Honda fit or something else?

[pete c]

Thinking of a "new" ride. My '09 Sonata does the job fine, but would like something with a bit more mileage and the utility of a hatchback/wagon. I am a field service tech so I have a trunk full of tools/parts all the time. Yesterday I met up with a coworker that has a fit and I was very impressed with how easy it is to yank stuff out of the back as the fit has a very large hatch opening. Also, the fit has a lot of height back there. More, it seems than other similar cars. This is important to me in that I am also a mountain biker and I would like to have a car that I can easily put inside the car while I am working, so I can go for rides after/during work. Mike, the fit owner, says he can stand his rode bike up inside with just the front wheel removed. He has made a clamp mounted on a piece of plywood that the front forks drop right into. This holds the bike upright while traveling.

How about the other hatches out there? The sonic looks like it may have some pretty good room as well? The fiesta looks like it may not as it has a more aero sloping hatch.

I would be looking for a fairly low mileage 6-8 year old one. I would think I might find something in the 6-7 grand range. Would rather not spend more.

Alternative suggestions welcomed.

[redneck]

Originally Posted by pete c

How about the other hatches out there?

Alternative suggestions welcomed.

2015 Mitsubishi Mirage - Fuel-Efficient Subcompact Car

You may be able to find a used one for less.

10yr. 100,000 mile drive train warranty is very attractive.

More info here.

Home - Mitsubishi Mirage / Space Star Forum - MirageForum.com


>



>

[Fat Charlie]

My problem with 6-7k used cars is that you're spending about half of a new cheapo and getting the second half of the car's life- the glitchy, I have to replace it soon half. So I bought both halves of the Fit's life.

Look at the Versa, too.

[PaleMelanesian]

The original Scion xB is comparable for interior space.

Be aware that it won't drive and ride like the Sonata. It's a "busy" car to drive, not exactly relaxing. I like that, I call it fun.

If you're willing to split the size difference, maybe take a look at the crossovers: CR-V or CX-5.

Both the Scion (toyota) and the Fit are among the most reliable cars you can buy. They're build to last. I wouldn't hesitate to buy one with a few miles on it. I bought mine at what I consider a "new" 47k.

[pete c]

I do have one other requirement. I pretty much live in the damn thing, so it has to be a reasonably pleasant place to be. I am afraid the mitsu may not meet that requirement.

[Daox]

There is more road noise with the Mirage vs others. But, I'd encourage you to just go try it out. It'll be a lot easier to pull higher mpgs out of it with less work than the others. If you don't like it, no skin off your back.

[redneck]

.

I drove a Mirage CVT with a scangauge for a little less than 20 miles in rolling terrain and averaged 48 mpg. (first time driving a CVT) I thought it was quiet compared to the 2013 F150 I drove there. The inside layout seems well designed and the seat was firm but comfortable. With the rear seats laid down there is a large cargo area.

Fat Charlie
My problem with 6-7k used cars is that you're spending about half of a new cheapo and getting the second half of the car's life- the glitchy, I have to replace it soon half.

That's one of the reasons why I like the Mirages warranty. Run it till the warranty's up then sell it and recoup a % of the vehicles initial cost. Let the next guy have the "glitchy half".

If I were you, I would definitely check it out.

Like Doax said, "If you don't like it, no skin off your back."




>

[pete c]

I realize that the CVT is a very efficient choice, but, I have driven a few and I absolutely abhor them. I don't much care for regular slushboxes either, but, I don't have the sort of disdain I have with CVTs.

I am pretty much decided that whatever I get, it will be "row your own". I don't do enough rushhour traffic to want to give up shifting. And if the fit is like any other honda I have ever driven, it will be fun to shift.

I am going to try to rent a sonic and fiesta when I get a chance. Maybe a focus too.

Does the Fiesta beat the focus by much, mpgwise? My guess is that highway mileage differences won't be that much. The difference is likely moer significant in city driving where weight hurts more.

[Cobb]

I dont know, I dont think you can beat hondas when it comes to stick shifts.

Id like to know how PaleMelanesian is hitting 70 mpg in a Fit Sport.

[spacemanspif]

Originally Posted by Cobb

I dont know, I dont think you can beat hondas when it comes to stick shifts.

Id like to know how PaleMelanesian is hitting 70 mpg in a Fit Sport.

His fuel log shows a lot of P&G and EOC. When done right, you can see the advantages.

What about a Fiesta hatch, Focus hatch, TDI Golf or Jetta wagon or Mazda 3?