Compact Car - Elantra vs Sentra vs Mazda3, etc
In the coming months I am considering purchasing a new vehicle. I'm mostly considering a compact car as I am single, have no kids (and don't plan on having any soon), appreciate their fuel efficiency as well as being able to park them easily.
Must haves: Alloy Wheels (I really dislike steel wheels/covers for some reason), preferably a vehicle that should reliably get me through 10 years/150k miles, Apple Carplay (?)
From the research I've done, it looks like the Honda Civic is a stalwart choice that's topping all the comparisons. However, to get myself into a 2016 Honda Civic EX, according to TrueCar the average price paid is $20,974. Compared to some of these other options that's really on the upper end of the price spectrum in this class.
I'm interested in hearing your opinions on the other options in this class. Below I will share the ones I've considered, the TrueCar estimate and my concerns with the vehicle.
2016 Nissan Sentra SV w/ Alloy Wheel Package
TrueCar Estimate: $16,669
Why I'm Considering: The Civic has a near $4k premium over the Sentra and I'm not entirely sure if it's worth it. I may be wrong in making this assumption, but I also feel like as the brand is Japanese I will more reliably get to my goal of 10 years/150k miles...(?)
Concerns: No Apple Carplay. I'm not familiar with this functionality but all the reviewers say it's the bees knees and it certainly does sound appealing.
2017 Hyundai Elantra SE
TrueCar Estimate: $17,371
Why I'm Considering: Again, it's about $3500 cheaper than a comparably equipped Civic. The Civic does boast stronger resale values, but I'm not sure if this offsets the price premium. It's also a very attractive car and comes well equipped and has Apple Carplay.
Additionally, the Elantra Eco is an option. TrueCar doesn't yet have any pricing for this trim yet; however, it does have a lot of appeal for the MPG gains and stuff like heated seats.
Concerns: Reliability once the 100k powertrain warranty is up. Hyundai/Kia have apparently made huge strides in the last 10 years, but I have my concerns for this type of long-term reliability. Also, while the Eco model sounds appealing I haven't read the most positive reviews of DCT transmissions (not necessarily a Hyundai problem, Ford and Acura both have many DCT complaints).
2016 Mazda 3 Hatchback
TrueCar Estimate: $18,775
Why I'm Considering: Very highly praised vehicle for its driving dynamics, MPG, interior and exterior design, etc. Additionally, I appreciate the versatility of a hatchback design over the other options.
Concerns: No Apple Carplay
There is the Chevrolet Cruze, but a LT automatic (alloy wheels) at TrueCar is $21,330 puts it way too close to the Civic price-wise to consider. In fact, there are several midsize vehicles currently with incentives that are cheaper than the Civic. The 2016 Camry LE comes in at $20,555 and the 2016 Nissan Altima S comes in at a great price of $18,995 (arguably the best deal for the price vs quantity). Both midsizers lack Apple Carplay but their added size for price paid certainly is appealing.
Must haves: Alloy Wheels (I really dislike steel wheels/covers for some reason), preferably a vehicle that should reliably get me through 10 years/150k miles, Apple Carplay (?)
From the research I've done, it looks like the Honda Civic is a stalwart choice that's topping all the comparisons. However, to get myself into a 2016 Honda Civic EX, according to TrueCar the average price paid is $20,974. Compared to some of these other options that's really on the upper end of the price spectrum in this class.
I'm interested in hearing your opinions on the other options in this class. Below I will share the ones I've considered, the TrueCar estimate and my concerns with the vehicle.
2016 Nissan Sentra SV w/ Alloy Wheel Package
TrueCar Estimate: $16,669
Why I'm Considering: The Civic has a near $4k premium over the Sentra and I'm not entirely sure if it's worth it. I may be wrong in making this assumption, but I also feel like as the brand is Japanese I will more reliably get to my goal of 10 years/150k miles...(?)
Concerns: No Apple Carplay. I'm not familiar with this functionality but all the reviewers say it's the bees knees and it certainly does sound appealing.
2017 Hyundai Elantra SE
TrueCar Estimate: $17,371
Why I'm Considering: Again, it's about $3500 cheaper than a comparably equipped Civic. The Civic does boast stronger resale values, but I'm not sure if this offsets the price premium. It's also a very attractive car and comes well equipped and has Apple Carplay.
Additionally, the Elantra Eco is an option. TrueCar doesn't yet have any pricing for this trim yet; however, it does have a lot of appeal for the MPG gains and stuff like heated seats.
Concerns: Reliability once the 100k powertrain warranty is up. Hyundai/Kia have apparently made huge strides in the last 10 years, but I have my concerns for this type of long-term reliability. Also, while the Eco model sounds appealing I haven't read the most positive reviews of DCT transmissions (not necessarily a Hyundai problem, Ford and Acura both have many DCT complaints).
2016 Mazda 3 Hatchback
TrueCar Estimate: $18,775
Why I'm Considering: Very highly praised vehicle for its driving dynamics, MPG, interior and exterior design, etc. Additionally, I appreciate the versatility of a hatchback design over the other options.
Concerns: No Apple Carplay
There is the Chevrolet Cruze, but a LT automatic (alloy wheels) at TrueCar is $21,330 puts it way too close to the Civic price-wise to consider. In fact, there are several midsize vehicles currently with incentives that are cheaper than the Civic. The 2016 Camry LE comes in at $20,555 and the 2016 Nissan Altima S comes in at a great price of $18,995 (arguably the best deal for the price vs quantity). Both midsizers lack Apple Carplay but their added size for price paid certainly is appealing.
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