Small hatchbacks

[Ext User(Andy)]

Hi folks,

My mum's looking at upgrading her 'old faithful' N13 Pulsar, probably by
the end of the year. She's looking for something either new or 1-2
years old in a small hatchback with the following qualities:

5 door
automatic
power steer
a/c
*reliable*

Looking to spend between $12-$16K (which probably rules out anything by
Volkswagon).

So far my thoughts of possible suspects include (depending on
availability of auto trans):

Honda Jazz
Mazda 2
Ford Fiesta
Hyundai Getz
will probably have at least a glance at the Toyota Echo, too, to see if
they've improved any on the cheap and nasty feel of the older models.


Are there any others we should consider looking at? Any on the list
with a bad reputation for reliability or repair costs? My only recent
experience with any of the above makers is Hyundai, who seem to have
improved leaps and bounds since the early days and now make very decent
cars for the $.

All suggestions appreciated.

Cheers,

Andy. (The other Andy.)

[Ext User(the_dawggie)]

Andy wrote:

> My mum's looking at upgrading her 'old faithful' N13 Pulsar, probably by
> the end of the year. She's looking for something either new or 1-2
> years old in a small hatchback with the following qualities:

I'm not really into hatchback cars.

> So far my thoughts of possible suspects include (depending on
> availability of auto trans):

ToyCo Yaris springs to mind, however I don't
know too much about it.

[Ext User(Andy)]

the_dawggie wrote:
> Andy wrote:
>
>> My mum's looking at upgrading her 'old faithful' N13 Pulsar, probably by
>> the end of the year. She's looking for something either new or 1-2
>> years old in a small hatchback with the following qualities:
>
> I'm not really into hatchback cars.


Yeah, me either. She wants something small and easy to park with auto
trans as her arthritis continues to cause issues.


>> So far my thoughts of possible suspects include (depending on
>> availability of auto trans):
>
> ToyCo Yaris springs to mind, however I don't
> know too much about it.


Will give it a look-see for sure, had forgotten about those.

Cheers,

Andy. (The other Andy.)

[Ext User(Dan---)]

On Sun, 03 Dec 2006 15:59:14 +1100, Andy wrote:

>
>
> All suggestions appreciated.

I would say get the Getz they aint flash looking but they are good car for
the price.



--
Regards
Dan

[Ext User(atec 77)]

Andy wrote:
> Hi folks,
>
> My mum's looking at upgrading her 'old faithful' N13 Pulsar, probably by
> the end of the year. She's looking for something either new or 1-2
> years old in a small hatchback with the following qualities:
getz

[Ext User(gazza)]

go the getz

[Ext User(mmal380vrx@hotmail.com)]

2007 mitsubishi colt ls much superior car to the ones you have listed
Andy wrote:
> Hi folks,
>
> My mum's looking at upgrading her 'old faithful' N13 Pulsar, probably by
> the end of the year. She's looking for something either new or 1-2
> years old in a small hatchback with the following qualities:
>
> 5 door
> automatic
> power steer
> a/c
> *reliable*
>
> Looking to spend between $12-$16K (which probably rules out anything by
> Volkswagon).
>
> So far my thoughts of possible suspects include (depending on
> availability of auto trans):
>
> Honda Jazz
> Mazda 2
> Ford Fiesta
> Hyundai Getz
> will probably have at least a glance at the Toyota Echo, too, to see if
> they've improved any on the cheap and nasty feel of the older models.
>
>
> Are there any others we should consider looking at? Any on the list
> with a bad reputation for reliability or repair costs? My only recent
> experience with any of the above makers is Hyundai, who seem to have
> improved leaps and bounds since the early days and now make very decent
> cars for the $.
>
> All suggestions appreciated.
>
> Cheers,
>
> Andy. (The other Andy.)

[Ext User(Noddy)]

"Andy" <nospam@no.no> wrote in message
news:457259a2$0$28911$5a62ac22@per-qv1-newsreader-01.iinet.net.au...

> Honda Jazz
> Mazda 2
> Ford Fiesta
> Hyundai Getz
> will probably have at least a glance at the Toyota Echo, too, to see if
> they've improved any on the cheap and nasty feel of the older models.

I went through this exact same deal in buying a car for my mum a couple of
years ago now, and short of the Fiesta your short list is exactly the same
as mine/hers.

In the end she opted for the Getz, and it's turned out to be a fantastic
little car for the money. The Jazz was *way* over-priced for what it
offered, didn't feel any nicer or drive any better than the Getz (in fact
you could throw a blanket over all of them in this regard), and there was
nothing really that could justify the almost 8 grand price difference.

My pick of the bunch was the Mazda 2, as it had the nicest finish and
interior, but in having said that I've done a few miles in the old lady's
Getz now and I certainly don't find it "cheap". Especially compared to the
Jazz.

I wouldn't even bother looking at the Echo, as it's a heap of shit for the
money.

--
Regards,
Noddy.

[Ext User(Andy)]

Noddy wrote:
> "Andy" <nospam@no.no> wrote in message
> news:457259a2$0$28911$5a62ac22@per-qv1-newsreader-01.iinet.net.au...
>
>> Honda Jazz
>> Mazda 2
>> Ford Fiesta
>> Hyundai Getz
>> will probably have at least a glance at the Toyota Echo, too, to see if
>> they've improved any on the cheap and nasty feel of the older models.
>
> I went through this exact same deal in buying a car for my mum a couple of
> years ago now, and short of the Fiesta your short list is exactly the same
> as mine/hers.
>
> In the end she opted for the Getz, and it's turned out to be a fantastic
> little car for the money. The Jazz was *way* over-priced for what it
> offered, didn't feel any nicer or drive any better than the Getz (in fact
> you could throw a blanket over all of them in this regard), and there was
> nothing really that could justify the almost 8 grand price difference.
>
> My pick of the bunch was the Mazda 2, as it had the nicest finish and
> interior, but in having said that I've done a few miles in the old lady's
> Getz now and I certainly don't find it "cheap". Especially compared to the
> Jazz.


Yep. I've done a number of miles in an 02(?) Elantra, and while the
interior is nothing flash, there's certainly nothing wrong with it. The
car has been 100% reliable too, with the only replaced items a
windscreen and battery.


> I wouldn't even bother looking at the Echo, as it's a heap of shit for the
> money.

Good to know.


Thanks Nod and everyone else for the replies. Looks like the Getz gets
the vote by a country mile.

Cheers,

Andy. (The other Andy.)

[Ext User(Derek)]

<mmal380vrx@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:1165129931.880945.249500@j72g2000cwa.googlegr oups.com...
> 2007 mitsubishi colt ls much superior car to the ones you have listed
If she has arthritis she might like the parking brake on the Colt.
As a manual driver I wouldn't risk driving a car with a locking brake pedal
where the clutch should be.
We just bought a Rio but it is a bit bigger and harder to park.
The sister in law loves her Getz.

[Ext User(milo)]

"Andy" <nospam@no.no> wrote in message
news:457259a2$0$28911$5a62ac22@per-qv1-newsreader-01.iinet.net.au...
> Hi folks,
>
> My mum's looking at upgrading her 'old faithful' N13 Pulsar, probably by
> the end of the year. She's looking for something either new or 1-2 years
> old in a small hatchback with the following qualities:
>
> 5 door
> automatic
> power steer
> a/c
> *reliable*
>
> Looking to spend between $12-$16K (which probably rules out anything by
> Volkswagon).
>
> So far my thoughts of possible suspects include (depending on availability
> of auto trans):
>
> Honda Jazz
> Mazda 2
> Ford Fiesta
> Hyundai Getz
> will probably have at least a glance at the Toyota Echo, too, to see if
> they've improved any on the cheap and nasty feel of the older models.
>
>
> Are there any others we should consider looking at? Any on the list with
> a bad reputation for reliability or repair costs? My only recent
> experience with any of the above makers is Hyundai, who seem to have
> improved leaps and bounds since the early days and now make very decent
> cars for the $.
>
> All suggestions appreciated.
>
> Cheers,
>
> Andy. (The other Andy.)

I've got a 2004 mazda 2 neo auto which had 18000 ks for $18000 , was a
dealer demo,
I think there a little cheeper now, its a great little car and love driving
it.
Handles all weather really good and fun to drive, also has power
steering/power windows ,
aricon and a good head unit,there are 3 versions of the 2, neo, genki and
maxxi i think ..
the car can hadle most hills quite well and is very comfortable. parking
these cars is a breeze.
fuel is great too , $40ish to fill up from empty and does around 450ish in
ks per tank, probably more depending on
driving condition and how you drive it.
but all up there a great car to own..

hope that helps .
milo

[Ext User(matt vk3zmw)]

Andy wrote:
> Hi folks,
>
> My mum's looking at upgrading her 'old faithful' N13 Pulsar, probably by
> the end of the year. She's looking for something either new or 1-2
> years old in a small hatchback with the following qualities:
>
> 5 door
> automatic
> power steer
> a/c
> *reliable*
>
> Looking to spend between $12-$16K (which probably rules out anything by
> Volkswagon).
>
> So far my thoughts of possible suspects include (depending on
> availability of auto trans):
>
> Honda Jazz
> Mazda 2
> Ford Fiesta
> Hyundai Getz
> will probably have at least a glance at the Toyota Echo, too, to see if
> they've improved any on the cheap and nasty feel of the older models.
>
>
> Are there any others we should consider looking at? Any on the list
> with a bad reputation for reliability or repair costs? My only recent
> experience with any of the above makers is Hyundai, who seem to have
> improved leaps and bounds since the early days and now make very decent
> cars for the $.
>
> All suggestions appreciated.
>
> Cheers,
>
> Andy. (The other Andy.)


Just sold our 3 door auto Getz a few days ago after 2 1/2 years.
Reliable, comfortable AND fun to drive. The fist smaller car we've had
that I can honestly say that about.

[Ext User(Kev)]

>> I wouldn't even bother looking at the Echo, as it's a heap of shit for
>> the money.

Not from what I have heard from all the security guards and posties that
use them
they do a real lot of klms(300,000-400,000 in 4 years) without any
majors problems

and he did say reliable


> Good to know.
>
>
> Thanks Nod and everyone else for the replies. Looks like the Getz gets
> the vote by a country mile.
>
> Cheers,
>
> Andy. (The other Andy.)


as for the Getz

I witnessed something at a servo once
two Getz came in at the same time
these two women(one in her 50's the other in early 20s) spent 20 mins
comparing and relating their experiences with their newish cars, was
like watching two trainspotters

so they certainly make an impression on some people

Kev

[Ext User(Just JT)]

"matt vk3zmw" <nospam@nospam.ever> wrote:
>
> Just sold our 3 door auto Getz a few days ago after 2 1/2 years. Reliable,
> comfortable AND fun to drive. The fist smaller car we've had that I can
> honestly say that about.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Why did you sell it at such a short time of owning it?

--
You.short.of.cash?

[Ext User(Noddy)]

"Kev" <kevcat@optunet.com.au> wrote in message
news:4572cd9b$0$5749$afc38c87@news.optusnet.com.au ...

> Not from what I have heard from all the security guards and posties that
> use them
> they do a real lot of klms(300,000-400,000 in 4 years) without any majors
> problems
>
> and he did say reliable

Yeah, they're not unreliable, and perhaps I should have been a little more
clear.

By "heap of shit for the money" I meant that the Echo was the most poorly
finished car in the class, was one of the most expensive and came with
virtually nothing. It's got a *very* agricultural engine, doesn't go any
better than any of the others, the centre mounted speedo is quite quirky in
a "love it or hate it" kind of way and it had the most difficult rear seat
fold down arrangement of any of the cars we looked at.

The *only* thing it had over any of the others was the "Toyota reliability"
factor, and to be honest that wasn't worth the money considering every other
car in the class we looked at was better built and had more features.

> as for the Getz
>
> I witnessed something at a servo once
> two Getz came in at the same time
> these two women(one in her 50's the other in early 20s) spent 20 mins
> comparing and relating their experiences with their newish cars, was like
> watching two trainspotters
>
> so they certainly make an impression on some people

Personally I don't think they're a fantastic car, but they are *very* good
for the money compared to almost anything else. My mother's car hasn't
needed so much as a wiper blade in two years, my sister bought one after
driving the old lady's and does 5 times the mileage as Mum does and hers is
exactly the same. A neighbour from across the street was looking to off load
her old TC Cortina recently asked what the Getz was like and took the old
lady's for a drive and came home with one a couple of days later after
checking out what was around for the dollars.

They're certainly a very good little car, and after driving my old lady's
one to Sydney and back not long after she bought it I was quite surprised
how comfortable they are on a long trip, and they offer excellent value for
money motoring.

--
Regards,
Noddy.

[Ext User(Marco)]

Kev wrote:
>
> as for the Getz
>
> I witnessed something at a servo once
> two Getz came in at the same time
> these two women(one in her 50's the other in early 20s) spent 20 mins
> comparing and relating their experiences with their newish cars, was
> like watching two trainspotters
>
> so they certainly make an impression on some people

Yeah, they do seem to attract something of a following. When we were
thinking of buying one about this time last year, I got a lot of good
info from a net forum that was totally dedicated to them, and the
people there really loved them. Now, there's net forums for all sorts
of cars but I was a bit surprised that the Hyundai Getz had one.

Marco