The 5 is pretty small considering its occupancy specs. It's narrower than the Focus hatchback and less than a foot longer (the Odyssey, for example, is almost two feet longer than the 5). It's more of a hatchback that happens to have a small third row than a minivan.
The '07 Versa hatch was great, but every model year after that they found new corners to cut. It really isn't the same car any longer.
Honestly a VW golf may be a pretty good fit, but I personally think the Mazda3 is the better option. If you're grabbing an older one maybe even the mazdaspeed.
I've never owned a VW, but I imagine their reliability isn't horrible. A friend of mine has a 2012 Jetta and it has had zero problems so far. Obviously nowhere near conclusive but I think their reputation for issues is a bit overblown.My wife LOVES vw (heck, the beetle could work if I buy compact car seats), but I've heard very bad things about reliability. Are the problems over blown? Which are more trouble free - diesel or regular, if that makes a difference? She likes German styling but I think the best we could afford is Asian/ ford.
Ok, so the more I talk the my wife the more she thinks ditching the minivan is a good idea (it's currently garaged until the weekends). Mazda 5 is in the lead now, but we're also considering wagons. Heck, there's a great deal on a 2010 bmw 3 series wagon that's super tempting - we don't drive much and I need a hobby, was thinking an extended warranty plus babying the car will relieve some of the long term reliability concerns. Otherwise the Mazda 5 seems great
But how often does one get into a small offset collision?mazda 5 is an old design, if you care about safety you'd pass.
But how often does one get into a small offset collision?
how often does one buy a 'new' car?
mazda5 is also marginal in a side crash.
But how often does one get into a small offset collision?
Volvo V60.
We have two Versas in my family, one is an '08, I forget the other one, but one is a 5-speed auto (actually that might a 4-speed auto iirc) & one is CVT. Both are excellent. The CVT is actually really well-done, but the geared automatic is nearly as smooth too. My friend just bought the new redesigned Versa Note hatchback & I feel like they ruined it. It's a nice car & all, but it's very narrow inside now & went from feeling like a nice hatchback to very much an economy car (although it does have nicer materials inside & WAY better MPG now!). At 6', I've been comfortable when I've driven the Note hatchbacks prior to the Note redesign. Reliability has been good & they are relatively cheap.
OP, be sure to check out Truecar - they have a Used section now:
https://www.truecar.com/
A lot of the 2011/2012 Versas are going for $10k in my area.
Funny, had a 2002 volvo s80 that I liked a lot other than the constant trips to the dealership toward the end of it's life. Considering the v60 for sure.
2011 or last year of the Hyundai Elantra Touring.
Hatch is pretty big for a stroller and more. The only downside is the fuel economy is not quite as good as it should be because of the 4spd auto. But if your not driving fast or great distances, the room inside makes up for the fuel economy. They are very cheap used but decent cars. Pretty sure you can get one for well below your budget.
I have an 08' Versa hatchback with the CVT and it has been amazingly reliable. The only time it has ever been in the shop was due to a couple idiots hitting my vehicle and for earl changes. I have 167k on it now and nothing ever breaks. Was offered $2k for it as a trade in the other day.
Interesting choice - the 3rd row is tempting since we may be able to get rid of the minivan entirely. But my wife really wants something small to
Illegally park quickly to run our kid to school, Not sure if a mini-mini van is the right choice