Due to some recent changes in my family structure, I have decided to go ahead and get a more cost-effective mode of transportation — both in the sense of environment (gas and fuel efficiency) and to save money on monthly payments.
We currently own a Kia Sorento. A nice 4×4 SUV that has helped us in patches before, especially in snow. But I need something that will keep my costs low.
I’ve been doing some shopping, and I keep getting signs everywhere. It’s like the great spirit up there is telling me to get this or get that. Here’s what I have my eyes on…
I’ve been a Volkswagen fan my whole life. Call it bias, because for as long as I can remember, my mom has always driven a Jetta. In fact, I recall she had a Jetta with nearly 180,000 miles on it in only six years. That’s what you get for being a single mom driving her three kids to practices.
Mom now has a 2006 Jetta GLI Turbo. Umm, I think she’s in her mid life crisis. It’s sporty, plus it’s red. I guess she wanted some vroom.
Me? No GLI Turbo. But I’m definitely keeping my eyes open at the VW Rabbit and Jetta.
I’m interested in the Rabbit because I checked out Consumer Reports for rankings, fuel efficiencies, average prices, and manual transmission — yes, I’m looking for a stick.
The Rabbit gives me good mileage, if I recall, 24/29 city/highway. I don’t need a big car. It’ll serve me well.
Plus I can get a bike/ski rack on top. That’s something I have on the Kia SUV right now that I need to transfer to the new car.
I’m also interested in the Jetta. I used to own a VW Cabrio. A very nice black car, with European measuremens (KPM, litre, etc.) on the dashboard. 
Then in 1999 an idiot hit me while I was waiting in line for a ticket at a toll booth. That idiot claimed to not have seen me, and her crash resuled in a chain reaction. Four cars, and mine was totalled.
A few months later, I got a VW Jetta.
It was a nice maroon car.
Of course, I was still under 25 and in the eyes of insurance companies, I was still a risky driver. I had hit a car that was driving through a construction lane. Still cited for it. I also knocked over a parked motorcycle (don’t ask). So I had to give up the car. Mom couldn’t pay my insurance.
The MPG for a Jetta is pretty decent, plus cost-wise, it’s a good investment.
So, I’ve gotten my eyes on a Rabbit or a Jetta. Anything from 2004 to 2008 will do!
But I’m not going to stop there. I also like these cars:
A Toyota Matrix.
Friends of mine (Barry and Josh) own one. My brother is seriously thinking of getting one too. The Matrix has the sporty look I’m looking for, plenty of space, reasonable costs, and good fuel efficiency.
Of course, I must have manual transmission.
Again, the Matrix has good fuel economy and is not expensive.
Oh yeah, I’m also interested in a Mazda3
Yep, eeringly similar to the Matrix and the Rabbit. I guess I’m sucker for hatchbacks. I need something that might fit a bicycle through the back. A sedan won’t do. Like the other cars above, the Mazda3 has good fuel efficiency and is reasonably priced.
A lesser part of me is interested in a Subaru Forester.
Hey, how can you not imagine having this, with the bikes on the back or the top rack, with a kayak, and Colin next to it?
Aha…decisions, decisions, decisions. The sooner, the better!
The Matrix rocks! Do wish it was a bit more roomy inside, tho.
I *LOVE* my Forester but I gotta warn you, insurance companies consider that a small SUV so it will cost more to insure it than if you had a Honda Civic. That’s a car I suggest. We still use our Honda Civic and it’s now at about 180,000 miles and with manual transmission, we get about 32 MPG. A Honda Accord is another idea, if you want a slightly bigger car. Toyota Corolla and Camry are good too. For our next “commute” car, we want a Yaris. The MPG is awesome and it’s roomy, even the 2-door version. Toyota and Honda are both reliable and it’s easy to replace parts thus making repairs cheaper, especially compared to VW. Just my two cents! =D
WOW! I only own 2 cars in my whole life! I bought my first car which was Toyota Carolla. I still miss it! My next car will be Toyota Carolla again but with more fancy stuff in it.
I bought a new car about 2 years ago because my first car was falling apart and could not keep up the repair bills. So I bought ford Focus. I love it! Only one bad thing about it is that it is light car so easily swerve when windy day. Otherwise it is good car. Good luck with Car hunt! =)
@ Josh: I’m not worried about room — at this rate, I only need room for 2 people. Myself and Lil’ Red.
@ Keri: We already pay insurance on a SUV, so it doesn’t matter to us, but for less premiums, thanks for the tips!
@ Christine…I thought about a Focus, but I might be interested in a Corolla. I still prefer a sporty look. Probably a Matrix, Mazda3, or something that has a hatchback.
For the love of God, don’t get a Forrester. I hate them, which may result in me coming to visit you less often.
Well you know what my adivce is…a VW!!! The Jetta has a huge trunk (get the regular Jetta…mine is too expensive) and you can get those great roof racks for the GTI and Rabbit. After the motorcyle incident, my insurance was slated to go up to over $4000! That’s what made it too expensive for me.
That Forrester is ugly!!!
If you lived near me…I might be able to get you a good deal with my VW dealership.
love, mom
i own a 1996 cabrio which i absolutely love.
i also own a toyota camery.
but the vw…. it’s my little hot rod.
follow your gut.
this is a good blog. will come back regularly to read more article
CK- in case you don’t have a new car yet–suggest you try the Chevy Equinox. The 2010 models now can go up to 600 miles between fillups on the highway. I drive one now and it is really great!