[insomniac]

hey guys, my dad just retired this summer and came back to vancouver and will be permanently staying here now.
he is looking to lease a NEW car. we are replacing our 2nd gen honda fit with it. he doesnt like the fit cause i-vtec barely kicks in :troll:
so ideally something that has more power than the fit, can store things, reliable cheap(ish) to lease, and most importantly fuel efficient(ish).
it wont be garage kept, will be getting beat up and will have shitload of milage on it in the next 2 years.

we already have a luxury sedan, mini jcw (so nothing similar like the golf/gti) and a new sports car.

things he is considering right now is the matrix xr/xrs, civic, csx and corolla.
dont know why he doesnt want the cube tho..

every suggestion will be helpful thanks.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WWnAdB-vkXo&feature=related

[TOPEC]

a toyota should fit the bill, specifically the corollas. think about it, theres literally not much maintenance to it, all u have to do is change oil every so often, and its also good on gas. not sure on the lease rates for it tho.

[JSALES]

i say go with the corolla

[insomniac]

yeah corolla and matrix looks really good right now.
he wants the matrix for the space

[hc529]

Go for the matrix!
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[RevRav]

Go for the Matrix or see if you can find any good deals on remaining 2010 Corolla's. As you prob seen the 2011 Corolla pictures by now...

[!Aznboi128]

Get the pontiac vibe. Imo looks better then matrix.
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[insomniac]

any other suggestions tho?
impreza any good or is the matrix better bang for the buck?

[satek]

Get a Nissan JUKE (joke) lol :thumbsup: but for real I'd get a Subaru Impreza

[optiblue]

subaru impreza base model... even the base model will give you the AWD stability and safety :)

[tofu1413]

elantra, sx4, forte
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[FN-2199]

Impreza! :D

[donjalapeno]

kia forte 5 door

imo it looks 1000000000000000x better than a matrix and is just as reliable and cheaper

[hk20000]

Scion xB

[bcrdukes]

^
Since he's leasing, the Kia Forte isn't so bad. It has its shortcomings compared to its competitors but the price point and promotions that can be had make it worthwhile to consider. I got a Kia Forte as a rental in Los Angeles and it was pretty good on gas. Mind you, this was all US freeway driving but even in the city, it wasn't so bad.

[chargedpower]

^
Since he's leasing, the Kia Forte isn't so bad. It has its shortcomings compared to its competitors but the price point and promotions that can be had make it worthwhile to consider. I got a Kia Forte as a rental in Los Angeles and it was pretty good on gas. Mind you, this was all US freeway driving but even in the city, it wasn't so bad.

these KIA are getting nicer and nicer. Where as the Japanese cars are getting more expensive to buy and the quality of them going downhill. My family moved away from buying japanese because even some domestic cars are better and cheaper also just as reliable.

[bcrdukes]

Their interiors are still shitty. :p

[tiger_handheld]

prius...?

[EmperorIS]

honda fit

oh nvm LOLOL

matrix or imprezza

[Santofu]

How about Lancer or CR-Z?

[donjalapeno]

How about Lancer or CR-Z?

think about the situation and then think about the CR-Z for a bit...and then think to your self is the CR-Z really the best choice for his dad?

perhaps think about it while making some brownies since you love cooking

[CorneringArtist]

What about the Chevy Cruze? However, I hear that interiors on most domestics use cheap material, dunno if that matters to your dad though. Otherwise, Matrix or some kind of Hyundai, especially with the clearout deals going on right now.
http://image.motortrend.com/f/roadtests/sedans/17044606+pheader/112_0903_01l+chevrolet_cruze+front.jpg

[roastpuff]

Camry Hybrid? Reliable, fuel-efficient and there's some incentives being put out right now. Very comfortable old man car.

Sonata 2.0T? Powerful, roomy, sexy. Turbo engine with 274 horses and 270lb/ft... a plateau of torque. Pretty good deals too. Fuel economy is 9.3/6.0/7.8 which is not bad!

[insomniac]

^
Since he's leasing, the Kia Forte isn't so bad. It has its shortcomings compared to its competitors but the price point and promotions that can be had make it worthwhile to consider. I got a Kia Forte as a rental in Los Angeles and it was pretty good on gas. Mind you, this was all US freeway driving but even in the city, it wasn't so bad.

good suggestion! will thank you later ran out of thanks.

prius...?
fuel efficient and all but not enough powaaaa. remember the car we are talking about is going to be a snowplow and get up hills during winter..

these KIA are getting nicer and nicer. Where as the Japanese cars are getting more expensive to buy and the quality of them going downhill. My family moved away from buying japanese because even some domestic cars are better and cheaper also just as reliable.

yeah kias are getting nicer.. my dad doesnt like kia or hyundai cause he doesnt trust those two brands.. guess he hasnt noticed their improvements over the years..

How about Lancer or CR-Z?

wayyy out of question.. cr-z is two door and everything else i listed was 4 were 4 doors. he looked at the cr-z already. loved it but wished it came in 4 door. then the dealer lead him to the insight and he just did this ":scared" LOL
as for the lancer its a bit too pricy for what we get.

think about the situation and then think about the CR-Z for a bit...and then think to your self is the CR-Z really the best choice for his dad?

perhaps think about it while making some brownies since you love cooking

ran out of thanks. thank you later ):

What about the Chevy Cruze? However, I hear that interiors on most domestics use cheap material, dunno if that matters to your dad though. Otherwise, Matrix or some kind of Hyundai, especially with the clearout deals going on right now.
http://image.motortrend.com/f/roadtests/sedans/17044606+pheader/112_0903_01l+chevrolet_cruze+front.jpg

ill look into the cruze. interior for the cruze isnt that bad.. way nicer than our fit for sure. *thank* you later i ran out of thanks

[mb_]

cruze's interior isn't too shabby..

http://image.motortrend.com/f/auto_shows/coverage/paris/11048970+w750+st0/112_2008_paris_05z+2011_chevrolet_cruze_+interior. jpg

http://gmauthority.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/Chevy-Cruze-Interior.jpg

[J____]

i 2nd the forte. Or even better, Mazda 3

[donjalapeno]

cruze's interior isn't too shabby..

http://image.motortrend.com/f/auto_shows/coverage/paris/11048970+w750+st0/112_2008_paris_05z+2011_chevrolet_cruze_+interior. jpg

http://gmauthority.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/Chevy-Cruze-Interior.jpg

but steering wheel look like gypsy eating your khram

[Ikkaku]

or it looks like a shocked :O face

is that the standard interior? looks so complicated

[Senna4ever]

fuel efficient and all but not enough powaaaa. remember the car we are talking about is going to be a snowplow and get up hills during winter..

Nothing wrong with the Prius in terms of climbing hills in the snow - the car is actually quite good in the snow with the standard traction control & stability assist, not to mention the brake force equalizer thingy. My fuel consumption right now is about $40/month. Rear leg room is cavernous too! Is it a fun car to drive like a BMW 3 or Acura RSX? Hell no, but it's err, adequate.

[CP.AR]

Hyundai Sonata... the new ones.

Rented one in the states. Surprisingly well built and well-equipped, even for the base model which I rented.
The new 2.0T should be plenty of power too if your dad wants some oomph in his ride

[JSALES]

kia forte also wouldn't be that bad, i remember i saw some girl driving it and it actually didn't look bad. kinda caught my eye haha

[insomniac]

Nothing wrong with the Prius in terms of climbing hills in the snow - the car is actually quite good in the snow with the standard traction control & stability assist, not to mention the brake force equalizer thingy. My fuel consumption right now is about $40/month. Rear leg room is cavernous too! Is it a fun car to drive like a BMW 3 or Acura RSX? Hell no, but it's err, adequate.

thanks for the input.. but the reason we replacing the fit is cause its pretty underpowered imo.. the prius has about the same? before the fit we had a camry and had the prius as a courtesy car and dad didnt really like it.. i kinda liked it tho.. gotta admit its pretty comfy

[JesseBlue]

how about a kia soul?

[donjalapeno]

^ i hear they have alot of blind spots

[bcrdukes]

^
Yes. That thing is possibly the worst for blind spots of cars I've driven.

737!:
I actually don't know if the Kia Forte is going to be any better in terms of power output compared to the Fit (simply because I don't know the specifications.)

[ilvtofu]

Here goes a few of my picks for some entry level cars

Wait for the 2012 ford focus but definitely need to test drive. The EPAS (electronic power assisted steering) on the fiesta made that car one of the worst driving experience for me recently. It's very intrusive and doesn't feel natural.

Anyways the focus will have direct injection and a whole lot of power.

And IMO the civic is a much nicer car than the corolla, It feels like a much higher quality car when you drive it and not to mention looks a lot better too. Corolla/Matrix are too unrefined IMO.

I really like the new golf 2.5 for power, smoothness, looks, handling, etc. The Fuel economy I experienced wasn't the greatest though but I don't think your dad will have to worry ;) But definitely one of my favourite new cars under 25k today. The jetta is cheaper for the 2.0 but also heard it's not quite as good hatches FTW anyways :P

I'd say avoid the lancer, not a fan of the build quality car feels like a plastic toy, not a fan of the cvt either, and car's styling might be a little too young.
Not sure if the quality of the RVR is much better but for 25k with 4wd it's worth considering. Good size too

If your budget allows it definitely check out the buick regal, genuinely nice car IMO and basically took the automotive press by storm in the last year. Age appropriate too might I add

The cruze is definitely one of those cars you must test drive. I couldn't tell you how the ecotec turbo would feel but it does give some impressive numbers, Page straight out of VW's euro textbook haha. Forte is sexier IMO

The new sonata 2.0t definitely cool and desirable but depends on what gets you the better lease rate, the sonata or the regal. I prefer the Regal because it has a really classy look.

[insomniac]

^lancer is wayyy out of question lol
impreza > lancer in this case.
thing about the golf is that i have the jcw already.. the golf would basically be the same as the mini except its more spacious (but less than the fit), more fuel economic, less power and auto..
therefore matrix will be a better bang for the buck cause it has more space, more fuel economic, but even less power (but will be enough) and more suitable to our needs.

right now my dad's top choices are the civic, matrix, impreza and we will look at the cruze later on. final decision will be made in spring. thanks for all the opinions guys !

[ilvtofu]

IMO the golf and the matrix are apples and oranges. The interior on the cheapest golf is still 10x nicer than the matrix, that car has a genuinely cheap looking interior. Try how the doors slam, take a look at the trunk lining, It's worth the extra money if you ask me, especially if you are just leasing. It really depends on how you look at bang for the buck, if you are just looking at a specs sheet the matrix compares, however, once you start talking about quality... well you get the picture

Think about the things your dad is actually going to notice on a daily basis, the way it drives, the way the interior looks/feels, the quieter more refined engine, rather than the extra few cubic inches of cargo space.

And the JCW is miles from the golf, just because it's a german hatchback doesn't really mean much, the golf is much more refined and comfortable, seats 5, it's most things that the JCW isn't but still fun to drive.

Unless you think you'll need awd, which you've been living without for a while now, skip the impreza, I like subies but for that premium over the matrix I'd settle for the golf for what is 99% of the time a way better car than the impreza in almost every way. The impreza's auto transmission is seriously outdated and styling is... debatable, well scratch that, there is no debate the MK6 golf looks a million times better than a stock impreza

[jpark]

the cruze is built in korea.. by korean designers under GM Daewoo...gm just decided to bring it in n.a market (and other markets) and sell under chevy branch.. so basically it is a korean car (replacement of the previous korean built gm-chevrolet optra) so your dad probably wouldnt trust that either if he cant trust a hyundai or a kia... although i think its not a bad car

[Spooling]

K20 ur Fit

[Groot]

Go for the CSXXX!
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[toyota86]

legacy 2.5i or impreza 2.5i

[asian_XL]

Seriously, is about time to try Korean cars, my cousin just bought a new Sonata (he has a new 5series & RX330 at home) and I am impressed by the overall quality. Kia should be bit more affordable, worth to buy
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[!LittleDragon]

When my dad was hell bent on buying a Matrix, I made him test drive the Mazda3 and it changed his mind. That was years ago tho... today I'd have him try out the Sonata 2.0T... the new Focus is nice but it doesn't fit the the retirement age image. Maybe the Fusion hybrid?

[FerrariEnzo]

look at the Scion line, they are not too bad

[hk20000]

so let's break it down. A lot of responses are very mature and grown up about being best in fuel economy best interior etc.

but on the contrary the OP's dad is looking for performance ...... strange but ok then let's look at horsepower figures. To get a start he was driving a Fit and he's not happy with it. It's a 1ton car with 108bhp... which means a roughly 100HP/ton car.

then let's move up from there.

Jetta TDI 140HP 1.5 ton
Kia Forte SX coupe 173HP 1.4 ton
Scion tC 180HP 1.3 ton
Scion xB 158HP 1.2 ton

the list goes on....but these are some cars mentioned by other members and it seems that the tC with its generous hatchback configuration is winning this battle
http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2010/09/12/495838.1-lg.jpg
with a hatchback like that you'd be surprised how easily a 52" TV will plop into place....I know because I drive an AE86 ROFL.

The Matrix I just took rode around in the back of a 2011 yesterday I would say if the car is used as a daily with little care to it the "rough" interior will hold up extremely well, I was riding around in one in Winnipeg and the owner never really cares for the interior of the car....snow in snow out and carrying blunt objects everywhere... but it's still looking decently good after getting used and abused a lot.

A similar performance Kia Forte is not a hatchback so it's rather meh in the grocery department
http://autopeople.net/v2/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/2010-Kia-Forte-SX-trunk.jpeg

If you don't intend to load up passengers and goods at the same time a tC Coupe does the job just fine imo.... if you have to do both then some sort of wagon will be necessary.

[illicitstylz]

working at a car rental place, i go through driving a wide range of cars, from corollas - camry - camry hybrid - ford fusion - kia's - sonatas.

I'd have to argue that the 2010 Sonata comes out on top from that selection of cars I listed, without hesitation. 2011 should be even better. I'd definitely suggest you looking into it.

In terms of the domestic cars with cheap interiors, it's true, it's all cheap plastic trim inside, anyone that knows cars will be able to tell just by looking at it. And if they aren't good with cars, the second they touch it, they'll know.

[Wykydtron]

I would look at the Kia Soul over the Forte5, especially if interior is a concern. Interior on the Souls are surprisingly nice. I am not entirely sure about the claimed mass amounts of blindspots. I didn't feel that it was any worse than the 'norm'. What about a Mazda 3/3sport?

hk2000: Forte Koup/Sedan/5 all have the SX trim line which offers the same engine with 173HP.

[chargedpower]

In terms of the domestic cars with cheap interiors, it's true, it's all cheap plastic trim inside, anyone that knows cars will be able to tell just by looking at it. And if they aren't good with cars, the second they touch it, they'll know.

so u are saying those japanese cars are not cheap plastic.....the corolla and matrix is filled with cheap plastic.

[ilvtofu]

@illicitstylz I can't think of a single ford or even GM car that doesn't have a better interior than it's toyota equivalent that OP would be looking at especially next year. Nissans aren't much better, some hondas are quite nice though like the accord and the civic.

@hk20000 I wouldn't suggest the TC because the 2 door setup isn't ideal for picking up kids from school. That and throwing the TDi in the mix that will absolutely obliterate most cars that you throw at it in terms of fuel economy. I'm talking real world here, that car is amazing on gas and you don't even have to try. Whether OPs dad reflashes that TDi is up to him but the TDi in stock form doesn't feel sluggish at all thanks to the torquey engine and DSG.

Although to get the one you want might be really hard, the TDi's are just selling like hot cakes and some orders are even getting delayed.

Anyone care to chime in on the TSX?

Sonata's drivetrain and packaging is really good, I think it will come down to whether your dad likes the styling.

I think what we're forgetting in all this is lease rates. A more expensive MSRP on a car does not definitely mean a more expensive payment, so until OP sees all these numbers side by side decision can't really be made.

[CorneringArtist]

Focus would be something to look at in addition to the Mazda3 and Matrix. Ford's using the global (aka European-designed) platform on the new generation of Focus, so it lines up with the newer Mazda3 and is a huge step above the shitty Focus designed in North America.

[cctw]

Definitely the Corolla or Matrix..

reason?
You can pay a security deposit and buy down the lease rate up to 1.8%.
Considering right now for example Corolla is 1.9% lease for 48 months. You can put down approx. $4000 in security deposit and buy down the lease rate to 0.1%.

Your cost of interest after 4 years is $50 + the $300 fee if you choose to buy out the car 4 years later..

[illicitstylz]

@illicitstylz I can't think of a single ford or even GM car that doesn't have a better interior than it's toyota equivalent that OP would be looking at especially next year. Nissans aren't much better, some hondas are quite nice though like the accord and the civic.


Anyone care to chime in on the TSX?

Sonata's drivetrain and packaging is really good, I think it will come down to whether your dad likes the styling.


Sorry should've specified it was between the Ford Fusion vs the Sonata. They both had their interior redone (as well as exterior obviously) on the 2010, however I'd say the Sonata came out on top in this category, on top of how well it drives. Lots of customers come back saying thanks for giving them the Sonata, rarely hear anything good about the Fusions.

TSX is out of the price range isn't it?

[ilvtofu]

^Base model TSX isn't that much more than the sonata turbo, not sure what the lease rates are but sometimes acura gives some good deals. Maybe year end clearance.

I agree sonata has a nicer interior than the fusion but to say it is cheap and a bad car... try telling that to JD power, motor trend, car and driver, and a whole long list of other reviewers who know their cars. Fusion is getting a little old though 4 or 5 years in the making but the hybrid is NIIIICEEE

[insomniac]

LMAO moving from civic/corolla to tsx's now.. what next? g35's? lol...
remember we dont care about comfort and the car will be really REALLY abused.
so right now what we really want is the best bang for the smallest buck, 4 door, interior doesnt matter.. the fit's interior was all plastic and we lived with it :rolleyes:
oh yeah our fit isnt leased if that helps. so its gonna be sold/traded in?
we wont be buying out the car we are about to lease btw..

thanks for all the suggestions so far! :)

[tofu1413]

your dad could lease...


my ITR :troll:

[ilvtofu]

I still think its best to just keep the fit....

[insomniac]

^no way jose..
when my mom says its underpowered then its really bad LOL
maybe its cause of the line of cars she drove before..
but still right now its base with no a/c and shit. we had to install alarm ourselves..
we need to upgrade to something with slight comfort at least.. nothing gets worse than the fit.. except the mazda 2 LOL !

[tofu1413]

no fiesta love i guess..?


civic / csx would be nice to lease.

[insomniac]

^test drove the fiesta already and it wasnt really as good as everyone said it was... well imo at least..
much rather lease a civic than a fiesta

[ilvtofu]

The fiesta's steering feel is about the same as playing a crappy game on a G25 wheel. It has a very nice interior and the mirrors are really neat though. When I went for test drive it took us (dealer and I) more than 4 minutes looking for how to recline the seat... Still I'm not going to bash it and say you shouldn't get it though, it's a nice car still worth considering if steering feel doesn't matter to you.

[TRDood]

Somehow, I really like the dodge caliber. I got it as a rental once and i keep on requesting the same car if they have one.

There's space and it has the ground clearance to take parking lot beatings.
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[jpark]

^calibers drivetrain seem to be quite reliable.. but when i worked at chrysler i use to see calibers with taillights that are condensing inside quite frequently, it was like a giant puddle of water inside.. windshield also leaks alot resulting in condensation from inside and other small electric problems like window motor, etc.... also the interior in that is definatly not the best..

[chargedpower]

what about the nissan cube.......

but to me that thing is just a hidious pos.

[alwaysideways]

Do your dad a favour and swap in an RSX-S motor and turbo that biatch! Solves your power problems in a hurry!

[umpadupa]

^ i looked at the cube.. super cheaply made...( sry just not my cup of tea)
if u want cheap lease and reliable id prob jump to Toyota/Honda/Nissan off the bat.

which leaves u with a couple of 4door choices
Civic/Accord/Sentra/Altama/Matrix/Corolla/Camry
and ill just throw the impreza in there too.

Civics some how have a realllllllly low resale value. so to be honest, id just get a 2007 one for $13,000 and drive it to hell.
but if u want a new one. id prob go to the 4door accord 4cyl.
its just a lil more a month, and im sure ur dad has a good discount wif ICBC so the insurance wont be affected too much.
Accord is just good all around. it looks good. and fits retirement status.

Sentras look pretty good. but im sortta fussy cuz their new center dash looks stupid TO ME!(IMO, not shitting on any1 with a 2011 sentra)
the Altamas are pretty cool imo. basically the same as the Honda accord. but i like accords interior.

I was given a matrix rental car. i honestly didnt love it. its got great features and all.. but it just didnt appeal 2 me. the front looks like some1 squished it face(fenders) closer.
the Corolla is a Staple LOL. cheap reliable. enough said.
Camrys are prettty affordable now, and come with a lot of standard features. the 4cyl is pretty decent on gas.(at least my 02-05 camry 4cyl was really good on gas) and its a comfy car. im sure thats what ur dad is also looking for.

Impreza imo is a killer good deal. (but their leasing rates are =S) great safety, looks pretty damn good.(at least the hatchback does imo) and resale value is damn good on these cars. of course theres a down side. drinks a lil more gas, a lil more exp 2 maintain, insurnace is a lil more. kinda adds up.

These are just my Opinions. dont take it personally
i would honestly choose 1) Accord 2)Camry 3) Impreza
small car wise 1) Civic 2) Impreza 3) Matrix

hope this helps!

[insomniac]

^i wish i can thank you more than once lol..
that was the type of replies i kinda wanted
not like "buy something of the same class as the mini" :rolleyes:
civic is looking pretty good right now. cheap to lease, has a reliability history, pretty much the upgrade of the fit and suits all our needs.

once again, thanks for all the responses!

[MindBomber]

My thoughts..

Civics are fantastic cars, the sedan is roomy and you have the SI option if you want a bit of performance. I would never buy a civic new though, instead buy used and get a deal since the market is flooded with used civics.

I think the Cruze is a great looking car, with decent styling and nice interior for the price point. I'm not convinced the domestic manufactures have solved their quality issues yet though, so I'd stay away.

Camry and Corolla- Some people swear by Toyota, but everything they do Honda does better. The styling is dull at best, and I found them miserable to drive- I'm 6'3, so leg room was a significant factor.

Impreza- By far the best car at this price point on the market today. Quality and safety are both fantastic; the styling reminds me more of a sports car than a economy car; performance wise, the base model has 170hp!

My list would be Impreza, Golf, Civic.

2011 Impreza Sedan
http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac341/HandH_insulation/impreza.jpg
2011 Impreza Wrx Interior
http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac341/HandH_insulation/wrximprezza.jpg
2011 Impreza Wrx Sti, just for fun.
http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac341/HandH_insulation/2011impreza.jpg

[ilvtofu]

^ +1 there are some very nice Civic Si's out there that are tremendous value

As for the cruze, car has been a success overseas, we're not in the 1990's anymore... :rolleyes:

The impreza base model has 170hp mated to awd and a 4 speed auto don't expect it to be much fun. I test drove it and although more fun than my grandpa's corolla hard to say it's fun

[umpadupa]

^i wish i can thank you more than once lol..
that was the type of replies i kinda wanted
not like "buy something of the same class as the mini" :rolleyes:
civic is looking pretty good right now. cheap to lease, has a reliability history, pretty much the upgrade of the fit and suits all our needs.

once again, thanks for all the responses!

np bro just helping a fellow Rs'er

[1-Slicer-1]

Yeah, if the Accord is in your budget, Accord takes it hands down. Looks so nice.

[MindBomber]

^ +1 there are some very nice Civic Si's out there that are tremendous value

As for the cruze, car has been a success overseas, we're not in the 1990's anymore... :rolleyes:

The impreza base model has 170hp mated to awd and a 4 speed auto don't expect it to be much fun. I test drove it and although more fun than my grandpa's corolla hard to say it's fun

Fun in a relative sense, compared to most grocery getters 170hp is great.