I'm thinking about replacing my current daily driver to go along with my S2K. I'm looking for something that's economical, roomy, and reliable. Gotta have decent cargo space for when I want to haul stuff (Home Depot trips, mountain bikes, pick people up at the airport, whatever). Looking at the following:

1) Toyota Prius: Best MPG, roomy, high geek factor, comfortable, a little pricey (mid $20Ks), 6 month waiting list to buy one, slow.

2) Scion xB: Non-negotiable cheap pricing ($15K), 30+ MPG, surprisingly roomy, people either love them or hate them, slow.

3) Mazda 3 5-door: Worst MPG of the 3 (25-30), least roomy of the 3, reasonably priced ($19K decently optioned plus room to negotiate), by far the sportiest and most fun to drive in this group, 4/50K warranty, good looks (to my eye).

Don't really want a Civic Hybrid because you can't fold down the rear seat (greatly limits cargo).

Thoughts? Any others?

 

Make your own out of an Accord wagon. 15k plus car and as long as the battery lasts. I will be converting a Civic wagon over first part of next year. 120hp and 240ftlbs of pur electric power. Will go about 60-80 miles per charge. Not sure how many batteries will fit.

 

Honda Element!!

 

wait for the hybrid accord?

 

Prius starts at $20K

Also the Passat just came out with a diesel engine, but maybe not in Cali

 

u'll need to replace the battery in the prius in about 5 years at about $5000.......

the Xb, element are cheap.......but looks like it came out of someones ass

Isn't a civic SI kinda like a "wagon" type of vehicle? Same could be said for the Mini.

Have you thought about the Ford Escape, Saturn VUE, CRV, Rav4.........

the chevy equinox is new