Another Car Question -- Compact

[howellhandmade]

I've been following the car threads with interest. Time for a new car here, and I want to go as small as possible. I have two girls playing softball, one a travel ball pitcher, and I'm a freelance musician so between lessons, practices, tournaments, and gigs I drive many miles a year. I want to get fuel costs down, I want to park easily. And I don't want to spend more than I have to. But I also want to get a least one, maybe two golf bags in the trunk.

 

Looking at the various reviews on the internet, I'm interested in the Ford Focus and Mazda 3. Mazda 3 i Sport with Skyactiv engine and 6-speed manual looks attractive, but I'm concerned about interior space (I'm 6'4") and noise. I have a Mazda 5 now and have been disappointed with how noisy it is inside at highway speed.

 

The Ford Focus looks to be slightly more spacious and is reputed to be quieter. And it's cheaper. In order to get the Skyactiv engine in the Mazda I have to spend an extra few thou on i Sport trim. On the other hand, I can't get a six-speed manual in the Ford unless I get an ST, which loses a lot of the fuel economy. I've been inclined toward Ford since the bailout years, but the Mazda seems to have a bit better fuel economy and perhaps build quality. Not sure about the quality, it's just an impression.

 

Anyway, glad to hear whatever anybody has to say about this.

[Falang_Golfer]

Can I ask why you want a manual other than just preference? That eliminates quite a few cars that may meet your needs. The new Mazda 3 was just shown, looks good. My neighbor works at the focus plant so he's always eschewing the virtues of them. Maybe an impreza hatch?

[howellhandmade]

Preference mainly, I suppose. I like being able to choose my own balance of performance and economy. I can also make a clutch and manual last for the lifetime of a car, while the couple auto trans cars I've had have suffered from transmission issues and required expensive repairs, the only explanation for WHY the trans ate itself being "well, that's about how long they last." I tend to keep cars a long time; my Ranger has over 230,000 on it, the Mazda 5 has 170,000. I'd be happy to have a domestically made car but have had both good and bad experience with Fords.

[jlt73]

I liked the Mazda 3. But I chose a Nissan sentra

[Ballgofarboy]

Ford Focus hatchback, very versatile and fun to drive.

[golfcarte]

last year i purchased a hyundai elantra. being a rather large guy, i was unsure about how the car would fit me, then i went for a test drive and soon as i got in the car, i was surprised at how much room there was. also, the trunk space is comparable to a midsize. and the pickup is nothing like what i imagine a compact car to be. outside of the perceived stigma of being a 'chick' car, i've been very pleased. kept to the maintenance schedule and the only issue i've had so far is a low tire.

here's a link if you want to check it out...

https://www.hyundaiusa.com/vehicles/2013/elantra/?k_clickid=4ab3a56e-12bb-3268-e2a1-000028cf6284&cid=sem_google

[Sap12687]

135i

[Falang_Golfer]

Chevy Cruze Eco, has a manual, good mileage, and is quiet.

[Imp]

You're specifically focusing on gas sipping hatches, right?

I have the Subaru Crosstrek XV. 5sp and get about 30mpg. Other cars can do better, but I much prefer AWD for the winters here.

If you don't need AWD, the Focus and 3i will match you preferences rather well. The Focus Hatch most certainly comes in a Manual, but a 5MT (as with most MTs would be 5MTs). Most econ-hatches will be 5sp (which aren't bad as most have a tall 5th gear for fuel sipping).

There's also the VW Golf, Hyundai Elantra, Kia Forte, Scion xB... What about the Prius?

Now, if they made a Cruise Hatch or even better a Cuise Diesel Hatch, I would be all over that.

--kC

[howellhandmade]

Wow, thanks for all the help. I'm on the fence between hatch and sedan. I'd like to be able to lock clubs in the trunk out of sight. But if the trunks aren't big enough I do like hatches. I'll drive an elantra. I have read uncomplimentary things about the electric steering assist, but I'm not going to race it -- much -- so I should give it a chance.

[Imp]

Hatches usually have a cargo cover. The tinting standard on the Crosstrek and the cargo cover, you aren't seeing anything.

--kC

[Olson12]

How many miles per year do you drive? If fuel economy is your biggest concern why not look at a Hybrid? I've been trying to find a deal on a Toyota Prius for a very long time. Sure your buddies will make fun of you but getting 50+ miles per gallon will help heal the pain.

[mshills]

Vote for the VW Golf here. Cargo capacity is surprising with the rear seat up and downright cavernous when rear seats are folded down. Inexpensive, too.

[howellhandmade]

Drove the Focus and the Mazda 3 today. Loved. The. Mazda. What a rocking little car. Smooth motor, great gearbox. More comfortable than the Ford, which wasn't shabby at all. The Mazda is more fun to drive, gets (apparently) better mileage, has taller top gear, has bigger tank. And less expensive.

[Imp]

Yeah. Mazda has always 'got it' with their cars. Braking and handling usually better than most in the price point.

--kC

[Sonny217]

I have a 2012 Focus. I drive a good mix of highway (75mph) and city, and I get 36mpg out of it. I have the sedan, and there's no way 2 bags are going in that trunk without dropping the back seat.

[HISPL]

I had a 2007 Focus ST as a company car back in 2008/09, fantastic vehicle!

I did 100,000 miles (160,000kms) in two years and then handed it over to the guy that I recruited to take over from me and he did another 50,000mi in it before the lease expired.

Economy wasn't a huge concern but it did about 30mpg on the highway and not a lot worse in town, pretty good for a 2.5l turbo!

The new ST is a 2.0l turbo, should have a lot better economy, the "boring" models would be better again I suspect.

One of my best mates has a VW Golf that is about the same era as the Focus ST that I had, it is also a great car but the DSG gearbox is about as unrefined as Sir Les Patterson (Aussie Comedic character representation, quite funny and meant to offend) or perhaps I could liken it to "a fart in an elevator"...
Apart from the gearbox it is very very good, I would go with the manual if you choose a Golf.
I looked after my mates Golf for a month whilst he was overseas, handled well very economical but the gearbox was a real problem.

[deadsolid...shank]

[quote name='Olson12' timestamp='1372711930' post='7365274']
How many miles per year do you drive? If fuel economy is your biggest concern why not look at a Hybrid? I've been trying to find a deal on a Toyota Prius for a very long time. Sure your buddies will make fun of you but getting 50+ miles per gallon will help heal the pain.
[/quote]

We have five of them for sale on our lot right now. Terrific cars, we've sold several and never had any come back for anything (knock on wood).

[Jim Clark]

Definitely a Japanese vehicle. Can't beat the reliability. We have a Lexus RX400h (more than you want to spend) and a Toyota Prius (great mileage). Both are great cars and have been trouble free. The Prius is bigger than you'd imagine, it's actually classified as a mid-size vehicle, it has plenty of room inside. There's a newer version of the Prius that's more like a wagon, but the regular version has plenty of room. AND, it drives pretty good.

Stay away from German cars, too much trouble, I own one and have not had any major problems but I am meticulous about routine maintenance. I had an Audi, I ended up filing a lawsuit against Audi/VW over an issue they wouldn't fix.

[Golfinwill]

VW Golf TDI

[mikes919]

It's funny that you like the Mazda3 and the Focus, since they are built on the same platform. There isn't going to be much difference in reliability between the two, since most of the components are either shared or sourced from the same suppliers.

I just sold my 2005 Mazda3, I loved that car. Always ran great, and had much more storage space than you would think. People were always impressed with how much I could haul in such a little car.

[spring70]

[quote name='howellhandmade' timestamp='1372611924' post='7355946']
I've been following the car threads with interest. Time for a new car here, and I want to go as small as possible. I have two girls playing softball, one a travel ball pitcher, and I'm a freelance musician so between lessons, practices, tournaments, and gigs I drive many miles a year. I want to get fuel costs down, I want to park easily. And I don't want to spend more than I have to. But I also want to get a least one, maybe two golf bags in the trunk.

Looking at the various reviews on the internet, I'm interested in the Ford Focus and Mazda 3. Mazda 3 i Sport with Skyactiv engine and 6-speed manual looks attractive, but I'm concerned about interior space (I'm 6'4") and noise. I have a Mazda 5 now and have been disappointed with how noisy it is inside at highway speed.

The Ford Focus looks to be slightly more spacious and is reputed to be quieter. And it's cheaper. In order to get the Skyactiv engine in the Mazda I have to spend an extra few thou on i Sport trim. On the other hand, I can't get a six-speed manual in the Ford unless I get an ST, which loses a lot of the fuel economy. I've been inclined toward Ford since the bailout years, but the Mazda seems to have a bit better fuel economy and perhaps build quality. Not sure about the quality, it's just an impression.

Anyway, glad to hear whatever anybody has to say about this.
[/quote]

Imprezzas are nice, and have gotten bigger inside over the last year

[Lucky_Craft]

[quote name='HISPL' timestamp='1372783917' post='7371618']
I had a 2007 Focus ST as a company car back in 2008/09, fantastic vehicle!

I did 100,000 miles (160,000kms) in two years and then handed it over to the guy that I recruited to take over from me and he did another 50,000mi in it before the lease expired.


[/quote]

A lease?! Tell me you had a super high mileage lease or you had to get smoked on the over mileage. Yikes!!!

[HISPL]

[quote name='Lucky_Craft' timestamp='1372950655' post='7387534']
[quote name='HISPL' timestamp='1372783917' post='7371618']
I had a 2007 Focus ST as a company car back in 2008/09, fantastic vehicle!

I did 100,000 miles (160,000kms) in two years and then handed it over to the guy that I recruited to take over from me and he did another 50,000mi in it before the lease expired.


[/quote]

A lease?! Tell me you had a super high mileage lease or you had to get smoked on the over mileage. Yikes!!!
[/quote]

My office staff looked after that, I told them I would be doing a LOT of mileage so I'm sure they were prepared LOL

[CEPick]

[quote name='mikes919' timestamp='1372880747' post='7382660']
It's funny that you like the Mazda3 and the Focus, since they are built on the same platform. There isn't going to be much difference in reliability between the two, since most of the components are either shared or sourced from the same suppliers.

I just sold my 2005 Mazda3, I loved that car. Always ran great, and had much more storage space than you would think. People were always impressed with how much I could haul in such a little car.
[/quote]

Not anymore. The new 3 is all-new with the Skyactiv platform.

[Baai]

I drive a brand new Volvo V40. I'm absolutely loving it. It's very fuel efficient. It's about the same size as a VW golf, Ford Focus. You won't fit two golf bags in the trunk though unless you lower the back seats. But that goes for the golf and focus too.

[Imp]

Volvos are nice, but their future in the US is teetering on a knife edge (along with Mitsubishi). I'd think long and hard about buying one... I'd have to have really elminiate all other players before saying I'd buy a Volvo in the near future. I'd buy a Subaru before a Volvo... Oh, wait... I did!

--kC