$11k Just Became $20K, And My Car Purchase Just Got Interesting!

"Vicente Esteve" (vicente-esteve) 07/24/2014 at 13:29 • Filed to: car buying

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How did I end up like this? I have no idea, but god am I happy about it. As some of you may know, !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! I would find a car newer than 2005, with around less than half the miles of my older car, and it wouldn't be something imported from the U.S. A week and a bit has gone by, and now none of that is going to happen.

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The Refuse Of All Things Used:

Last sunday my father and I went to see the only 2 cars that interested me that were in the city. They were sold by the Chrysler dealership who was famous for overpricing every single used car they sold. The 2 cars that had intrigued me were a nice 2010 Volkswagen Jetta GLI in red with a DSG, and most fascinating, A 2011 Seat Ibiza Bocanegra. The Ibiza Bocanegra is a special edition Ibiza that came with a 1.4 Litre engine that was both supercharged and turbocharged to make 180 HP through the DSG gearbox. As I came by to look at both, I was very disappointed. Both cars were beat to crap with various wheel damage, paint scratched galore, broken buttons, and worn out interior trim. It would be a bad choice to buy either. More so, as they broke my budget of 11K, but if they were perfect, they could've got a chance. As we returned to the house silently we talked about how abused a used car is, and how we would still have to pay for things that need to be fixed. Later, we decided to go out for dinner. (We ate tacos. Yes, insert Mexican stereotype) In this dinner though, is were EVERYTHING changed.

My mother asked us about the cars, and if they were any good. I sadly said no, and told both my parents about another Jetta GLI that was in the city, though it still was over the budget. As I mentioned its $15K price, both of them backfired me it didn't made sense to buy such an expensive used car since it would be the same car I would take to College. A 2 year old car, would be a 5 year old car by the time I left, and the last thing they want me to worry about whilst in College was car maintenance. Then my father spoke:

"Lets just stop this crap of finding something used that will eventually need fixing. What happens if this car is as unreliable as the one you had before." (Which it being VAG, it probably would). "If you buy a new car now, you will have about 3 years of trouble-free driving, and we would only have to buy you tires and a battery so it is as good as new again when you leave to College. I dont want to go through the same hassle, so I think it is time to buy you a new car."

Although my face was serious, I wanted to jump of excitement. My mother then came in to seal the deal.

"Its the best choice to buy you something new. It will be what you want, and you wont be thinking of the last person abusing of it or something. I will still give you the thousand dollars, but for now, just sell your car."

This was it! I was getting a new car, after 3 years of asking my parents, it was finally happening.

And now, it starts to get interesting.

The Choices, The Options, and The Candidates:

The requirements from the car I will choose are about the same as last time:

Manual Gearbox, although I could accept a DSG.

Fun to drive/Interesting

Under Budget, or over it just barely.

Can be CPO/Demo Car

(As you can see. Pretty simple)

Budget?

My new budget has climbed from $11,000 to $20,000, and my options increased just as much.

The Cars:

(My selection of cars is organised numerically from Favourite to Possible)

1. Seat Ibiza Coupe

Engine: 1.2 TSI; 105 HP; 5 Speed manual

Version: FR 1.2 Manual

Price: $18,500

Likes: Driving dynamics, Amazing looks, LEDs, 2 Door, Superb engine.

Dislikes: Sunroof doesn't open.

2. Volkswagen Polo

Engine: 1.2 TSI; 105 HP; 6 Speed Manual

Version: Highline Manual

Price: $17,000

Likes: Engine/Transmission, LEDs can be added, Opening huge Sunroof, Quality.

Dislikes: Driving Dynamics aren't up to par with the Ibiza, too conservative looking.

3. 2013 Volkswagen Golf (CPO/Demo)

Engine 1.4 TSI; 170HP; 6 Speed Manual

Version: 1.4 Turbo

Price: $17,100

Likes: Drive, Engine, Rarity, Available LED's, nice Equipment.

Dislikes: It is slightly used.

4. 2013 Volkswagen Beetle (CPO/Demo)

Engine: 2.5; 170 HP; 5 Speed Manual

Version: Sport Manual

Price: $18,900

Likes: Looks, Attitude, Driving Dynamics, Sunroof, LED's.

Dislikes: Cant choose Color, slightly used.

5. Volkswagen Jetta

Engine: 2.0 (2 point slow); 115 HP; 5 Speed Manual

Version: Base 2.0 Manual

Price: $17,550

Likes: Looks, Street Cred, Aftermarket OEM parts, Drive.

Dislikes: That engine. No sunroof.

(I could probably get a CPO with the 5 Cylinder)

6. Suzuki Swift Sport

Engine: 1.6; 134HP; 6 Speed Manual

Version: Sport

Price: $20,000

Likes: Rare, Awesome to Drive, Cool, Happy Car.

Dislikes: No Sunroof, a Bit Over Budget (Although these have almost always great discounts that make the price go down).

7. Mazda 3

Engine: 2.0; 155 HP; 6 Speed Manual

Version: Hatchback iTouring Manual

Price: $19,800

Likes: Looks, Drive, Hatchback.

Dislikes: A bit over Budget, and Mazda Stigma in Mexico is snob-like.

8. Fiat 500

Engine: 1.4; 101 HP; 5 Speed Manual

Version: Sport Manual

Price: $17,700

Likes: Image, Charisma, Drive, Cool Factor, Personalisation, Nimble.

Dislikes: Underpowered, New model Coming in.

9. Ford Fiesta

Engine: 1.6; 120 HP; 5 Speed Manual (No 1.0 Ecoboost available, if it was, it would be one of the top choices)

Version: SE 5 door Manual

Price: $15,400

Likes: Driving Dynamics, Agile, Nimble.

Dislikes: Mid-level trim, no Sunroof, not enough equipment.

10. Chevrolet Sonic

Engine: 1.4 Turbo; 138 HP; 6 Speed Manual

Version: RS Hatchback

Price: $20,797

Likes: Looks, Drive, Angry and Eager character, Equipment, Rarity. (This is the only Sonic Hatchback available in Mexico)

Dislikes: Goes quite over budget, not too interesting to me.

11. Dodge Dart

Engine: 2.4 Tigershark; 184 HP; 6 Speed Manual

Version: SXT Manual

Price: $20,874

Likes: Looks, Rare in Manual, Cool, Power, Driving dynamics.

Dislikes: Over Budget, not enough equipment.

12. Renault Duster

Engine: 2.0; 148HP; 6 Speed Manual

Version: Dynamic Nav. Manual

Price: $19,100

Likes: Character, space, Trashing/Bashing

Dislikes: Driving Dynamics, Over budget, No Sunroof.

13. Nissan March

Engine: 1.6; 106 HP; 5 Speed Manual

Version: SR Manual

Price: $15,600

Likes: Cheap, Good Equipment, Reliable, a bit Rare.

Dislikes: Drive not known to be great. Sunroof.

14. Honda Fit

Engine: 1.5; 130HP; 6 Speed Manual

Version: Fun Manual (Version here are called "Cool, Fun, and Hit)

Price: $17,500

Likes: Practicality, Reliability, Funky looks, Drive.

Dislikes: Not much of a Honda guy, Sunroof.

All of these cars will be driven, and I will go to each dealership to check them out. I want to make my first car buy a damn good one, so all of them will be thoroughly examined as every car buyer should. If there is any other suggestions you might think would suit me well, I will appreciate it.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > Vicente Esteve 07/24/2014 at 13:34

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What about a Spark?

But if it has to be on this list, you know I'm gonna tell you Sonic.

Luc - The Acadian Oppo > Vicente Esteve 07/24/2014 at 13:39

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These would be my 2 picks. you just need to decide what's more important sporty driving dynamics or practicality. And because both of these are forbiden fruit for me in Canada

A DACIA DUSTER!!! (I know it's a Renault in Mexico but don't ruin this for me)

Vicente Esteve > Logansteno: Bought a VW? 07/24/2014 at 13:45

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The Spark IS cool, but I think I want to take advantage of my budget. Haha, I knew you'd like the Sonic, and its the only car on this list I would consider buying white.

Vicente Esteve > Luc - The Acadian Oppo 07/24/2014 at 13:46

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Haha, I adore that Ibiza. But yeah, I have to drive them both to see if the character of the Dacia is enough to win me over.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > Vicente Esteve 07/24/2014 at 13:49

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True, might as well use all you've got.

Choice 2 would be the Dart.

Do you really wanna go back to a VW product after your not-so-good experience(s) with Oliver? I know they'd be new and all, but think about after the warranty expires.

Vicente Esteve > Logansteno: Bought a VW? 07/24/2014 at 13:51

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I still think about that. The only really reliable things are the Japanese, and they are the last choices. Though I have to decide since this will be the car I will use for years and years to come.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > Vicente Esteve 07/24/2014 at 13:54

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American cars are pretty reliable. Or, at least all the ones my parent's have owned have been.

cabarne4 > Vicente Esteve 07/24/2014 at 13:55

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My choices off that list:

- Ibiza

- Polo

- Fit

BrownMiataDieselWagon > Vicente Esteve 07/24/2014 at 13:55

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HondaFitHondaFitHondaFitHondaFitHondaFit

But good list overall (I had to look up the Nissan hatch thing)

Alex B > Vicente Esteve 07/24/2014 at 13:58

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Do the Mazda. Who cares about the stereotype!

Vicente Esteve > Logansteno: Bought a VW? 07/24/2014 at 14:02

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The Van is pretty much a cockroach

Vicente Esteve > cabarne4 07/24/2014 at 14:03

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Ibiza is also my favourite one here. The new design is just amazing in Person. What do you think of this color?

Vicente Esteve > BrownMiataDieselWagon 07/24/2014 at 14:04

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Haha, the fit looks cool. And Hondas trim levels here are "Cool" "Hit" ""Fun".

Vicente Esteve > Alex B 07/24/2014 at 14:05

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Stereotype is not that important if I get it with the stick. That way, people know I have the ability to drive something harder, and sportier. Love how the Hatchback looks, but I have to get it larger wheels.

cabarne4 > Vicente Esteve 07/24/2014 at 14:07

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I love bright colors! Too bad we don't get the Ibiza or the Polo in the US. :(

The one thing about the Fit though — those backseats. The car is true to its name. Pop the backseats down, and you can fit just about anything back there. Being your only car, and having to go to college in a few years, consider that you have to pack everything you own into whatever car you get.

Because sometimes, you have to carry a surfboard, beach chairs, cooler, and still have room for 2 passengers.

Vicente Esteve > cabarne4 07/24/2014 at 14:08

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Space is considered since I use the back seats a lot! With my older car, The Cabrio, I was at the limit of impracticality and couldn't have a car less practical than that. I even used it to haul wood and my family.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > Vicente Esteve 07/24/2014 at 14:09

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Valid. But the list is a lot longer. Just in my lifetime:

1990 Silverado

1994 Safari

2000-something Impala, short term ownership

1999 Tahoe

2004 Silverado

2008 Vue

The only car on that list that needed work, coincidentally, is the Safari. Which needed an Alternator that took an hour to fix.

treesmakewater > Vicente Esteve 07/24/2014 at 14:10

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the dart and the jetta are my top two of the list. Personally I really like the new jetta's styling and the dart's. If it was my decision I would try for a VERY low milage CPO jetta.

BrownMiataDieselWagon > Vicente Esteve 07/24/2014 at 14:14

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Honda is really trying to rebuild their reputation for making "cool", "fun" cars and they're really hoping that this new Fit will be a "hit".

But in all seriousness, that Honda manual transmission is comparable to ones you find in high-end sports cars. If I were in the market for a city car, the Fit would be my top choice. Then again, out of your list, the only other cars I've only driven are the Dart and 500.

Vicente Esteve > Logansteno: Bought a VW? 07/24/2014 at 14:15

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Haha, oh the irony. Here, he Vue was sold in a Sport trim with "Sport" appearance.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > Vicente Esteve 07/24/2014 at 14:18

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The sport trim we got is a littler, erm, sportier.

Vicente Esteve > treesmakewater 07/24/2014 at 14:21

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That is a good option. Here, the Jetta has an amazing amount of aftermarket OEM bits which also is something I keep in mind

Alex B > Vicente Esteve 07/24/2014 at 14:22

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I do too. I think it's a great choice. You don't get the up! In Mexico?

Vicente Esteve > BrownMiataDieselWagon 07/24/2014 at 14:23

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I have heard the stick is astonishing on Hondas, and its nature of agile and snickety is exactly what I want. I need to test drive it. Doubt they have too many with sticks though..

Vicente Esteve > Logansteno: Bought a VW? 07/24/2014 at 14:24

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Haha, but man Saturn is the semi-sporty arm of Chevy. With Pontiac being FULL-RAW

This is the Chevy Super Semi-Skinned-Light Sporty Captiva :)

cabarne4 > Vicente Esteve 07/24/2014 at 14:24

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That's why I love the Honda Fit so much — it'll probably be my next car. For a small city car, that thing is ridiculously practical.

Who knows, you might find a really good deal on a classic arcade game and need to take it home RIGHT NOW.

E92M3 > Vicente Esteve 07/24/2014 at 14:26

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#firstworldproblems

My college car was a $800 CRX with 250k miles on it, and I had to drive 60 miles to school roundtrip.

Vicente Esteve > cabarne4 07/24/2014 at 14:28

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That is overflowing with cool

cabarne4 > Vicente Esteve 07/24/2014 at 14:31

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Honda Fit is seriously my all-time favorite compact car.

But we don't get things like the Ibiza and Polo here, so there's not much competition.

Vicente Esteve > E92M3 07/24/2014 at 14:32

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Well, I tried not to sound like a spoiled brat. But to someone, I probably seem like that since my father has decided to buy me a car. A car, the 1 thing I am most passionate about. The thing that I have for every year of my life dedicated time and money. The 1 thing I am truly an expert. And yes, I also drove an old car that broke down every month and had to deal with it.

Still, I understand the amount of work someone has to do to be able to afford a new car, and will assure you I will take care of it like a baby. Hell, I never used my 13 year old car after I waited 3 minutes until it was warmed up, washed it by myself, and parked it far away so I wouldn't get door dings.

BrownMiataDieselWagon > Vicente Esteve 07/24/2014 at 14:33

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They are somewhat rare with the stick (Americans are lazy), which means that they have huge discounts. Not sure if that's true elsewhere. But yes, you do need to test drive it. It will change your entire outlook. Honda manual transmissions have turned me into a "Honda guy" and I don't even drive a Honda.

Vicente Esteve > cabarne4 07/24/2014 at 14:33

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I think if the Polo went to the U.S. in that same spec, it would give VW so much more clients.

Vicente Esteve > BrownMiataDieselWagon 07/24/2014 at 14:37

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Wow, thats saying something!

I will go from the last option to the first in terms of dealerships and test drives. I will keep notes logged

BrownMiataDieselWagon > Vicente Esteve 07/24/2014 at 14:43

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Sounds good, keep Oppo updated on your car search. I'm particularly curious about the Nissan March. Torch tested one in 2012 but that one had a CVT and a less powerful engine.

cabarne4 > Vicente Esteve 07/24/2014 at 14:44

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Yeah there's been talk before of a US Polo — VW is afraid that it'll harm Golf sales.

Vicente Esteve > BrownMiataDieselWagon 07/24/2014 at 14:45

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I will make a post of a "mini" review of every one of them prior to the buy.

And a post of the buy.

And a post of impressions/first photos

PelicanHazard > Vicente Esteve 07/24/2014 at 14:45

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I'm going to say the Dart (because I own one) and the Ibiza, but what I really learned from this post is that I just have to visit the nearest Mexican consulate to reacquire a passport and figure out how to start buying some cars down there. You get SEATs, Polos, AND Dacias? Sign me up!

EDIT: Just saw, Peugeots too? The 208 is the cheap car that gets me all hot and bothered.

Vicente Esteve > cabarne4 07/24/2014 at 14:51

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Thats such a bad decision. Much like VWs new webpage, ITS HORRID

Vicente Esteve > PelicanHazard 07/24/2014 at 14:58

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YES! We got dem Peugeots

208 GTI? Absolutely. Though I dont like it that much, and the GTI is more expensive. Funny, my local Peugeot dealer also sells Izuzu Trucks, what the hell?!

gawdzillla > Vicente Esteve 07/24/2014 at 15:33

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Mazda 3 is the only 1 I would pick from the list. Honda fit comes in a distant second

Vicente Esteve > gawdzillla 07/24/2014 at 15:58

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The Mazda looks great, but I have to put bigger wheels on it ASAP.

bob and john > Vicente Esteve 07/24/2014 at 17:37

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do NOT get the jetta. the new ones are such a peice of crap.

out of those, i'd probably roll with the seat

Vicente Esteve > bob and john 07/24/2014 at 23:00

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My sister has a 2011 with the 2.5 auto, and I dont hate it. Though the Seat is still my top choice!

Dsscats > Vicente Esteve 07/24/2014 at 23:29

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Is a sunroof seriously that big of a deal?

Vicente Esteve > Dsscats 07/24/2014 at 23:49

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Pretty much yes. I leave very near a beach, so when I had the convertible it was perfect. I need something to at least show me some sunlight through the roof.

thejensen > Vicente Esteve 07/25/2014 at 02:08

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I've never seen several of these models before, very cool thanks for sharing.

To add my 2 bits - I've dd'd an 84 Civic hatch mt, a 95 civic 4dr Mt, and currently own a 05 Acura TL 6-MT. Never actually considered it as a brand thing though, they just make good small manuals. Regardless, I've got some experience w Honda's.

My best friend has a CPO Fit, and it's easily among my favorite Honda's that I've driven. I didn't like it much before I got acquainted with my friends car, but it really grew on me. For example I'm 6' 4" and I was shocked at how not uncomfortable I was riding in the back seat during an 8 hr road trip last year (Chicago to Minneapolis fwiw). They bent the laws of physics it seems, ccause in any other small hatch my heart would have been smashing into the headliner and my keys would have gone numb somewhere near exit for Tommy Bartlett's Robot World. It's really well designed.

The driving dynamics seemed tight/responsive, and the overall fit and finish was great in a very Honda kind of way.

I'm not a total fanboy or anything, my next car will probably be a Subie... But the Fit is sweet IMHO.

Vicente Esteve > thejensen 07/25/2014 at 10:01

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Thanks for the opinion! I am getting a LOT of love from people to the Fit, and it is the first car I will go and test drive. We'll see if its transmission and overall practicality can win me over.

Vince-The Roadside Mechanic > Vicente Esteve 07/25/2014 at 13:35

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I say Fiesta ST.

Vicente Esteve > Vince-The Roadside Mechanic 07/25/2014 at 13:47

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Too expensive, the only way I could afford it is if it had a massive discount.

Vince-The Roadside Mechanic > Vicente Esteve 07/25/2014 at 13:49

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Then Fiat 500, Sonic RS or fix one of the trucks that are laying around. I say truck if the best option. It wouldn't even take half of your budget.

Jmaister > Vicente Esteve 07/25/2014 at 14:09

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cant go wrong with swift sport.

suzuki failed by NOT bringing that over to north america. I would've been proudly driving one too.

Vicente Esteve > Jmaister 07/25/2014 at 17:01

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I know! Massive mistake not to take it there. And the Sport would've been one of the best values in fun per dollar cars.

BiggsHoson > Vicente Esteve 07/25/2014 at 17:24

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Word of advice... if you don't need to spend all your budget it's all the better. Money saved on the car now will help you (and/or your family) later.

Vicente Esteve > BiggsHoson 07/25/2014 at 17:42

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I do consider it, but I am in my second year of high school, so family isn't really a concern. Although it is always nice to have some money left in the bank or somewhere for emergencies.

BiggsHoson > Vicente Esteve 07/25/2014 at 18:03

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I meant family being your mom and dad ;)

adolfofajardo > Vicente Esteve 07/29/2014 at 12:54

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Well, I can tell you i've driven the Ibiza SC, Polo, and Golf TSI available in our country. As you, I really liked Ibiza's look since its introduction in our country. However, with the Polo and Golf now available in our country, I think they are better products/higher quality. The Polo and Ibiza drive similarly (they share the same chassis). However, the Golf, that car feels more upscale, it drives much better and has quite a difference in ride quality, materials, and space against the other two smaller offerings from VAG. I have been searching for a demo Golf recently and you can really find options along VW dealerships in MTY and Tampico, so color wont be an issue. I would recommend you to look for a demo Golf with around 3,000-5,0000 kms and you wont regret it! The Fit is practical and probably a bit more reliable, but in the looks department I believe you can't go wrong with a VAG product! Good luck! A fellow Tampico citizen here, I understand the lack of market over there.

Rick > Vicente Esteve 08/01/2014 at 17:05

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Of the cars listed, I'd probably chose the Mazda3. Decent trim, power, and better reliability than VW. The only Golf I'd get is a GTI/R. My top 5 from your list-

1 Mazad3

2 Seat

4 VW Jetta

3 Fiat

5 Dart

Vicente Esteve > Rick 08/02/2014 at 00:54

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Thanks, and yes, the Mazda was quite a good candidate, issue is that it looks kind of lacking in that trim.

dingo427drivesaGKFit > Vicente Esteve 09/06/2014 at 12:35

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If the lack of trunk is not a problem, I suggest you to go for the Swift.

Vicente Esteve > dingo427drivesaGKFit 09/06/2014 at 12:38

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Haha Ive already made my buy

http://oppositelock.jalopnik.com/the-first-week…