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Which hatchback car to get as a first car?
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djSyndrome
Member
The new 3 is one of the sexiest things to come out of Japan in years. Love the Alfa styling cues.
Yeah, perhaps a C30 isn't the best choice for hauling.
MrToughPants
Brian Burke punched my mom
Mazda 3 Skyactiv
RottenTanuki
Member
I agree with this one. Though at the end of the day I opted for the two extra doors and got the S40.
My wife has one, a 2006 RS trim. With an automatic they are completely fucking gutless but nice compact size, read seats fold completely flat in the back and have a ton of little compartments everywhere. Good on gas, turns on a dime and cheap insurance too. With some more horsepower (or maybe it just needs a manual transmission) would be an awesome car.
I drove one a bit, I think it was at least or was it the Agio something, a manual geared one. I don't think that car is for me. Did not really work well with tall people, and I did not like the stick/gearbox for some reason :x
Agent_ShortBus
Member
01 - 05 celica if you want to save some money and get good gas mileage. If gas isn't an issue I'd get a 350 or 370z. And if you have money for a really nice car us get a Subaru, Golf or rabbit, Mazda 3.
Not a fan myself, but my friend's ST is really fun to drive. Still not willing to trust Ford with my money though.
I had a focus st, worst car I've ever owned it was a complete lemon.
For what it's worth I have a citroen ds3 dsport plus and I absolutely love it. The 1.6 turbo engine is plenty punchy but I still average about 40mpg and the inside is a lpvely place to be. Can't recommend it enough.
For what it's worth I have a citroen ds3 dsport plus and I absolutely love it. The 1.6 turbo engine is plenty punchy but I still average about 40mpg and the inside is a lpvely place to be. Can't recommend it enough.
My girlfriend got a xD RS 4.0 and I've enjoyed driving it for the past 2 years. Enough space, lots of features, peppy as hell and good on gas.
What sort if journeys will you be using the car for? Do you want economy or performance or a mix if the two? I'd ask budget but in only really know uk prices! Aling with my ds3 we test drive the Audi a1 sport back for my wife and really liked it (although a bit gutless compared to my ds3). She now likes the look of the latest Mercedes a class which I must admit looks lovely but makes my wallet wince a bit. Golfs are always everyone's suggestion but I think they're overpriced and hard to get a deal on ( if you don't mind the interiors a seat is a better bet) and the skoda fabia is decent too. I'm not actually a fan of the newer civic (was never as good as the previous version) and if you don't give a fuck about practicality (and if you're not too tall) my wife's Mini Cooper is one of the funnest cars I've driven in ages.
The fuel mileage is awesome. I average around 36mpg and that's with traffic with a 70 mile round trip Monday through Friday. A lot of cars sacrifice power for efficiency but the skyactiv engine has nice balance. 160hp on a car this light makes for some fun driving.
MrToughPants
Brian Burke punched my mom
mk4 represent
I'd mostly be making journeys out to visit my family, that lives outside of the city, or to go shopping mostly. Then also to reach places with my friends for our activities (like fishing and what not).
I'd say a mix of performance and economy, where economy probably wins if they should battle. But my budget is at top 9418.880 Brittish Pounds, according to Google, but not sure how Brittish prices translates to Swedish prices. I know cars tend to be cheaper in the US, so the budget doesn't help much in that comparison unfortunately.
This
I wish
HehI'd mostly be making journeys out to visit my family, that lives outside of the city, or to go shopping mostly. Then also to reach places with my friends for our activities (like fishing and what not).
I'd say a mix of performance and economy, where economy probably wins if they should battle. But my budget is at top 9418.880 Brittish Pounds, according to Google, but not sure how Brittish prices translates to Swedish prices. I know cars tend to be cheaper in the US, so the budget doesn't help much in that comparison unfortunately.
I wish
Beemer 1 series if you can afford it, seat Leon if you don't mind a slightly cheap interior (same golf engine but none of the golf markup, this could be your best bet in terms of value for money). Suzuki swift sport is apparently good fun if you want a cheaper hot (lukewarm?) hatch although I've never driven one. The Audi and Merc will be out of your price range and if you just want a beater you can fuck up without worrying too much get a focus. They're dull as ditchwater but there's loads of them around so they're cheap as chips second hand and there are parts everywhere for when it (inevitably) breaks down. I have friends who have had really reliable focuses but mine was a complete cunt that spent more time at the dealer's workshop than it did on the road.
Still swear by my ds3 though
Edit
I sound like I have an agenda with my citroen, I don't I just love my car x
I'd mostly be making journeys out to visit my family, that lives outside of the city, or to go shopping mostly. Then also to reach places with my friends for our activities (like fishing and what not).
I'd say a mix of performance and economy, where economy probably wins if they should battle. But my budget is at top 9418.880 Brittish Pounds, according to Google, but not sure how Brittish prices translates to Swedish prices. I know cars tend to be cheaper in the US, so the budget doesn't help much in that comparison unfortunately.
I wish
Do you specifically want a hatchback? I recently bought a new car, for accomodating the outdoor activities I do, fishing, camping etc. It is supremely comfortable, smooth, quiet and reasonably economical. Tons of room inside the cabin for taller people.
Of course, it is the Volvo V50
Love being able to chuck all my fishing and camping equipment in the boot and still be able to drive five people. For £10k you could get an amazing example. I wouldnt be so quick to write off other classes of car. Granted, its not a nippy speedy GTI hatchback but it can still pull on the motorway. I recently did a 2000 mile round trip and didnt have any kind of fatigue from the journey.
First car? Civic's good but Japanese so check for height, BMWs generally run until the end of time...
Also check out the Skoda Fabia because that's made by VW and the Skoda name generally depresses the second hand price. The Seat Leon is also in a similar place. The Fiesta is pretty decent but other than that just avoid American cars (particularly pacific rim cars with US badges) like the plague, they're generally just overly large and fuel inefficient.
Before you do anything, though....make sure you actually sit in the car, and if you're buying off someone else get a knowledgeable relative or friend to look the car over, research common faults and the ways to look for them, it will pay great dividends.
Also check out the Skoda Fabia because that's made by VW and the Skoda name generally depresses the second hand price. The Seat Leon is also in a similar place. The Fiesta is pretty decent but other than that just avoid American cars (particularly pacific rim cars with US badges) like the plague, they're generally just overly large and fuel inefficient.
Before you do anything, though....make sure you actually sit in the car, and if you're buying off someone else get a knowledgeable relative or friend to look the car over, research common faults and the ways to look for them, it will pay great dividends.
sixteen-bit
Member
BMW 5GT
OP, if you're British and you're young, seeing as you mentioned this is your first car, you need to base what you buy on insurance cost, not cost of the car.
Anything over a 1 litre engine is usually out. As is anything that is worth any kind of money, as you'll probably pay more than the value of the car to insure it
Anything over a 1 litre engine is usually out. As is anything that is worth any kind of money, as you'll probably pay more than the value of the car to insure it
Truth. GTI. Aside from being a pretty sporty gas sipper it has a very nice interior. Dare I say about as nice as interiors get before the luxury class.
IronFistedChampion
Member
That's what I have, love my RSX.
Do you specifically want a hatchback? I recently bought a new car, for accomodating the outdoor activities I do, fishing, camping etc. It is supremely comfortable, smooth, quiet and reasonably economical. Tons of room inside the cabin for taller people.
Of course, it is the Volvo V50
Love being able to chuck all my fishing and camping equipment in the boot and still be able to drive five people. For £10k you could get an amazing example. I wouldnt be so quick to write off other classes of car. Granted, its not a nippy speedy GTI hatchback but it can still pull on the motorway. I recently did a 2000 mile round trip and didnt have any kind of fatigue from the journey.
I actually solely practiced with this model when at the traffic school, and I really like the car. So I did think a lot about that model in the beginning. But I thought it might not be as convinient as I live in the center of the city due to the size and higher fuel consumption. But maybe I'm going about it wrong here?
I heard the Seat was pretty much exactly like the Golf, which is good
But people say they never go well on the used market (so count on bigger loss of money).Not that young actually, just took my drivers license very late as you get prettu much everywhere on public transportation in Sweden
But yeah, not taking anything that will cost me a fortune to insure and pay taxes for.Not that young actually, just took my drivers license very late as you get prettu much everywhere on public transportation in Sweden
Yes my brother in law did something similar. You should be okay if you're over 25 then!
For what it's worth the wife and I just bought a new Dacia Sandero Stepway as we felt it was better value than a used car. But as cars go it's about as exciting as watching paint dry.
I actually solely practiced with this model when at the traffic school, and I really like the car. So I did think a lot about that model in the beginning. But I thought it might not be as convinient as I live in the center of the city due to the size and higher fuel consumption. But maybe I'm going about it wrong here?
I heard the Seat was pretty much exactly like the Golf, which is good
Not that young actually, just took my drivers license very late as you get prettu much everywhere on public transportation in Sweden
Are you buying new or second hand? As a new driver don't buy anything you won't mind fucking up in some way, I guarantee you will do something to it that will make you sad. If you DO buy second hand (I would) for 10k buy from a dealership or garage, You pay slightly more but you get more buyers protection (at least you do in the uk).
Buying secondhand also means you don't have to worry about depreciation so you can look at things like a Seat without that in the back of your mind.
I'd honestly have a look at a Leon, they're golfs in all but name minus the premium but with a slightly plainer cockpit.
outunderthestars
Banned
I will never buy another Ford as long as I love. I have owned three and all three had consistent problems.
I am currently looking into a Honda Fit myself.
I am currently looking into a Honda Fit myself.
ninjapanda
Member
wtf ... This thread is the first time I've heard that the Civics are easy to break in to.
I own a civic hatch... and I presume we're talking about the gen 8 European model due to where the OP lives and the era of car they are looking for.
I always had the false impression that it was hard to break in to as it was one of the few hatchbacks which came with an immobiliser and alarm as standard.
Should I be concerned?
thelatestmodel
Junior, please.
Mazda 3. I tested a bunch of vehicles before buying mine, including a Civic and a Matrix, and I hugely preferred the 3. The feeling is more akin to a go-kart than a car - really zippy and just goes where you point it.
Ultra reliable, great looks, and tons more fun than a Honda. If you don't mind manual transmission, the Mazdaspeed version is incredible.
Ultra reliable, great looks, and tons more fun than a Honda. If you don't mind manual transmission, the Mazdaspeed version is incredible.
I kind of went through a similar process recently because I needed a new car and I was primarily interested in getting a hatchback. I ended up with a GTI and it's a great car. The only thing that worries me is reliability and repairs further on down the line. I rolled the dice though so we'll see how it plays out. A civic I could see lasting forever, easy, but it may not be as spacious inside. Definitely test drive everything.
Shadow2222
Member
I've had a couple newer Fords (2011 Ford Fiesta and currently a 2013 Ford Focus Titanium) and I've never had a single problem so far. I think Ford is starting to be known for reliability once again.
How often I've heard this, especially for Hyundai and Kia. The cars you mentioned are a couple years old, you shouldn't have any problems. Reliability becomes a concern after 5 years. It's hard to say whether or not a new car is reliable.
My vote goes to a Yaris. Amazing fuel economy and ultra reliable. Cheap insurance too.
outunderthestars
Banned
I drove across the country in a yaris and was quite impressed. it struggled a bit on steep hills but was otherwise an incredibly comfortable car.
Some would argue it's slightly underpowered with a 1.5 L engine, but that's where the fuel savings come in. The majority of drivers usually don't have a full car, so generally it's not an issue.
The older one, sure, though a little small, is a great car.
I've driven the new one and found it awful, especially the pillar placement which makes visibility much worse. The car has been ruined by the introduction of the fantastic little Aygo, as Toyota now seem to need it to fit between the Aygo and the Auris.
The 03-07 or thereabouts Ford Fiestas are great cars. Almost as big inside as the Focus, without the insurance hit that comes with the larger engine. Pretty reliable and repairs are cheap as anything.
I have a black 2010 Mazdaspeed3. It's the best car I've ever owned. Never had a mechanical issue, and I drive it hard. 0-60 in under 5 seconds. Dropping the back seats makes it a breeze to load up with pretty big stuff, and it provides plenty of space for taking kids to school.
The gas will be expensive though. He needs something reliable and cheap to run.
But it weights the same as my shoe
The 1.33 I drove (100hp) was totally adequate. Drove it on ice where any engine in a FWD has enough acceleration, but it had enough torque to pull the car at near idle RPM and was nice on fuel. Handled quite nice and pivoted around corners until the stability control corrected the slide. Most cars I've driven on ice were boats that just wanted to continue forward.
The BMW 1 series does have limited space in the rear due to the RWD. FWD is a lot more compact.
PK Strawstorm
Member
My purple Geo Metro was the best. It was like driving a go-kart through the streets of LA, and I suffered no injuries when it died in a dramatic intersection smash-up. RIP.
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