Shopping for a new car (suggestions welcome)

[NetworkShadow]

My current car, a 2004 Chevy Cavalier, is about to be paid-off and I can't wait to trade it in... It's got a few small problems, and a messed-up back bumper and I just don't want to sink any more money into it as it's getting older. I've decided to buy new this time so there are no pre-existing issues and I have the factory warranty to take care of any problems that do pop-up.

I'm shopping around online right now for the cars I should be test driving in the next month or so. I'm really keeping a close eye on gas milage this time. (Suggestions are welcome.)

The cars in my "price range"that have peeked my interest so far:

Scion xD more info

It's got great gas milage in both the auto and manual models. Good ratings all around. I like the size and room. Lots of perks like iPod connection. Just from the descriptions and user reviews this one stands out as my favorite from just shopping online.

Honda Civic Coupe more info

The hybrid is tempting with the gas prices the way they are, but I'm not sure I'd want to get that large of a loan. The "DX" version seems within my reach. It's got good gas MPG and overall ratings.

Nissan Versa Hatchback (or Sedan) more info

Cute car. Good gas milage and price. It's got some mixed reviews, but I want to give it a test drive.

Toyota Yaris more info

The "lift back" models might be a bit small for me, but I'm not going to rule them out. These little cars get outstanding gas MPG. The Toyota brand and reputation for quality, plus the great price and gas milage is what got my attention.

Honda Fit more info

Not my favorite, but "Fits" my price range and gas milage requirements. Honda has a good car reputation, so I'll at least test drive it.

Chevrolet Aveo, Cobalt and Ford Focus are also on the edge of my radar.

[A2shato]

Go for it ;)

[NetworkShadow]

The xD has the best design for sure.

[A2shato]

Ah, and if I had to mention which of the three I thought looked the best, I'd again have to say the Scion takes the lead out of Cobalt, Yaris and Scion.

Winner imo: xD! :)

[A2shato]

Yep. I wouldn't want the Fit because it's a Honda as well, haha, but I do want to go ahead and say that if I ever did have a Honda, it'd be the Fit. There's really not that much of a difference in it and the Versa and xD when it comes to "boxiness". I think it's adorable and the only Honda that I like. My old boss had the Civic hatchback version and it was awesome, and very roomy inside. But, again, I'm not a Honda person and won't be buying one, but for someone who wants options, it's a good choice. But, yes, the Scion probably is your best bet because I can tell you like it a ton, haha. That, and it has a lot of plus' to it that are hard to pass up. It also probably has the best gas mileage of the three you said at the end, and if not, I'd be surprised.

[NetworkShadow]

The Scion xD has the most style to it out of all the hatch-backs. I'm not too impressed with the Versa on the reviews, and Diane hates the Honda Fit because it's a Honda and "too boxy"... The Yaris would need to be the 4 door and the more expensive trim for all the features I want. I'm almost decided without even test driving. lol xD, Yaris, or Cobalt.

[A2shato]

The Fit, xD and the Versa all look almost the same.. Weird. Anyway, I think a coupe would be a little hard on having passengers, though you don't have them all the time, it's still a complete pain in the ass. I've had to deal with it a lot of times because my parents have had coupes, and Daniel had that hatchback that was a 2-door. So, I'd steer clear of a coupe if it was me. As far as the rest of them go, wonderful choices. I'd have to say if I had my pick, I'd go for the Versa or xD or Fit, I think they'd best suit you. It just depends on how much you want to spend, what exactly you want out of them, and which has the best ride when test drove and best reviews. Good luck.

[NetworkShadow]

Scion xD Video Review

Honda Fit Video Review

Toyota Yaris Video Review

Honda Civic Video Review

Chevy Cobalt Video Review

I still think the Scion xD is in the lead, but the Honda Fit sounds good too. The Civic sounds too pricey for the features I'd want. The Chevy Cobalt got my attention again, but customer reviews are mixed.