I am sort of thinking about getting a new cage...

[Jabba]

I am torn.  I have a 2005 Dodge Magnum RT.  I really like it a lot.  But I had a LOT of trouble with it under warranty.  The warranty is now gone... and I am nervous.

I am thinking about a Kia Soul, a Nissan Cube or a Volkswagen Beetle Diesel.

Anyone have any experience with any of those?  i know I'll miss the zoom zoom of the HEMI Dodge... but the DOUBLED fuel mileage (or more) will be nice.

I am gonna go sit in a couple of them today.  Just for education sake.

Jabba

[old2soon]

Just make sure whatever you get fits you. When we lived in Colorado the now ex wife bought a Ford Escort. Lets just say it wern't built fer folks taller than 5' 10" tall.  My brother(da prez)has a Volkswagen diesel but it's not the beetle. Good luck with yer auto purchase. RIDE SAFE.

[Serk]

We had a VW Beetle, not diesel though, but it spent most of it's warranty mileage going back and forth to the dealer. And not just on engine things. (Headlight buckets breaking, windows stopped going up and down, radio shorting out, lots of electrical problems and small mechanical problems.)

I personally would avoid VW again from our own experiences.

Nissan in general, I've got an '08 Altima, and love it. (Doesn't hurt that the Altima is made in the USA too... Not sure where the Cube is made or if that matters for ya'...)

Needless to say, you're not petite, so be sure to make sure you can comfortably fit!

[T-Bird]

[GiG]

-VW Beetle, not diesel though, but it spent most of it's warranty mileage going back and forth to the dealer. And not just on engine things. (Headlight buckets breaking, windows stopped going up and down, radio shorting out, lots of electrical problems and small mechanical problems.)

VW is notorious for electrical problems.
One of the worst cars ever made. Beware.
I have been testing vehicles for over 30yrs.
Never tested a KIA, so that scares me. Been hearing a lot about KIA using inferior steel and faulty steering and suspension systems...

[hubcapsc]

I am torn.  I have a 2005 Dodge Magnum RT.  I really like it a lot.  But I had a LOT of trouble with it under warranty.  The warranty is now gone... and I am nervous.

I am thinking about a Kia Soul, a Nissan Cube or a Volkswagen Beetle Diesel.

Anyone have any experience with any of those?  i know I'll miss the zoom zoom of the HEMI Dodge... but the DOUBLED fuel mileage (or more) will be nice.

I am gonna go sit in a couple of them today.  Just for education sake.

Jabba

Sit in a Mini Cooper... get the salesD00d to show you how to not only move the seat back and forth, but
also pump it up and down... you'll fit! If you get the turbocharged one, you won't miss any zoom zoom...
There's a new one this year, just a little bigger, but with four doors...

I take mine in for all the service, not cheap, but it has never missed a beat since 2005, 120,000 miles ago...

-Mike "there's nothing I even recognize under the hoods of new cars..."

[R J]

Daughter has a KIA Sonato, with the 4cyl turbo engine.

It has plenty of spunk.

She has about 65,000 on it and so far no problems.

She runs it about 100+ miles a day to and from work or to her work site(s).  She is a Construction Engineer and has 4 sites under her control most of the time.

[Phil57]

All I know about is the KIA. I did the brakes for my daughter at around 38000. Everything was rusted so badly I had to beat the hell out of it. Never saw anything like it before.Tried to talk her into selling it
because it didn't seem safe. She took it to the dealer and they said it was no big deal. I flushed the lines and I'll keep eye on it. She loves it. I think its a POS.
Me I like my Buick, Jeez I'm getting old!

[Patrick]

I can't help with any of the vehicles you're thinking about except to say I'm not a big fan of Kia or VW.. Have you considered a Honda ??

I guess my question is,, what problems have you had with the Dodge ??

One thing I am a big fan of are the electronic rust-proofers/preventers ,, I've found over the years that they do work..

[Jess Tolbirt]

I have a KIA soul,, they are made in Chattanooga, Tn.. i have 70,000 miles on it now and nothing has had to be done to it. it gets 28 mpg combined interstate and city and i drive the crap outta it...i pull a trailer also and it has plenty of pep..rides great,, has all the toys like blue tooth, cruise control, serious xm and other stuff... for the price i paid which was 15,000 it was a great buy and i would buy again,,, go to the soul forums and read up on them...

edit: the seats pump up and down also.. plenty of room for my 6 foot frame,,also tilt steering wheel..

[solo1]

If you want Zoom, Zoom, try a Mazda.  I'm on my second Mazda, a Mazda Three 2.5 Sport.

I wouldn't recommend my Three as it's a smaller car but you might look at the new CX5.  It's a middle size SUV with an EPA 30mpg rating .It's also available with all wheel drive.  Direct injected engine.  It is rated second in reliability next to Toyota.  Mazdas have a good reputation for fit and finish.

ALL Mazdas have firmer rides and handle much better than the average cage.  My Three handles very well but not quite as good as the Miata that I had.  Try a Mazda on Highway 135 down your way Jabba.

[csj]

You lads are trying to get jabba to squeeze into a kia or a mazda?

Be like a great dane humpin a chihuahua.

[Stanley Steamer]

I've got 62,000 on my Kia Sorento.......with very few problems......it does seem to go through front brakes rather fast.......but it has been very dependable.......I don't like the style of the new Sorentos even though they are built in a 1 Billion $$ plant in LaGrange, GA......The smaller Kia Sportage is supposedly a good ride too.....

If I were going to buy a new car, I'd go for the Kia Optima.......very sporty looking......and Kia's have a 10yr, 100,000 mile warranty on the engine/drivetrain.....

[ricoman]

future son-in-law has a Kia Soul. bigger than it looks, 30000 mi. in just over a year,not one single problem-nothing, still feels tight as a tick on a hunting dog
I call it the "hamster car", great commercials

[T-Bird]

I have a KIA soul,, they are made in Chattanooga, Tn.. i have 70,000 miles on it now and nothing has had to be done to it. it gets 28 mpg combined interstate and city and i drive the crap outta it...i pull a trailer also and it has plenty of pep..rides great,, has all the toys like blue tooth, cruise control, serious xm and other stuff... for the price i paid which was 15,000 it was a great buy and i would buy again,,, go to the soul forums and read up on them...

edit: the seats pump up and down also.. plenty of room for my 6 foot frame,,also tilt steering wheel..

VW has a plant in Chattanooga,TN where they produce the Passat. I think think the Kia plant is located in Ga. off I-85.

[Jabba]

Troubles with my Dodge...

Inner Tie rod ends.  
Inner tie rod ends.
Outer tie rod ends
inner tie rod ends
inner tie rod ends
AC Evaporator compressor.
Seatbelts.
Nav system / MP3 / radio

The steering line is VERY susceptible to vibration, and goes to hell quickly.  I hear the answer is MOOG tie rod ends.  If I ever have to fix it, I'll do that.

I am going to try to talk myself into keeping it and banking the payment for a while.  I only owe $1400 on it so I am close enough to pay it off.  Unless I can get a deal on something that I like with 0% interest, and not a lot of money.  I can almost trade the Wagnum for a Cube.

I looked at Beetles, Cubes and Soul's today.  

I like the look of the new Beetles the most.  The interior of the cube is nicer that the Soul.  The warranty on the soul is the best.

I like the idea of the TDI Beetle.  They are VERY porsch-esque looking and get 40+ MPG in diesel.

I dunno.  not interested in ANYTHING  SUVish or crossoverish.  I'll probably just buy a beater truck, and keep the Wagnum for a while, and bank the monthly payment for a a year or so.  I have been getting itchy to change out every 4-6 months for a couple years...  I have held out so far.

Jabba

[da prez]

We are on our third V W jetta TDI. This one has 90,000 miles on it in under 4 years. Had a suspension problem that warranty took care of. We will buy another when the time comes.
Go find a used one to try it for the zip. We drive the heck out of it and average 38 to42 mpg. If you figure cost per mile when someone says diesel is higher , it is much less than gas.
For us , so far so good.
                                                       da prez                                     

[Gavin_Sons]

Get a cube. Those are my favorite little car. I test drove them awhile back when I was looking for a commuter cage. Neat little cars. I finally talked myself into just riding the valk. Good decision on my part until winter hits.

[BradValk48237]

JAbba,

Take a look at the Scion Xb..... lotsa leg room for a smaller car and good milage... and you can get stuff in it..... decent price too......

Have a friend that has one........

Brad

[cookiedough]

I wouldn't buy any 3 of your choices, but the best of those 3 for the price if you can fit inside is the Kia Soul I think.  Kia and Hyundai (one in the same really)  have come a long, long, way in terms of reliability and comfort and looks the past 2-3 years.  Before 3 years ago, I wouldn't buy either EVER, butt ugly and not reliable.  We bought a 2011 Hyunda Santa Fe 3.5L V6 new for 23.5K mid-grade SE model and achieve day in day out avg. mileage of 25 mpg with best being 29 mpg, can't complain about that in a very fast and powerful V6 with plenty of room much more so than the 3.5L V6 in a former Toyota RAV4 we had nothing but problems with.  So far, no issues to speak of with our Hyundai Santa fe, very nice.

If you are looking for a commuter car ONLY,  I would recommend a used 2009 or 2010 Toyota Corolla LE 4 door sedan.  Although I am only 5'10" and being 275lbs.,  it is by far the best riding/quiet interior, most fuel efficient at 35 avg mpg comfortable for anyone 6'1" and shorter and under say 280lbs.  Back seat is pretty small though but for a commuter car, is very nice.  You can pick one up used for 12-13K with under 40K mileage vs. buying new for 17.5K.  

Don't know anything about VW or Nissan Cube, but don't like the looks really of any 3 of your choices.  If you want funky,  consider what my neighbor bought is a Nissan Juke turbocharged 4 cylinder very peppy, but a love or hate look to it.  It is very roomy inside I think when he let me drive it, but the lack of a center console to store stuff and rest your right arm on wouldn't buy it for just that reason.  Also, sucks you should buy 91 octane gas to make the engine run better thus achieving about 27-28 avg. mpg.  He got it with all the bells and whistles for 24K including AWD version should handle well in the snow with good ground clearance but behind the rear seat is lacking storage area (very small) and headroom is limited for anyone over 6'.

[Jabba]

I am 6'2" and am long waisted.  I have a short (32") inseam, but have the torso of someone 6'6". 

I weigh 330, and have been in the gym a lot lately.  I am WIDE. 

I also have size 14 EEE wide feet, and wear boots most of the time.  Cockpit space, and "fit" is VERY important, and somewhat subjective to me.  My wife's 2004 Suburban doesn't have enough room unless I take my shoes off.  But my Wagnum is awesome, and the most comfortable thing I have ever driven.

I have accepted the fact that I am a freak, and destined to be uncomfortable, unless I am on the Valk.

Jabba

[cookiedough]

Don't know what to tell you Jabba,  if you can't fit inside a Suburban, then might need a dump truck?  LOL 

Highly recommend asking dealer to let you take one home for the weekend and put some real world miles on it.  My neighbor somehow asks the dealer to let them have new vehicles on the lot all the time and gets to take them home for the weekend to drive around and see what they like/dislike.  Most dealers will do it, but some will not.

I know in 2007 when I bought my first Toyota vehicle ever,  dealer let me take the new 2007 5.7L Toyota Tundra out for the weekend and I even told him we are planning on going on a long trip and put over 600 miles over the weekend.  Dealer said no problems to my surprise on a 36k msrp new truck.  Once I drove it a lot, I was hooked and this is from a guy who has bought Chevy Silverado's and strictly Chevy guy since late 80's.    Haven't looked back since, the Tundra rules the 1/2 ton market in power and looks by far in my opinion plus resale is the best as well in any 1/2 ton truck.

[Jabba]

Jabba,  if you can't fit inside a Suburban, then might need a dump truck?  LOL 

Even dump trucks have small cockpits.   

Yeah I don't know... I need more money, that's what I need.  So the mileage doesn't matter.  I'd buy a big 3/4 ton 4x4 diesel truck, and be done with it.

Jabba

[BF]

How do you feel about Ford trucks? 

I'm 6'2", 32" inseam, 260-ish.  Drove a buddy's Tahoe awhile back and felt cramped in it too.

More than plenty room in my Expedition for me. 

Next vehicle for me will be a Ford F150 Supercrew. 

Next vehicle for the wife might be a Mustang convertible.  We're casually shopping around now and might pull the trigger on one early next year. 

[Rams]

Didn't read all the replies but, I can tell you this, if I were able and in the market for a new passenger cage, the VW turbo diesel is way ahead in every category that's important to me.  I know several folks that have them and know several mechanics that work on them.  The represent the near term and long term future of cages IMHO.  Excellent reliability and fuel misers.  I'm not into the smaller cars for family needs but, if I were, a VW Turbo Diesel would be in my future and still may be.

You couldn't give me a Kia or a Hyundia.  Not impressed with Minis, and can't stand the though of a Smart Car even in my neighborhood, much less my own garage.  But, opinions are like............. well, you know what opinions are like.

[Oss]

Would never get another 300m chrysler had TWO rack and pinions break

Scariest thing to imagine as there is no steering whatsoever when that happens

I have had vehicles catch fire but that almost did me in  Thank goodness I was not on a mountain road at the time

[Patrick]

Tie-rods are about the only problem I've seen and heard about.. I believe that is now fixed.. If they're replacing them under warranty there is not too much more one can ask for.. But,, Moog is the good fix and its not really too expensive.. I'm kinda surprised to hear that both the compressor and evaporator had to be changed,, under warranty I hope..
As far as 0 % financing is concerned,, do the math and read the fine print before autographing anything.. It might surprise you..

As for the broken steering racks,, I've not heard of that problem.. That has to be scary as hell.. And,, to have it happen twice..

[Jabba]

I'm kinda surprised to hear that both the compressor and evaporator had to be changed,, under warranty I hope..

Hell I am an HVAC guy and still messed that up.  AC Compressor was fine.  The evaporator got replaced under warranty.  OOps.

I am not a Ford guy.. Something about the ergonomics of the doesn't fit me well.  It's just... wrong.

Jabba

[f6john]

      I say keep the wagon, especially if it fits you. I have a 95 Impala SS that just suits me. 185,000 miles and I still like it. Every time I go look at new rides, the price nearly chokes me, but when I get it and drive them I am not impressed. I have a 1985 Silverado that I like to drive as well or better than my 2005 Titan. If I had the extra cash laying around I would put my 67 Chevelle back on the road.

     Or you could just go buy something new and stimulate the economy for the rest of us.

[Serk]

Dunno what it is about full size trucks (Suburbans, F150's, etc) but in my experiences they tend to be REALLY tiny and uncomfortable for us bigger guys. I drove a tiny mid-engined Toyota MR2 for 20 years and it has WAY more leg room then the large trucks...

I'm 6'7", 310 pounds, and currently drive a Nissan Altima. And for the first time in my life, I do NOT have to have the seat as far back as it will go to be comfortable. I'm actually able to move the seat so far back that I can't easily reach the pedals. And that's saying something, IMHO...

[fudgie]

Wel then a smart car is out of the question then, huh? 

[cookiedough]

Wel then a smart car is out of the question then, huh? 

Actually,  I saw a TV segment on the fit for 2 smart car and is actually fairly roomy for bigger guys, only 2 though with no room for nothing else new for around 15K, not a bad deal if you like a car the size of an ATV that you can pick up and move around.

[Jabba]

 

[Titan]

Be careful if you expect to make your choice based on published gas mileage numbers.
Check this out.


Partial from the full article..
Hyundai and Kia overstated the gas mileage on most of their models from the past three years in an embarrassing blunder that could bring sanctions from the U.S. government and millions of dollars in payments to car owners.

Because of the inflated mileage, discovered during an audit by the Environmental Protection Agency, the Korean automakers must retrofit the window stickers on the cars, reducing their fuel economy figures by one-to-six miles per gallon depending on the model, the agency said Friday.


EPA finds Hyundai, Kia overstated gas mileage
http://www.foxnews.com/leisure/2012/11/02/epa-finds-hyundai-kia-overstated-gas-mileage/?intcmp=features

[scoot]

This is my wife's Cube. This little thing is awesome. It gets around 33-35 MPG on the highway, rides nice, and all kinds of space inside. It turns on a dime, and very easy to park. It was came fully loaded. Best this we liked is that it doesn't look like everyother vehicle on the road.
 

[hubcapsc]

I really like that cube 

I love funny looking cars, and hate all the ones that look the same as all the other ones...



-Mike

[fudgie]

The x wife has a cube and it is very roomy.

[Jabba]

If I got a cube... it HAS to be a manual transmission.  I HATE HATE HATE the Constant Velocity Transmission they use as an automatic.  No GOOD reason why... I just don't LIKE it.

I would sorely miss the 350 HP of my Hemi RT Magnum. 

I don't like the teeny tiny tires the cube has.  But... that's part of the reason it gets such good gas mileage.  Plus tires would be cheap.

I'd need to add a trailer hitch too, so I could put the bicycle rack on it.  And MAYBE (???) pull a tiny trailer with my quad on it to deer camp.

It would also need a safari style roof rack.  To carry the stuff that's too big or too dirty for the inside of the car.

I like weird cars too.  I am NOT a fan of the "me too" cars that are indistinguishable from one another.

I am still sort of holding out for a TDI Beetle.  Although they are about $10K more.   

[scoot]

My wifes Cube has 17" tires. They come standard on the SL package. Sadly 2012 is the last year for the Cube in the US. According to the Dealer there just isn't the demand.

[YoungPUP]

Check out the Subaru Impreza 5 door if yer hell bent on a safari rack. Just got my 4 door in Feb of this year, 10k miles into it and love it.  Even starting to like the CVT ( better fuel mileage than the manual box).
Here's an Idea for ya. http://www.subaru.com/build-your-own/impreza.html?s_kpi=hero_image