The List is Getting Smaller

As some of you may know, I am searching to purchase a manual transmission, four cylinder, four door sedan. This vehicle I plan to allow my daughter to borrow to learn how to drive a car when she gets her learner’s permit.  This is a continuation of the documentation of my search.

This past weekend I test drove two cars.  I discovered that the probable cause of my unease with the steering of the 2014 Toyota Corolla S Plus is that it may have the new electronic steering that is replacing power steering in most cars.  Different is not necessarily bad.  It may just take a little time.

This week while servicing my existing car, a 2011 Acura MDX.  I had a talk with a mechanic for which I have a lot of respect.  He told me that in his experience the Honda and Toyota models should be my focus.  Most of the other models I mentioned to him, even the Nissan due to a decrease in overall quality over the years just are not good purchases in the long run.

Next, I was discussing my car driving experience with a friend, and he mentioned an article he read, “These Are The Ten Cars You’re Most Likely to Die Driving,” written by Patrick George in January, 2015.  http://bit.ly/18CnPqp

With all of this information, it appears my search is taking a new direction.  The only vehicle on the original list that may meet the criteria is the Honda Fit (though probably not enough horsepower), but I am adding the Toyota Corolla and the Honda Civic.

 

Buying a Second Car – Manual Transmission on which my Child will Learn to Drive

2014 Hyundai Accent

“Buying a Car for my Child” is no longer the title of this blog, as you can see above.

Today, I took the plunge, and test drove my first two cars.  The first was on my list, the Toyota Corolla, and the second was not on my list, the Hyundai Accent.  My motivation was to get this party started is primarily because my daughter is turning 15 at the end of the month, and may decide to become motivated to get her learner’s permit this summer.  Secondarily, I will be renting a manual transmission car during an upcoming vacation, and I wanted to make sure it was “just like riding a bike.”  Honestly, it was easier!

I am going to use a 5 point scale to rate the cars as I test drive them, and identify the reasons why.  I’m sure when I get a few more comparisons in the mix some of the points I assign will change, but I figure I have to start somewhere.

Both cars today received a four out of five-star rating for very different reasons.  Honestly, I think that the Corolla received a four because I was a little disappointed in the steering.  The Accent received a four because I was super surprised how much fun it was to drive.  It is very zippy, and I love zippy.

The other interesting comparison was that even though they were both 2014, and the Corolla had approximately 8,000 miles less than the Accent, the Corolla was about $7,000 more than the Accent.  The Corolla did have the “Plus” package and the Toyota name, but I’m not sure it was worth $7,000 more, especially when Hyundai’s Warranty is so much better.  Food for thought.

Below is a side by side comparison. In bold are the features that the Corolla has which are not in the Accent. I like the rear camera and navigation system. The Smart Key is actually a negative for me. I prefer a key to start my car, not a button. I do not care about the Sunroof.

2014 Toyota Corolla S Plus 2014 Hyundai Accent SE
  • Sunroof(s)
  • Rear View Camera
  • Navigation System
  • Entune
  • Smart Key
  • 2WD
  • ABS Brakes
  • Air Conditioning
  • Alloy Wheels
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Bluetooth
  • CD Audio
  • Cruise Control
  • Leatherette & Cloth
  • Manual Transmission
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Windows
  • Rear Defroster
  • Rear Spoiler
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • Side Airbags
  • SiriusXM Trial Avail
  • Traction Control

 

Gas Mileage

28 City

37 Highway

Base Specifications

Transmission Manual 6 Speed

Drive 2WD

Engine 1.8L

Cylinders 4

Horsepower 132 horsepower@6000rpm

Torque 128 torque@4400rpm

Warranty (source:  autobytel.com)

  • Basic Warranty:  36 months/36,000miles
  • Corrosion perforation warranty:  60 months/ unlimited distance
  • Maintenance warranty:  24 months/25,000miles
  • Powertrain Warranty:  60 months/60,000miles
  • Roadside assistance coverage:  24 months/25,000miles

 

 

 

  • 2WD
  • ABS Brakes
  • Air Conditioning
  • Alloy Wheels
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Bluetooth
  • CD Audio
  • Cloth Seats
  • Cruise Control
  • Manual Transmission
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Windows
  • Rear Defroster
  • Rear Spoiler
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • Side Airbags
  • SiriusXM Trial Avail
  • Traction Control

 

Gas Mileage

27 City

38 Highway

Base Specifications

Transmission Manual 6 Speed

Drive 2WD

Engine 1.6L

Cylinders 4

Horsepower 138 horsepower@6300rpm

Torque 123 torque@4850rpm

Warranty (source:  autobytel.com)

  • Basic warranty:60 months/60,000miles
  • Corrosion perforation warranty:84 months/ unlimited distance
  • Powertrain warranty:120 months/100,000miles
  • Roadside assistance coverage:60 months/ unlimited distance

 

 

Since I have the Hyundai Elantra on my list to test drive in the future, I am very interested in the side by side of the Elantra with the Accent, so here is that comparison.

2014 Hyundai Accent SE 2014 Hyundai Elantra
  • Available Hatch Back
  • Rear Spoiler
  • Bluetooth
  • 2WD
  • ABS Brakes
  • Air Conditioning
  • Alloy Wheels
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • CD Audio
  • Cloth Seats
  • Cruise Control
  • Manual Transmission
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Windows
  • Rear Defroster
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • Side Airbags
  • SiriusXM Trial Avail
  • Traction Control

Gas Mileage

27 City

38 Highway

Base Specifications

Transmission Manual 6 Speed

Drive 2WD

Engine 1.6L

Cylinders 4

Horsepower 138 horsepower@6300rpm

Torque 123 torque@4850rpm

 

Warranty (source:  autobytel.com)

  • Basic warranty:60 months/60,000miles
  • Corrosion perforation warranty:84 months/ unlimited distance
  • Powertrain warranty:120 months/100,000miles
  • Roadside assistance coverage:60 months/ unlimited distance
 

  • 2WD
  • ABS Brakes
  • Air Conditioning
  • Alloy Wheels
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • CD Audio
  • Cloth Seats
  • Cruise Control
  • Manual Transmission
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Windows
  • Rear Defroster
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • Side Airbags
  • SiriusXM Trial Avail
  • Traction Control

 

Gas Mileage

27 City

37 Highway

Base Specifications

Transmission Manual 6 Speed

Drive 2WD

Engine 1.8L

Cylinders 4

Horsepower 145 horsepower@6500rpm

Torque 130 torque@4700rpm

 

Warranty (source:  autobytel.com)

  • Basic warranty:60 months/60,000miles
  • Corrosion perforation warranty:84 months/ unlimited distance
  • Powertrain warranty:120 months/100,000miles
  • Roadside assistance coverage:60 months/ unlimited distance