Hey guys, it looks like I'll be doing A LOT of driving for the next little while, so I'm looking into a new vehicle. It seems every manufacturer is offering 0% financing on most 2013 models.

I'm looking for something fuel efficient, reliable and has a decent warranty and resell value.

I've been looking at the following:

Mazda 3
Ford Focus
Hyundia Elantra
Hyundia Veloster (drove one, and I'm not a fan but the warranty is great)
Mitsubishi Lancer
VW Jetta
VW Golf

Just wondering if anyone has an opinions about anything above.

Feel free to add to the list, I need to get something within the next two weeks!

You could check out the 2014 Kia Forte, a lot like the Elantra, but apparently a little nicer..

My son just bought a 2013 Forte and got a HELL of a deal, but they were all cleared out to make room for the 2014's

None of those car's have a good resale value. And I would also say high cost in long term ownership with maintenance.

BUT, using your list. The only car I would consider is the lancer in a gts (manual)..because I'm pretty sure they come CVT in auto. Which is lame.

How long do you plan to keep this car for?

I plan to have this for probably around 3-5 years. I'd like something that is comfortable for a long 8 hour drive, and something that is reliable in the snow.

I also need to stay within a certain budget, so I think between $30-$35K is my absolute max.

Ziggy's right on the Forte, you get a lot for your buck and it's confortable.

Bang on, Besides the TDI Jetta and TDI Golf, consider looking into those. Hold crazy retail and double the fuel mileage than any of the cars listed.

Edit: I don't know about the forte, Looks like a box. and would probably have the worst retail value than anything there.

If you can wait a little the 2014 corolla is coming out..

Honda, Toyota, Suby and maybe Vdub's...

For the kind of money you're looking to spend, and flip in 5 years...you need a car that WILL hold it's value.

I'm still partial to japanese cars, not so much german cars.

Simply because I know they're cheap and easy to maintain, AND hold their value well.

The new Accord coupe V6 is in your price range, or could always go black on black V6 sedan in an auto trans. Nice daily car in the EXL. In your price range too!

You buy that car (as an example) tomorrow, and in five years with 100km's on it, you can fetch somewhere between $15-$20k if it's CLEAN and ACCIDENT FREE.

The other cars, would be lucky to see $10k of your money back.

EDIT: forgot to mention ALL Honda V6's have VCM now. (variable cylinder management - cut's off from 6 - 3 cylinders).

PS. I can sell you a new;

Toyota, Subaru, Honda, Mercedes, BMW or Acura.

Make your pick and I'll run pricing for you.

But just text me about this when you're close to making a decision.

Maybe so, but it's cheap to begin with and reliable. Decent on snow (friend has one). Granted the resale value isn't way up there, but being a cheap car to begin with, tint the windows put somewhat good rims (from your garage) on it and I'm sure a Honda kid will buy it for a decent amount when you're done with it. Looks wise, not the greatest, but if it's for work, who cares? It's good on gas and light as well.

I'd also steer clear from Mazdas. Every SINGLE one I've seen are rusting, and they do so quickly.

^From what I understand, its because of the eco paint they use. There should be an option to use regular paint instead.

I would care If I'm paying that kind of money. You want the best bang for the buck.

What about the Focus ST. Just came out, anyone drive one yet ?

My buddy's girlfriend has a new focus and she said its nice. It's a decent car, but I don't think I could spend hours in it comfortably.

Mike, I might take you up on that offer. I thought you were only able to sell Hondas and Acuras!

Thanks for the input!

When it comes time to get rid out it, ill probably end up trading it in if they give me a decent price, otherwise I'll sell it privately.

Why are you buying a car you just plan to sell in 3-5 years, why not lease?

I'm not planing to sell it, I'm saying if I did sell it, I'd like to have something that I can get a decent buck for.

Leasing is out of the question. I'd be putting on a lot of KMs and it would cost me an arm and a leg to pay the additional mileage.

Honda civic with extended warranty. Stay away from VCM they vibrate like crazy at certain speeds. The Hyundia and Kia are decent cars they have both come along way. Suby's don't have the longevity (ask any Suby Tech)Just stay away from the big 3 they are buttom of the barrel and probably will need more money from the tax payer's to keep afloat for the next ten years.

I really hate the feel of the Lancer's interior.... So cheap. (sorry Evo X owners...)

Yeah like Stephen stated Hyundai has come a long way. They offer a lot for little, and everybody I know with one has had good things to say about them. Might not have the greatest resale value. I would also not look into the Veloster. Look into the new Elantra. They were doing so well Hyundai actually stopped production of the Genesis along with other models mearlier this year, to keep up with the demand and focus on the Elantra.

I have an Elantra, and after 12-13 years and 311k it never skipped a beat. I also know of a few others getting close to 400k on theirs, also with no major issues.

For me the toss up would be between a Focus and the Elantra from what you have on the list in post 1.

Scooby Legacy.

You could do an Impreza, but I found they dropped it to a 2.0L for gas savings, and cabin noise is a bit high (similar issue with Civic vs Accord). But the Legacy's a decent car, still has the 2.5 175hp, and gets pretty decent range. Also comes standard with a few niceties, like heated cloth seats.

If we HAVE to stick to your list, never do VW unless it's to get TDI, and then the gas mileage is nuts. Rest of the car isn't all that great longevity-wise, but if gas-mileage is what you want, can't lose.

Otherwise, probably Hyundai.

I'm not limiting myself to the cars on the list, those were just my thoughts so far.

I think I'll be checking out a focus, fusion and the elantra.

The Kia dealership in Grimsby is a brand new dealership, and they are VERY aggressive. Also, the 2014 Forte is VERY similar to the Elantra. I would gladly introduce you to the salesperson that gave my son a HELL of deal....

I say..
diesel truck. Value stays high.. more or less fuel effiecient.. and alo more usefull and comfy and roomy. Plus you can tow dsms behind it. or pianos. or well anything. 4x4 will never get stuck. And your not limited to curbs or high speed bumps.

I have a diesel truck, great work truck, not such a great DD. While they are more fuel efficient than a gas trucks, the price of the fuel is a killer. Not to mention I would NEVER suggest a truck as a long distance commuting vehicle if you don't need the haul something. #1, fuel costs and #2 when the time comes to repair it, they are usually far costlier to repair, #3 parking a truck in any sort of marked parking lot sucks.

I might be looking for a new DD next year, the Lancer SE AWC looks nice, might try one out.

I was going to say the new Buick Regal 2.0 Turbo but that starts around 38 . Seen one on the road today and it looks amazing.


Check out the Buick Verano.

http://www.thecarconnection.com/overview/buick_verano_2013

My choice would be Elantra; lots of features and decent economy-everybody wants one so should have good value when time comes to trade/sell.
Also decent resale and good in snow would be the cheapest Subaru.
For comfort and highway manners, VW is the way to go, but get an extended warranty.
I believe the best buy is the cheapest, so I'd also look at a Chev Sonic, yeah I know,lol, but I believe it's better made than any of GM's other small stuff. When you see what the residual might be in 3 to 5 yrs, compare that to a double the price car and see who is farther ahead, you might be surprised.

Then I say go for the focus... cuase it seems to be fun for a NA fwd car.. And I think id rather shoot myself in the head with a nail gun over and over before I have to spend over 10grand on something that isnt fun.

What about hybrids? If it only for comfort and econimy... hybrids like the volt have come along way.

Hybrids are PRICEY!

My vote would be one of the following:

New Elantra
Subaru Impreza or XV Crosstrek
Dodge Dart (They are sharp, and turbo)

I have been informed that the dodge dart is turbo for economic reasons not for performance reasons, so in that aspect it's a good car. Hopefully Jay won't be tempted to upgrade it.
I actually went to the dealership and after test driving the abarth I asked him if we could test drive the dart, he said don't waist your time it's not that fast, then gave me the info above.

I'm pretty sure they share the same 1.4L turbo engine, both are listed at 160hp but I'm sure the Dart is a heavier car so ya, it probably feels a little sluggish.

I noticed the 1.4L turbo has the same hp as the 2.0L n/a but the turbo has a fair bit more torque.

You can get a used 2011 volt with 27000kms for about 30000. Altho that abarth is cool.

You guys all keep tossing out cars like the Fiat 500 and such, but if he needs a car with any sort of practicality, those won't fit the bill. While I would never buy another Mazda (except maybe an FD RX7), I must say that my Mazda 3 Sport (aka hatchback) is incredibly practical and incredibly fun to drive...when it works.

Fiesta ST?
Focus ST?
MazdaSpeed 3?
GTI 5 Door?

All hatchbacks, all fun, all can be had within your budget, new.

Hybrid is out of my price range. I'm not looking to spend a fortune to save a few bucks in gas.

My brother has an 08 Highlander hybrid and he said he's not really impressed. He bought it for fuel economy and it's been a let a down.

I'm going to test drive an Elantra later today.

I'm also looking into a preowned 12 fusion, a demo 12 Altima 2.5 and a focus.

Subaru is out of my budget, unfortunately.

It's funny someone mentions the dart, the owner of the collision shop I took the EVO too drove me home in his. It seems like a nice car but I'm a little turned off from dodge after seeing countless NEW sedans going through balljoints like water.

Would a new or used Lancer Ralliart fit the budget ?
It's an excellent daily driver, and super fun to drive.

My mom has the elantra station wagon and couldn't stop talking about how she gets amazing gas mileage compared to her old focus station wagon.
My sister has the chevy cruze and is happy with her mileage too.

Ford had a huge recall earlier this month. About a half million cars for their leaking fuel tanks.

Also same thing happened to them back in december, roughly 15,000 cars but leaking fuel in the engine bay.

Just giving you a heads up.

The Elantra and the Kia Forte are VERY similar....If you decide you like the Elantra, give the Forte a chance also...

ok... then if those are what budget buys and this has to be reliable and fuel efieciant... then diesel vw all the way.

Reza, I'd love to get a lancer as a daily driver, but I haven't seen one that's affordable with relatively low kms.

Thanks for the suggestions guys