Small car purchase advice

[Therion]

I'm looking to buy a second car. I need something small and efficient as I'll by driving around downtown T.O. and the surrounding area. All options are on the table:

1) new subcompact (Yaris, Fiesta, Fit/Civic (same price), Mazda 2, etc.). Any recommendations and pros/cons?

2) slightly used subcompact, same as above, to save on freight and a bit on retail value

3) older model of one of the ol' reliables like Civic or Corolla.

I'll be paying the car off pretty quick so interest rates aren't a huge issue, but reliability and fuel consumption are. What are the best months to buy a new car? I have til about October or so.

Any advice would be really appreciated.

[RCGA]

Used Golf or Jetta TDI

[mr_raider]

Start here:

http://www.caranddriver.com/comparis...omparison-test

[Bomberman07]

Used Golf or Jetta TDI

As you said you would be driving downtown, I guess you'll do small trip. If so, you should'nt buy a diesel engine. Those are great for long distance, but not on short trip.

Based on the model you stated, I would go with the Fit. My neighboor has one and, it's a small car but he has so much space in it.

[Therion]

Not too keen on a diesel. The Car and Driver article extols the virtues of the Honda Fit. I will definitely have a look at that one.

[amir_aqeel1]

Buy Fit/Civic. It's generally safe to say that the Honda Civic has been and still is a very reliable car that gets excellent fuel economy. VW Jetta is generally thought to be the low priced german sporty feeling car. Resale value goes to Civic. Service is less expensive for Civic. Having seen the service history of VW, I would choose a Honda Civic over a Jetta. VW reliability is quite poor and while they drive nicely, they don't last long without repairs.

If you don't want to do anything but put gas in a car and it runs and runs, get a Honda. If you get a VW, you may have to do something, God forbid!

[poedua]

Not too keen on a diesel. The Car and Driver article extols the virtues of the Honda Fit. I will definitely have a look at that one.

Consumer Reports LOVES the FIT...both CR and the 2012 / 2013 Lemon-Aid guide make it a ' Recommended ' buy....it's great on gas, very low operating costs, very reliable AND the FIT won the ALG ( Automotive Lease Guide ) 2012 award for highest predicted resale value among sub compact cars....you really can't lose by getting a FIT IMO.

[Therion]

Fancy seeing you in this forum, p

Last two hours of research all point in the Fit's direction. Most cargo space, funnest to drive, highest resale value, zippy standard shifter (even if only 5-speed). The cargo space sold me the most because it will come in very handy.

Amir, I've heard the horror stories about Jettas. I know two people who had their passenger side windows crash into the door and shatter. Apparently VW thought it was a good idea to replace a metal clip with a plastic one to save a buck or two. I wonder how many millions that recall cost them in the end.

[poedua]

Fancy seeing you in this forum, p

Last two hours of research all point in the Fit's direction. Most cargo space, funnest to drive, highest resale value, zippy standard shifter (even if only 5-speed). The cargo space sold me the most because it will come in very handy.

Amir, I've heard the horror stories about Jettas. I know two people who had their passenger side windows crash into the door and shatter. Apparently VW thought it was a good idea to replace a metal clip with a plastic one to save a buck or two. I wonder how many millions that recall cost them in the end.

+`1

" The 2012 Honda Fit ranks 1 out of 41 Affordable Small Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 37 published reviews and test drives of the Honda Fit, and our analysis of reliability and safety data "

http://usnews.rankingsandreviews.com...cks/Honda_Fit/

[DJ_Peanuts22]

Get a used pre-2011 Honda Fit. Those are still made in Japan.

The new 2012 is being made in China.

[Therion]

Get a used pre-2011 Honda Fit. Those are still made in Japan.

The new 2012 is being made in China.

That's what I've been reading on. Apparently only the Canadian models, not the American ones. I don't know why we're getting the shaft. I think it is risky buying a car that's being produced in a brand new factory.