OPPOinions: The Subcompact Category

Kinja'd!!! "Frosted" (frostedbuns)
04/09/2014 at 12:23 • Filed to: None

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So many of you know I'm tossing around the idea of ditching my Volvo XC70 for something fun and cheap. A subcompact, if you will. I've been leaning heavy on the Mazda 2 but another Opponaut, PDTHEDEUCE, and I were having a chat on this subject last night and it made me remember a few other cars. Most cars in this category seem to be pretty evenly matched, low 100 Horsepower and FWD with great gas mileage figures.

So here are the contenders and the cars that I'd like to hear some opinions on.

At the top of the list and being my favorite to look at at least, the Mazda 2:

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30-40 MPG, 100 HP with a 1.5 litre 4 cylinder engine. I'm told it has superb handling and a few simple mods, like a torsion bar, make this car extremely fun to drive.

The Toyota Yaris:

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Not my favorite of the batch but 30-37MPG with 106 horses to the front wheels. Plus my girlfriends father works for Toyota and could probably get me a good deal on one. I'm worried that it'd be numb in the handling department like most Toyotas are though and having a slow and numb car is a turn off.

Chevy Sonic:

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I don't know anything about the Sonic other than that Advanced Auto and Napa use them to move parts around. It's aesthetically pleasing, maybe more so than the Mazda. I did sit in a Spark though and have ZERO interest in doing that again, so if the Sonic is similar to the Spark that'll be a no go.

Honda Fit

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27/33 MPGs which is probably the lowest MPG rating of the subcompacts (though is this really a subcompact? It's kinda priced in the same range so it makes the list). 1.5 litre 4 cylinder with 117horsepowers of fury. I'm not a big fan of the styling though.

Ford Fiesta:

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I don't like the front end of this car, immediately. 120 horses from a 1.6 litre engine. This is one that a test drive will make or break but I am not a fan of the way this model looks. (*Note - I love the way the ST looks but that's considerably more expensive)

Mitsubishi Mirage

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No. 79 horses from a 1.2 litre 3 cylinder engine. No thanks. Should've stuck the MIVEC 4 cylinder in there and had this car make 130 horses instead.

*Note- my grandmother had a Versa for a couple of years before she passed. I did not like it so I won't put it on my list. Scion doesn't make the list as nothing they offer now interests me at all. I'm in the USA so those cool French hatchbacks aren't possible since we're too communist to have cool cheap cars. Or maybe the french are too communist to let us have them? The Fiat doesn't make the list since....idk I just don't care much for it. It's probably fun but I just don't like the styling.

What say you of the cars I've listed here, Oppo?


DISCUSSION (61)


Kinja'd!!! Party-vi > Frosted
04/09/2014 at 12:26

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My GF's brother loves his Sonic - can't stop buying stuff for it.


Kinja'd!!! Brian Silvestro > Frosted
04/09/2014 at 12:33

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Forget all of those and just get a Fiesta 1.0L

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Kinja'd!!! Lumpy44, Proprietor Of Fine Gif > Frosted
04/09/2014 at 12:33

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I like the 2 and the Fiesta. Fiesta ST!!!


Kinja'd!!! revrseat70 > Frosted
04/09/2014 at 12:34

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Any Fiesta is best. Then Sonic RS. Mazda 2 is good, I suppose, if you want to go Japanese.


Kinja'd!!! Luc - The Acadian Oppo > Frosted
04/09/2014 at 12:36

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Fiesta is the best choice out of the bunch you listed hands down.


Kinja'd!!! Frosted > revrseat70
04/09/2014 at 12:37

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I'd prefer Japanese as I've always been around Japanese cars for my entire life basically. I have all the tools to work on basically any Japanese car as a result but I'm not opposed to an American car at the same time.


Kinja'd!!! Alex B > Frosted
04/09/2014 at 12:37

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The Ford Fiesta and the Mazda 2 are related...


Kinja'd!!! Takuro Spirit > Frosted
04/09/2014 at 12:38

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Just get a Mazda3. Better MPG with the SKYACTIV than the 2, and more room for stuffs.


Kinja'd!!! Frosted > Alex B
04/09/2014 at 12:38

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But they look different and have different engines/power outputs. Even if both engines are Ford.


Kinja'd!!! Frosted > Brian Silvestro
04/09/2014 at 12:41

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I'm not sure you can get a 1.0 brand new. Ford website only shows a 1.6L. And that front end is so bad.


Kinja'd!!! Frosted > Lumpy44, Proprietor Of Fine Gif
04/09/2014 at 12:41

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If I could afford a Fiesta ST, this wouldn't even be a question.


Kinja'd!!! Brian Silvestro > Frosted
04/09/2014 at 12:43

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You can, and you can only get it with a manual. If I was in the market for a sub-compact this would be my obvious choice. I like the looks myself.


Kinja'd!!! Frosted > Takuro Spirit
04/09/2014 at 12:44

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It's a bit over budget, budget being 15 grand, 16 top of the ceiling. But it is a very attractive car.


Kinja'd!!! Frosted > Brian Silvestro
04/09/2014 at 12:46

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Hmmm well a trip to the Ford dealer is in store anyway, maybe they'll have one on the lot.


Kinja'd!!! Alex B > Frosted
04/09/2014 at 12:46

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Right. I've heard the 2 is more fun to drive than the Fiesta. If your looking for technology Fiesta offers more. If your not going to bother with tech, then I personally, would pick the 2.


Kinja'd!!! Brian Silvestro > Frosted
04/09/2014 at 12:48

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Doubt it because only manual. But still, I think it would be so cool just to tell people you drive a 3-cylinder car.


Kinja'd!!! QCGoose > Frosted
04/09/2014 at 12:48

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Of the options listed, my top three choices would be the Ford Fiesta, Chevy Sonic, and Mazda 2, in no particular order.

While down on power, one thing I love about the Mazda 2 is its utter simplicity. Compared to everything today, it's nearly a throwback to stone-simple econocars of yore. It'd be the one I would trust to own and drive the longest with minimal issues to worry about.

The Sonic and Fiesta are both great fun to drive, and basically offer more power and features over the 2, though obviously at a higher price.

If I were going for a Fiesta, I'd just shoot for the base ST, though that'd be thousands above both the Sonic and the 2. If I were going for the Sonic, I'd just go with the mid-level LT with the 1.4 turbo and manual, which would price it between the Fiesta ST and the 2. A few cheap upgrades including an ECU reflash really wake that car up to surprisingly fun power levels, and it's already a competent handler. I'd probably say that's the best "bang for buck econocar" right now if modding and tuning are your thing. And then there's the 2, which is just a basic, no-frills, honest-to-goodness economy car that's cheap to purchase and just so happens to be a blast to drive (reminding me much of the 1st generation ('00-'07) Focus).

Between those three, I'd figure out what I'd like to do with the car (leave be or if you have the mod bug) while you own it, and then go out and test drive the ones you like, see what you like about them and what they have to offer, and then weigh their pros and cons and see which is worth your hard-earned bucks.

Also, used will save you thousands if you aren't concerned about having the full warranty from the beginning.


Kinja'd!!! Frosted > Alex B
04/09/2014 at 12:48

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Tech is just weight, really. I'd be using the car for A) commuting to school (so a radio would be nice) and B) AutoX, track days, spirited backroad driving (so weight is not so great).


Kinja'd!!! Alex B > Frosted
04/09/2014 at 12:49

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Right. I've heard the 2 is the more fun choice. If your looking for technology then the Fiesta is much more tech than the 2, but if your not going to bother with technology, I'd personally would pick the 2.


Kinja'd!!! Takuro Spirit > Frosted
04/09/2014 at 12:49

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Ah, okay. Didn't figure in the budget side of it.


Kinja'd!!! jariten1781 > Frosted
04/09/2014 at 12:50

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You can, it's on the website too, just kind of hidden away for some reason. You have to select the SE trim, manual transmission, then it's under exterior packages in the configuration. It's like they actively don't want to sell them.


Kinja'd!!! MylesD > Frosted
04/09/2014 at 12:51

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Fiesta or Mazda. I'd pick Fiesta because I think the Mazda looks cheaper.


Kinja'd!!! Alex B > Frosted
04/09/2014 at 12:52

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I figured. I think the 2 is the best then.


Kinja'd!!! jariten1781 > Brian Silvestro
04/09/2014 at 12:54

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Cutest turbo ever.


Kinja'd!!! QCGoose > QCGoose
04/09/2014 at 12:55

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Kinja'd!!! QCGoose > QCGoose
04/09/2014 at 12:55

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Kinja'd!!! Brian Silvestro > jariten1781
04/09/2014 at 12:55

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This is yet another point towards buying this awesome car.

It would definitely be my next car if the ST didn't exist.


Kinja'd!!! Frosted > jariten1781
04/09/2014 at 13:03

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Priced it for 17,150. Just barely over the budget ceiling of 16k.


Kinja'd!!! Frosted > MylesD
04/09/2014 at 13:06

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Yea that's surprising since the base Fiesta is 900 dollars cheaper than the Mazda.


Kinja'd!!! AMC/Renauledge > Frosted
04/09/2014 at 13:20

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It depends on the deal you can get. What I've heard is that the Sonic 1.4T 6M is the best car to drive out of all of them. And it'll get better fuel economy than the 2. And you can get a sunroof if you want. But they get expensive in a hurry. The interiors are funky and a cut above a lot of the competition. There are tons of personalization options, as well.

The Ford, inside and out, comes off as chintzy to me. The sedan is easily the ugliest new car available, IMO. And it gets expensive pretty quickly, too. The 1.0L Turbo 3 does intrigue me, though.

The Mazda2 is a sweet little car, but if you're getting a slushbox, you're stuck with 4 gears. You can't get a sunroof, and there are hardly any personalization options. Fuel economy isn't as good as the competition, either. But you can probably get a good deal on one.

The Fit gets expensive in a hurry, as well. I loathe its styling. And it's hard to find a good deal on one normally, but since we're at the end of the second-gen's cycle, you might be able to work a deal.

The Mirage is an excellent value with a lot of upscale features for very little money. But they make that work by making the rest of the car an absolute penalty box of cheapness.

The Yaris is the one I love to hate. It's probably competent all around. But when your own manufacturer can't come up with anything more to say about it than "It's a Car!" I'm looking elsewhere.

I looked at some of these around the time I bought my Fiat 500. I don't regret going with the Fiat, though I do wonder sometimes about the deal I could have made on a Sonic.


Kinja'd!!! Hooker > Frosted
04/09/2014 at 13:23

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It's a great car. I would highly recommend it. Even in a more plebeian trim it's still a good handling car with some good features.


Kinja'd!!! expectaburnout > Frosted
04/09/2014 at 13:29

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The Sonic is almost nothing like the spark. With a few performance parts it can get really fun. There is a lot of space in the back and it is HUGE with the seats out or down. The Fit is an MPV so like a subcompact van. the mirage is horrible nuf said. the fiesta is great but i'd rather go for the ST. Its has better looks, performance, and overall fun factor. Over the Sonic and the Fiesta the sonic is a bit better unless you find a cheap ST. FUCK THE YARIS it is so numb and mind suckingly boring and cheap and blughh. the Mazda 2 is great but personal opinion i only like that big plastic smile on the mazdaspeed 3.


Kinja'd!!! revrseat70 > Frosted
04/09/2014 at 13:32

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I grew up working on American and Japanese cars (might buy German soon which is kinda scary). I understand what you mean. Something about Japanese cars makes them extremely logical and easy to work on: 10,12,14mm socket wrenches, pliers, and trim removal tools and you can do everything. But America is making serious waves in the subcompact market. I'd say test drive them all and go with your gut. Ultimately, It's gotta be what you wanted because otherwise you'll constantly think you should have gone with the "other" one, and every time something happens, you'll be mad at your choice (blaming others) and the one you ended up with. Kinda like trying something someone suggests to you at a restaurant that you already have a favorite at. You'll hate it just because it's not what you wanted even though it may have very well been very good.


Kinja'd!!! PS9 > Party-vi
04/09/2014 at 13:37

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Jayhawke Jake might be an in-law one day!?


Kinja'd!!! Party-vi > PS9
04/09/2014 at 13:39

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Lulz. I'm not that lucky.


Kinja'd!!! eindeutschfanboy > Frosted
04/09/2014 at 13:46

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I have a fietsa 1.0 it is a great car; miles ahead of any sub compact in: features, refinement, power,fuel economy, most importantly interior quality. I've gotten 43 on the highway and around 36 in city. Plus it is torque rich and peppy when the turbo kicks in. There is less rear legroom than others. However Including taxes and registration it was a little over 16000 dollars.


Kinja'd!!! PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power > Frosted
04/09/2014 at 13:54

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I say fiesta, in a bright cheery color!
Then the sonic
Then the Fit
For the Chevy and Ford, PLEASE get the forced induction models (1L Ecoboost/1.4L Ecotec Turbo) the ecoboost apparently makes as much as 145hp, and it's rated at 125!


Kinja'd!!! BaconSandwich is tasty. > jariten1781
04/09/2014 at 14:31

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I wonder how hard it would be to create a tiny KERS system for that turbo...


Kinja'd!!! Klaus Schmoll > Frosted
04/09/2014 at 15:20

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If you are not in a hurry, why not wait a year for the next Mazda 2? It will be better looking and probably be better to drive, too. And if it's complete garbage, which I doubt, it will at least force dealers to get rid of their current-gens at super low prices. Either way, you win!


Kinja'd!!! JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder! > Frosted
04/09/2014 at 15:30

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The steering in this thing is really sad. We had a rental one once (exact car in that color too) and it was really slow and had way too much body roll and lack of feel to make it fun to drive in corners. I'd skip it!


Kinja'd!!! JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder! > Frosted
04/09/2014 at 15:31

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Do you like the size of your XC70 now? This is the best bet then. These things are huge inside and you can haul so much inside of them! They have a ton of room in the backseats too. Plus, you can get this body style really cheap since the new ones are coming out. or, you could wait for the new body style.


Kinja'd!!! Frosted > JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder!
04/09/2014 at 15:40

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Man that's a good question. The XC is spacious but it feels so cumbersome. I'm sure the Fit wouldn't feel too big and heavy though.


Kinja'd!!! Frosted > JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder!
04/09/2014 at 15:41

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Thanks for the input, I wasn't too keen on the Yaris to begin with and you helped solidify my doubts about it.


Kinja'd!!! Frosted > Klaus Schmoll
04/09/2014 at 15:43

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You make a good point and while I'm not 100% in the market for sure yet, the only reason I'm rushing is because a friend was interested in buying my current car now and with its warranty ending in August, I figured I'd start shopping now.


Kinja'd!!! JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder! > Frosted
04/09/2014 at 15:47

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The Fit really is a great city car. Peppy engine and I know the manuals are great in them.

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I think this is a great pic to show... they have the great "magic seats" which give a ton of opportunities. And if you like it, Mugen sells a ton of bits you can put onto it.

And the Honda will last you a long time and be cheap to maintain. I don't think the Chevy has that going for it.

The big issue though it will not be as sporty as the 2 or similar cars. This to me is a good step down from the XC.


Kinja'd!!! Klaus Schmoll > Frosted
04/09/2014 at 16:10

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Don't sell your car to a friend. If it goes well, nothing ever breaks and he keeps it around for years, you will always have this awkward "what if" feeling when you see it. "What if I kept it?" It's like your ex-gf still being in your social circle, always a little awkward when you meet her at parties, especially once she starts to bring a new guy. While this may be a little weird, my other reason has a bit more logic to it.

Should the other thing happen, and the car decides to, let's say, devour its' transmission a week after it changed hands this might put a little strain on your friendship. Both of your brains will know that it wasn't your fault, but you will feel bad for him, and he will probably harbour some negative feelings for you. In the end it's better to sell it to a complete stranger and never see it again.

Just my $ 0.02.


Kinja'd!!! Frosted > Klaus Schmoll
04/09/2014 at 16:13

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While I agree with you completely, I should also specify that this friend I only know through the Volvo community and he lives in a completely seperate state so I wouldn't really see him or the car post-sale except on the internet occasionally.


Kinja'd!!! Klaus Schmoll > Frosted
04/09/2014 at 16:17

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Out of sight, out out of mind!


Kinja'd!!! Tom McParland > Frosted
04/09/2014 at 21:54

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If you are not in a rush the next generation Fit is going to be even better. HP up to 130, upgraded suspension and same awesome space on the inside. I think they are due in showrooms this fall.


Kinja'd!!! Frosted > Tom McParland
04/09/2014 at 22:05

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I'm semi in a hurry. A volvo enthusiast was interested in buying me car now to replace another totaled vehicle and I'm waiting to hear about insurance money and such. If not now, then come summer my warranty ends and I don't have the money or skill to keep this car running, lots of electronic stuff and parts ain't cheap (case in point: aftermarket sway bars are 450 bucks, the ones for the Mazda are about 100 bucks). The Fit is one of those cars that I'm on the fence with and a test drive will make or break but knowing Mugen has an aftermarket makes it a little more appealing. If I end up waiting, I'll see what kind of deals there are on this gen Fit and how the next gen one is.


Kinja'd!!! JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder! > Frosted
04/10/2014 at 11:59

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Frosted! TTAC just posted a review on the 2015 Fit right here and put simply they love it.

If you wait, get this.


Kinja'd!!! Frosted > JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder!
04/10/2014 at 12:16

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Wow the 2015 looks awesome. Very Japanese styling. I may have to hold off if possible.


Kinja'd!!! JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder! > Frosted
04/10/2014 at 12:18

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And the price will be great for it! I almost got the 2013; but the only way to get bluetooth (which was really important to me) was to go all the way up to an EX with navigation. It wasn't worth it. The new one is much better.

I wasn't sure on looks at first, but it really grew on me.


Kinja'd!!! Frosted > JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder!
04/10/2014 at 12:23

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I hate to say it but the 2 is still top of the list because of its basicness. All I want is a simple radio and A/C, everything else is just weight. But the way that Fit looks is so beautiful and "HELLA JDM" that I absolutely want to have a go in it before deciding.


Kinja'd!!! JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder! > Frosted
04/10/2014 at 12:27

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I never realized that you wanted simplicity. The 2 is the best for that then. Me, I like technology, a lot. Which is why I have a Civic. Look at my (not my pic but same car) dash!

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Kinja'd!!! Frosted > JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder!
04/10/2014 at 12:31

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I enjoy both, my XC has a ton of toys and comfort but when one of those things breaks, it's a PITA to fix. Plus I want to get into racing now and the less weight, the better. That Civic has a superb display though, I never realized how clean and cool it looks.


Kinja'd!!! mazdaspeed2 > Frosted
04/10/2014 at 18:10

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I just saw this post, and based on what you said there, we are the same person, haha. I do/plan to do all those things with my 2, and I also like it for it's basicness. The stock radio in the 2014 comes with both usb and aux, so unless you really want bluetooth or better sound quality, no need to change that. The stock suspension is starting to annoy me a bit due to its softness, (I came from a mazdaspeed protege that was stiffer than stock, and I really loved that) but I am saving up for Corksport's adjustable struts and shocks to fix that. Sorry for the continued sales pitch, haha. I just really love my car and I can't recommend it enough!


Kinja'd!!! Frosted > mazdaspeed2
04/10/2014 at 18:41

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Oh believe me, I'm sold on it already but do wanna test a few cars just to make sure. The Fiesta may be better equipped with more power but I don't need the sync shit and the dash is a nightmare to look at. I browsed Corksport and already see parts I'd be getting for the 2 if I go that route haha. Aux jack is a big big big plus as having a million CDs gets annoying.


Kinja'd!!! mazdaspeed2 > Frosted
04/10/2014 at 18:47

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Yeah I can't stand Ford's new interiors either, that is why I didn't even look at the fiesta. Oh and Racing Beat , and Tri-Point Engineering make great parts for the 2 as well. Let me know how the test drives go!


Kinja'd!!! Frosted > mazdaspeed2
04/10/2014 at 18:51

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Hmmm I wonder which company makes the best sway bars. That and an exhaust would be #1. And when I say exhaust, I mostly mean muffler.


Kinja'd!!! mazdaspeed2 > Frosted
04/10/2014 at 18:59

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I will also be getting an exhaust (racing beats muffler haha), but in terms of value I would say corksport, and the difference really is night and day. I don't think it would be worth it to get racing beat's rear bar because the tri-point one is much better (from what I have heard) and only a little bit more money. I might upgrade to the tri-point bar down the road when I start getting more into racing it.