Greetings, denizens. I'm currently the proud owner of a 1986 Ford F250. I. Love. That. Truck. Love it. Runs perfectly. Excluding current gas prices, it's a great vehicle for the area where I live, central Missouri. However, my girlfriend got into Johns Hopkins for grad school and we're moving to Baltimore. And that truck is about impractical as it gets for an urban environment. So I need a small car. 3-5 doors, easily parallel-parkable. Fuel efficient and ok in stop-and-go. I'm looking at both new & used. If you've got a moment, I'd love your opinion and why. I've brainstormed a list; Honda Fit Ford Fiesta or ZX-3 Kia Soul Kia Forte Hyundai Elantra Hyundai Accent Toyota Yaris Mini Cooper (at my girlfriend's insistence. I shouldn't have told her I can actually fit inside one). Anything that shouldn't be on that list? Anything that should? Thanks for your time. PS - Anybody in Maryland want to buy a used truck in August? $1500, firm.
I'd add the Fiat 500 into the mix. It's like the Mini but significantly less expensive. I like the upscale interior of the 500. It's pretty roomy up front. It's a couple thousand less then a Mini but still had that nicer feel to it. You list is pretty good. Really I think it comes down to personal preference. If the GF likes the Mini a 500 would be a compromise, I wouldn't mind. My short list would be; Fit, Fiesta and 500.
Twere me, Id buy the Ford or either Hyundai.<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-comfficeffice" /><o></o>
Friend of mine had a Yaris.. was a really nicely put together little car.. he had the manual and got really great mileage.. the back seat was surprisingly comfy and roomy for something so small. Seemed like a usable size... I think the mini's are cute.. but good god they're expensive for such a tiny car... they look fun, but I could never justify the price... The Fiesta looks like a nice car
I wouldn't go smaller than the new Focus hatchback or a Mazda3. At least you can fold the seats down and put something in there. My '03 Focus gets 25mpg when flogged around town and 33 at 80mph on the highway. The new ones are rated even better. I specced out the base 5spd with heated seats and sport package for just over 20k.
I just bought a Mazda 2 and love it. It's not a speed demon but with a manual trans pretty zippy. It's got more room than you'd think looking at it. I'm a big guy(6' 300 lbs) and I fit fine along with the wife and daughter. 35 mpg around town and I expect to get around 40 fully loaded on the way to the beach next month.
I have my eye on a Hyundai Accent. They seem to be the most inexpensive, and have a great big warranty.