Best car under 25k... a discussion...

[Scott]

Originally Posted by cvg

I was going to get a diesel Golf but they can't sell them in California (some ghey emissions law).

So go buy it elsewhere...

[mautzel]

Congrats to your choice,ssnapier

[wahaha]

I can easily get 500+ miles to a tank in my 2.7T, if I drive 55, which is what those EPA sitckers are BASED on; NOT 70 goddamn mph, the speed the govt. would have you drive at to waste fuel.

Unfortunately, the TDi jetta doesn't come with xenons. For me, they're a must. Same for navigation, and the VW nav is junk compared to the Audi system.

VW just doesn't do it for me. I wish to hell Audi would bring over the fucking 4.0 twin turbo TDi. Those micro brains with macro heads need a lesson in marketing. But I don't work for free.

[cvrefugee]

Originally Posted by ssnapier

So go buy it elsewhere...

I can't - http://www.solarhouse.com/resources/040102diesel.pdf

[zenkidori]

[quote="ssnapier"I took the one they let me borrow on a 250 mile jaunt in the mountains today[/quote]that's one cool dealership.

[tone76]

Originally Posted by ssnapier

Ok, this does NOT have to be a new car, you can go back to model year 2000. I am looking for what is (in your opinion) the perfect daily driver/ grocery getter available in the USA. Take these points into consideration before posting:

gas mileage
reliability
comfort
ease of use
ability to carry kids
ability to get out of it's own way

Like I said 25k new or used back to 2000... ready, steady, go!

Honda Fit. Just released in the USA, has been around for a few years in other parts of the world, badged as the Jazz in some other markets (such as Europe and Australia).

The 1.5 VTEC version is very peppy without sacrificing fuel economy (I usually get 38-39 MPG in the city, and have seen 45+ MPG on the highway, not bad for an automatic), is surprisingly roomy, comfortable and very easy to live with. Parking it is a breeze (if Mrs Tone can parallel park it anyone can ), and the rear 'magic seats' will completely blow your mind.

I'm not sure how much the Fit is in the USA. I know that in Australia, the 1.5 Jazz starts from around AUD$18k (about USD$13k).

Good luck with your decision!

Edit: D'OH!!! Too late! Congrats on your choice, it's still better than a lot of the junk out there.

[sandor_]

Originally Posted by ssnapier

So go buy it elsewhere...

its not that kalifornia wont allow it to be sold in state, they wont allow the car to be REGISTERED in state, so you would have to have a mailing address in another state that you could register the car to, and then find an insurance company that will insure the car in one state, even though a majority of the driving will be in another.

[sandor_]

Originally Posted by ssnapier

Ok, so I went and drove a base model '06 TDI and I am totally sold on that car. They actually gave it to me thru Monday since I am in tight with most of them so that I can truly evaluate it on all points. I have driven 70 miles so far, and I absolutely LOVE this car (and so does my wife).

I am just about positive that this will be my next car, it is quiet, comfortable, has everything I need and a trunk with it's own zip code. The current deal would be somewhere around 22,500 minus my trade (a 92 Audi 100CS) so the payment is doable. I am going to work with them a bit and try to get the out the door price right around 22 even (including tags and BS) I know the odds are slim on that... it is worth the effort to me though. The only thing my wife was not cool with was the color so we will probably order one to fit her on that front, but she was sold about 5 miles into driving it.

Thanks to everyone for all the input, and I am sure it will be of use to several other folks in the near future.

excellent glad to hear you like the TDI. i think i'm still waiting on the new golf TDI (im hoping the mkV has an option for leather on the GLS)


in other fuel consumption news, i just got back from a three day trip to Baltimore, Maryland. about a 120 mile drive each way, all highway. took the bimmer (328) instead of the 2.0 L golf - wanted to compare mileage. cruise set ay 85 mph and i got 33.8 mpg start to finish, probably 20 miles of city traffic each way, 100 of open highway. in the golf, i get about 27 mpg with the cruise set at 75.... i know the problem is all about the gear ratios though, the bimmer is under 3000 rpms at 80, the golf hits 3000 about 60 mph....