[trip]

Long story short. It looks like I may not get my car back from the shop due to too much work($) needing to be done.

Since I only drive for about 2 hours every other weekend, a car is not that important to me. However, I do need one for various reasons.

The requirements are:
-Easily available in the US.
-Not too expensive.
-Relatively compact. Something in the hatch back world, because I do have the need to transport larger items and crap. It has to be small because I live in a city and only have parallel street parking.
-I've never owned an American car, but I'm willing if it makes sense.

[ghost420]

1995-1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee

[trip]

QUOTE (ghost420 @ Friday, Dec 23 2011, 19:13)

1995-1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Too big, and I'm looking to buy new from a dealer. But thanks - If I didn't have to worry about parking I would be getting a pick up truck, wagon, or something more utility vehicle like.

[ska]

I would say check into the new Ford Fiesta, but that may just be a tad too small for what you're looking for. Great car, though. $15,670 for the base hatchback model.

[4 Bagger]

Toyota Yaris? Not too bad of car really. Rather small and it is a hatchback. Not sure how easy they are to get in the US as I don't live there but the Yaris is not too bad on petrol and should be able to fit what your looking for. There not too high in price either.

[trip]

My wife was just checking out the Fiesta, and she says they aren't bad.

Shes onto the the Yaris now.

Really guys, thanks for the suggestions. This is a trying time for me.

[Stinky12]

How about renting a car, that way, you can try different cars and see what is best before actually buying.

[The General]

If the Fiesta is to small, you could go for the Focus Hatchback. You could also look at the Hyundai Accent or Elantra Touring, depending on your size needs.

[trip]

QUOTE (Stinky12 @ Friday, Dec 23 2011, 20:50)

How about renting a car, that way, you can try different cars and see what is best before actually buying.

I've been doing that in a way. We have a car sharing service where I live. Today I took the Mini Cooper to the super market. Normally I take the Mazda 3 because it has more room.

Since I'm not a car person, I really don't care what I get as long as it is new, cheap and reliable.

edit:
@The General. My wife was just looking at the Hyundai Accent(as you were posting), and she said it looked like a good choice.

[ska]

Just make sure it isn't a previous generation Accent, if they still even have those on the lots at this point. The current Accent is light years ahead in terms of quality and refinement.

[Lurch]

Dodge Viper, yo.


But seriously, Mazda 3. I've probably logged almost as many miles in one as I have my BMW and it's pretty nice. Just make sure you get a top spec manual one. Which I guess would be a 2.5 hatch in this gen. My mom has a 1st gen 06 2.3 5 speed hatch and it's a great little car.


And, if you're really into smaller city cars, I'd say a Mazda 2 or a Fiesta would be good picks. And then minis are always nice but a bit on the pricey side.

This post has been edited by Lurch on Saturday, Dec 24 2011, 06:11

[ghost420]

QUOTE (trip @ Friday, Dec 23 2011, 23:19)

QUOTE (ghost420 @ Friday, Dec 23 2011, 19:13) 1995-1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee Too big, and I'm looking to buy new from a dealer. But thanks - If I didn't have to worry about parking I would be getting a pick up truck, wagon, or something more utility vehicle like.

Pontiac Grand Prix then lol.

[*MURDOC*]

Pontiac doesn't even exist anymore homeslice.

[Ronnyboy]

QUOTE (*MURDOC* @ Saturday, Dec 24 2011, 01:10)

Pontiac doesn't even exist anymore homeslice.

Don't remind me, I'm already paying out the ass for parts

You consider a Golf or maybe even a Beetle? Dependable, long lasting, small vehicles that are great fun and work well in the city.

[*MURDOC*]

QUOTE (Ronnyboy @ Saturday, Dec 24 2011, 01:12)

QUOTE (*MURDOC* @ Saturday, Dec 24 2011, 01:10) Pontiac doesn't even exist anymore homeslice. Don't remind me,

Pontiac doesn't exist anymore.

[Lurch]

QUOTE (trip @ Friday, Dec 23 2011, 19:19)

QUOTE (ghost420 @ Friday, Dec 23 2011, 19:13) 1995-1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee Too big

Also, kind of wondering where you're coming from here as the ZJ is more or less the same length and width as a Mazda 3 and every other standard compact out these days.

[*MURDOC*]

I'd guess he means he'd rather be closer to the ground for better obstacle avoidance.

[Lurch]

But wouldn't that be 'too high/too tall' instead of 'too big'.


Definitely a trait I'm not big on either but just clarifying that the original statement is somewhat ignorant to size dimensions that matter when parking. .

This post has been edited by Lurch on Saturday, Dec 24 2011, 06:24

[Illousion]

I've heard great things about the new Focus, maybe that could be something? Or the Cruze eco?

[jaysteels]

Saab 900 1997 Overall good car, feels almost as a luxury car ( if you have the 'leather' interior) Massiv trunk, hatch, and it is indeed cheap
I say this not as a saab fan, it is the only saab I have driven myself

This post has been edited by jaysteels on Saturday, Dec 24 2011, 11:51