![]() 11/01/2016 at 16:21 • Filed to: Oppositelock | ![]() | ![]() |
Hello Oppo -
Scenario: Family member wants recommendation for:
Small (smaller than last car, which was ‘13 CRV)
Reliable.
Wagon / hatch preferred for utility (frequently does photography for bands)
Relatively new/low miles
Budget: $13,000 to $14,000
Automatic trans
My suggestions were:
Toyota Rav4 (Yes, I know Rav4 is the same class as CRV)
Honda Fit
Scion xB
Appreciate any suggestions or recommendations
edit changed to hatch
![]() 11/01/2016 at 16:25 |
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I can vouch for the xB being fun as fuck to drive. And small. And reliable as rocks.
![]() 11/01/2016 at 16:28 |
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If you could go older, I’d say Volvo V50. You could buy at least a couple in that budget.
Also consider the second-gen Kia Soul (first gen ones are no bueno) - they’re pretty nice, crazy roomy for their size (much bigger than a Fit), short front-to-rear (easy to park), and pretty cheap. It’s today’s equivalent of the original xB, only even bigger. Springing for a little above that budget would get a brand new one with the whole 10-year 100k mile warranty, too.
![]() 11/01/2016 at 16:30 |
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And they all seem to have the trim over the license plate frame falling off. Also I realize this one is badges as a honda, probably why I took the picture.
![]() 11/01/2016 at 16:30 |
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Buick Roadmaster. Buy ten of them.
![]() 11/01/2016 at 16:31 |
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Subaru WRX (not STI)
Ford Fiesta or Focus
![]() 11/01/2016 at 16:34 |
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Acura TSX sportwagon
Mazda5
![]() 11/01/2016 at 16:34 |
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That and the lower rear bumper piece was seemingly designed to be scuffed by snowdrifts.
![]() 11/01/2016 at 16:35 |
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How about the Scion iM? They can be had practically brand new for slightly above their price range.
![]() 11/01/2016 at 16:36 |
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the TSX wagon is a thing of beauty
![]() 11/01/2016 at 16:36 |
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Impreza? Golf? Corolla iM? Focus? Gen 4 Legacy or Outback wagon? Lancer Sportback? Cooper Clubman?
![]() 11/01/2016 at 16:37 |
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None of those are wagons.
![]() 11/01/2016 at 16:39 |
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Kia Soul. You can also get a brand new one with a warranty for that kind of money.
![]() 11/01/2016 at 16:40 |
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I wouldn’t wish the Ford DCT on anyone, especially someone hoping for a reliable car...
![]() 11/01/2016 at 16:41 |
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I’d vote Mazda3, Focus, or the iM.
Veloster is also an option, although less utilitarian than they actually appear.
![]() 11/01/2016 at 16:42 |
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Don’t you forget about me.
This is a dynamite little hatchy -wagon the Scion xD. 1.8L Corolla motor, but with variable exhaust timing as well as intake. pretty comfortable for the long haul and platform motable for its reliability.
I also own a Pontiac Vibe GT and that thing has been dynamite for us with the kids and activities.
![]() 11/01/2016 at 16:43 |
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I mentioned it, too. They’re sort of the modern equivalent of the first-gen xB.
![]() 11/01/2016 at 16:44 |
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Yeah, I’ll buy that.
![]() 11/01/2016 at 16:44 |
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Impreza 09-14.
Kia Soul
Scion xB
Scion xD
![]() 11/01/2016 at 16:45 |
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Lexus IS300 wagon. But not new, not low miles.
![]() 11/01/2016 at 16:46 |
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The automatics are bad? I haven’t really looked into them, but I can’t say I’ve really heard anything bad about them either.
![]() 11/01/2016 at 16:52 |
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The DCTs in the US-made Fiestas and Focuses are the reason they (and Ford) have such terrible ratings over the last handful of years...
![]() 11/01/2016 at 17:01 |
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Good luck finding one in the price range though. At least, the last time I looked they were all over $15k.
![]() 11/01/2016 at 17:02 |
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Subaru Outback.
![]() 11/01/2016 at 17:02 |
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In that price range, probably a Toyota Matrix? The 1st gen has opening rear hatch glass so you can carry really long stuff.
Not too fun; not too fast; but hits all 6 criteria solidly
![]() 11/01/2016 at 17:02 |
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In that price range, probably a Toyota Matrix? The 1st gen has opening rear hatch glass so you can carry really long stuff.
Not too fun; not too fast; but hits all 6 criteria solidly
![]() 11/01/2016 at 17:19 |
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probable, I know the TSX sedan can be found in that range
![]() 11/01/2016 at 17:53 |
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Mini Cooper Clubman, you might be able to find a manual.
![]() 11/01/2016 at 18:24 |
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...small?
![]() 11/01/2016 at 18:49 |
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I whole heartedly agree however one of the requirements is an auto. Its a good thing the clubman isn’t based on the R50 so it doesn’t have the awful CVT.
![]() 11/01/2016 at 18:56 |
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e39 for $5k and put the 10k away for maintenance =p
![]() 11/01/2016 at 19:12 |
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I know it’s not a wagon, but what about a used Hyundai Veloster? The DCT is actually fairly good, it comes with tons of toys, and has space for all kinds of light rigs and disassembled background frames.
![]() 11/01/2016 at 20:41 |
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‘cept that “Reliable” is a prerequisite.
![]() 11/01/2016 at 20:55 |
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Volvo C30 T5! Oh the perfection
![]() 11/01/2016 at 21:02 |
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You can probably guess what I’m going to recommend...
Well,
Consumer Reports
lists it as a wagon instead of a minivan. Sliding doors are the greatest thing ever invented. Most are automatics, although mine has the rare 6MT. Other than having to replace a motor mount, mine has been perfectly reliable in the 4+ years I’ve owned it. 6 seats if you need them (I haven’t used the third row in over two years), otherwise 4 comfortable seats and lots of storage space. You can easily find a low-mileage, late model in your price range. Best car I’ve ever owned, and I’ve owned a lot of good, expensive stuff over the years.
![]() 11/01/2016 at 22:22 |
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Ford DCT: Worst transmission I’ve ever owned.
![]() 11/02/2016 at 01:11 |
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Volvo V50? Saab 9-3 Sportcombi?
![]() 11/02/2016 at 08:25 |
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None of the things they listed are wagons anyway, so figured I should recommend the wagon that’s most wagon.
![]() 11/02/2016 at 12:14 |
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Totally fair :) I know my perception of small is pretty skewed too.
![]() 11/02/2016 at 12:19 |
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Same. My MR2's not all that small, is it? I mean, it dwarfs an OG mini... The lack of small wagons available is a shame though considering how many were available in the 90s with the Escort, Corolla, Accord, Civic, Saturn, and a ton that I’m missing all being available in wagon form.
![]() 11/02/2016 at 19:46 |
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That ain’t smaller than a CRV.
![]() 11/02/2016 at 19:48 |
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Elantra GT?
![]() 11/02/2016 at 21:03 |
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Yes, I know. I meant to say hatchback. now edited