need a hatch....
#21
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I know what you are saying about having a practical car with room, fun driving dynamics and still getting decent mileage. Its the reason why I haven't gotten rid of my daily driver.
I am not sure you would consider it, but I got a Pontiac Vibe GT.
Has the 2ZZ engine with 180 horses. (same as the old celica and current elise), 6 speed manual. It suprises alot of people with its pep. Mine has moonroof and upgraded stereo. Drives pretty good. Has tons of storage space. I have used it for the same things as u. I actually fit a full size washing machine (in the box) in that thing, along with a host of other stuff.
Here is the good part.... my average miles per gallon is 30.8. I have 135k on it, no problems at all.
I got mine used and have racked up mileage fast. We drive it Everywhere!
Just a thought...
I am not sure you would consider it, but I got a Pontiac Vibe GT.
Has the 2ZZ engine with 180 horses. (same as the old celica and current elise), 6 speed manual. It suprises alot of people with its pep. Mine has moonroof and upgraded stereo. Drives pretty good. Has tons of storage space. I have used it for the same things as u. I actually fit a full size washing machine (in the box) in that thing, along with a host of other stuff.
Here is the good part.... my average miles per gallon is 30.8. I have 135k on it, no problems at all.
I got mine used and have racked up mileage fast. We drive it Everywhere!
Just a thought...
#22
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I am not sure you would consider it, but I got a Pontiac Vibe GT.
Even the audi salesguy said that their cars were more 'finicky' than Japanese cars, b/c they had more tech advanced components (I question that statement, but I think I know what he means).
#23
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Originally Posted by psychophd,May 5 2008, 04:37 PM
I hadn't... but I'll look into it. I'm a bit skittish with American build quality (my family has had some, let's say less than stellar experiences), but then again Audi/VW isn't exactly honda either.
Even the audi salesguy said that their cars were more 'finicky' than Japanese cars, b/c they had more tech advanced components (I question that statement, but I think I know what he means).
Even the audi salesguy said that their cars were more 'finicky' than Japanese cars, b/c they had more tech advanced components (I question that statement, but I think I know what he means).
#24
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Another vote for the GTI ad MS3 although the regular Mazda 3 is a great car that will be cheaper to drive.
I also find the Fit to be fun to drive in town but on the freeway I didn't like it as well.
Here's an oddball to look at. Mini Clubman S with a rear door on the right side and split barn doors on the rear for just over 24K fairly well optioned. Most of the fun of a Cooper S with added space.
I also find the Fit to be fun to drive in town but on the freeway I didn't like it as well.
Here's an oddball to look at. Mini Clubman S with a rear door on the right side and split barn doors on the rear for just over 24K fairly well optioned. Most of the fun of a Cooper S with added space.
#25
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I test drove the Mazda 3 quite a bit right after I drove the Fit. I liked the Fit all around better in just about every way. I found the Mazda was a very good looking car but I just couldn
#26
Originally Posted by psychophd,May 5 2008, 03:16 PM
That's next on my list... if I can get it to where I want perf-wise (K&N filter, maybe some sways and wheels), it'd be fine, assuming that it's comfortable enough for a long drive and safe enough for kids.
This thing is so much fun. In fact, I've found myself reaching for the keys to the Fit lately instead of the S. The steering is dead-on, the tranny is perfect and the handling is out of this world. If you keep it in the proper gear (which is not a problem because it feels so good to shift), you will never have a trouble with power - mine may not be extremely fast, but it is very, very quick.
We also frequently carry our two 50lb dogs, loads of gear, furniture, parts, tires, wheels, etc. - never had anything that wouldn't fit in the Fit.
We drive HARD, and we've never seen under 30mpg. Average is 33-34, best we've seen is 37-38.
We've been through loads of cars - from economy to sport to luxury. The Fit is the only one we agreed we can never get rid of.
Oh, BY THE WAY, I traded in my GTI hatch with DSG and package 2 (leather, etc.) and upgraded suspension for the Fit. I really liked the GTI, but haven't thought about it since as I think the Fit is so much more fun!
#28
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Oh, BY THE WAY, I traded in my GTI hatch with DSG and package 2 (leather, etc.) and upgraded suspension for the Fit. I really liked the GTI, but haven't thought about it since as I think the Fit is so much more fun!
I'm planning on checking one out on the way home from work - thanks for the input!
#29
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Originally Posted by psychophd,May 5 2008, 01:01 AM
EP3 - I would actually be ok with that, but I'm thinking 5 door, not 3 door hatch due to need for accessible rear seats when I have kids. Otherwise I would just upgrade to the EP3.
I love my EP3 for what it is. It's a fun-to-drive DD that doesn't cost too much to run. With $1500 in suspension mods it has the same handling "bite" the S2000 has.