Kinja'd!!!

or just this.

Kinja'd!!!

themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > KillerRaccoon - Group J's Sébastien Loeb
05/30/2014 at 15:53

Since a FiST is out, how about an ecoboost fiesta? The three cylinder?

cazzyodo > KillerRaccoon - Group J's Sébastien Loeb
05/30/2014 at 15:55

I did a similar (but automatic) search for my girlfriend last year so I sat in most of these.

Focus (my own search) was a little boring to drive. Thank God for the ST (but way out of your range).

Mazda3 is very appealing overall. The hatchback is stunning as well. Solid all around.

Impreza was my girlfriend's favorite to drive. It also just FELT right...grip, vlindspots, etc just worked to her favor.

Fit I believe was fine but plain...she almost got one but she said it just didn't seem (interior wise) on par with other vehicles.

Dart feels heavy and I couldn't find a manual when I was looking so I cannot speak for whether the transmission changes anything.

Girlfriend got an Elantra GT and it's a good little thing. Looks nice, basic interior but everything seems of good build. Should definitely last.

I haven't taken the Cruze out but I wanted to.

Could also check out the Kia Forte. That was similar in feel to the Mazda3 at the time but it actually varied by trim...which was interesting.

Front runners would be the Mazda3, Elantra and Cruze if I was looking again or suggesting for someone.

KillerRaccoon - Group J's Sébastien Loeb > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles
05/30/2014 at 15:56

Is there a reason I would get it over the Focus?

KillerRaccoon - Group J's Sébastien Loeb > cazzyodo
05/30/2014 at 15:57

Thanks for the reply. I will definitely look into the Kia Forte, too. I'll probably drive the sedan only ones as well, as some of them miiiiight be able to fit the bass if the seats fold right and the trunk lip is low enough.

dinobot666 > KillerRaccoon - Group J's Sébastien Loeb
05/30/2014 at 15:58

Sonic RS then? Otherwise an Impreza with a 5 speed manual wouldn't be bad either.

KillerRaccoon - Group J's Sébastien Loeb > dinobot666
05/30/2014 at 16:02

I hadn't considered the Sonic RS. Thanks for the reminder!

edit: priced out of my range like the ST. Between the two I'd get the ST anyways (probably).

WhatDaFunk > KillerRaccoon - Group J's Sébastien Loeb
05/30/2014 at 16:05

Depending on the deals in your area you might be able to get a 500 Abarth, I've seen people posting them for under $17k. Don't know if that will fit your bass though...

In terms of what to look for in a test drive, remember to focus on the interior of the car. The exterior, sound, driving dynamics, etc. are exciting and can grab your focus, but the interior is what you're going to be interacting with the most and where you're going to be spending the bulk of your time, so remember to make sure it feels like a place you'd like to spend a lot of time in. I've never owned a car with an infotainment system, but if that's an option make sure it's not frustrating to use, I Imagine that would get super annoying.

And go with your gut, try to find something that just "feels right." If it doesn't feel right don't try and talk yourself into it or let the dealer talk you into it.

GTI MkVII > KillerRaccoon - Group J's Sébastien Loeb
05/30/2014 at 16:13

First off, congrats on graduating! I wish I was lucky enough to receive a car as my grad. gift, though I did get a new laptop at the time.

As for the cars in that price range, I think I'd go with the Mazda if I'm honest. The new 3 hatch is quite good looking and has a nice interior. That said though, I'd be patient and wait for the 2015 VW Golf to land in the US in July. The new 1.8T is a fantastic engine, and the car itself is made really well. Looks pretty smart and has a nice interior too. Should fit well into your price range.

Disclosure: I am a bit (read: very) biased toward the MkVII Golf/GTI and have a GTI Autobahn headed my way next week =)

Happy shopping and stay safe out there! Most importantly, don't get too emotionally involved when driving/shopping around. Take a step back, sleep on it if you have to, and you'll be golden.

Where have all the lightweights gone? > mazda616
05/30/2014 at 16:14

I have a '13 3 Hatch, and when it's not approaching Absolute Zero in the Midwest, I am regularly achieving 35MPG each tank with about a 65/35 surface/highway road cycle.

Where have all the lightweights gone? > KillerRaccoon - Group J's Sébastien Loeb
05/30/2014 at 16:15

Have you thought about going the Carmax route? I know you're being restricted to new, but the uberwarranty is a fantastic selling point. This will also open you up to a much wider variety of cars to choose f

Anon > KillerRaccoon - Group J's Sébastien Loeb
05/30/2014 at 16:18

I know that it gets a lot of shit but go check out the civic with the 5 speed! It's actually pretty fun to drive if you change out the rocks Honda calls "Tires".

Nothing > KillerRaccoon - Group J's Sébastien Loeb
05/30/2014 at 16:18

Bargain. I got my Focus ST for under $20k. If your folks are paying cash, a significant amount of the rebates were obtained by going through Ford Credit. Finance the car, then pay it off as soon as you get a Ford Credit account number. If not that, the Mazda3 hatch gets very good reviews. It was my other vehicle choice had the ST not worked out. A local dealer has also been advertising FiSTs at sub-20k for the base ST.

KillerRaccoon - Group J's Sébastien Loeb > Where have all the lightweights gone?
05/30/2014 at 16:20

Good call, the warranty is actually one of the biggest things for them. They're going to be getting me an extended one, they just really don't want me to have to spend a bunch of money on my car any time soon.

GTI MkVII > Anon
05/30/2014 at 16:20

As long as its an 8th gen (06-10), I wholeheartedly agree.

TheCraigy > CRider
05/30/2014 at 16:24

This this this.

Brian, The Life of > KillerRaccoon - Group J's Sébastien Loeb
05/30/2014 at 16:25

Personally, I'd get the Focus SE hatch with a manny in Race Red. That gives you some nice features but keeps the pre-tax price under $19k :)

Also, congrats!

TheCraigy > KillerRaccoon - Group J's Sébastien Loeb
05/30/2014 at 16:27

Fiesta ST. You can find them with no options well under MSRP.

Here is one: http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/…

themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > KillerRaccoon - Group J's Sébastien Loeb
05/30/2014 at 16:27

better gas mileage, more fun, pretty quick, comes in manual transmission only. Cheaper on insurance?

KillerRaccoon - Group J's Sébastien Loeb > Nothing
05/30/2014 at 16:28

Funny, all the ones near me are being advertised around $30k. I also live in WA, where everything is expensive. Do you happen to live in the midwest?

KillerRaccoon - Group J's Sébastien Loeb > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles
05/30/2014 at 16:30

More fun? Everything I've read suggested that they're pretty sluggish. And honestly, with a little suspension tweaking I can probably get the Focus's handling to be as much fun as the Fiesta's, but there's no replacement for displacement in the long run.

Jayhawk Jake > KillerRaccoon - Group J's Sébastien Loeb
05/30/2014 at 16:30

Don't overlook the Sonic...

Kinja'd!!!

You might even be able to get an RS for $18-19k. Especially if you can find a '13 leftover. I ended up right at $20k or so for mine

Jayhawk Jake > KillerRaccoon - Group J's Sébastien Loeb
05/30/2014 at 16:32

It's right about your price range, you might be able to make a deal. I paid $20k for mine, so if you put your foot down a dealer might cut you a deal.

KillerRaccoon - Group J's Sébastien Loeb > TheCraigy
05/30/2014 at 16:32

The cheapest ones anywhere nearby are $24k. I don't think I could haggle $4k out of one. I guess I should live in TX. I live in the Seattle area, if your Google-fu can turn up anything better I would be delighted.

KillerRaccoon - Group J's Sébastien Loeb > Jayhawk Jake
05/30/2014 at 16:33

I'll look into it, thanks.

Nothing > KillerRaccoon - Group J's Sébastien Loeb
05/30/2014 at 16:37

I'm in Colorado. The ones near $30k (near me, at least) are loaded ST3s. I picked up an ST1. Mine was advertised at $23,800 ($900 or so off sticker). Looking on the Ford.com site, they still have $3,490 in rebates if you go through Ford credit. I got an extra $1k for having a lease conquest vehicle. The rebates are valid through 7/7/2014. Those rebates are valid on the regular Focus as well.

The Mazda3 hatch I looked at was around 19,400. I forget what the trim level was, to be honest.

If another subcompact would work, there are smokin' deals on Fiat 500 Abarths as well, but those may be too small for your bass requirement.

TheCraigy > KillerRaccoon - Group J's Sébastien Loeb
05/30/2014 at 16:41

I know it's supposed to be a gift but work a little, man. Contact every dealer in your area, or at least 5 or 6 dealers. Tell them you want a Fiesta ST but only have $19,000 to spend. There is a salesman or manager out there who will make it work. MSRPs on these domestic cars really are just a suggestion. Also don't be afraid to cough up a little of your own money.

If you just want "a car" then sure go get an elantra or whatever, but you're inches away from getting something truly interesting and fun. You won't regret it.

cazzyodo > KillerRaccoon - Group J's Sébastien Loeb
05/30/2014 at 16:43

My sister liked the Kia and I was pleasantly surprised but still wasn't my choice haha.

I can't remember the trunk space on any of these to be honest, though I did check. I have the luxury of tons of dealerships all within a couple miles of each other so it went pretty rapid fire for test drives.

TheCraigy > KillerRaccoon - Group J's Sébastien Loeb
05/30/2014 at 16:44

Here you go, bro, 500 Abarth. Has nobody suggested this yet?

Up in Oregon near you, $19k. http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/… If that's too far I'm sure some other dealer could match the price.

TheCraigy > WhatDaFunk
05/30/2014 at 16:45

This this this! I forgot about the abarth.

KillerRaccoon - Group J's Sébastien Loeb > Nothing
05/30/2014 at 16:46

The rebates thing sounds interesting. On further searching I've found one listed for $24k. However, I can't find this 3.5k rebate you're talking about, the highest I see is 2k. I'll still call them up and see what I can arrange, but where are you seeing that deal?

michael bleggi > KillerRaccoon - Group J's Sébastien Loeb
05/30/2014 at 16:49

I'm biased, but please, get in a manual mk5 or mk6 TDI jetta or golf. I find the gassers enemic, but i fel like if you're shopping in the segment, you have to try it out. You can't beat 46 mpg, and the torque once boost comes on is fun. Take it from an oppo

Nothing > KillerRaccoon - Group J's Sébastien Loeb
05/30/2014 at 16:50

Check the incentives for your zip at http://www.ford.com/cars/focus/inc… . They may be different than mine. I did a quick search picking a Seattle zip and it seems the current rebates there total $3k instead of the $3,490 for me.

Good luck in your search though, and congrats on graduation!

gabdere > KillerRaccoon - Group J's Sébastien Loeb
05/30/2014 at 17:38

Golf Mk7 starts at those prices and it comes pretty well equipped and you would get the turbo

blackchair > KillerRaccoon - Group J's Sébastien Loeb
05/30/2014 at 17:58

Had a '10 Forte (not the latest model) and it was great. Trunk space was very large. More than a 3 I think. I feel it''s worth a test drive at least. The new ones I've sat in feel very nice.

KatzManDu > KillerRaccoon - Group J's Sébastien Loeb
05/30/2014 at 18:04

For that price you can get some amazing cars.

http://indianapolis.craigslist.org/cto/4453051660…

http://www.cars.com/go/search/deta…

Looks like you're stuck with "new" though.... Good luck.

oldestyoungn > KillerRaccoon - Group J's Sébastien Loeb
05/30/2014 at 18:36

I've seen multiple people on here suggest Sonic's with add-ons that make a unique different alternative to the FiST's at a lower price. Can't remember their names but you could hunt them down.

KillerRaccoon - Group J's Sébastien Loeb > gabdere
05/30/2014 at 20:24

Good call, I hadn't really been considering that.

Agrajag > KillerRaccoon - Group J's Sébastien Loeb
05/30/2014 at 22:23

You should look at CPO cars. I got a two year old GTI for $18k and change. That was 3 years ago.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > KillerRaccoon - Group J's Sébastien Loeb
05/31/2014 at 00:31

I think you need to work up a document convincing your parents to consider a 2-3 years used CPO car - ask Automatch Tom for an assist. Such a better idea to let someone else take that initial depreciation hit.