Compact Car Owners - We're shopping

[Stoker1]

Thinking about selling the MINI convertible and been tire kicking a few compacts lately. A few we've got in mind to look at are:


Fiat 500
Honda CR-Z (the old CRX) but I'm not crazy about the hybrid
Ford Focus - hatchback
Mazda 3 - hatchback

Any others have these smaller rides that can chime in?

[delawarerick]

We had a focus wagon and it was a diehard about the only thing that ever was a problem rats ate the wires and one sensor. The fiat and mini scare me not so much the mini but the fiat looks like death on wheels for driving here in Miami. Aren't the ford and mazda basically the same vehicle? The mini should be an easy sell they seem to have a following. Good luck in your search and Happy Holidays to you and your family.

[idvette]

The focus is a decent car if you stay away from the "automatic". The only issue we're really seeing on them is the twin clutch in the auto trans. My brother has a Mazda 3 hatch that's been awesome for him, but it's a few years old now and already showing signs of corrosion, but that's just our climate up here.....

[Stoker1]

Likewise to you and your family Rick. Thanks for the feedback (both of you). Our MINI cabrio is a 2010 that we bought new and has just rolled over 40K (flawless miles). Since my drive to work is 45 min/28 miles, I've been the primary driver (in which it was never intended). Having moved back to the Flora-Bama area, we don't utilize the convertible like we should so I started talking about selling and buying a real daily driver.

Perhaps if this rain will lighten up, we'll go tire-kicking today.

I really like that Focus and Mazda 3 hatchback's.... and yes.... I would go with a standard shift.

[skipe]

I had a 2012 Elanntra that was a great car for the price. traded it for a 2014 Sonata Hybrid.

[RICKY1]

I have a 2012 focus hatchback manual trans and love it! Gets a real life 38-40 mpg on highway. Has decent power as well. Interior is pretty nice!