I drive an 8th Generation Honda Civic sedan. I am really hoping that it will last me until Model 3, but there is the possibility that I may need to replace it at some point with a vehicle that can carry a lot more bulky stuff.
With a Tesla, there isn't much compromise. With gasoline cars... there are some serious tradeoffs to consider.
A Model S or Model X is unfortunately not an option, as it is outside of what I would be comfortable spending on a car, and also because it is too wide for my junky antique garage.
I outlined general aspects of a vehicle that I would like:
Looking at Honda's lineup:
I have always liked the Honda Fit. It has smaller exterior dimensions than Civic, but it seems to be bigger on the inside. It has low CoG, available 6-speed manual transmission, and "magic seats" that fold several ways to accommodate various needs. It can swallow a ton of cargo. Car and Driver says it will go 0-60 in 7.7 seconds thanks to the tiny 1.5L engine having a fancy head with dual overhead cams, direct injection, and variable timing control. The downside? Not a very refined car in terms of road noise. At slightly less than 2600 lbs, I'm not sure how safe it is, although it does get high ratings from NHTSA (5 stars all around) and IIHS (rated Good in almost all categories).
Honda has something new called the HR-V. It's a compact crossover related to the Fit. It can be had with a manual transmission. Unfortunately, it also weighs 2900-3000 lbs., and uses the same engine as the Honda Civic, an old 1.8L port injected engine, and is therefore kind of slow, and even slower with the optional AWD. AWD also makes fuel economy suffer substantially (down to 32 MPG highway and 27 city from 35 MPG highway and 28 MPG city in 2WD). Visibility is hampered by the styling of the C-pillars.
The rest of Honda's product portfolio doesn't really interest me.
I also looked at Subaru:
Forester comes standard with AWD and is available with a 6-speed manual. It has top safety ratings all around, great 360 degree visibility due to huge windows, and a huge cargo capacity. However, the ride height detracts from some of the fun factor, and the higher price tier (it's in the 25k price range) is also a downside, as is the slightly lower fuel economy relative to the lighter Hondas. The smaller Impreza rides lower and has a manual transmission, but the 2.0L engine is underpowered.
Ideally, I would like a sporty, medium sized station wagon. Actually, the Audi Allroad would be great. Except for the fact that it's in the 50k price range, doesn't have a manual transmission, and is a Volkswagen Auto Group product of which I am skeptical of the long term reliability. I suspect that Model X would be even better, with sportscar handling AND a gigantic amount of carrying capacity thanks to the EV powertrain.
Other considerations:
Mazda3: I don't like the styling
Ford Focus hatch: Cramped inside
Ford C-Max hybrid: sorta Model X-ish like, but somehow manages not to look as sporty.
Gasoline cars have become an exercise in frustration for me... a more affordable Tesla cannot arrive soon enough.
With a Tesla, there isn't much compromise. With gasoline cars... there are some serious tradeoffs to consider.
A Model S or Model X is unfortunately not an option, as it is outside of what I would be comfortable spending on a car, and also because it is too wide for my junky antique garage.
I outlined general aspects of a vehicle that I would like:
- Good handling. A lower center of gravity and manual transmission help a lot. My Civic has both. It is not fast, but once it gets going it is actually pretty entertaining to drive on twisty roads.
- Reasonable power. The Civic is not fast, but the manual tranny can make the most of the small 140hp engine. 0-60 in about 8 seconds if pushed, which is much better than the automatic counterparts.
- A hatched cargo area. Civic sedan is unfortunately not all that great for transporting stuff in large-ish boxes. The trunk is about 12.5 cubic feet, but the shape of the compartment, intrusive hinges, and low height make it fairly useless for anything except small suitcases and stuff that can be squished. Items can be put in the second row, but this obviously means that fewer people can sit there.
- AWD would be a nice bonus.
- Driver visibility. Civic has big windows and I can see pretty well most of the time.
- Reliable.
Looking at Honda's lineup:
I have always liked the Honda Fit. It has smaller exterior dimensions than Civic, but it seems to be bigger on the inside. It has low CoG, available 6-speed manual transmission, and "magic seats" that fold several ways to accommodate various needs. It can swallow a ton of cargo. Car and Driver says it will go 0-60 in 7.7 seconds thanks to the tiny 1.5L engine having a fancy head with dual overhead cams, direct injection, and variable timing control. The downside? Not a very refined car in terms of road noise. At slightly less than 2600 lbs, I'm not sure how safe it is, although it does get high ratings from NHTSA (5 stars all around) and IIHS (rated Good in almost all categories).
Honda has something new called the HR-V. It's a compact crossover related to the Fit. It can be had with a manual transmission. Unfortunately, it also weighs 2900-3000 lbs., and uses the same engine as the Honda Civic, an old 1.8L port injected engine, and is therefore kind of slow, and even slower with the optional AWD. AWD also makes fuel economy suffer substantially (down to 32 MPG highway and 27 city from 35 MPG highway and 28 MPG city in 2WD). Visibility is hampered by the styling of the C-pillars.
The rest of Honda's product portfolio doesn't really interest me.
I also looked at Subaru:
Forester comes standard with AWD and is available with a 6-speed manual. It has top safety ratings all around, great 360 degree visibility due to huge windows, and a huge cargo capacity. However, the ride height detracts from some of the fun factor, and the higher price tier (it's in the 25k price range) is also a downside, as is the slightly lower fuel economy relative to the lighter Hondas. The smaller Impreza rides lower and has a manual transmission, but the 2.0L engine is underpowered.
Ideally, I would like a sporty, medium sized station wagon. Actually, the Audi Allroad would be great. Except for the fact that it's in the 50k price range, doesn't have a manual transmission, and is a Volkswagen Auto Group product of which I am skeptical of the long term reliability. I suspect that Model X would be even better, with sportscar handling AND a gigantic amount of carrying capacity thanks to the EV powertrain.
Other considerations:
Mazda3: I don't like the styling
Ford Focus hatch: Cramped inside
Ford C-Max hybrid: sorta Model X-ish like, but somehow manages not to look as sporty.
Gasoline cars have become an exercise in frustration for me... a more affordable Tesla cannot arrive soon enough.
