Thoughs on a Small-Medium Sized Car

EL2794 · 03-01-2013, 01:11 AM

Hi all,

Currently I am looking for a small to medium sized car for my mum. It is time we retire her original owner 91' ED Honda Civic. What a brilliant car I must say. It's just ticked over 185k and still looks good inside and out.

My main concern for upgrading is safety, as nice as this car still is, I would feel better with her driving around in one of these 5-star rating cars that are so technical and fancy they could deliver your first born.

Price range is up to approx $35k.

Mum is also rather picky, going from a Honda which back in 1991, were seen as a cut above a Mazda and a Toyota, she is influenced by the brand of car. Hence her lust for a VW Golf. Looks also matter however this is obviously a personal opinion that would differ from person to person.

So basically what I am looking for is some feedback from you fine forum folk. If you have owned or have any useful information on the following cars. This is the list I have narrowed it down too. Yes I know there may be some great cars out there that I have missed but this is the starting point.

Ford Focus Sport
Ford Focus Titanium

VW Jetta 118TSI
VW Golf 90TSI/118TSI

Mazda 3 Maxx Sport
Mazda 3 SP25

Toyota Corolla SX
Toyota Corolla ZR

Holden Cruze SRi-V

Hyundai i30 Elite/Premium

All cars will be optioned with an auto as well.

Thanks in advance and I will be sure to update you on our progress!

Cheers Gordon

new2ford · 03-01-2013, 07:12 AM

Skoda Octavia. Great performer, great interior space and great quality and reliability. (On the space and reliability criteria the Skoda is better than its VW equivalents.) I was recently driving a 1.9TDI Octavia for 6 months in Europe, I did 12,000 km (largely at 120-150 km/h!), it was 6 years old with 200,000 on the clock. Never missed a beat, just built like a brick. Unbeatable.

GQ_Smooth · 03-01-2013, 07:47 AM

You can get a very good deal on a current model Accord Euro, still a great car just getting a little old hat now.

If she has plenty of disposable income the Jetta is a good car, service costs are on par with a BMW though, so keep it in mind (oil filter and oil change start at $420 then work their way up from their).

Based on your list above a Focus Titanium or 3 SP25, leaning towards the Focus with the extra kit you get with it now (if it won't over complicate things for her, I can only imagine my mother trying to talk to the car to get it to play her music).

JoeDaleyN98 · 03-01-2013, 08:31 AM

Mazda 3 is an excellent car. Have an 09 auto in the family, full leather interior, Bose sound system. Never misses a beat, and a really tidy, good looking mid sized car

In Focus · 03-01-2013, 09:45 AM

Kia Optima Platinum.

Brazen · 03-01-2013, 10:08 AM

In that list, the Focus Titanium is the clear winner for me. I went through the process of buying a new car due to the lease of the SV6 being up. The Focus Titanium is a great car, looks good and is well equipped.

Ultimately ended up with a Hybrid Camry as I wanted performance similar to the Commodore (hybrid is 0-100kmh in 7.8 secs) and it has been averaging 5.7litres per 100km since picking it up while being based in Brisbane CBD, loving it.

Worth noting that the Focus has fixed price servicing and 2.9% interest rate something that Mazda and VW can't even touch.

Smoke Pursuit · 03-01-2013, 10:15 AM

Focus... I've got a Trend sedan on loan and for 23k it's probably the best value car I have driven.. Comfortable, powerful, safe, technology, ride / comfort... It ticks all the boxes!

Rev28K · 03-01-2013, 11:08 AM

The new Corolla is good. The VW Golf TSi is also good and with the new Mk VII model coming out you might be able to get a runout deal on what is still a very good car.

EL2794 · 03-01-2013, 11:09 AM

Thanks for all your replies!!

Quote:

Originally Posted by new2ford

Skoda Octavia. Great performer, great interior space and great quality and reliability. (On the space and reliability criteria the Skoda is better than its VW equivalents.) I was recently driving a 1.9TDI Octavia for 6 months in Europe, I did 12,000 km (largely at 120-150 km/h!), it was 6 years old with 200,000 on the clock. Never missed a beat, just built like a brick. Unbeatable.

New2ford I really do like the Skoda's, working for the TourDown Under in South Australia means i have driven the entire range, from the Fabia to the Superb. The Octavia is getting on a bit however, and even though it is admitedly a very solid car, something a bit newer might be the way to go.

Quote:

Originally Posted by GQ_Smooth

You can get a very good deal on a current model Accord Euro, still a great car just getting a little old hat now.

If she has plenty of disposable income the Jetta is a good car, service costs are on par with a BMW though, so keep it in mind (oil filter and oil change start at $420 then work their way up from their).

Based on your list above a Focus Titanium or 3 SP25, leaning towards the Focus with the extra kit you get with it now (if it won't over complicate things for her, I can only imagine my mother trying to talk to the car to get it to play her music).

Not wrong on the Euro. $42,990d/a for the Luxury/Navi model at my local!
Just the sort of stuff I want to know about servicing etc. Cheers for that.
As for the voice recognition, it may have to get used to some yelling and swearing in the first few weeks of operation! haha

Quote:

Originally Posted by JoeDaleyN98

Mazda 3 is an excellent car. Have an 09 auto in the family, full leather interior, Bose sound system. Never misses a beat, and a really tidy, good looking mid sized car

Thanks mate

Quote:

Originally Posted by In Focus

Kia Optima Platinum.

A very good looking car IMO, however probably half a size to big in what we are looking for. Cheers

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brazen

In that list, the Focus Titanium is the clear winner for me. I went through the process of buying a new car due to the lease of the SV6 being up. The Focus Titanium is a great car, looks good and is well equipped.

Ultimately ended up with a Hybrid Camry as I wanted performance similar to the Commodore (hybrid is 0-100kmh in 7.8 secs) and it has been averaging 5.7litres per 100km since picking it up while being based in Brisbane CBD, loving it.

Worth noting that the Focus has fixed price servicing and 2.9% interest rate something that Mazda and VW can't even touch.

Am going to check out the Focus today, its currently looking at reaching 40 degrees in Adelaide, so we will also see how the Air-con copes! Have heard mixed reviews about this.

Camry Hybrid is a rather fast car! However it is a full sized car that we can't justify the need for. Cheers

Quote:

Originally Posted by DASH GT

Focus... I've got a Trend sedan on loan and for 23k it's probably the best value car I have driven.. Comfortable, powerful, safe, technology, ride / comfort... It ticks all the boxes!

Most models of the Focus range look pretty good, I for one like the Sport model hatch in white. Mmmmm. Thanks mate

Yellow_Festiva · 03-01-2013, 11:15 AM

What about Lancer... not small but not medium? Not too sure about the CVT (I think??) they have.

Optima, Camry are medium cars.

If you wanted bigger go the Kia, if you wanted smaller, go the Focus.

EL2794 · 03-01-2013, 11:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yellow_Festiva

What about Lancer... not small but not medium? Not too sure about the CVT (I think??) they have.

Optima, Camry are medium cars.

If you wanted bigger go the Kia, if you wanted smaller, go the Focus.

Lancer was eliminated purely based on looks, I reckon its pretty harmless but..

SumoDog68 · 03-01-2013, 11:47 AM

It is interesting that you are not looking at new Civic as your mum had such a good run with her previous one .
Camry hybrid are cheap to run , fast enough and safe , locally made and supported. Current hatches are all pretty good - Focus probably top pick with Mazda 3 , Golf and new Corolla close behind. Test drive will be best bet - sometimes things look good on paper until yo actually drive a car.
If prestige is a main factor , used BMW or Mercedes are the go.

Mercury 8 · 03-01-2013, 12:25 PM

Agree with Dash GT. Cross shopped the others and Focus wins all day every day on just about every front.

new2ford · 03-01-2013, 06:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EL2794

Thanks for all your replies!!

New2ford I really do like the Skoda's, working for the TourDown Under in South Australia means i have driven the entire range, from the Fabia to the Superb. The Octavia is getting on a bit however, and even though it is admitedly a very solid car, something a bit newer might be the way to go.

There's a new one out for 2013.

EL2794 · 03-01-2013, 06:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SumoDog68

It is interesting that you are not looking at new Civic as your mum had such a good run with her previous one .
Camry hybrid are cheap to run , fast enough and safe , locally made and supported. Current hatches are all pretty good - Focus probably top pick with Mazda 3 , Golf and new Corolla close behind. Test drive will be best bet - sometimes things look good on paper until yo actually drive a car.
If prestige is a main factor , used BMW or Mercedes are the go.

Very happy with the Civic we have now. It has never missed a beat. We will probably end up looking at the new Civic but they do come across as a bit boring compared to something like a Focus.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mercury 8

Agree with Dash GT. Cross shopped the others and Focus wins all day every day on just about every front.

Had a look at the Focus today too, and even though the car isn't for myself, I found that the drivers seat wouldn't go back far enough for me to feel comfortable. And I'm only 6ft.

Quote:

Originally Posted by new2ford

There's a new one out for 2013.

I haven't seen any proper images (non computer generated) of the 2013 Octavia, however I have seen the Rapid, and that looks pretty good.

Mercury 8 · 03-01-2013, 06:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EL2794

Very happy with the Civic we have now. It has never missed a beat. We will probably end up looking at the new Civic but they do come across as a bit boring compared to something like a Focus.

Had a look at the Focus today too, and even though the car isn't for myself, I found that the drivers seat wouldn't go back far enough for me to feel comfortable. And I'm only 6ft.

I haven't seen any proper images (non computer generated) of the 2013 Octavia, however I have seen the Rapid, and that looks pretty good.

I'm 6'4 and have no dramas so not sure what gives there.

EL2794 · 03-01-2013, 07:04 PM

I managed to have a look at the Mazda 3, Focus and Toyota Corolla today. Only had time to drive the Corolla and 3 back to back.

First impressions of the Corolla are very positive. After driving both the Ascent Sport and the Levin SX I'd be happy to place my mum in either. They are both good value and you get a fair amount of kit for the price too. In the flesh they look fantastic I reckon, the bigger wheels, satnav, sport seats and the High end instrument cluster on the Levin SX seems worth the extra $$ too! The 1.8L mated to the CVT (7-staged auto) picks up really well, even with 3people in the car with the air con cranked. I found it very quiet and stable on the road as well as comfy with out being bouncy or floaty. The steering is pretty light and void of feel but for around town it is more than you could ask.
I couldn't be more surprised by how nice the new model feels to drive. It now has the looks to compete with its more exciting rivals.

I test drove the Maxx Sport and the SP25 back to back, only deciding to have a go in the SP25 after the 2.0L engine in the Maxx Sport seemed to struggle at moving the car with 3 people and the air con cranked. Again, a very well equipped car with Satnav and bluetooth and all the rest of it. A tad noisier on the road than the Corolla but nothing apalling like I have been led to believe. The 2.5L in the SP25 sounds very throaty when revving, whilst the 2L sounds a bit strangled, and felt it.

Both cars were nice, however the Corolla really stood out and the Mazda felt a bit dated.

Only had a chance for a quick look at the Focus, so will probably check it out again tomorrow. Whilst I did sit in one, I noticed the drivers seat wouldn't go back far enough to give me a completely comfortable driving position. Hmmm.

Cheers for all the advice so far!

EL2794 · 03-01-2013, 07:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by new2ford

There's a new one out for 2013.

My driving position sees me sitting a long way back, I have long legs. This also means I pull the steering wheel out a fair way too. Everyones sits different I guess. But obviously the car isn't for me so this won't affect whether we purchase a Focus or not.

Falco GT51 · 03-01-2013, 07:10 PM

Something to consider the Focus rates real well compared to its compettiors!

FORD FOCUS TREND HATCH
Price: from $26,790
Warranty: 3 years/100,000 km
Resale: 58%
Service: 15,000km/12mths
Thirst: 6.6L/100km, 95RON; CO2 154 g/km
Crash rating: ANCAP safety rating 5 stars
Safety equipment: 10 airbags, ABS, EBD, EBA, traction and stability control
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl 125kW/202Nm
Transmission: 6-speed sports auto, FWD
Body: 5-door hatch, 5 seats
Dimensions (mm): 4358 (l), 1823mm (w), 1484 (h), 2648 (wb)
Tracks: front/rear 1554mm/1544mm
Weight: 1376kg
Tyres: 215/55x16
Spare: space saver
OTHERS TO CONSIDER
Holden Cruze CDX 1.8
Rating: 3.5 stars
Price: from $26,490
Engine: 1.8-litre 4-cyl 104kW/176Nm
Transmission: 6-speed auto, FWD
Thirst: 7.5L/100km, 91RON
"Emerging homegrown hero, but fit-out lets it down"
Toyota Corolla Levin SX hatch
Rating: 3 stars
Price: from $26,990
Engine: 1.8-litre 4-cyl 100kW/175Nm
Transmission: 4-speed auto, FWD
Thirst: 7.7L/100km, 91RON
"Solid and dependable, but bland"
Mazda3 Maxx Sport hatch
Rating: 3.5 stars
Price: from $28,360
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl 108kW/182Nm
Transmission: 5-speed auto, FWD
Thirst: 8.2L/100km, 95RON
"Hugely popular for its style, manners and value - with good reason."
Hyundai i30 SLX
Rating: 3 stars
Price: From $25,89
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl 105kW/186Nm0
Transmission: 4-speed auto, FWD
Thirst: 7.6L/100km, 91RON
"Former Carsguide Car of the Year, and still good, but being overtaken"
Volkswagen Golf 90TSI
Rating: 4 stars
Price: from $27,490
Engine: 1.4-litre 4-cyl turbo, 90kW/200Nm
Transmission: 7-speed DSG, FWD
Thirst: 6.2L/100km, 95RON
"Previous Carsguide Car of the Year, and benchmark for the class"

Feathers · 03-01-2013, 07:26 PM

Shouldn't your mum be doing the test driving? It is going to be her car after all.

new2ford · 03-01-2013, 10:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EL2794

Had a look at the Focus today too, and even though the car isn't for myself, I found that the drivers seat wouldn't go back far enough for me to feel comfortable. And I'm only 6ft.

I haven't seen any proper images (non computer generated) of the 2013 Octavia, however I have seen the Rapid, and that looks pretty good.

Getting there:

http://new.skoda-auto.com/en/models/new-octavia/entry

Likewise I'm 190 cm and this class of car isn't for me but I didn't have any probs in the 2006 Octavia if the seat was right back - but then the passenger behind suffers. The Superb is the only one for me!

I'd agree with Feathers, who are you choosing the car for you or your mum!

EL2794 · 03-01-2013, 10:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Falco GT51

Something to consider the Focus rates real well compared to its compettiors!

FORD FOCUS TREND HATCH
Price: from $26,790
Warranty: 3 years/100,000 km
Resale: 58%
Service: 15,000km/12mths
Thirst: 6.6L/100km, 95RON; CO2 154 g/km
Crash rating: ANCAP safety rating 5 stars
Safety equipment: 10 airbags, ABS, EBD, EBA, traction and stability control
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl 125kW/202Nm
Transmission: 6-speed sports auto, FWD
Body: 5-door hatch, 5 seats
Dimensions (mm): 4358 (l), 1823mm (w), 1484 (h), 2648 (wb)
Tracks: front/rear 1554mm/1544mm
Weight: 1376kg
Tyres: 215/55x16
Spare: space saver
OTHERS TO CONSIDER
Holden Cruze CDX 1.8
Rating: 3.5 stars
Price: from $26,490
Engine: 1.8-litre 4-cyl 104kW/176Nm
Transmission: 6-speed auto, FWD
Thirst: 7.5L/100km, 91RON
"Emerging homegrown hero, but fit-out lets it down"
Toyota Corolla Levin SX hatch
Rating: 3 stars
Price: from $26,990
Engine: 1.8-litre 4-cyl 100kW/175Nm
Transmission: 4-speed auto, FWD
Thirst: 7.7L/100km, 91RON
"Solid and dependable, but bland"
Mazda3 Maxx Sport hatch
Rating: 3.5 stars
Price: from $28,360
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl 108kW/182Nm
Transmission: 5-speed auto, FWD
Thirst: 8.2L/100km, 95RON
"Hugely popular for its style, manners and value - with good reason."
Hyundai i30 SLX
Rating: 3 stars
Price: From $25,89
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl 105kW/186Nm0
Transmission: 4-speed auto, FWD
Thirst: 7.6L/100km, 91RON
"Former Carsguide Car of the Year, and still good, but being overtaken"
Volkswagen Golf 90TSI
Rating: 4 stars
Price: from $27,490
Engine: 1.4-litre 4-cyl turbo, 90kW/200Nm
Transmission: 7-speed DSG, FWD
Thirst: 6.2L/100km, 95RON
"Previous Carsguide Car of the Year, and benchmark for the class"

Thanks for that Falco

Quote:

Originally Posted by Feathers

Shouldn't your mum be doing the test driving? It is going to be her car after all.

Yeah Feathers, Me and my dad usually have a scout around before hand and narrow the cars down to a handful. Then mum usually comes out for a quick look and will then give us the yay or nay. I have gotten a bit side tracked and of course start thinking about how much I like certain cars. Do you know anyone with a car around this size that has had a good run?

Quote:

Originally Posted by new2ford

Getting there:

http://new.skoda-auto.com/en/models/new-octavia/entry

Likewise I'm 190 cm and this class of car isn't for me but I didn't have any probs in the 2006 Octavia if the seat was right back - but then the passenger behind suffers. The Superb is the only one for me!

I'd agree with Feathers, who are you choosing the car for you or your mum!

Thanks new2ford. The new Octavia is looking classy! The Superb is a sweet ride, just looks a bit dopey.

Mum, of course... which is why Ill be suggesting she gets a Focus ST

Nic85 · 04-01-2013, 04:50 PM

I'd probably drive the Golf 118, Focus and i30 from that list, then decide which one I like the best from there. We recently bought a Polo GTi and I must say, it's a really nice car. Excellent interior and a really nice place to be. The DSG is also brilliant.

irish2 · 04-01-2013, 06:43 PM

Just a warning. CVT transmissions are expensive to repair and have proven not to last long.

EL2794 · 04-01-2013, 11:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nic85

I'd probably drive the Golf 118, Focus and i30 from that list, then decide which one I like the best from there. We recently bought a Polo GTi and I must say, it's a really nice car. Excellent interior and a really nice place to be. The DSG is also brilliant.

Being 45 degrees today we only got a chance to have a look at the Focus. Only interested in the 2L engine models. Trend/Sport/Titanium. They had a Trend to look at and it was very nice. Well equipped, door thud was the best out of all the cars so far. Powershift Dual Clutch trans is very smooth and doesn't have as much of the jerkiness I've previously experienced on the DSG's.

Quote:

Originally Posted by irish2

Just a warning. CVT transmissions are expensive to repair and have proven not to last long.

Oh really? This is the first I have really heard of this. Are there any particular cars or manufacturers using the CVT to watch out for?

Cheers Gordon

1TUFFUTE · 04-01-2013, 11:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brazen

In that list, the Focus Titanium is the clear winner for me. I went through the process of buying a new car due to the lease of the SV6 being up. The Focus Titanium is a great car, looks good and is well equipped.

Ultimately ended up with a Hybrid Camry as I wanted performance similar to the Commodore (hybrid is 0-100kmh in 7.8 secs) and it has been averaging 5.7litres per 100km since picking it up while being based in Brisbane CBD, loving it.

Worth noting that the Focus has fixed price servicing and 2.9% interest rate something that Mazda and VW can't even touch.

yep and to add to that...focus won australias best small car with the titanium. euro looks, sprty dynamics, all the gear and the best safety. no brainer.

Franco Cozzo · 05-01-2013, 07:37 AM

Having done a 6 month stint at a Honda dealership Ill put my 2 cents here.

The only car in the whole range worth looking at is the Accord Euro, out of the whole ranee it is the only one still sorced from Japan.

The new Civic is heavy, down on power compared to all the competition and they have been recycling engines for the last two generations.

Nic85 · 05-01-2013, 08:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EL2794

Being 45 degrees today we only got a chance to have a look at the Focus. Only interested in the 2L engine models. Trend/Sport/Titanium. They had a Trend to look at and it was very nice. Well equipped, door thud was the best out of all the cars so far. Powershift Dual Clutch trans is very smooth and doesn't have as much of the jerkiness I've previously experienced on the DSG's.

You need to keep in mind that the Golf DSG is a generation or two ahead of the unit in the Focus. The DSG in our Polo operates almost like an automatic. The only time you really notice it is first thing in the morning when you put it in reverse, it takes a second or two to engage the gear.

irish2 · 05-01-2013, 11:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EL2794

Oh really? This is the first I have really heard of this. Are there any particular cars or manufacturers using the CVT to watch out for?

Cheers Gordon

There is a reason you will never find them on a high torque application, as they are driven by rubber bands or chains. Obviously a rubber band will never last terribly long.

EL2794 · 06-01-2013, 11:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big Damo

Having done a 6 month stint at a Honda dealership Ill put my 2 cents here.

The only car in the whole range worth looking at is the Accord Euro, out of the whole ranee it is the only one still sorced from Japan.

The new Civic is heavy, down on power compared to all the competition and they have been recycling engines for the last two generations.

Very well priced at the moment! The Euro, $42,990 for the Lux + Navi! Solid deal!

New Civic doesn't seem much of a change from the previous gen, apart from the Hatch. I did hear that Honda cut their R&D a lot more than their Jap counterparts, and it seems to show in the lack of competitive equipment levels.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nic85

You need to keep in mind that the Golf DSG is a generation or two ahead of the unit in the Focus. The DSG in our Polo operates almost like an automatic. The only time you really notice it is first thing in the morning when you put it in reverse, it takes a second or two to engage the gear.

I do respect the DSG. Not sure if the ones in the RS Octavia's is an older version of the VW one, as I have mainly driven the DSG in Skoda's, but I had one almost stall on me a couple of times. Might've been a rare occurance however. I have noticed it takes a while to go from R to D, but I'm never really in a rush!

Quote:

Originally Posted by irish2

There is a reason you will never find them on a high torque application, as they are driven by rubber bands or chains. Obviously a rubber band will never last terribly long.

Thanks for that mate.