Klayfish
Klayfish Dork
4/11/12 10:20 a.m.

As I'm doing research into buying a fuel efficient but fun daily driver for under $15k, a used Forte Koupe has hit my radar. I've seen the top trim level '11 SX used for around $15-$16k. 6 spd, about 170hp, 33mpg highway rating. I'm hoping for a car that gets 35mpg+, but this is pretty close.

Anyone have first hand knowledge/experience? I don't expect them to be a flat out sports car, but are they fun to drive?

ProDarwin
ProDarwin SuperDork
4/11/12 10:24 a.m.

Have no experience driving them. Ridden in a few and they feel quite solid. I think they look sharp, and wouldn't be a bad car... if they got better mileage:

http://www.fuelly.com/car/kia/forte

GameboyRMH
GameboyRMH GRM+ Memberand UberDork
4/11/12 10:29 a.m.

I've heard the handling's decent, but I couldn't buy one with so many older (and cheaper), smaller and lighter decent-handling FWD cars to choose from that can easily get over 35MPG.

Alan Cesar
Alan Cesar Associate Editor
4/11/12 10:31 a.m.

I have no hands-on experience, but I do know they win.

jstein77
jstein77 Dork
4/11/12 10:44 a.m.

For some strange reason, I don't think that's stock.

failboat
failboat Dork
4/11/12 10:54 a.m.

doesnt corytate have one? someone on here does....

In addition to a sedan, they also have a wagon version. I have not seen one on the road yet though.

never been in a koup myself, I have to imagine its pretty similar to a scion tc.

GameboyRMH
GameboyRMH GRM+ Memberand UberDork
4/11/12 10:56 a.m.

I've seen the wagon on the road, looks like an Impreza hatch minus the ugly.

Klayfish
Klayfish Dork
4/11/12 11:11 a.m.
GameboyRMH wrote: I've heard the handling's decent, but I couldn't buy one with so many older (and cheaper), smaller and lighter decent-handling FWD cars to choose from that can easily get over 35MPG.

So far, I've mostly been looking at new(er) cars, just because I've had my fill for now of driving 15+ year old cars daily. I haven't ruled out getting something a little older, but I'm looking mostly at '08+ so far.

Lesley
Lesley UberDork
4/11/12 11:18 a.m.

I liked it, but the clutch was horrible – no feeling at all. Handling's good though, and seats were really comfortable for an 8-hour road trip.

DukeOfUndersteer
DukeOfUndersteer PowerDork
4/11/12 11:20 a.m.

I've got some experience, but with the race car

Bobzilla
Bobzilla SuperDork
4/11/12 11:40 a.m.

I know the Elantra board owner bought that car in sedan form about 18 months ago. He's had zero issues with it and loves it to death.

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