wwtm3d?? Which econobox?

[Chuckie]

Okay boys and girls, i want to lease a new econobox (no im not getting rid of the mazda3)

This will be for my father so it'll most likely be the base model with automatic/power locks and remote entry/power windows, A/C

What do you guys think?

Here's what im looking at

Civic DX-G
Mazda3 GX with a/c + Power Package
Corolla/Matrix with their convience or b package (or whatever)
Nissan Sentra equivalent?

The car doesn't have to be fun to drive, just something to get from point a to point b that is comfy, good on gas. (im leaning towards the civic)

Budget around 270-280/month with as little down as possible

What are you guy's valuable opinions?

-Chuckie

[Fuman]

what kind of driver is your father?

[Chuckie]

-He's an average driver. No speeding or anything
never ticketed.
-Has irrational fear of using the highway (NEVER goes on highway) (probably had the license for 10 years, and the times on the highway can be counted ONE hand which includes the time he had to take the G test)
-Would like a bit more umph from the car (coming from a 97 corolla with only 100bhp any car here will feel fit)
-complains the Corolla uses too much gas / gets crappy mileage

to be honest, i wanted him to get a smart car since his highway thing. but he wants to have more than 2 seats (hoping for smart 4 seater!)

[JonsMazda]

-He's an average driver. No speeding or anything
never ticketed.
-Has irrational fear of using the highway (NEVER goes on highway) (probably had the license for 10 years, and the times on the highway can be counted ONE hand which includes the time he had to take the G test)
-Would like a bit more umph from the car (coming from a 97 corolla with only 100bhp any car here will feel fit)
-complains the Corolla uses too much gas / gets crappy mileage

to be honest, i wanted him to get a smart car since his highway thing. but he wants to have more than 2 seats (hoping for smart 4 seater!)

U kidding? Corrolla probably has the best gas mileage in its class. Hmmm, maybe a hybrid?

[MattC]

I vote corolla, my 97 got wicked fuel economy, go ask jeff if MoT has sold it yet, it was a 97 with 40 000km's... it was virign, and would be a perfect every day driving car.

and its got a sweetass pioneer deck :chuckle

[EvilEric]

Toyota is supposed to have better mileage then Honda. However if that's the way he feels then get him the honda.

At this moment, everyone is really into Toyota's so you won't be able to haggle like you did a couple years ago.

[3GFX]

a - b?

If he's not a 'driver' then corolla is the way to go. Good on gas, and comfy to the point of a marshmello!

Mazda should be in the running to, the standard features and platform as we know are amazing. What does he seem to lean towards?

[sauga_kid]

I say go for the 3 as well...for one, you know the 3 is a good car for the buck...also, you know you can talk to Jeff and that's peace of mind cuz he'll take care of you. If he doesn't like the 3, go for the Civic IMO. I had 94 Civic which my brother has now and it still runs like new. The Civic went through some rough times between '96 or so to '06, but with the new design, have seemed to recover and regained its reliability. Just my 2 cents, ultimately, get him something he's going to like, he's the one driving it.

[MajesticBlueNTO]

toyota yaris
honda fit
nissan versa
mazda2 (if it comes out in time)

if your dad thought the corolla is a pig on gas, he will curse your current list.

[MajesticBlueNTO]

oh, and if it's a lease, don't put anything down

[Fuman]

oh, and if it's a lease, don't put anything down +1

but yeah corolla has amazing mileage, especially when compared to the 2.3L we have.

I think the Yaris or Fit is a good choice.

Just don't get a Versa, i've it as a rental and it SUCKS.

[sp3GT]

I'd say go with the civic first then if he doesn't like that then go with the 3. If his last car only had 100bhp then the civic is already a big jump since it's 140bhp. I think if you want to stay in similar power range and have comfort then the Honda Fit might be the best.

[IMHIP2]

toyota yaris
honda fit
nissan versa
mazda2 (if it comes out in time)

if your dad thought the corolla is a pig on gas, he will curse your current list.

+1 and agree with lease with nothing down

[cereal83]

What about the smart car? Also the corolla is better on gas then the yaris. Maybe also look at a honda fit?

I would go with either Honda or Toyota

[sauga_kid]

What about the smart car?

I think he said his dad wanted a four seater


to be honest, i wanted him to get a smart car since his highway thing. but he wants to have more than 2 seats (hoping for smart 4 seater!)

[Chuckie]

Actually I do not know whats wrong with the corolla frankly, but it's like the sabio of corolla's. and we all know how his mileage was. I think it eats up slightly more than my car /100km or it could be around the same.

Also I don't think he wants to be involved in the decision making process, so I am making the calls.

With regards to the fit. the lease rate is something ridiculous like 6.9% vs. 3.9%. for around the same money, i'd get something more comfy.

-Chuckie
I appreciate your comments, and it will be duely noted.

[3GFX]

Good luck, happy shopping.

[Chuckie]

Good luck, happy shopping.

=) i will.. i love new car smell.

[Kevin@nextmod]

I'd say get a yaris. Great for 2 people also fits 4. Somewhat lack of power cause its only a 1.5 or 1.6L. great price and great on gas.

[3GFX]

I can't believe I'm gonna say this, but if your looking into the Yaris, it won't hurt to take a look at the Chevy Aveo. Its small with room for 4 and is good on gas. The only advantage it has over the japanease cars is its price.

[KenYork]

The Yaris is garbage in the winter. I had a rental for the month of March. Dry weather it's good.

[KenYork]

The Yaris is garbage in the winter. I had a rental for the month of March. Dry weather it's good.


+1 a 3 from Jeff. Nothing beats knowing you'll be taken care of.

[Chuckie]

+1 a 3 from Jeff. Nothing beats knowing you'll be taken care of.

already consulted with jeff with pricing on a 3.. if i do make that decision, i know where to go.
=)

[iconicrocket]

it was a 97 with 40 000km's... it was virign, and would be a perfect every day driving car.


Wow, that's really low mileage.

[iconicrocket]

Does the EcoRebate apply to leased Yaris? If so, I would go for that. Very nice car for the money. Really light car, feels like you're driving a paper box with an engine in it.