Need help and honest opinions on a new/slightly used car.

Shutterbug06

Hi all! I’m new here, but I’m going to be getting a new car soon and need some help narrowing down my choices. Right now I have a 2009 Pontiac vibe which I love dearly, nut I recently went and test drove a Corolla hatchback, but it was way too small. I also drove a Fit, which I did like but it was a little too noisy on the inside. I also drove a civic hatchback, which I fell in love with, but here’s my issue with that.....I’ve read that the 2017-2018 models have an oil dilution problem, but I can’t figure out if this issue is simply overblown or if it something that should definitely stop me from buying a civic all together. I did drive an HR-V as well, which was alright, but I think the CR-V may be a little too big for me.

Does anyone else have any recommendations from brands/models that are extremely reliable and have pretty low maintenance? I know I’m staying away from sedans as I’ve had a hatchback for so long, I can’t go back to one. I want to really stay away from American made cars as I know some just don’t last as long, and I want something that will last me a long time. I’ve read conflicting opinions on the Mazda CX-3, which does look nice, but a friend of mine also told me(who loves cars and works on them himself all the time), that he had one of these and it was in the shop more than he could drive it. I just need some very honest opinions and advice here, even though I won’t be able to buy till closer to the end of the summer. Thanks!

stickguy

I only ever heard of the oil issue on the CRV, and supposedly just earlier models. A new one should be fine. And the mazda is generally considered reliable and well built, but anyone can get a lemon so risky to go with a sample size of 1.

but to answer your question, take a look at the Subaru Crosstrek (or Imprezza hatch if you don't want the CUV style). highly rated, good quality, and from personal experience the few people I know that have them really like them. The Civic hatch though is a really nice model.

oldfarmer50

From what I’ve read the Honda oil dilution problem only occurred when driving short trips in cold weather. If you live in AL you shouldn’t have that problem.