Sounds the Oppo Horn Car suggestions needed

"Dusty Ventures" (dustyventures)
08/03/2020 at 13:06 • Filed to: necessary car shopping

Over the weekend the engine in my brother’s ‘14 Focus suffered a coolant-starved death. Since it’s almost a guarantee the repairs will cost well more than the car is worth he’s asked me to start compiling a list of possible replacements.

The details of his requirements may evolve over the next couple days/weeks, but at the moment they are a hatch/wagon with a manual, heated seats, and a fuel economy over 25/31 city/highway. Needs to be no older than three years and under $25k. Doesn’t need to be sporty or quick (though it’s a plus), does need to be reliable. Sunroof a big plus but not a necessity.

So far what I’ve come up with is:
Honda Civic Sport Touring
Hyundai Elantra GT N-Line
Kia Forte SX
Mazda3
Subaru Impreza
Subaru Crosstrek
VW Golf/GTI/Alltrack

What does Oppo say, any suggestions to add? Any warnings against what I’ve already got on the list? For those wondering location he lives in central Connecticut.

DISCUSSION (63)

Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire > Dusty Ventures
08/03/2020 at 13:12

Fiesta ST

avalonian > Dusty Ventures
08/03/2020 at 13:13

Toyota Corolla Hatchback! There's an opportunity here with one, and that car is awesome. Or Lexus CT200H for fuel economy reasons. And there is the kia stinger pre owned, for that price. Or maybe even new lol.

BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind > Dusty Ventures
08/03/2020 at 13:14

All I can say is...good luck. That’s a hard list of things to reconcile together .

Unless you get a GTi.

ItalianJobR53 - now with added 'MERICA and unreliability > Dusty Ventures
08/03/2020 at 13:19

10th gen Civic Si...new can be had for about 25ish grand but a used one is 15k. They are decently fast, comfy, 5 doors, manual and have a mechanical diff from factory.

I found this 2017 with 40k miles on it for 14 grand. One owner as well.

https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/vehicledetails.xhtml?listingId=556938380&zip=47201&referrer=%2Fcars-for-sale%2Fsearchresults.xhtml%3Fzip%3D47201%26startYear%3D2016%26sortBy%3DderivedpriceASC%26incremental%3Dall%26firstRecord%3D0%26marketExtension%3Dinclude%26modelCodeList%3DCIVIC%26makeCodeList%3DHONDA%26searchRadius%3D0%26trimCodeList%3DCIVIC%257CSi%26isNewSearch%3Dtrue&startYear=2016&numRecords=25&firstRecord=0&modelCodeList=CIVIC&makeCodeList=HONDA&searchRadius=0&trimCodeList=CIVIC%7CSi&makeCode1=HONDA&modelCode1=CIVIC&clickType=listing

foghat1981 > Dusty Ventures
08/03/2020 at 13:19

Don’t forget Toyota iM/Corolla wagon/Matrix thingy. Not sure if heated seats are possible, though. Otherwise I think you got the usual suspects.

What about a Kia Soul?

Were Nissan Jukes still offered with a manual? I saw a 2017 NISMO Juke for sale around here not too long. But that may be the newest.

RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars > Dusty Ventures
08/03/2020 at 13:20

It has a hatch, though not a large one.....Hyundai Veloster?

I agree with the Elantra GT though...very nice cars!

KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time > Dusty Ventures
08/03/2020 at 13:21

Honda Civic Sport Touring
Hyundai Elantra GT N-Line

Arrivederci > ItalianJobR53 - now with added 'MERICA and unreliability
08/03/2020 at 13:21

How are those Si’s already so cheap? Hm.

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > Dusty Ventures
08/03/2020 at 13:27

Corolla hatch and Elantra GT N Line are my picks.

Dusty Ventures > Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire
08/03/2020 at 13:27

Too small

Snuze: Needs another Swede > Dusty Ventures
08/03/2020 at 13:28

Cruze hatchback. Has 1 .5L turbo gas motor that makes about 150 HP. Can be had with a 6 speed auto or 6 speed manual. The 1.5 is an all new design and doesn’t suffer the issues the 1.4L had.

Also, if he wants something odd, you can find the Cruze hatch with a diesel, and even a diesel with a manual, if you look hard enough.

Dusty Ventures > foghat1981
08/03/2020 at 13:28

Soul only offers the manual on the lowest trims, which can't be equipped with heated seats

For Sweden > Dusty Ventures
08/03/2020 at 13:30

Buy the Hyundai you cowards

Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire > Dusty Ventures
08/03/2020 at 13:32

https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/inventorylisting/viewDetailsFilterViewInventoryListing.action?zip=41042&transmission=M&showNegotiable=true&sortDir=ASC&sourceContext=untrackedExternal_false_0&distance=50000&sortType=DEAL_SCORE&entitySelectingHelper.selectedEntity=d2307#listing=275457954

Spasoje > Dusty Ventures
08/03/2020 at 13:33

Personally, I’d narrow it down to the Golf family, Mazda3 range, or the Corolla range, and see which I’d like best.

ItalianJobR53 - now with added 'MERICA and unreliability > Arrivederci
08/03/2020 at 13:33

¯\_()_/¯

All i know is those can be monstrously fast at auto cross

Dusty Ventures > avalonian
08/03/2020 at 13:33

IIRC when I checked last night it was impossible to get the manual Corolla with heated seats

LongbowMkII > Snuze: Needs another Swede
08/03/2020 at 13:34

I can’t recommend a Cruze. Maybe they updated the engine, but that car ( ‘11 eco) would have a new tiny issue every other month it seems. For example the wiper gears stripped at like 50k . What the fuck.

It’s a real shame because without needless cheap corner cutting it could be a great car.

I like cars: Jim Spanfeller is one ugly motherfucker > ItalianJobR53 - now with added 'MERICA and unreliability
08/03/2020 at 13:34

Have you been in one of these? Cargo space kind of sucks with the shape of the hatch being what it is. And the interior is pretty unattractive in my opinion.

gmporschenut also a fan of hondas > Arrivederci
08/03/2020 at 13:35

(That’s got to be a one off) holy cow Some are cheap

Dusty Ventures > BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind
08/03/2020 at 13:36

Every car I listed meets all the stated requirements (I did A LOT of research last night). Just making sure I didn't miss any other good contenders before I present the list to him and we start comparing

Dusty Ventures > ItalianJobR53 - now with added 'MERICA and unreliability
08/03/2020 at 13:38

I thought those were sedans, not hatchbacks

BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind > Dusty Ventures
08/03/2020 at 13:40

While those items technically exist together in those vehicles you stated...it’s going to be hard to find them that way. Not trying to be snarky, I’m just saying that you and your friend might get frustrated when trying to find the physical car someplace in existence.

Gamecat235 > Dusty Ventures
08/03/2020 at 13:43

FoST, Elantra GT N-line, Civic in acceptable trim would be at the top of my lists. Dark horses: Jetta, Corolla hatchback, IM.

Jb boin > Arrivederci
08/03/2020 at 13:43

This is indeed really cheap for what it is but it’s still too ugly for my taste, even the sport -s eats looks horrible .

I mean... WTF :

Kinja'd!!!

Dusty Ventures > Snuze: Needs another Swede
08/03/2020 at 13:43

My brother had a Cruze and hated it. Don't think I can sell him on buying one after that

Dusty Ventures > Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire
08/03/2020 at 13:44

Too old

Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire > Dusty Ventures
08/03/2020 at 13:47

I had to try the brown manual diesel wagon

Dusty Ventures > Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available
08/03/2020 at 13:47

I don't think you can get the Corolla with heated seats and manual

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > Dusty Ventures
08/03/2020 at 13:50

Dang, why do they do this to us?

The 3 is for a very specific kind of person and it really compromises practicality and usability. Not sure if your brother is the kind of person who would do that. Well, for the hatch at least.

Steer him towards an Elantra GT N Line.

Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire > Dusty Ventures
08/03/2020 at 13:50

Exage03040 @ opposite-lock.com > Dusty Ventures
08/03/2020 at 13:54

You can here in Canadaland... Any other trim except the door crasher.

Dusty Ventures > BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind
08/03/2020 at 13:54

Actually I found matching examples of the Subarus, the Hyundai, and the three VWs so far. Haven't looked for the Mazda, Honda, or Kia yet

ItalianJobR53 - now with added 'MERICA and unreliability > Dusty Ventures
08/03/2020 at 13:55

Aah! You are quite right, I thought they were hatches...

Dusty Ventures > Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available
08/03/2020 at 13:55

Not gonna lie, that and the Golf are my top contenders ATM

Dusty Ventures > Exage03040 @ opposite-lock.com
08/03/2020 at 14:00

Don’t get me started on the combinations you get that we don’t

*Grumbles about Elantra panoramic sunroof*

Captain of the Enterprise > Dusty Ventures
08/03/2020 at 14:00

I vote for the civic. If it were my money it’s what I’d go for, just try to get one new enough it has the volume knob updated infotainment. It also will come with more climate control buttons. I’m a fan of the current gen civic.

Snuze: Needs another Swede > LongbowMkII
08/03/2020 at 14:06

Weird. My ‘12 LT has had no issues. Wipers work, stereo works, door locks work. Haven’t had any parts fall off so to speak.

My issues have been strictly mechanical - the damn, cursed PCV system fails on the regular. It also had to have the turbo replaced at 30k but that was covered under warranty.

Exage03040 @ opposite-lock.com > Dusty Ventures
08/03/2020 at 14:10

You’ll have to check Dusty, I took a quick look on the USA site and they have heated front seats for the XSE manual hatch but not the SE.

No sunroof/moonroof is a bummer though.

foghat1981 > Dusty Ventures
08/03/2020 at 14:12

the unfortunate way of the world

Dusty Ventures > Exage03040 @ opposite-lock.com
08/03/2020 at 14:13

Maybe I just missed it. I'll look again

Snuze: Needs another Swede > Dusty Ventures
08/03/2020 at 14:17

Fair enough.

MrSnrub > Dusty Ventures
08/03/2020 at 14:30

Either the Golf or Mazda3 would be my choice. Golf is roomier, Mazda probably more reliable. But really any of these are good.

longtimelurkingtdiguy > Dusty Ventures
08/03/2020 at 14:31

If liftbacks count, used 2018-newer Buick Regals can be had in this price range also.

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > Dusty Ventures
08/03/2020 at 14:44

The Golf is just so obviously brilliant I didn't feel the need to mention it. Get plaid seats if you can.

ItalianJobR53 - now with added 'MERICA and unreliability > I like cars: Jim Spanfeller is one ugly motherfucker
08/03/2020 at 14:49

Cargo space is kinda small...but it is still there...

I've said this before, but I own early 2000s Mini and Corvette, my standards for interior stuff are pretty low

I like cars: Jim Spanfeller is one ugly motherfucker > ItalianJobR53 - now with added 'MERICA and unreliability
08/03/2020 at 14:56

Yeah, it has cargo space, but it’s definitely the worst on the list, except maybe the Mazda, which suffers a similar form factor.

Dusty Ventures > I like cars: Jim Spanfeller is one ugly motherfucker
08/03/2020 at 15:04

Cargo space on the Civic hatch (which you can't get in Si trim) is actually surprisingly good, despite the sloping rear. It has 25.7 cubic feet with the seats up, which puts it ahead of the Elantra by 0.8 and way ahead of the Golf.

ItalianJobR53 - now with added 'MERICA and unreliability > I like cars: Jim Spanfeller is one ugly motherfucker
08/03/2020 at 15:04

Gotcha... although I didn't actually look how much space it has in detail. I was like turbo, locking diff oooooo

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > Dusty Ventures
08/03/2020 at 15:05

There is a sedan and a hatchback that looks like a sedan. Very little distinction.

I like cars: Jim Spanfeller is one ugly motherfucker > Dusty Ventures
08/03/2020 at 15:07

The paper numbers of cargo space and the actual usable volume are not the same. It’s good enough for in town stuff, but we used it for a weekend trip with driver and two passengers. It was inadequate.

How much cheaper is it than a GTI?

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > LongbowMkII
08/03/2020 at 15:10

25 ,000 miles of driving with 100,000 already on my 2012 when I got it and I have had to replace the thermostat, water pump, and a wheel bearing (not the cars fault), but it has been supremely reliable and dependable. Of course I have the 1 .8, not the 1.4.

The first gen Cruze is a whole different ball game than the second gen though. I find the gen 1 to be more attractive in sedan form but the gen 2 hatch is a looker. I didn’t like the interior as much though. Fortunately it doesn’t suffer the reliability problems of the gen 1 so that is a good trade off.

Dusty Ventures > Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available
08/03/2020 at 15:34

I know there's a sedan and a hatch of the Civic and they're nearly identical, but I did a lot of looking and unless I somehow missed it the Si trim isn't extended to the hatch. Just the sedan and the coupe.

Dusty Ventures > I like cars: Jim Spanfeller is one ugly motherfucker
08/03/2020 at 15:35

For the Sport Touring trim, the only way to get the seats and the stick, they're roughly the same price

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > Dusty Ventures
08/03/2020 at 15:44

And then the Type R is hatch only for some reason. I don't like how Honda has divided up their trim levels on the Civic. The Type R should have been coupe only and the Si should be all body styles. Argh.

I like cars: Jim Spanfeller is one ugly motherfucker > Dusty Ventures
08/03/2020 at 15:49

For my money I would still go GTI. Better handling, better cargo space, better interior, and it’s not shit ugly.

Dusty Ventures > Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available
08/03/2020 at 15:53

Agreed

notsomethingstructural > Dusty Ventures
08/03/2020 at 16:12

How did he starve it on coolant? If it was his fault maybe don’t buy another $25k car at all

ETA: where in central CT?

Shift24 > Dusty Ventures
08/03/2020 at 16:16

You can get Buick Tour-x for less than $ 25k now. Only thing is its 21 city 29 hw

My vote is fit the Ci vic because manual and hold their value. The Hyundai though is very appealing because of their warranty

Shift24 > Dusty Ventures
08/03/2020 at 16:20

2nd gen cruze corporate got a hold of and turned everything to Fisher Price plastic

1st gen had a respectable interior and ok looks, just the 1.4l Turbo i s unreliable and soul sucking slow

Dusty Ventures > notsomethingstructural
08/03/2020 at 16:32

Not his fault. Car had a leak somewhere and he didn’t catch it in time. Still not sure where the leak actually is or how big it is.

Not going to get more specific on his location without his permission

notsomethingstructural > Dusty Ventures
08/03/2020 at 17:35

Fair enough. I’ll take your word it was unavoidable. The Mazda 3 has the bonus of getting serviced at Mazda of Manchester, which is the best dealership that I have ever gone to, bar nothing. I will immediately move Mazda’s up my list if I end up in that area just to continue using them when I can. I already drive from 3 hours away to have them work on my RX8 and just find stuff to do for the day in a loaner. They are that good. As I understand the owner spun off all their other dealerships and kept Mazda’s because they owned several, and they really don’t care how much the dealership makes ( if anything) because they’re set for life from the sale of the rest. Just rumors, but explains why I am happy to go there anytime.

Notwithstanding anything else, the 3 would be toward the top of my list anyways, because the interiors are far and away the best in their class.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Gamecat235
08/06/2020 at 09:30

A wild Gamecat appears... What up, man? Hope you’re doing well!

*Sounds the Oppo Horn* Car suggestions needed

DISCUSSION (63)

Sounds the Oppo Horn Car suggestions needed