I have a 2005 Scion XA that I bought used, earlier in the year.

[Melissa G]

I love the gas mileage, but the feel of the car is a bit 'tinny' for me. I used to drive a Toyota Corolla wagon. Most of the rest of the time, I've driven small trucks.

Any suggestions? I have been reading the discussion about the Yaris and that was what made me think about asking for opinions. I'm looking for a hatch that gets good gas mileage, is fun to drive but feels a bit more solid in the rain and on the freeways than my cute XA.
Thanks,
Melissa

[Schema Thing]

1. Subarus have great road "feel", due to their 4wd.

they just feel rock solid even though they are small. And you REALLY notice it in the rain.

[Melissa G]

3. My sister in law had one. My friends have several but the gas mileage

is pretty poor, no?

[Schema Thing]

12. Not sure...

It's probably not as good as the same size car w/o 4wd. I'm stuck with a 1 ton P/U, so if I could get something that got 22mpg, I'd be saving more gas than someone jumping from 25 mpg to 50 mpg.

I'm trying to sell, but as you can imagine, the market is soft or non-existent for big diesel pickups.

[flvegan]

2. Fun to drive? Mazdaspeed 3.

I avg 25 or 26 mpg in mine, and I drive like a lunatic. Front wheel drive helps in the rain. Can I get you a brochure?

[Melissa G]

5. I have been noticing you in the threads, you seem quite in love

with your vehicle. I perused the net and found this review.

http://www.epinions.com/review/2008_Mazda_MAZDASPEED3/content_405297008260

Since I don't often drive fast, the Mazda 3 may do fine for me and has been the front runner I have considered if I am to switch.

[flvegan]

8. The regular 3 (with the 2.3) is a great car.

My mom has one and loves it. Very reliable, and fun to drive even with the regular engine. It's a tight, well built car. And, I might add, in comparison to others in the class...inexpensive.

[alarimer]

16. I have one of those two and I would concur.

It is a lot of fun and actually quite practical. I gave up a small truck and find that I have almost as much hauling capacity with the seats down in the Mazda 3. Plus it's way cooler than a Nissan Frontier.
I paid about 16k for mine.

[LeftyMom]

9. I had to check and see who wrote that review.

flvegan also had a protege 5 previously, I was half convinced he'd wrote the thing until I got to the "three kids" part, because I figured I'd notice a little thing like that. ;)

He is entirely too infatuated with that car.

[Melissa G]

11. LOL! n/t

[GOPisEvil]

4. What about the Toyota Matrix, or Mazda 3 Wagon?

I'm considering an AWD Matrix wagon in case I have to deal with really crappy weather.

[Melissa G]

6. HI GOPisEvil! I've missed you and hope you are doing well!

The Matrix is also on my list, but it always looked a little plastic inside for my taste. As I said earlier, the Mazda 3 looks like my front runner.

[GOPisEvil]

7. I haven't gone shopping yet.

I don't want to get caught over the mountains with no AWD. So, for a small car it's the Matrix or a Subaru.

[Melissa G]

10. Is life in the mountains fun?

[GOPisEvil]

13. Well, I live in the Seattle area, but my SO lives over the mountains.

Life here and life there is great. In bad weather, getting over the mountains can be a challenge. Thankfully there is a shuttle service to and from the airport here out that way if needed.

[Melissa G]

14. Beautiful country but yeah, gonna need that 4WD!

Glad life is humming along nicely for you.

[bullwinkle428]

15. I'm partial to Hondas - you might want to look at the Fit -

starts at $14,750...hard to beat that price these days!



http://automobiles.honda.com/fit/

[elleng]

17. VW

Dunno models etc, but rabbit was first car I bought; loved feel of it. Had several jettas. Now driving my folks' old Toyo Camry wagon. But my daughter just bought used Scion something; I haven't driven it, but I have same concern as you. Hope its safe for her.