I need to buy a new car. Which one of the following should I buy?

I recently went through the same search and looked into all 3 of the options you listed. I ended up with a Nissan Versa, and I’ve been fairly happy with it. Why aren’t you considering it?
However, I regret not getting the Matrix.
Isn’t the Fit quite a bit smaller than the Matrix?

I have a scion and I love it! Plus, it’s more appealing to the eye. I don’t like the shape of the other two. The scion just looks more stylish and it’s not a gas hogger at all.

What about a Rabbit? I had 3 VW hatchbacks with standard transmission when my son was small that served us very well (as in 165,000+ miles each!).

None of those. Volkswagen Jetta TDI. 50MPG and 0–60 in 5.4 seconds. Not to mention safety. ;)

@Likeradar My boss had a nissan and when a part went out on it, the dealer told him they didn’t make it anymore and he’d be better off buying a new car. That turned me off, though we were considering it. What about the versa makes you regret not getting the matrix?

@kheredia How does it handle?

@hearkat We’ve already got one VW. They’re pretty $$ to maintain. @Axemusica Are your specs accurate? 50 mpg? Is it that much safer than the others?

I would get a scion. They look cool. I hate the way the matrix looks & the honda fit is cute but little. I own a honda element and I wouldn’t trade anything for it.

@Megan64 Review , safety rating

@Megan64 The Versa was slightly less expensive than the Matrix, which is the only reason I went that route. I regret not spending the extra few grand.

The Versa is a perfectly nice car. Problem free so far (it’s an ‘08 and I got it with 7k miles on it in Feb, so it’s basically new), great gas mileage, lots of cup holders, comfy, fairly zippy, adorable, good sound system, and safe.

However, the Matrix has all those things. It’s also a little bigger. I could use a little extra space in the trunk area. In the Matrix, the rear seat folds flat (right?) and it doesn’t in the Versa. It’s also slightly nicer inside, and when I test drove I was really happy with how comfy the driver’s seat was and how awesome the turning radius is. There’s no huge differences, but whenever I see a Matrix I regret it just as wee bit.

Also, Toyotas and Nissans tend to be freaking workhorses. I had a ‘94 Camry that finally crapped out (after pretty much no care for the first 8-ish years of its life) at about 160,000 miles. My ‘93 Nissan Maxima was going strong with a few hundred dollars of work every year. It was stolen with about 170k miles on it. I have a lot of faith in both brands.

@Megan64 What do you mean how does it handle? I’ve had it for 3 years now and haven’t had any problems with it at all. It runs great and gives me great gas mileage. I’m sure the new version runs even nicer than my 2006.

@kheredia For example, does it take corners well? Does it ride smoothly or do you feel every bump? etc.

@Megan64 Oh I see what you mean. I don’t think it’s bouncy at all. It’s a pretty small car and you’ll be able to fit it anywhere. I sometimes ride at 75 or 80 on the freeway and it’s pretty smooth. Plus, I like that it’s not very low like other cars. You should test drive one.

My husband and I just got a Toyota Yaris (the 4 door version). Its nice. It drives well, and feels big on the inside. It about a $14,000 car ($16,000 for the 4 door). I don’t know much about the safety rating, and can’t exactly remember the mileage (its good though). I’m starting to wonder if there is a weird Yaris following, because we’ve have people talk to us in parking lots about how much they love theirs.

Oh yeah, the speedometer and stuff is in the middle of the dash. It seems weird, but we got used to it pretty fast, and switching from the regular placement (behind the wheel) to the middle and back isn’t a bother at all (our other car has it in the regular spot). I am glad both our cars’ speedometer are in increments of 20. That would be tough to switch back and forth from increments of 10 to 20.

The seats in the back do fold down and reveal the back of the trunk, so you can stick long stuff in the trunk and have it come out in the backseat.

A couple silly things my husband and I love: 1) there are pop-out cupholders in the dash. Nothing in the console or in front of it, but next to the windows in the dash. Perfect! There are also some in the doors, and one behind the middle section, and you can pull out the middle part of the back seat to reveal two more. 2) You can set the cruise to 25 mph. I don’t know if thats a norm now, but all my other cars have had to be going at least 30 for the cruise to be set.

If you’re looking into hybrids, I’ve read that the mileage isn’t a very good uhhh… way to measure it. Kind of like comparing apples to oranges. Definetly look into how it all works so you can really tell if a 40 mpg rating on a hybrid is better than a 36 mpg on a regular vehicle.

Thanks everyone. I’ll let you know what we decide.

I know what I’m doing this weekend….stimulating the economy!

This might be helpful.

@Megan64 Why do so many people think VW are so expensive to maintain? I have had 2 VW’s, I only had 2 maintenance issue… Replaced my MAF system for about $150 for 3 component kit or so at my local VWAudi shop, and a new radiator for my old jetta for $30. Thats less than $200 over 3 years of maintenance.

What are people doing with their VW’s that they are so expensive to maintain?

And yes I would recommend a new VW clean diesel, loads of fun still, and great mileage.

The early Scion (first year?) looks like a box of Kleenex. Who thought a square box on wheels was attractive? Might as well get an Aztec, although that is the only car that looks like a cockroach.

That said, I’d buy a Toyota simply because I have never owned a better vehicle than my Toyota, and it is almost 19 years old and still going strong.

@evelyns_pet_zebra Heyyy I have a element, it’s basically a box with wheels on it but I think it’s really cute! Aztecs were the worst though….sheesh!

@Megan64: @wenn already asked… why do you think the VWs are so expensive to maintain? You’re Eurovan is a whole different beast, because it’s gotta be pretty old, so parts are less readily available too, because not as many were sold, especially in comparison with the number of Golf/GTIs and Jetta/GLIs that are sold nowadays.

I’m pretty sure the new VWs include maintenance during the warranty period, and once they’re out of warranty, you can get the oil changed anywhere. My 2000 Golf only had one major repair of some switch in the gearbox that wasn’t turning my reverse lights on. The timing belt was at around 90k miles and that is an expensive maintenance item on any car. At around 160k it started overheating, so that’s when I traded it in for something bigger.

In my area, there are a number of private shops owned by VW mechanics, where you might get better deals. A whole bunch of VW forums and Owners’ Groups are on the web… search through there and you might find recommendations for someone reputable in your area.

@wenn @hearkat Fair enough. Something to think about. Will add Golf and Jetta to the mix. Thanks!

The Matrix. If you can afford all three then go with that one. The Fit is overpriced for what it is and the insurance is usually higher. The Scion won’t give you the ride comfort the Matrix will and since you have kids, ride comfort for all passengers is important.

Went with the Matrix and I’m stoked. Thanks jellies.

@Megan64 Good choice! I still like my Versa, but every time I see a Matrix I get a lil pang of regret.

@Likeradar it was your comment about the space that swayed me. My kids are 6 now, but in 5 years they’ll be 11 and will need a lot more room. Thanks!