Topic: buying new car next Fall 2014.

[spicaphone]

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

[wing]

None of the above ... lol

[Fobroader]

Sounds like another candidate for a Corolla....unless you need awd.

Sent from my Galaxy S3

[Snowman]

From the list above the Matrix is my choice.

[tooscoops]

the models you listed... i'd go used matrix (no need for a new one.. been the same forever and reliable, so no worries about a few kms.)

the note is disposable. cheap for sure, but it seems to show everywhere. and the soul... i think if you really wanted the soul, you wouldn't be looking at the other ones... it's looks are what draws people in. fuel consumption from what i hear is where it drives them off... and space behind the back row.

i would think the group on here would suggest a honda fit, and it would be a good choice. though it will cost more, it's worth more and *will* be worth more down the road. no point in suggesting a mazda3 as it's best asset (driving dynamics) sounds like a non issue for you.

so there's my short answer... new fit, used matrix.

[dr_spock]

Sounds like another candidate for a Corolla....unless you need awd.

Sent from my Galaxy S3

Seems like OP is looking for a hatch back. 

Soul doesn't seem too difficult for me to get in an out but that depends on the person. 

[Fobroader]

Sounds like another candidate for a Corolla....unless you need awd.

Sent from my Galaxy S3

Seems like OP is looking for a hatch back. 

Soul doesn't seem too difficult for me to get in an out but that depends on the person.

I did not get the poll on my phone....is that normal??

[johngenx]

Focus ST!!   

Of that group, I'd go Matrix.  If you don't need a hatch, there are a lot of great sedans in that price category.  Corolla is new (Matrix is older design), Civic is nice, etc...

But, the key is to get in them and drive them.  I was certain a Civic was going to take the prize 5.5yrs ago, but both me and the missus despised the seats.  The Corolla proved to be the comfiest of the group we looked at.  So, you never know.

[normancw]

the models you listed... i'd go used matrix (no need for a new one.. been the same forever and reliable, so no worries about a few kms.)

the note is disposable. cheap for sure, but it seems to show everywhere. and the soul... i think if you really wanted the soul, you wouldn't be looking at the other ones... it's looks are what draws people in. fuel consumption from what i hear is where it drives them off... and space behind the back row.

i would think the group on here would suggest a honda fit, and it would be a good choice. though it will cost more, it's worth more and *will* be worth more down the road. no point in suggesting a mazda3 as it's best asset (driving dynamics) sounds like a non issue for you.

so there's my short answer... new fit, used matrix

^^ I agree - buying new, I would go with the Fit first, before a Matrix.

[Firm]

Kia Rondo might also fit the bill. I found the new one to be very pleasant to drive, big doors for easy entry/exit, and as a bonus it actually doesn't look that bad!

[Black Hatch]

Sounds like another candidate for a Corolla....unless you need awd.

Sent from my Galaxy S3

Better check that first to see if you fit
http://www.autos.ca/forum/index.php/topic,85791.0.html

I have a "larger" friend who barely fit into my CX-5 but has ample room in the CX-9.
But based on your list, the Matrix looks okay.

[spicaphone]

I have tried the Honda fit.Hated the seats hurt my back after a 15 min drive.Not interested in anything without a hatch it's just not handy for carting stuff . My friend has a Mazda 3 Sport hatch too damn low.Love the new Soul but worry about gas mileage as I do about 36,000 km a year .Like the RONDO but might be a bit too pricey.

[Fobroader]

Gas mileage wise, the Soul and Matrix should be pretty on par for mileage wise.

[spicaphone]

If the new Soul is as good as a Matrix on gas I would rather go with that since it has the 6sp tranny and direct inj. and is new for 2014.Advantage of Matrix would be great deals on end of model clearance sales and 0 finance.I like the Chevy Trax too but don't trust GM and that turbo engine to last ,it's unproven long term IMO. I am in pretty good shape and not too big but not as flexible as I used to be lol.
 

[tooscoops]

i thought i had heard the soul wasn't getting the fuel consumption most thought it would get... but i could be mistaken. i've had a couple traded in here due to lack of cargo space and poorer than expected fuel numbers. but sometimes, people just expect something crazy.

ah well. sounds like you are trying out everything, so good work! best to sit in em all and figure out what works for you... feel like trying the fiat 500L too? i doubt it would be your first choice, but can be had relatively inexpensive stripped down. things like the elantra gt too small?

[spicaphone]

The new Elantra GT is beautiful but a pain in the ass to get in and out .Most new cars with the aero design are lousy as far as visibility I find. My daughter has the old Elantra wagon and I like that,too bad wagons are almost nonexistent. I like the Mazda CX5 and the new Rav 4 but a little out of my price range even as FWD models. Don't need AWD even though I am in the mountains I find FWD and 4 snows work just fine.Love the VW Golf but too much maintenance and expensive and after 6 VWs I am cured...

[Fobroader]

after 6 VWs I am cured...

 

[Frontier1]

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.  The Versa Note is not fast, was not built to be so, but roomy, comfortable and surprisingly quiet.

Expect the Matrix to give you 8.5/9.0 per 100, the Soul could get you closer to 10, and the Versa 6-7.

[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?!?!?!?

[Frontier1]

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.