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Old 09-27-2015, 09:03 AM
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catswiththum catswiththum is offline
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Opinions from Owners?

Looking to buy a compact get-around-town car for Maggie. Charleston streets very narrow and parking is hell - I have whittled it down to the Prius, Fiat 500, and Mini Cooper.

Not buying new, as I don't eat someone else's depreciation any more - something 2 or three years old with 30,000 or less on the clock. As I tinker with old cars, I will only buy from a private owner who is a "car person" (enjoys talking about both the flaws and fixes, has stacks of records).

Will be an automatic (sacrilege).

Anyone have experience with any of them? Thanks!





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Old 09-27-2015, 09:12 AM
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finnbow finnbow is offline
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I like Mini's, but they're literally the least reliable car on the American road, along with the Jeep Wrangler.

The Prius has absolutely zero soul. My sister bought one and sold it immediately for that very reason.

No personal experience with the Fiat 500, but my son rented one for a week in southern Spain and had a ball.

In terms of build quality, performance, mileage and driving fun, I'd recommend looking at the Mazda3. It's one of Car & Drivers Top 10 (along with some very hot cars). I've owned both the 3 and 6 and both are great cars with among the very lowest depreciation in the business.
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Last edited by finnbow; 09-27-2015 at 11:31 AM.
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  #3  
Old 09-27-2015, 09:43 AM
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Pio1980 Pio1980 is offline
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Prius. Otherwise one of the Japanese or American subcompacts. The Mini and FIAT are imo poor value and durability.

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Old 09-27-2015, 10:10 AM
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Boreas Boreas is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by finnbow View Post
I like Mini's, but there literally the least reliable car on the American road, along with the Jeep Wrangler.

The Prius has absolutely zero soul. My sister bought one and sold it immediately for that very reason.

No personal experience with the Fiat 500, but my son rented one for a week in southern Spain and had a ball.

In terms of build quality, performance, mileage and driving fun, I'd recommend looking at the Mazda3. It's one of Car & Drivers Top 10 (along with some very hot cars). I've owned both the 3 and 6 and both are great cars with among the very lowest depreciation in the business.
The Prius isn't all that small either. The Fiat wins that prize. And I agree with finn. The Mazda3 is the way to go. It's a little screamer.
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Old 09-27-2015, 10:12 AM
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Boreas Boreas is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by finnbow View Post
I like Mini's...........
Mini's what?

Danged Hokies!
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  #6  
Old 09-29-2015, 08:45 PM
djv8ga djv8ga is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Boreas View Post
Mini's what?

Danged Hokies!
Are you an owner or just pretending again?
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  #7  
Old 09-29-2015, 10:22 PM
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BlueStreak BlueStreak is offline
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Don't like any of them. Too small, no balls.

Sorry I couldn't help.
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Old 09-29-2015, 10:53 PM
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Boreas Boreas is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by djv8ga View Post
Are you an owner or just pretending again?
Did you quote the wrong post on purpose or are you just a moron?
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  #9  
Old 09-30-2015, 06:44 AM
djv8ga djv8ga is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Boreas View Post
Did you quote the wrong post on purpose or are you just a moron?
Did you read the title of the thread or are you just drunk & without a real life, spending every precious moment you have left in this place?
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  #10  
Old 10-02-2015, 01:38 PM
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Grumpy Grumpy is offline
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Have you considered a Toyota Yaris ? Got my wife one back in 2008 and its been a great car. Gets dam near the same mileage as the Prius and no worries about silly expensive batteries. We have owned it since new and only had one serious issue with the trans and the dealer replaced it free of charge. Otherwise been nothing but maintenance and fill it with gas and let me tell ya it sure is nice filling that 9 gal tank when gas hits 4-5 bucks a gal. We average about 42-43 mpg on long trips with the AC going. Not too shabby..
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