Best Family Hatch for 21k or under
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Fit owner here. Can't say enough good things about it. We've fit 3 family members in the back seats and three big dogs with the back seats down. We love it.
Whatever you choose, hope it works out for you.
P.S. We only paid $17.5k for the sport model back in 09. Have prices gone up that much?
Whatever you choose, hope it works out for you.
P.S. We only paid $17.5k for the sport model back in 09. Have prices gone up that much?
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Originally Posted By: Pajamarama
Fit owner here. Can't say enough good things about it. We've fit 3 family members in the back seats and three big dogs with the back seats down. We love it.
Whatever you choose, hope it works out for you.
P.S. We only paid $17.5k for the sport model back in 09. Have prices gone up that much?
Well, it's been five years. If you get a base model Fit LX the msrp is about $16,500.
The EX is about $18,400. EX-L $19,900. EX-L w/Nav is $20,950.
Mind you that is the msrp prices. Out-the-door price is higher (registration, tax, doc fees, dealer prep). Dealers are not going below those prices for the most part. I assume because the car is too new and demand is good.
Fit owner here. Can't say enough good things about it. We've fit 3 family members in the back seats and three big dogs with the back seats down. We love it.
Whatever you choose, hope it works out for you.
P.S. We only paid $17.5k for the sport model back in 09. Have prices gone up that much?
Well, it's been five years. If you get a base model Fit LX the msrp is about $16,500.
The EX is about $18,400. EX-L $19,900. EX-L w/Nav is $20,950.
Mind you that is the msrp prices. Out-the-door price is higher (registration, tax, doc fees, dealer prep). Dealers are not going below those prices for the most part. I assume because the car is too new and demand is good.
How long will it take to recoup the 20,000 dollars you spend on the car, in fuel savings?
You already have a vehicle, so you want t save money on gas by going out and dropping twenty big ones on a non-essential purchase?!
You already have a vehicle, so you want t save money on gas by going out and dropping twenty big ones on a non-essential purchase?!
Originally Posted By: Olas
How long will it take to recoup the 20,000 dollars you spend on the car, in fuel savings?
You already have a vehicle, so you want t save money on gas by going out and dropping twenty big ones on a non-essential purchase?!
That's a good question; running that sort of thing always needs a spreadsheet with good input. I know for myself though some of the issues is not purely cost: vehicle downtime due to breakage is a problem. Dropping a broken car off at the shop (or just dropping it off for routine service) means either taking a day off from work, finding a decent repair shop, paying for labor, and still having to find a ride in the meantime.
How long will it take to recoup the 20,000 dollars you spend on the car, in fuel savings?
You already have a vehicle, so you want t save money on gas by going out and dropping twenty big ones on a non-essential purchase?!
That's a good question; running that sort of thing always needs a spreadsheet with good input. I know for myself though some of the issues is not purely cost: vehicle downtime due to breakage is a problem. Dropping a broken car off at the shop (or just dropping it off for routine service) means either taking a day off from work, finding a decent repair shop, paying for labor, and still having to find a ride in the meantime.
JHZR2
Staff member
Originally Posted By: rjundi
Take your family to dealership and then try on for size.
None of the above would be for me. I would get the newest possible midsize sedan that gets slightly less MPG and so much more useful in your future with a family.
Trying on for size is a very good point. These are all very small cars with questionable utility if you need to carry kids in car seats. We only have one now, but when we have a second, none of our cars will fit us comfortably due to the size of the child safety seats.
Our friends went through this. One set bought a tdi sport deafen when they got pregnant, turned out they were having twins, and couldn't fit two infant carriers in the rear seats without being terribly uncomfortable. So they bought a minivan too.
Our other friends had two, bought a three row suv, had twins and realized immmediately that such a vehicle is impractical for such use and bought a minivan too.
Needless to say we're going right to the minivan. I'm comfortable enough in my masculinity and age to not worry about driving one.
Take your family to dealership and then try on for size.
None of the above would be for me. I would get the newest possible midsize sedan that gets slightly less MPG and so much more useful in your future with a family.
Trying on for size is a very good point. These are all very small cars with questionable utility if you need to carry kids in car seats. We only have one now, but when we have a second, none of our cars will fit us comfortably due to the size of the child safety seats.
Our friends went through this. One set bought a tdi sport deafen when they got pregnant, turned out they were having twins, and couldn't fit two infant carriers in the rear seats without being terribly uncomfortable. So they bought a minivan too.
Our other friends had two, bought a three row suv, had twins and realized immmediately that such a vehicle is impractical for such use and bought a minivan too.
Needless to say we're going right to the minivan. I'm comfortable enough in my masculinity and age to not worry about driving one.
Originally Posted By: JHZR2
Needless to say we're going right to the minivan. I'm comfortable enough in my masculinity and age to not worry about driving one.
I never really understood the idea of associating vehicles with sexes, but the idea that minivans are un-masculine seems to be one of the silliest I can think of. Minivans are highly capable, fully mission-oriented vehicles that don't care too much about image. What's more stereotypically masculine than that?
Needless to say we're going right to the minivan. I'm comfortable enough in my masculinity and age to not worry about driving one.
I never really understood the idea of associating vehicles with sexes, but the idea that minivans are un-masculine seems to be one of the silliest I can think of. Minivans are highly capable, fully mission-oriented vehicles that don't care too much about image. What's more stereotypically masculine than that?
Minivans are great tools. By jove, the amount of stuff one winds up moving in those early years...
I will say this, my kids are old enough to work car doors by themselves; and a small car might work well. Dare I say it but a small/cramped rear seat seems to fit them well enough. Cars with rear seats sized to fit typical Americans... go figure, are not necessarily kid sized. Sure, lots of space to fit toys (aka projectiles) but now you need booster seats etc.
The car doors on my Jetta have never been easy to open, and are now being something of a nuisance. For the kids.
I will say this, my kids are old enough to work car doors by themselves; and a small car might work well. Dare I say it but a small/cramped rear seat seems to fit them well enough. Cars with rear seats sized to fit typical Americans... go figure, are not necessarily kid sized. Sure, lots of space to fit toys (aka projectiles) but now you need booster seats etc.
The car doors on my Jetta have never been easy to open, and are now being something of a nuisance. For the kids.
Originally Posted By: d00df00d
Originally Posted By: JHZR2
Needless to say we're going right to the minivan. I'm comfortable enough in my masculinity and age to not worry about driving one.
I never really understood the idea of associating vehicles with sexes, but the idea that minivans are un-masculine seems to be one of the silliest I can think of. Minivans are highly capable, fully mission-oriented vehicles that don't care too much about image. What's more stereotypically masculine than that?
Pretty sure Astrovan was a "manly" minivan, being RWD and all.
Originally Posted By: JHZR2
Needless to say we're going right to the minivan. I'm comfortable enough in my masculinity and age to not worry about driving one.
I never really understood the idea of associating vehicles with sexes, but the idea that minivans are un-masculine seems to be one of the silliest I can think of. Minivans are highly capable, fully mission-oriented vehicles that don't care too much about image. What's more stereotypically masculine than that?
Pretty sure Astrovan was a "manly" minivan, being RWD and all.
Originally Posted By: E365
I'd look into the face-lifted 2015 Focus with the 1.0 EcoBoost. Better MPG and hatch volume than the Golf, Fit or Mazda 3.
That Focus has not even been tested/heavily reviewed yet....has it? The one you highlight only has a 3 cylinder, 123hp engine. And only comes with a manual tranny.
The rear hatch area may have a small amount more space than the same area in the Fit, but the interior volume (entire cargo space), diverse and unique seating configurations Honda is known for, and rear leg room, surpass the Focus.
The Fit model you've shown isn't the CVT EX. That models mpg numbers are 33/41. Also has a moonroof (OP likes that) and a literally huge amount of bluetooth and other techno connectivity features.
I'm sure the Focus you've shown is a fun car and handles well....but reliability and long term reviews will be a while in coming (same for the Fit...although it's been out a little while and so far no issues in reviews I've read).
I'd look into the face-lifted 2015 Focus with the 1.0 EcoBoost. Better MPG and hatch volume than the Golf, Fit or Mazda 3.
That Focus has not even been tested/heavily reviewed yet....has it? The one you highlight only has a 3 cylinder, 123hp engine. And only comes with a manual tranny.
The rear hatch area may have a small amount more space than the same area in the Fit, but the interior volume (entire cargo space), diverse and unique seating configurations Honda is known for, and rear leg room, surpass the Focus.
The Fit model you've shown isn't the CVT EX. That models mpg numbers are 33/41. Also has a moonroof (OP likes that) and a literally huge amount of bluetooth and other techno connectivity features.
I'm sure the Focus you've shown is a fun car and handles well....but reliability and long term reviews will be a while in coming (same for the Fit...although it's been out a little while and so far no issues in reviews I've read).
JHZR2
Staff member
Originally Posted By: d00df00d
Originally Posted By: JHZR2
Needless to say we're going right to the minivan. I'm comfortable enough in my masculinity and age to not worry about driving one.
I never really understood the idea of associating vehicles with sexes, but the idea that minivans are un-masculine seems to be one of the silliest I can think of. Minivans are highly capable, fully mission-oriented vehicles that don't care too much about image. What's more stereotypically masculine than that?
I agree 110%, but one must realize that the SUV/CUV craze is directly related to this sort of mentality. Such is prevalent in many of my peers, and Im sure others of other age groups.
Ill reckon that minivans were created by the boomers who didnt want to be associated with their parents' choices, driving station wagons (which killed the wagon unfortunately), and who thought that vans were cool from their shaggin 60's and 70's days...
Originally Posted By: JHZR2
Needless to say we're going right to the minivan. I'm comfortable enough in my masculinity and age to not worry about driving one.
I never really understood the idea of associating vehicles with sexes, but the idea that minivans are un-masculine seems to be one of the silliest I can think of. Minivans are highly capable, fully mission-oriented vehicles that don't care too much about image. What's more stereotypically masculine than that?
I agree 110%, but one must realize that the SUV/CUV craze is directly related to this sort of mentality. Such is prevalent in many of my peers, and Im sure others of other age groups.
Ill reckon that minivans were created by the boomers who didnt want to be associated with their parents' choices, driving station wagons (which killed the wagon unfortunately), and who thought that vans were cool from their shaggin 60's and 70's days...
I've owned a minivan. Didn't care what others thought either. Didn't even have kids. I just wanted a car that was more useful than a common sedan, and wasn't as heavy duty as a full size SUV.
Personally, I can completely understand why families get minivans. When I was at the Honda dealership this past weekend, at least two asian families (several generations in attendance) were buying the Odyssey. Those things are almost $40k all dressed up!
I was raised with the old station wagons (Ford Country Squire...I think). They worked well for our family back in the late '60's early '70's.
I think today, the minivan has sort of lost some favor with all the various vehicle choices in the last 10 years or so.
Personally, I can completely understand why families get minivans. When I was at the Honda dealership this past weekend, at least two asian families (several generations in attendance) were buying the Odyssey. Those things are almost $40k all dressed up!
I was raised with the old station wagons (Ford Country Squire...I think). They worked well for our family back in the late '60's early '70's.
I think today, the minivan has sort of lost some favor with all the various vehicle choices in the last 10 years or so.
When my wife was pregnant with child #3, we bought a used '01 Odyssey and drove it for nine years. It was the most versatile vehicle we've ever owned. We replaced it with a CPO Accord earlier this year, since we don't need that level of versatility any more (or the frequency of transmission failures!).
When it was just the two older kids, we did fine with a midsize sedan and a 4-door commuter car, though we had only one rear-facing seat at a time.
When it was just the two older kids, we did fine with a midsize sedan and a 4-door commuter car, though we had only one rear-facing seat at a time.
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LS1 Camaro.
Originally Posted By: andrewg
That Focus has not even been tested/heavily reviewed yet....has it? The one you highlight only has a 3 cylinder, 123hp engine. And only comes with a manual tranny.
The rear hatch area may have a small amount more space than the same area in the Fit, but the interior volume (entire cargo space), diverse and unique seating configurations Honda is known for, and rear leg room, surpass the Focus.
The Fit model you've shown isn't the CVT EX. That models mpg numbers are 33/41. Also has a moonroof (OP likes that) and a literally huge amount of bluetooth and other techno connectivity features.
I'm sure the Focus you've shown is a fun car and handles well....but reliability and long term reviews will be a while in coming (same for the Fit...although it's been out a little while and so far no issues in reviews I've read).
The Ford 1.0 engine has been out for 3 years and has tons of stellar reviews. International Engine of the Year in 2012, 2013 and 2014. Ward's best engines 2014 and 2015. Not much question on how great the powertrain is.
The rest of the car is "just" a facelift so most of the older reviews still apply. Updated exterior, much better interior, new dampers, new steering, new suspension bushings, more sound deadning. It's been out in the Europe for about a month and there are numerous reviews from the UK out on it.
That Focus has not even been tested/heavily reviewed yet....has it? The one you highlight only has a 3 cylinder, 123hp engine. And only comes with a manual tranny.
The rear hatch area may have a small amount more space than the same area in the Fit, but the interior volume (entire cargo space), diverse and unique seating configurations Honda is known for, and rear leg room, surpass the Focus.
The Fit model you've shown isn't the CVT EX. That models mpg numbers are 33/41. Also has a moonroof (OP likes that) and a literally huge amount of bluetooth and other techno connectivity features.
I'm sure the Focus you've shown is a fun car and handles well....but reliability and long term reviews will be a while in coming (same for the Fit...although it's been out a little while and so far no issues in reviews I've read).
The Ford 1.0 engine has been out for 3 years and has tons of stellar reviews. International Engine of the Year in 2012, 2013 and 2014. Ward's best engines 2014 and 2015. Not much question on how great the powertrain is.
The rest of the car is "just" a facelift so most of the older reviews still apply. Updated exterior, much better interior, new dampers, new steering, new suspension bushings, more sound deadning. It's been out in the Europe for about a month and there are numerous reviews from the UK out on it.
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Does it have to be a hatchback?
I know how practical hatchbacks are. Mine is proof that most people don't need a small crossover. But for some reason they are more expensive than sedans.
I think for the money, I would get a pre-owned Golf TDi with an extended warranty.
Or maybe a Yaris and a Honda PCX150. The Yaris will do everything the Prius C does except the city mileage and the Honda will get 90mpg.
I know how practical hatchbacks are. Mine is proof that most people don't need a small crossover. But for some reason they are more expensive than sedans.
I think for the money, I would get a pre-owned Golf TDi with an extended warranty.
Or maybe a Yaris and a Honda PCX150. The Yaris will do everything the Prius C does except the city mileage and the Honda will get 90mpg.
Originally Posted By: E365
Originally Posted By: andrewg
That Focus has not even been tested/heavily reviewed yet....has it? The one you highlight only has a 3 cylinder, 123hp engine. And only comes with a manual tranny.
The rear hatch area may have a small amount more space than the same area in the Fit, but the interior volume (entire cargo space), diverse and unique seating configurations Honda is known for, and rear leg room, surpass the Focus.
The Fit model you've shown isn't the CVT EX. That models mpg numbers are 33/41. Also has a moonroof (OP likes that) and a literally huge amount of bluetooth and other techno connectivity features.
I'm sure the Focus you've shown is a fun car and handles well....but reliability and long term reviews will be a while in coming (same for the Fit...although it's been out a little while and so far no issues in reviews I've read).
The Ford 1.0 engine has been out for 3 years and has tons of stellar reviews. International Engine of the Year in 2012, 2013 and 2014. Ward's best engines 2014 and 2015. Not much question on how great the powertrain is.
The rest of the car is "just" a facelift so most of the older reviews still apply. Updated exterior, much better interior, new dampers, new steering, new suspension bushings, more sound deadning. It's been out in the Europe for about a month and there are numerous reviews from the UK out on it.
Thanks for the info on that engine. I didn't look into as deeply as you have.
I'l have to check it out...had no idea.
Originally Posted By: andrewg
That Focus has not even been tested/heavily reviewed yet....has it? The one you highlight only has a 3 cylinder, 123hp engine. And only comes with a manual tranny.
The rear hatch area may have a small amount more space than the same area in the Fit, but the interior volume (entire cargo space), diverse and unique seating configurations Honda is known for, and rear leg room, surpass the Focus.
The Fit model you've shown isn't the CVT EX. That models mpg numbers are 33/41. Also has a moonroof (OP likes that) and a literally huge amount of bluetooth and other techno connectivity features.
I'm sure the Focus you've shown is a fun car and handles well....but reliability and long term reviews will be a while in coming (same for the Fit...although it's been out a little while and so far no issues in reviews I've read).
The Ford 1.0 engine has been out for 3 years and has tons of stellar reviews. International Engine of the Year in 2012, 2013 and 2014. Ward's best engines 2014 and 2015. Not much question on how great the powertrain is.
The rest of the car is "just" a facelift so most of the older reviews still apply. Updated exterior, much better interior, new dampers, new steering, new suspension bushings, more sound deadning. It's been out in the Europe for about a month and there are numerous reviews from the UK out on it.
Thanks for the info on that engine. I didn't look into as deeply as you have.
I'l have to check it out...had no idea.
Originally Posted By: JHZR2
Originally Posted By: rjundi
Take your family to dealership and then try on for size.
None of the above would be for me. I would get the newest possible midsize sedan that gets slightly less MPG and so much more useful in your future with a family.
Trying on for size is a very good point. These are all very small cars with questionable utility if you need to carry kids in car seats. We only have one now, but when we have a second, none of our cars will fit us comfortably due to the size of the child safety seats.
Our friends went through this. One set bought a tdi sport deafen when they got pregnant, turned out they were having twins, and couldn't fit two infant carriers in the rear seats without being terribly uncomfortable. So they bought a minivan too.
Our other friends had two, bought a three row suv, had twins and realized immmediately that such a vehicle is impractical for such use and bought a minivan too.
Needless to say we're going right to the minivan. I'm comfortable enough in my masculinity and age to not worry about driving one.
Once you are out of child seats I am surprised kids fit okay in smaller cars. Our 2005 Legacy is not really midsize but my wife has 7,9 and infant rear facing and they don't complain too much.
Originally Posted By: rjundi
Take your family to dealership and then try on for size.
None of the above would be for me. I would get the newest possible midsize sedan that gets slightly less MPG and so much more useful in your future with a family.
Trying on for size is a very good point. These are all very small cars with questionable utility if you need to carry kids in car seats. We only have one now, but when we have a second, none of our cars will fit us comfortably due to the size of the child safety seats.
Our friends went through this. One set bought a tdi sport deafen when they got pregnant, turned out they were having twins, and couldn't fit two infant carriers in the rear seats without being terribly uncomfortable. So they bought a minivan too.
Our other friends had two, bought a three row suv, had twins and realized immmediately that such a vehicle is impractical for such use and bought a minivan too.
Needless to say we're going right to the minivan. I'm comfortable enough in my masculinity and age to not worry about driving one.
Once you are out of child seats I am surprised kids fit okay in smaller cars. Our 2005 Legacy is not really midsize but my wife has 7,9 and infant rear facing and they don't complain too much.
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