New Car thoughts

[Wes]

Okay, I'm in the market for a new car. The basic criteria are:

1) I have to fit in it (I'm 6'5")
2) It has to get good gas mileage (as close to 30mpg on the highway as possible - this eliminates all pickup trucks, minivans, and most SUV's).
3) It has to handle the needs of a photography business. In other words, it has to have some cargo room.

I've spent about the last 6 months heavily researching my choices and it has finally boiled down to two choices...

2008 Scion xB
2008 Mazda3 Grand Touring 5-door

I've been to the auto shows and have sat in just about everything that meets my criteria, and that I can afford. I like the fact that you don't see very many xB's on the road, I like Toyota reliability, and I like the room in side. The Mazda blew me away with all of the room on the inside. Front sead leg and head room are phenomenal, but I pity da fool that sits behind me. But then again, back seat room is not a priority. I'm really leaning towards the Mazda for a couple of reasons.... lumbar support (I have a bad back), and I can buy one at invoice.

Anyone have any experience with either of these two vehicles? I'm not interested in hearing anything about an xB older than 2008 because it was completely redesigned for this year.

Thoughts?

[The Philos]

There are a ton of xBs on the road here. You're looking at two totally different price points here also. I don't know if the new 09 Fit is large enough for you (I'm sure it would be,) but it's also another contender.

[LDB]

I'm a Honda guy so I'd look at the Fit or maybe the Element. I like the Scion xB as well.

[Wes]

Actually, the price points are not that different. The way that I would option out the xB would take it to about $24,000. The Mazda3 equipped the way I want it would run about $23,500.

I haven't looked at the Fit, but I've already eliminated the Element based upon mpg.

[zepp]

Good deals can be had right now on 2008 Audi A3's with several in stock at local dealers and the new 2009 model about to hit in a couple months.

Much nicer a car than the Mazda.

http://www.audiusa.com/audi/us/en2/n...s/Audi_A3.html

[groovyone]

I like the Mazda 3, but I am looking at the new VW Sportwagon, also available with the new 2.0L TDi diesel. It hasn't arrived at dealers yet though, so I have yet to drive one, but it has the same interior space as my Jeep Cherokee.

http://www.vw.com/jettasportwagen/en/us/#

The option to build the Sportwagon just popped up, but the TDi is not an option yet.

[Jenny Z]

Ugh, don't get an xB... what a horrible looking car.

I recommend Hondas.... CRV's are decently sized and have awesome gas mileage. Civics are also awesome. Not only do Hondas get great gas mileage, but they last forever.... I had my Civic till 150,000 miles, and never had a single problem with it other than the A/C fan going out once. I gave it to a friend in need, and they're still driving it.

[zepp]

Originally Posted by Jenny Z

Ugh, don't get an xB... what a horrible looking car.

I recommend Hondas.... CRV's are decently sized and have awesome gas mileage. Civics are also awesome. Not only do Hondas get great gas mileage, but they last forever.... I had my Civic till 150,000 miles, and never had a single problem with it other than the A/C fan going out once. I gave it to a friend in need, and they're still driving it.

Honda does make a very good automobile. We've had at least one in the family since 1983. We have had two Accords, one Civic, two Preludes and now my wife currently drives a 2006 Honda CRV. She drives a little over 20 miles each way every day to work. Most of it is freeway driving on the Southwest Freeway (US 59) in Houston. We just put gas in it and checked our mileage today. We are averaging 23.68 miles per gallon.

We also have a 1996 Honda Accord with 169000 miles on it and its still running like day one.

I looked into the Mazda 3 five door, Mini Cooper S, VW GTI, Honda Fit, and Audi A3 2.0T.

If you value the experience of driving I would stay clear of the Honda Fit. It has a lot of body roll. The Mini Cooper S has lots of power and is a blast to drive but is a bit small in cargo capacity.

The BMW One Series coupe is nice, is about the size of my 1995 BMW 325IS, but it's a bit more money and dealers are not dealing on them - often adding a premium to MSRP.

Now is a good time to be car shopping since several 2009 will be hitting the market soon and dealers will be trying to move older inventory on 2008's.

Good Luck

[zepp]

Here is a site that will help you compare fuel economy.

http://www.fueleconomy.gov/

[Daniel Bates]

The Buick LeSabre gets good mileage and is fairly roomy for a sedan, though it may not appeal to you personally.

[nash]

I bought a Pontiac Vibe for the same criteria: good gas mileage, head room, safety, reliability, and cargo room. The back seat folds down, if you're carrying lots of lights. It's a "sports wagon," approximately the same car as the Toyota Matrix.

[Duffy Pratt]

I don't know enough about cars to make a recommendation. But the money that you would save from buying a used car far exceeds any savings you are likely to get from improved gas mileage. Of course, the best of both worlds would be to buy a used car that is also efficient. Buying new is just throwing away your money.

Duffy

[KaiserM715]

The Mazda has pretty consistently received good reviews from most of the auto rags. One of my co-workers has one and loves it. Out of the ones mentioned, the Mazda would be at the top of my list for this segment.

[Dobick]

did you ever look at the jeep patriot or compass? They have decently rated fuel milage, and the price is quite a bit lower than what you are choosing between (at least on Kelly Blue Book www.kbb.com)

Just thought I would throw that out there

[groovyone]

The Patriot is on my list to test drive too. Still not quite a replacement for my XJ, but much more fuel economical.