Yeah, right now I'm living car-free but will probably need a vehicle to get around, once I graduate college in December and start my career.  Ideally, I'd like to have a small hatchback, but I'll take anything that looks decent and has good gas mileage.  Right now I'm looking at buying a Toyota Yaris within 2-3 months.  I'd really like the four door version but they're only available in Canada and Europe, and while I could import one from Canada it's probably more expensive.  So, I'll probably have to settle for the three-door that's available here in the states.  Anyone have any ideas on hatchbacks?  I'd really like the Yaris, but at $15,500 after options I might have to get a used Honda or something.



Jenn

Check out the Mazda 3, Hyundai Accent and Elantra (don't laugh 10 year warranty, and they are actually darn reliable these days).

For used check Honda, Acura, Lexus and Toyota. Hard to go wrong with them.
Be careful with used Hondas, too many people mess them up trying to make them into sports cars.

Quote from: Leslie Ann on August 15, 2008, 03:41:17 AM
Be careful with used Hondas, too many people mess them up trying to make them into sports cars.

Yeah, I don't know why everyone wants to modify them so much.  I'm not into the whole street racing thing. 

I haven't settled yet, so I'm shopping around.  Thanks Leslie.

Jenn

The Suzuki hatchbacks are very popular in a couple areas of the US that I have been in. Very smart looking car and it is a 4 door + hatch with plenty of room. Someone I know has one and gets way over the posted mileage rating.

Quote from: Mnemosyne on August 15, 2008, 05:16:52 PM
The Suzuki hatchbacks are very popular in a couple areas of the US that I have been in. Very smart looking car and it is a 4 door + hatch with plenty of room. Someone I know has one and gets way over the posted mileage rating.

I like how they have AWD, a must in most situations here during the winter months.  I'm not too crazy about Suzuki thought, haven't had much experience with them.  I guess I'm a Toyota girl, lol! 

Jenn

Subaru Outback, or go with the Honda.

Have you looked at the new hybrids? Honda, Toyota, Mazda, Ford all make small hybrids.  Good gas mileage.  Or the Zip car, it is electric.  I had a Ford Taurus.  It is a good car and better good mileage.

Mistress Janet

Quote from: tekla on August 15, 2008, 11:09:47 PM
Subaru Outback, or go with the Honda.

I'd love to have a "lesbaru!"  But they don't get great gas mileage I heard.

Quote from: Janet Lynn on August 15, 2008, 11:25:16 PM


Have you looked at the new hybrids? Honda, Toyota, Mazda, Ford all make small hybrids.  Good gas mileage.  Or the Zip car, it is electric.  I had a Ford Taurus.  It is a good car and better good mileage.

Mistress Janet

I'm curious about Hybrids, but I don't know much about them except there's a battery that's charged when braking, and it uses the battery in most cases unless it has to switch to the gas engine?  Or something...   

Honda and Toyota, yes.  I'm not familiar with Mazda's and I won't drive Ford, I think they're terrible vehicles and they always break...

If there's a hybrid hatchback that looks as cute and stylish as the Yaris, then I'm open to suggestions. 

Jenn

Quote from: fae_reborn on August 16, 2008, 08:55:13 AM

Quote from: tekla on August 15, 2008, 11:09:47 PM
Subaru Outback, or go with the Honda.

I'd love to have a "lesbaru!"  But they don't get great gas mileage I heard.

If you end up in VT, you pretty much need to have a Subaru

I have a 2000 Forester, from what I remember when I was shopping around, the Forester gets slightly better gas mileage than the Outback.

Z

We absolutely love our new Mazda. I'm 6' and my SO is 6'2", and we have plenty of room in there for all of our long legs. Also, it comfortable enough to drive cross-country w/ for our move. I can't vouch for the 3, but I loved the protege5, and the 6i we ended up w/.

Also, if you need advice on negotiations, please feel free to ask. I used to sell cars for a living.

I just bought a 99' Subaru Forester.
Really nice, and the mileage is good compared to most vehicles of similar size.

Awesome! go you!