[hipnotic]

I am looking into getting a cheap spare car. As of right now I have been doing a lot of research and my decision comes down to either a Ford fiesta, hyundai elantra, or honda civic sedan. Out of these which car would you guys get? I am looking for mpg mostly since I work about 80 miles round trip and hit major traffic. I do not want to get a hybrid because of the future electrical problems i might run into later. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[smmmurf]

have 200k on 2 hybrids in my family and they have been infinitely more reliable than our bmws (05 prius 06 civic hybrid). FYI.

between those, go fiesta. lol

[mtla4]

civic why? Good resale value, cheap because the new model is right around the corner so you could negociate a good price. The Elantra too new and Fiesta too popular

[Year's_End]

1) Fiesta/Elantra
2) Nothing
3) Civic Hybrid

I had a regular 06 Civic EX back in the day and that thing was extremely rough and unrefined, plus the interior was weird and poorly put together. It was reliable and efficient, but the car itself just annoyed me (even though it's still my baby at heart).

I've sat in a Fiesta and Elantra. As far as interiors and exteriors go, those two are far better in every way compared to the Civic. I thought I'd like the Elantra more in person than in pics, but its lines come off a bit contrived and ungainly, like they're a bit too exaggerated. I believe the Elantra manages 40mpg btw.

I would probably go for the Fiesta above all else tbh.

[GregTheStig]

Not going to lie, I'd rock a Fiesta. That'd be my choice.

[blue2fire]

Has to be a Civic. Personally, The Elantra might be the only car in the world that looks uglier in flesh, plus it is a Hyundai economy car with all the refinement and driving dynamics that implies. The Fiesta isn't on the same class and is a slower car that offers less practicality even among it's peers. But you know, you should find out for yourself.

[TK-421]

Fiestaaaaaaaaaaaaa

[wisesoul]

Fiesta or Mazda 2. That's it

[hipnotic]

i like the styling of the elantra and it has decent mpg plus the best warranty is luring me into it over the other cars. However, I don't know how good Ford is in regards to reliability and so forth. I never owned an american car I always had european cars. If a car is not mentioned in the poll which car would you guys recommend that is under 20k, high mpg, reliable, and think i can get a great deal for.

[hipnotic]

so seems like most like the fiesta. Should I reconsider for a hybrid then or you think those choices are still my best option.

[TonyMeister]

The Fiesta can outrun a Corvette!

[JimmyT]

I LOLd.....

[UltimateBMW]

When do you need it by? Doesn't the new Focus come out soon? That car looks like Ford is finally hearing what most people aware of their European lineup have been shouting.

[ragingclue]

Originally Posted by josh06lau

so seems like most like the fiesta. Should I reconsider for a hybrid then or you think those choices are still my best option.

The Fiesta is a great choice but if you're intending on driving the wheels off it, the Hyundai by far comes with the best factory warranty. You'd have to figure in the price of a good extended warranty into the Fiesta's total. Also, I hear they're having some issues at the moment with the PowerShift transmission, but they've got the solution pegged, which is always a good thing.

You should really look into the 2012 Focus as well though. I believe it's only 1-2 MPG less than the Fiesta (due to the fact that the Focus uses DI), it's not dogshit slow, you've got more options available to you, and it has a bit more room. Dealers are saying they already have some on the way and lead times for orders is about 4 weeks. Funny how the Focus is so close to the Fiesta in MPG with such a better engine....

[hipnotic]

What about getting a hybrid such as the prius or the civic hybrid? How reliable do you think ford is? I never bought an american car before and worried that it will break down in the future. I plan on buying this car and not leasing it. But overall, it seems that the fiesta is the heavy favorite. Any other suggestions?

[Ricfutures]

I was in a similar predicament and opted for a 2010 Honda CR-V. Never had any issues with Honda/Acura autos and they get good mpg. Needed something with space to haul. Between my M3 and the wife's A5 we didn't have enough cargo room.

If you go hybrid make sure you get something with an extended warranty. They will be very expensive to repair once it runs out.

[hipnotic]

Yeah, I am looking for a small car with good MPG. I don't want to get a small SUV and don't want to spend over 20,000 since this will be my daily driver and just to get to work and back home. For those that do have a hybrid how much do you guys have to pay for parts after warranty expires? What would need to be replaced battery?

[Year's_End]

I'm telling you, the interior of the Civic is enough of a put-off for me to not recommend the car. The digital speedo gets old quickly.

[MisterSkiMask]

Ford

[hipnotic]

do any of you have friends or families that own the fiesta or ford? How is there cars holding up or what are common problems for those cars? What do you guys think of the elantra, no takers?

[icyunv]

definitely the fiesta, great reviews and looks sharp

[mtla4]

Problem with the Fiesta around here is that they're in high demand so no room to wiggle let alone time to order find one. It's a great car but no incentives kills it for me. Local dealers are announcing a 3500$ discount on civic around here.