Car Shopping

With much discussion with my parents, I have narrow the field of car choices to 5 cars. Here are some of my comments and in order of preference.

VW Rabbit 2.5, 5-dr
Pro: Torquey at 170 lb.ft, European, fullyloaded
Con: Reliability (electronics), gas consumption




Subaru Impreza 2.5i wagon
Pro: 4 wheels drive, 3.8% lease, 172 hp :)
Con: Gas consumption, most expensive of the 5





Nissan Versa 1.8SL
Pro: 6 speed manual transmission :P
Con: 6.25% lease




Honda Fit LX
Pro: Honda reliability, versatile cargo configuration, good value
Con: Under powered at 109hp, almost like my old Toyota Echo




Toyota Matrix XR
Pro: Toyota reliability
Con: Price (2nd most expensive of the 5, while the Rabbit and Versa is fully loaded)

Here's mom & dad's order of perference:

1. Toyota Matrix XR
2. Honda Fit LX
3. Subaru Impreza 2.5i wagon
4. Nissan Versa 1.8SL
5. VW Rabbit 2.5, 5-dr

Hmmm... do you see the disconnect? All comments and suggestions are welcome.

PS. In case of you are wondering why I am worried about reliability if I'm leasing the car, because by the lease is up, my parent's Camry would be 12 yr old. They might want to back back my car if the car is good.

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Update 13/11/2006

The Honda Fit and the VW Rabbit is off the list. Down to three choice... looks like will be a Japanese car again.

Test driving the Nissa Versa tomorrow. That the forerunner right now... unless the Impreza impresses dad so much to justify the cost ($6000 more) and the extra fuel consumption. Plus Nissans brings good memories back for dad and he is drooling over the 6 spd transmission.