Car shopping update

Last week I open-sourced my car decision and asked for all of your comments.

Today I took the second step in my fact-gathering, car shopping expedition. Tyler, Stephanie and I headed out to the SanTan Auto Mall to test drive the top suggestions offered by all of you.

First on the list was Power Nissan to check out the Versa and to drive the Cube. Based on comments, I had expected the Versa to blow the Cube out of the water. While sporty with its hatchback and sizable trunk space, the car felt a bit cramped. Stephanie enjoyed the stadium-style seating, so those in the back can see past the driver and passenger. The car is not designed for the tall, or broad shouldered. I didn’t like how the driver’s seat is touching the door, added to the cramp feeling. On the highway, you can hear the engine – though it’s not bad for pickup. Fantastic turning radius.

Next was the Cube. Love the head room and seats are very comfortable. The engine noise is the same as in the Versa. I love, LOVE that the front window is far away from my face – opens up the car. I like feeling high up, which is achieved by the ability of the seat to be “pumped up”. Overall, my favorite pick – despite the fact that Clower thinks it will be keyed in the parking lot.

After Nissan, it was onto the Ford Focus. The salesman here was particularly swarmy and laid on the one-liners thick, including “What’d ya say, Katie? Could you see this beauty in your driveway?”. This salesman also did not know how to turn off the dealer alarm, so the first several minutes were spent awkwardly giggling at the constant honking. Once he managed to smack the alarm into submission, we took the Focus for a spin. I was not a fan from the start. It was a typical Ford and not all the hype everyone had worked it up to be. It’s a heavier car and very sturdy. It feels good to drive and has more pickup than the Nissans – also none of the noise. Great trunk space as well. All around great car, but not my type. The dash set up is annoying and the standard interior color of tan is grotesque. Additionally, even the most basic model is out of my price range.

So, it looks like the Nissan Cube. The price for a 2009 is right and it has the features I need. I may check out the Scion xB before making a final decision, but overall I fell in love with the Cube and it’s more my personality.

A tip on car shopping — I scheduled an appointment with a salesman that had been recommended by a friend, Jim Chikos. The mutual acquaintance eased the pressure of the sale and allowed us to speak openly. Additionally, Jim let my friends and I drive the car without him. As I have a natural need to fill awkward space, the lack of a salesman’s presence put me at ease and allowed me to focus on how the car felt. More likely to give him the sale, than swarmy Ford man.

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Tags: Automobile, Ford Focus, Ford Motor Company, Nissan, Nissan Cube, Nissan Motors, Scion xB