Topic: buying new car next Fall 2014.

[wing]

Have you tried a Prius v?  My parents find it easy to get in and out of and with that amount of km you drive the fuel savings will be significant.

[Fobroader]

Cars must be affordable for somebody on pension,Have ease of entry/exit.Good fuel economy.reliable.cheap to insure.

Having 3 Versa Note in the yard I can tell you the car meets all 3 criteria.  Depending on your age of course insurance might affect you differently, but my 23 year old son, my wife(56) and I(54) found it to be the cheapest of all comparable models.

Wait....you have 3 Versas in your household?!?!?!?

4 if I include the 08 high miler, yes.

[Snowman]

 

[blotter]

Expect the Matrix to give you 8.5/9.0 per 100

depends the engine.  My 1.8L has averaged 7.5L over the year.  the worse being 8.3L


If you haven't test driven these options, do that.   I think the test drive will really help narrow down the choice.  I think these (the Soul and Matrix) will feel very different.  You may end up making a choice just on driving feel, seating position, comfort and visibility alone.   

[spicaphone]

I do plan on test driving them all.The new Soul is not available around here yet anyway it's not till next Fall 2014 that I will buy.I just like to get some feedback .I have driven the Matrix 1.8 auto with the convenience pkg and found it better than my Yaris sedan for sure.I have had Nissans before and they were OK and will test drive the Note. I just wonder about that CVT reliablity I know the Toyota 4 sp auto is very reliable and the Kia 6sp auito have been OK, but there does seem to be an issue with gas mileage on all Kia and Hyundai .
 

[spicaphone]

WING Regarding a Prius V. they are pricey and although I do 35-36,000km a year it's all mostly rural  very little stop and go or city traffic so Hybrid not warranted IMO.I get 42-46 mpg with my Yaris sedan but want to go back to a hatchback we really miss that.The new Yaris hatch is too small hence consideration of the Matrix as a good deal as far as interest rates and trade in.The wife and I love the new Soul but I am wary of the gas mileage.I don't believe it is the same as a Matrix.
 

[Northlands]

Out of the three options, I'd say opt for the Matrix. The Kia will drive differently ( bad or good, your call , and worth a test drive ), but the storage area behind the second row appears to be less usable compared to the Matrix. I haven't owned either car, so I have no real world experience besides having test driven both vehicles.

 The Matrix would likely have higher resale value in a few years, even with the car ending production this model year. Since others have been offering up other suggestions, I'll throw my hat in as well.

Honda Fit
Elantra GT
2012 Elantra Touring
Forte 5

[wing]

2014 most likely will be the matrix last year.

[Solstice2006]

Based on your criteria the Matrix seems to meet your needs, as it is not as low as the other hatchbacks like the Mazda3, Focus, or Elantra.  I agree with johnnygenx, and look for a used one, unless the new ones have cash on the hood.

An alternate could be the Mazda5, very easy to get into, right height, sliding doors nice and convenient, keep the 3rd row down and you will have more space than any hatchback...

[tooscoops]

you may get a great deal on a matrix in the fall.... but you might also be out of luck. if they drop the matrix as expected, many dealers will not have a lot of selection, if any at that point. just warning you not to make a decision now that isn't possible in a year.

[EV-Light]

I'd recommend the Soul, but it is kinda hard to even consider it after watching this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n95SD8FHEzw

[Northlands]

I'd recommend the Soul, but it is kinda hard to even consider it after watching this:

Ouch. I had no idea... wow. 

[spicaphone]

New crash tests on 2014 Soul were good apparently not the same chassis as the 2013.Gas mileage still iffy lets face it not the most aerodynamic design although better than before. Elantra GT like the sedan a pain to get in and out but beautiful.Mazda 5 too much$.I wish Toyota would bring over the Auris hatch but it's probably just as low as the new Corolla.

[Solstice2006]

Not sure what you mean by the Mazda5 too expensive?  A base 2013 Toyota Matrix on Autotrader in your area, with like 1000km, starts a $20,000, a Mazda5 GS with more features goes for around $22,500? 

Perhaps if your finding your selection limited, try buying a car that is 1 to 2 years old, better value, then you won't have to settle...

[wing]

I agree. If you find $25k new too expensive you can probably find a 2-3 year old car for $15k or less much better value with lots of life left.

[EV-Light]

New crash tests on 2014 Soul were good apparently not the same chassis as the 2013.Gas mileage still iffy lets face it not the most aerodynamic design although better than before. Elantra GT like the sedan a pain to get in and out but beautiful.Mazda 5 too much$.I wish Toyota would bring over the Auris hatch but it's probably just as low as the new Corolla.

I will wait and see, the 2014 hasn't been tested yet.

[EV-Light]

I'd recommend the Soul, but it is kinda hard to even consider it after watching this:

Ouch. I had no idea... wow. 

Brutal isn't it? I'm glad I sold the Nissan Rogue...it failed miserably in that test as well. Actually a lot of vehicles have been failing that test, kinda creepy when you consider that 25% of deaths happen that way.