Help me pick my first car!

[got_mike33]

I just graduated from university and need to purchase a first car to get to and from work. I have been looking for a car for about 2 months now and haven't found any that don't need a lot of repairs or have rust issues.

I am looking for a hatchback with good fuel economy as well as enough room to fit a bike or snowboard when you fold the seats down. Also it must have a manual transmission.

I have been looking almost exclusively at the Mazda3 Sport (2007-2009) because they are cheap to run and have lots of good features (heated seats, side airbags and an aux input), but they seem to have rust issues.

I have also considered the Subaru Impreza (2008+) and Audi A3, as other contenders, but they are a bit pricier and I am not sure about the reliability of the A3 (I am looking to spend around $12000).

So questions are, is it worth it to pay more for a car that has less issues? Or are all used cars a gamble most of the time? Beyond seems to have a pretty good sense of what is a good buy! Also if anyone has any other recommendations that I haven't considered I would love to hear them!

[Twin_Cam_Turbo]

Golf GTi

[btimbit]

Why fit a bike or snowboard with the seats folded? Roof racks are awesome.

That said, since you do snowboard awd would be a good choice, so go with the Impreza.

[max_boost]

If you want reliable, get an entry level car, Civic/Corolla/Impreza etc.

If you want something a bit more cooler but may cost more in maintenance/repairs, WRX/GTI

[schocker]

Out of those I would go with the impreza. Likely the most reliable of the bunch and still ok on gas if non-turbo. Roof rack is probably a good idea though if you are bringing other people also.

[Euro_Trash]

Originally posted by Twin_Cam_Turbo
Golf GTi

+1

[got_mike33]

I guess I want to minimize the cost, and a roof rack just adds to cost. That being said it will probably be something I will buy though.

Corolla/Civic aren't really considerations, a hatchback is definitely a requirement plus they look incredibly boring (imo).

GTi/WRX are going to be pretty pricey on gas and probably too much in maintenance.

I have found an impreza I am interested in, but it's about $14k. Would it be worth it to jump up another $2k in price for a car like that?

[Twin_Cam_Turbo]

Originally posted by got_mike33
I guess I want to minimize the cost, and a roof rack just adds to cost. That being said it will probably be something I will buy though.

Corolla/Civic aren't really considerations, a hatchback is definitely a requirement plus they look incredibly boring (imo).

GTi/WRX are going to be pretty pricey on gas and probably too much in maintenance.

I have found an impreza I am interested in, but it's about $14k. Would it be worth it to jump up another $2k in price for a car like that?

GTis are really no different for fuel consumption or maintenance than many other cars IMO.

[flipstah]

I would get the Impreza.

The Audi is just asking for trouble. GTI + winter tires would be good too.

[Kardon]

JDM legacy twin turbo wagon, less rust and lower km than most imprezas

[speedog]

Even though the OP probably wouldn't consider it, I would have to suggest a Chev HHR if you're looking for something a bit different. I had one for 4 years and over 100,000km I only had to replace a front wheel bearing under warranty. In those 4 years, there was no rust and if you get the SS version, it'll go at a fairly good clip. Better yet, you can haul around 8 foot 2x4's in this thing with seats folded down. Heated leather seats, aux input, manual tranny, loads of airbags - the right one will have all of that. Highway MPG was around 35-36, city was around 28-29.

[got_mike33]

Originally posted by speedog
Even though the OP probably wouldn't consider it, I would have to suggest a Chev HHR if you're looking for something a bit different. I had one for 4 years and over 100,000km I only had to replace a front wheel bearing under warranty. In those 4 years, there was no rust and if you get the SS version, it'll go at a fairly good clip. Better yet, you can haul around 8 foot 2x4's in this thing with seats folded down. Heated leather seats, aux input, manual tranny, loads of airbags - the right one will have all of that. Highway MPG was around 35-36, city was around 28-29.

That's an interesting suggestion, but I just can't see myself driving around in it haha!

[93VR6]

Originally posted by speedog
Even though the OP probably wouldn't consider it, I would have to suggest a Chev HHR if you're looking for something a bit different. I had one for 4 years and over 100,000km I only had to replace a front wheel bearing under warranty. In those 4 years, there was no rust and if you get the SS version, it'll go at a fairly good clip. Better yet, you can haul around 8 foot 2x4's in this thing with seats folded down. Heated leather seats, aux input, manual tranny, loads of airbags - the right one will have all of that. Highway MPG was around 35-36, city was around 28-29.

YES, finally someone else that likes the HHR!

If I was considering a FWD rocket, HHR SS is hands down the winner in my book.

[msommers]

http://calgary.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehi...AdIdZ389382089

http://calgary.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehi...AdIdZ382087839

Second one you could easily get the price knocked down.

For what you're describing, these 2.5 Impreza wagons are probably your best bet. A good buddy of mine has one and it's at 350,000km without major issues.

[Xtrema]

Honda Fit?

[got_mike33]

Honda Fit just doesn't appeal to me either.

Went and test drove an A3 tonight and it was super impressive. The car's history is a bit odd though and the price is a bit low for that year. Anyone have any experience dealing with Glenmore Audi?

[leftwing]

Just out of curiosity, why is manual transmission a requirement?

[Cos]

.

[gyu]

For 12K an MK5 GTI would be a steal, don't think OP will find one for that price. I'd also be surprised if the A3's are going for 12k.

[Cos]

.