Somebody talk me out of this please! I know its much better in the long run (if you're mechanically inclined) to stick with used vehicles..
There's adds in the local paper now for the '08 Saturn Astra, the European 4 door. It's got my attention, as it has near the same hwy FE as my firefly and almost 3 times the power! And probably 5 times the comfort (its heavier) for long hauls..though we use the Integra for that.
In the paper , they start at $14400 Cdn

(Cash Price) for a 5 door XE model. That's including a 3500$ Holiday Cash bonus..! 125 ft lbs Torque, 138 Hp. Curb weight: 2850lbs
In the add they claim :
-6.1L/100km City (38.5 US MPG)
-8.5L/100km Hwy (27.6 US MPG)
It is a sleek looking ride..but I'm wondering really how good its FE is!? Anyone out there own one or know of it? They say its comparible to a Yaris..
Ken