Looking to get a subcompact

b06

I've been checkin on few models:
2008 Nissan Versa SL
2008 Toyota Yaris RS
2008 Mazda 3 Sport GS

Some of my preferences, on top of my head, in getting any of the above models are:
fuel efficient
able to negotiate price
lower maintenance cost
comfortable to drive

Any recommendation is welcome.  Thanks.

-b06

siumaibb

how about Honda Fit & Suzuki SX4

b06

原帖由 Traum 於 2008-2-11 16:53 發表
Here is how I would rate them, based on your selection criteria. 100 points means best among the 3. Other marks are relative to the top scorer.

fuel efficiency
100 -- Yaris
90 -- Versa
60 -- Mazda3 S ...

Thanks for the heads up.  Let me know how you rate them will be nice too.

b06

原帖由 siumaibb 於 2008-2-11 17:23 發表
how about Honda Fit & Suzuki SX4

Sure, let me know your thoughts about the Fit and SX4(maybe Swift+) and how it compare to any of the ones I listed.

Thanks,
b06

lerico

I had a chance to drive a base model, rental Versa for 4 days from Calgary to Banff. It's a nice car, very comfortable and quiet on the highway, and powerful enough to drive around the mountain.

ashtaron14

I really don't think the Mazda 3 is considered a Subcompact

The Versa could barely count as one as well, but if you think the size of the Versa is acceptable you might as well consider the upcoming Toyota Matrix/Corolla or just get a Honda Civic

Subcompact in my POV (Based on rating that I would purchase)
1) Toyota Yaris - Now with factory body kit available, also Ecoauto rebate
2) Honda Fit - A really old chassis now
3) Suzuki SX4 - for a 2.0 litre engine it's quite slow but visibility is great because it's a tall car

Build quality and hassle free (towards service and reliability) cars always leans to Toyota & Honda.

2008 is a great year for cars because there's plenty of cars coming out this year, so you could possibly get a good deal on outgoing 2008 models or get a brand new 2009.

shutterbug

If Mazda3 is in the list, how come Civic is not on?

IMO, best bang for the buck is Mazda3.  It's still made in Japan, the quality is very good.  However, it's been around for a long time already and it's due for a new model.  Also, you won't get the best fuel econ due to it's relatively large 2.3L engine.  

Honda Civic on the other hand is quite good in every aspect.  Well, except for the interior, either a hit or miss   I think Honda is doing 0.9% right now?  Civic is a bit more expensive than Mz3 but the resale value is also higher cuz it's a "Honda".  But then Honda is going downhill...btw, I don't like the new Accord!!!

All the other ones...not up to par with these two...