I really need some help with this?

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JohnnyMac
New User | Posts: 1 | Joined: 07/07

Posted: 07/26/07
04:44 PM

I want to buy my first new car. I have been driving a Mazda Millenia 98 since 02 and its time for a upgrade. I want quality,good mpg, good cabin, well pretty much a well round auto with some nice getty up. I really like hatchbacks and think a suv is just too much. I need space for my roof rack and the backpack for hiking.

This is what I have looked at so far

Mazda3

Honda Fit

Honda Civic

VW Jetta

VW Rabbit

I really will appreciate any suggestions!!

SLUSH
New User | Posts: 4 | Joined: 07/07

Posted: 07/26/07
05:51 PM

Man I just bought my first car too and I got an '07 cobalt SS supercharged but I know you want a hatchback so I would either get a mazdaspeed3 or a volkswagon GTI.. They are both definately solid picks. Both quick with good gas milage and have some space for you. At least that's what sppedracer407 told me and he knows alot of *** for real he knows what he is talking about.

speedracer1407
User | Posts: 151 | Joined: 03/07

Posted: 07/26/07
10:53 PM

As SLUSH mentions, the Mazdaspeed3 and VW Gti are excellent. But those who are also the fastest, most expensive versions of the regular Mazda3 and VW Jetta/Rabbit. I'm assuming you're more interested in the more affordable versions.

The Mazda3 is excellent, and definately my first choice. with the 2.3L engine, it's certainly got a bit of punch, it's one of the best handling front-drive cars available at any price, and its interior is nicely rendered of high-quality materials and attractive shapes. Compared to the Fit and Civic, however, its fuel economy is less impressive. Expect mid 20s city and about 30 highway. I'm not being precise on the MPG figures because I'm pretty sure that all 2008-2009 cars will be phasing in the new EPA mileage estimates, which are supposed to me more realistic, and therefore, are lower. Though there's no difference in the 2007 and 2008 engines, MPG may drop, reflecting the new EPA test.

The Civic is refined, spacious, and attractive. But it's not nearly as sporty, stylish, or quick as the Mazda. Its 1.8L 140 HP engine revvs freely, but doesn't deliver the punch of the Mazda's engine, thanks to much lower torque ratings. The Fit is in a class by itself. It's a wonderful piece of packaging, with loads of space and utility in a tiny exterior package. It handles like a tall go-cart, and has an interior that wouldn't be out of place in a small Acura. But its tiny 1.5 Liter 105 HP engine is hardly up to the level of acceleration that the Mazda and VW cars provide. It gets outstanding gas mileage, but with an automatic, even the paddle-shifted 5 speed available in the Fit Sport, you're looking at a struggle to get to 60 MPH in under 10 seconds, which by today's standards, is very slow.

The VWs are a mixed bag. They're easily the most refined, richly apointed, and fastideously detailed cars available in this price/size category. But they're heavy and their engines, while not underpowered, aren't exactly inspiring. The 150HP 2.5 Liter 5 cylinder is punchy at low revs (wich a rather impressive 170 ft/lbs of torque), but they barely rev past 5000 RPM, and so aren't any fun to drive fast. They FEEL quick...but only if you're not interested in revvin the engine hard. Any day now, the new 170 HP version of the same engine should be made standard, which should improve things, and I suspec they've achieved the extra 20 HP by making the engine rev higher.

Still, A Rabbit, reasonably well equipped at $18K is a very nice car that's amost as good as the Mazda3 on the handling front, a bit ahead on the refinement front, and a bit behind on the styling front, dependin on your preferences. But the small VW family has always suffered from poor reliability. Engines and transmissions, and other major components are generally bulletproof. But electrical problems are somethin to watch out for. Warranty should cover anything that goes wrong, but electrical problems can certainly be a nuisance. Check out Consumer Reports to see if the VWs have improved in reliability.

The Subaru Impreza and Outback Sport (an impreza by another name) is also an excellent option, especially for cargo and roof-rack packaging. They're ultra reliable, handle well, have potent engines, and standard AWD. The design is a bit old now, but a brand new one should be available in the next couple months.