Am I Crazy?

My wife and I are in need to replace a 2004 Hyundai Accent Auto with 162,500 miles within the next 6 months (has structural damage from rust). I have been in search of thee perfect car some time now doing quite a bit of research. I have considered both used and new cars in my research. I found out that used cars are a more of a markup in price over new cars. I like the idea of not spending too much money (less than $13k). It has to be good on gas; somewhat fun to drive, able to carry at least one child and available in a manual.

So one day in my research I found the Chevy Spark. Furthering my research the car, it is very reasonably priced (ie. I can buy one for about $11k), reviews are good, and some people say it is fun to drive. My first thought was that I found my perfect car for everything I need it to do. But at 84 horsepower, I was concerned for any highway driveability. So I went off the deep end and decided to test drive one... To my suprise, it was reasonably quick! kind of reminded me of my old 2000 4-cylinder S-10 LS that I had and loved. The salesman rode with me (6'5" over 400lb man) decided it was a good time to turn on the air conditioning as we are turning left to get onto a highway on-ramp (which of course was up hill)... It certainly did not do terribly bad getting onto the highway. At just over 2250lbs. the car feels lite and tossible (I know motorcycle term), so I am kind of liking this car quite a bit.

I have also considered the Ford Fiesta ST/Focus ST, which in all circumstances is a totally different car. But I cannot honestly give myself a reason to spend over $21k on a car. Especially with the amount of debt that I have currently.

What about the 2016 Mazda 2? I wonder what the pricing will be on this car?

Sorry for this being so long on my ranting, I just would like to know what everyones opinion is on this and would like to see if there are cars that I am missing in my price range.

my list currently is in price range: Chevy Spark Manual LS Nissan Versa 1.6S Ford Fiesta

There was a certified pre owned 2012 Mazda 2 listed in gainesville for like 13k today.

My fathers answer is to take 20% off the price of a used car and offer them that out the door. He's generally gotten close on the last 3 he's negotiated.

As for the spark, I can at't give you an answer there. haven't looked at/driven them.

Yes.

If you are still asking if you're crazy, you're probably not. However, I would take a new Mazda anything over a pre owned Hyundai for the money. We have a Madza 3 and it is quick with tons of room. I would consider a 2 if we were in the market.

I should add that I have not test driven any of the vehicles you listed.

Is Manny Yarbrough selling cars now?

And, even though you're a new reader, you've taken the plunge into the nuthouse that is GRM so you must be a little bit "odd" as they say.

The Spark is horrid, spend the extra on a Mazda 2 or Sonic w/Turbo.

If cash is tight, I'd rather buy something in the $2500-$4k range. Should be reliable but save you a bundle in purchase price plus cheaper insurance.

If you really want dirt cheap, look for a 1995-2002 Saturn. Great on gas, runs forever (will burn oil though) and can be had for peanuts.

I was shopping the exact same market as you just a few months back. The Spark isn't a bad car, I liked it in some ways. But don't fool yourself into thinking a base Spark is a quick or sporty. It's not. I suppose if you're comparing it to a 14 year old 4 cylinder pick up, sure it'll feel quick. But by most other standards, it's no more than adequate. At the $11k-$12k price point, you're going to get a complete stripper model, crank windows and all. The Versa is a more substantial feeling car and is better on the highway, but you won't get one that cheap. Even at $13k, you're still in complete stripper land (not in the good way).

If that's your price point and you're looking for a small, manual economy car with some zip, a lightly used Mazda 2 will be hard to beat. You can pick up a nicely loaded '12 Fiesta for a decent price too, but I prefer the Mazda.

I ultimately wound up with a Prius, but my top priority was fuel efficiency...along with ability to eat up large volumes of miles reliably.

moparman76_69 wrote: Yes.

beat me to it. And I have nothing of value to add.

your username is RSImpulse implying an AWD turbo Isuzu with lotus tuned suspension and possibly 4WS (iirc) I don't even need to read the thread to know

A) yes, you're crazy

B) you're going to fit in just fine around here

Go for a Mazda2, new or lightly used. It's a lot more sporty than the Spark and has waaaay more potential if you want to mod it later.

Look for something 5 years old with ~50k miles on it. You'll end up with a much better car for less money!

91RSImpulse wrote: I have also considered the Ford Fiesta ST/Focus ST, which in all circumstances is a totally different car. But I cannot honestly give myself a reason to spend over $21k on a car. Especially with the amount of debt that I have currently.

Nope, not crazy. Very smart move financially.

Like others have suggested, a used Mazda 2 or Fiesta may be a more fun option (and probably depreciate slower than the spark), but you're definitely in the right range for lowest cost of ownership newish cars.

I picked up my mazda2 used from carmax for 13k. Its a 2013 and 6100 miles when I bought it. No regrets.

Sonic.

SonicSonicSonicSonicSonicSonicSonicSonicSonicSonicSonicSonicSonicSonicSonicSonicSonicSonicSonicSonicSonicSonic

Chevy needs to sell more of these cars. They are built RIGHT. Even my mom's Sonic RS Turbo auto is so great for everyday driving while still being able to hoon around :)

I have been around for many many years; I consider myself mostly a lurker.

The primary use of this car will be just for work only with an occasional trip to my parents.

The Base model Spark has decent standard equipment, like it does have power windows, tilt wheel, traction and stability control. I live in Ohio, so the traction control will be nice during the winter months. It is also the only car that my wife will allow me to buy in a manual. which I find a huge positive in buying the car.

The only problem with buying a older car is that I have no place to work on it whenever there is something wrong. otherwise I would consider it much more as an option.

Yes I used to own a Isuzu Impulse RS and loved every moment of it and wish I still had it (long story) I want to buy another one badly...

I am considering the Sonic LTZ turbo or the Sonic RS Turbo... more money than what I would like to spend but looks like a nice car! I also like the Hyundai Elantra GT or the Kia Forte 5 SX, or another option that I buy my wife a new Ford Fusion for around $16k and I take her fully loaded 2013 Hyundai Accent with slushbox.

I really enjoy the Mazda 2; It seems to have quite a bit of following on this site!

I'd rather spend less on a utility car. Buy something more used (2002-2005) for 4-6K and enjoy a much more loaded car. Check out your local CL and search by price and see what works for you, you might be surprised by the things that crop up.

91RSImpulse wrote: The only problem with buying a older car is that I have no place to work on it whenever there is something wrong. otherwise I would consider it much more as an option. I also like the Hyundai Elantra GT or the Kia Forte 5 SX. I really enjoy the Mazda 2; It seems to have quite a bit of following on this site!

You don't have to buy an old car. If you buy a 2012 or 2013 with under 40k miles on it, it's a fairly new car and should be reliable. I know for sure you can find a 2013 Mazda 2 with 20k miles or less on it for your budget. Basically you're getting a nearly new car that someone else took the initial depreciation hit on.

The Forte 5 SX is a damn nice car. My wife had one for her daily driver for a couple of years. It was a slushbox, but I liked the car quite a bit. It's bigger and more substantial feeling than the Spark or Mazda 2. The downsides to the car...very stiff ride, uncomfortably so on really potholed roads. Also had a bit of a touchy throttle. Otherwise it was really nice. Fuel mileage was a bit diappointing, about 28mpg.

The non ST Fiestas are reasonably priced . You can even get an EcoBoost for a little more. My SE serves me very well. enough power to climb hills. Great gas mileage.

Even the Mitsubishi guy loves the Mazda 2

ultraclyde wrote:

moparman76_69 wrote: Yes.

beat me to it. And I have nothing of value to add.

My mom would say; if you have to ask.....

Since you say that you want something fun to drive for $12K, I would say to skip the new car market all together. You take a big depreciation hit on them if you don't keep it until you wreck it or the wheels fall off. You should be able to get from a private seller many vehicles from an E46 M3 to a Sonic. You can get vehicles from 04-11 and they won't automatically fall apart, ESPECIALLY if they have been well maintained. Based on your list, I would look for a Jetta TDI, Golf TDI, Mazda 3, Ford Focus, and a Civic Si. If you could live with an auto, I would also suggest a Camry or Accord hybrid.

Yes, you are crazy regarding the spark. Chevy Spark=Daewoo. Any questions?