new car - hatchback

[Warrick]

I have on older 4x4 truck paid off, still in great shape, under 100k.

 

Wife has a new ride.

 

I want an economical, little hatchback for my golfing, play a lot, and my season pass is a 35 minute drive each way.

 

I have looked at the 2017 Cruze hatch, and the 2017 Civic hatch, price about the same.

 

Any others, or any thoughts on these 2?

 

Thanks.

[Puppetmaster]

My general experience with shopping for hatches, as a golfer, is that not all of them will fit your clubs comfortably in the trunk. Not sure if that's a priority. I have a friend who has an Audi A3 that permanently keeps the back seats down so he doesn't have to pull out his driver and FWs every time he puts his bag in. That being said, the 2017 Civic is much bigger than previous Civics, so the trunk space is supposedly wider. The Mazda 3 is also a larger hatch, but I have lots of doubts about Mazda reliability in general. I really like the Ford Focus and VW GTi, but both trunks are pretty narrow.

 

Any interest in a small wagon like the Golf (haha) Sportwagon?

[Warrick]

I am open to looking at anything right now. I have no issues with having one seat folded down for the sticks.

 

I had a Mazda3, seemed like one problem after another.

[Puppetmaster]

If you're okay dropping a seat, then hatch away, haha. I have 2 friends with the Focus RS and they've told me that to date, issues have been few and it's a great car to drive. I carpooled with one of them for a round and we were able to fit 3 golf bags, less drivers and FWs, in the trunk. I would totally consider one if I were in the market. I think the Civic is worth looking into now that they've made it larger. Again, I don't know much about the 2017 Civic, but Hondas are usually bullet proof and will last forever.

 

I love all hatches and wagons. I currently drive a TSX Sportwagon, which gets 25 mpg in DC traffic and I've hit 35+ on road trips. Love having the wagon trunk for various things too. With the seats down, I think I was able to get 20+ bags of mulch in once too. :) Definitely an economical hauler.

[Warrick]

I won't lie, want something that looks good too, been a while since I bought a car for myself.

 

These are the 2 I built specs on

 

Cruze

 

 

 

 

 

Civic

 

 

[cdnglf]

Have you looked at the Honda Fit?

[Warrick]

nope, not yet.

[XHoop24]

I've been looking at hatches as well and was initially focused on the GTI/Golf R. I have a clicgear that I like to keep in the trunk as well. The back seats of the GTI/R have to be down to fit both the clic and the clubs. Just not ideal for me. A/S3 has the same issue. I am going to check out the Civic hatch as well. Would be interested to see how clubs fit in the back.

[Puppetmaster]

I've been looking at hatches as well and was initially focused on the GTI/Golf R. I also have a clicgear that I like to keep in the trunk as well. The back seats of the GTI/R have to be down to fit both the clic and the clubs. Just not ideal for me. A/S3 has the same issue. I am going to check out the Civic hatch as well. Would be interested to see how clubs fit in the back.

 

 

 

More so since you have a Clic to store.

[ws6]

I'm car shopping for the same style. I have looked at the Cruze, Toyota iM (they are the best value in the class IMO), Fit, and Impreza. Right now I am leaning to the Impreza Sport, but I'm going to check out the new Hyundai Elantra (i30) when they come out later this year before I make a purchase. Resale isn't a concern for me, I will drive it into the ground.

 

http://www.autoblog.com/2017/02/09/2018-hyunda-elantra-gt-2839237827/

[Puppetmaster]

Btw, what about the Kia Forte? I see these around where I live, looks good in person.

 

[siegel159]

I just recently purchased a 2017 GTI, but was also looking at a Focus ST, Civic hatchback, Mazda 3 hatchback, etc.

 

I'm pretty sure for all of them you'll need to keep the backseats down if you want to fit your bag. At least for the Civic/ST/GTI - not sure about the Mazda 3. Doesn't bother me much though since I never use the backseats for anything anyway. Bang for your buck definitely goes to the GTI I think. Better/comfier interior & better gas mileage than the ST, faster than the Mazda 3/Civic. I have like a 20 minute commute, half highway, and I'm averaging about 30 mpg (and I'm definitely not trying to optimize gas mileage when driving). Super fun to drive. My only complaint is that the infotainment system is a little clunky.

 

Edit: I was getting quoted like $21,000 for a Civic Hatch Sport. Got the base GTI for just slightly more than that - but the GTI has like 40 or so more horsepower, more torque, heated seats (can't emphasize that enough), and almost all of the same electronic goodies. Like I said, more bang for the buck.

[XHoop24]

I've been looking at hatches as well and was initially focused on the GTI/Golf R. I also have a clicgear that I like to keep in the trunk as well. The back seats of the GTI/R have to be down to fit both the clic and the clubs. Just not ideal for me. A/S3 has the same issue. I am going to check out the Civic hatch as well. Would be interested to see how clubs fit in the back.

 

 

 

More so since you have a Clic to store.

 

I would be more interested if they had a few more horses in that. Do they offer anything other than the 170 HP engine? Volvo has some good options for wagons with more power, but Volvo reliability/reviews of those cars is not great. Definitely going to take a closer look in the fall. Currently have a 335, which fits the bill for everything I want, but the issues and reliability concerns are driving me crazy.

[ode1]

If you go smaller, make sure to bring your clubs and do the trial run with how they fit in the hatch.....most smaller hatches (including small SUV,s) will need one seat folded down to fit the clubs...imo that is a waste of space, and you won't be able to have more than three people to transport....but if you don't mind going with one seat down then you'll have a ton of options. I would add in the mix a Subaru Impreza....it would be a t the top of the list if I were buying new or gently used.

 

 

[Warrick]

damn, have looked at about a dozen different cars in this class this morning, now I am confused.

 

I just need to go do some test drives.

[PZero]

I'd stay far away from Chevy.

[cdnglf]

I just recently purchased a 2017 GTI, but was also looking at a Focus ST, Civic hatchback, Mazda 3 hatchback, etc.

 

I'm pretty sure for all of them you'll need to keep the backseats down if you want to fit your bag. At least for the Civic/ST/GTI - not sure about the Mazda 3. Doesn't bother me much though since I never use the backseats for anything anyway. Bang for your buck definitely goes to the GTI I think. Better/comfier interior & better gas mileage than the ST, faster than the Mazda 3/Civic. I have like a 20 minute commute, half highway, and I'm averaging about 30 mpg (and I'm definitely not trying to optimize gas mileage when driving). Super fun to drive. My only complaint is that the infotainment system is a little clunky.

 

Edit: I was getting quoted like $21,000 for a Civic Hatch Sport. Got the base GTI for just slightly more than that - but the GTI has like 40 or so more horsepower, more torque, heated seats (can't emphasize that enough), and almost all of the same electronic goodies. Like I said, more bang for the buck.

 

Not with the Honda Fit, at least for me. I have a Sun Mountain carry bag, and I don't even have to take the driver out.

 

The Fit is IMO the greatest urban vehicle ever made. Inexpensive to purchase and operate, easy to park, incredible carrying capacity for a vehicle of its size. As far as I'm aware, nobody else makes anything comparable to the "magic seats".

[JackpotJohnny]

What about a CUV?

I would be all over the Subaru crosstrek if I was in that type of market

The new Toyota ch-r is also kind of a cool looking one

[Warrick]

I'd stay far away from Chevy.

 

any specific reason?

[JackpotJohnny]

I'd stay far away from Chevy.

 

any specific reason?

 

It's a chevy lol

[PZero]

I'd stay far away from Chevy.

 

any specific reason?

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/General_Motors_ignition_switch_recalls

 

Then there is the whole quality issue. You couldn't give me a GM product, besides a Vette.

[MtlJeff]

Hatchbacks and CUV"s have the smallest trunks in the car world. Definitely you want to get a good gauge of that before committing. I have a Buick Encore and the bag won't fit in the trunk with anything more than 4 iron in it. So you can either put down a seat or take out the woods and put them in the back seat. Same story when i used to have a Matrix

 

Prior to my Encore i owned 3 Toyotas. I'd recommend having a look at the Corolla IM again if you are OK with the smaller trunks. I've honestly never had a major problem with Toyotas and the only reason i went with the Encore over the Rav4 was that the deal was much better. I've seen the IM a bunch on the roads here as one of my neighbors has one and it's a sleek looking car

[The Pearl]

Since you are interested in the Cruz, have you looked at the Chevy Sonic? My wife has had the sedan version for 4 years and loves it. It is a great urban/commuting car and would be ideal for an exclusive car to drive to and fro from the course. It can be significantly cheaper than a Cruz and there is surprisingly not much less room in the Sonic. There are also some sporty options and accessories if you are so inclined. My clubs fit in the trunk of the sedan along with my push cart. I can't speak to any specifics of the hatchback version, but obviously you would have zero problem with the seats down.

 

If you are interested there are a couple of tips. First, get the 1.4L Turbo. Second, if you are in a winter climate, it is not the best car in the winter with the stock tires. Snow tires provides a significant improvement.

 

The turbo version is a blast to drive and would be an absolute blast with the 6 speed manual if that is your thing.

[Warrick]

my step daughter had a 2016 Cruze Sedan, and I liked it, but she had a kid and got an Equinox. I just bought my wife a 2017 Malibu LT, and I think it is an awesome car, so no bias against Chevy, also just had a Fusion prior. I am pretty open.

 

I did read a study on compact sedans and apparently the Civic was the easy winner, however I thought the negatives against the Cruze were pretty insignificant. I don't mind the engine stop feature, and don't get stuck in traffic. I drive about 7-8K miles a year.

 

https://www.cars.com/articles/whats-the-best-compact-sedan-of-2017-1420695089352/

 

I value some of the strengths and weaknesses in this report much differently than they do.

 

The cruze lost out on 100 points for not having crash avoidance....? Pay attention to the damn road when you are driving, and that 100 points would basically move it to the #2 spot.

[Golfingfanatic]

Ive got a Golf GTI clubsport and that thing is amazing. 260bhp and a lot better looking than the R imo. Trunk space is decent and a lot of fun to drive.

[kwelifan]

I looked at the 2017 Civic 2dr and when I did I brought my clubs with. The golf bag fit just fine with everything in it. I gotta imagine the hatch is at least as wide.

[Warrick]

I looked at the 2017 Civic 2dr and when I did I brought my clubs with. The golf bag fit just fine with everything in it. I gotta imagine the hatch is at least as wide.

 

You like the car?

[kwelifan]

I liked it a lot. It's impressive how refined the cheaper cars are getting. I didn't end up buying because this car was a want, not a need. I am very close to being car payment free and couldn't justify signing up for five more years. It took about 3 weeks to talk myself out of the civic though.

[Warrick]

I liked it a lot. It's impressive how refined the cheaper cars are getting. I didn't end up buying because this car was a want, not a need. I am very close to being car payment free and couldn't justify signing up for five more years. It took about 3 weeks to talk myself out of the civic though.

 

You sound a bit like me. I have been stewing over this for a bit now, but may possibly be taking a new position at work next week with a fairly significant increase in pay. It would be more like a reward for myself after everything I have dealt with the last 4-5 years.

 

Also a good chance I just keep driving my truck, but that will soon leave me with nothing. If I have both, and drive the car 5-6k a year, and only add a few thousand miles a year to the truck, should get some more good years out of it.

 

Ha, no one else to discuss things with at 4am, so I can chat to myself on here.

[pinhigh27]

I never understand the "stay away from xyz" brand sentiment. Everyone has their buddy who got a dud from this or that company. Not big enough sample size