College Car

Checked out the Mazda 3 sedan and hatch back models yesterday. The price points, reliability statistics, drive experience and appearance were acceptable however, red flag first impression was the total lack of leg room in the rear...both versions. Also the rear seat can not be laid down even close to flat. Seems human cargo was sacrificed for non-human by design..which is OK for those wanting that...but that design still needs work in my opinion. Overall this is a good vehicle, just won't make the cut this time.

 

If I had >$50,000,000 and the urge to buy a personal Boeing, it would be provisioned exactly the way I wanted. In the mean time, Airbus and the Mazda 3 didn't make the cut.

Update: Took my second test drive of the Prius C today and it actually drives very tight and solid. While rear leg room still lacks, the non-human cargo is better...as is the mpg. The Fit gets a second chance next week.

 

Since the Car Dealerships are closed on Sunday here, been catching up on the computer search. Did not see this last week, but today on cars.com they have 36 each 2016 Fit listed nation wide. Honda site not showing one, but here ya go.

New 2016 Honda Fit - in 75235 Area - on Cars.com

 

Possible I will be buying out of state, so after talking to a Toyota Autonation Dealership in Florida (US Toyota Southeast Region) was told a Toyota Lifetime/Unlimited Mileage Warranty is included free that can be used anywhere in the US. Quick search came up with vague references but nothing on the Toyota site. Any Floridians out there to help clear this up? Sounds like a Regional Bubba Warranty to me.

 

Read a few other Dealerships blurbs in that part of the country offering the same and it definitely sounds third party. Will get the one with the car I'm looking at to email me the details. Sales folks just feed the lines...but they do have the best OTD so far for this particular search. Dianne doesn't have one, but might call anyway. Have a local sales manager that will practically give it away, but no vehicle in GST matches and dealer trades outside of region don't happen with low end vehicles. I buy exactly what I want. That and the $3,000-$4,000 over MSRP bump was why I didn't buy a Prius in 2006.

 

Florida owners feed back requested...preferably some who used this warranty.

 

He is past the early male driver tickets and wrecks stage now and was required to earn everything...and I thought "my Dad" was tough. All vehicles are subject to College rash, given or received, but after driving a blue VW TDI Beetle for the last 5 years, confidence is high his protective instincts, character and knowledge of car maintenance/repair costs will have a stronger influence than most during his second phase of College...away from home and Dad. Either way, cars amount to over-priced cheap plastic and metal consumables...and driving/owning one amounts to a crap shoot where the key is learning how to place your bets. Finalizing his tuition financing this week so a decision will be made shorty.

 

So anyways.....

Made the decision and deal today. Son gets my 2010 Prius and I bought a new 2015 Prius Four LB Blue/Dark Gray for myself. Delivery Aug 7 with free adds my way. He finds out when it gets delivered and leaves for TCOICTDM on Aug 15. Only regret is I am going to miss my sound system. frodoz Stereo Upgrade | PriusChat Can't tell ya what my OTD is, but let's just say it's nice having friends in the car business.