We've got a 2000 VW Golf, and it is easily the best car I've owned. The wife is changing jobs soon, and needs a car that will be a good daily driver for the commute, so we're going to be getting rid of it (driving it for an hour makes her back hurt because it has no lower back support). She originally wanted a mini cooper, but I vetoed that after taking it out for a couple hours from Zipcar. I'm thinking now maybe a used Audi A3, which I can get for around $25k CDN (haven't tried it yet).

Anyone have any suggestions as to smaller cars that I should look at?

Edit: I have a general preference for European minimalist interior design, and fuel economy is a plus.

The Saturn Astra and the Pontiac Vibe both have very supportive seats, in my experience. And they're pretty easy/cheap to maintain, and you can get one new and loaded for the same price as that A3, plus they're nice and tiny.

Other options:

Wait a year and get a Ford Fiesta.

Find a nice, lightly used Matrix/Vibe, '05 and '06 were pretty good years. Try to spring for the more powerful 1.8 I4 engine... that tiny buzzy base 1.8 from Toyota doesn't accelerate well.

If you're buying used, get the Vibe- it'll be cheaper than the Matrix. If you're buying new, go for the Matrix as it holds it value better just because of the Toyota name.

I like the Astra a lot, but we have had trouble getting parts at the GM dealership I work for... this might get worse since Saturn is kinda dead now.

I should add I'm a huge fan of the new body style ('08 and up) Mitsubishi Lancers... they're a REALLY well built car, nice to drive, well appointed, comfortable and they look pretty nice too. They've got a great warranty, and a decent price tag. The new Sportback has a TON of room, too.

just swap in some wolfsburg seats

save the money, swap the drivers seat for a Recaro.... problem solved for 500 bones ... give or take. Don't forget the NeuSpeed sticker... it adds 10hp


Alternatively.... i'm a huge fan of the A3, but I think you can get one for well below $25K

I haven't come across one for much lower than that that still has some warranty left on it (or is Audi certified).

Replacing the seats on the car might not be a bad plan. Have to see if I can find some in the same tan colour.

if you want good mileage get a diesel

Replacing seat/s is a good plan. Or go to Zellers and by a pillow for 4.00. Only after Bandi or a qualified mechanic says your Golf is good for another 60K or more.

If you are hell bent on spending that 25K, I would look at a Nissan Versa. Not 'leading edge' but well rated and shares it's platform with the Renault Clio. Renault owns about 49%? of Nissan. (It wasn't just a one night stand) Go for the manual trans if your wife will approve. Then again, if mostly in town driving, not such an easy choice.

I rented a Nissan Rogue, (love the name) last summer for a trip to Oregon. I wanted a Versa but they were all out. The Rogue was good, but CVT transmission is not for everyone. Good on the highway, but offroad it just revs and sits there for a while. Gas mileage was awesome. The Rogue did not have good rear visibility, like a lot of modern cars. The Versa is somewhat better.

I would also look at a new gas or diesel VW if it has a very good warranty, diesel probably the best choice if you're going to rack up the kilometers. Or, the Matrix, maybe even one of those new Mazdas that is almost a minivan, but smaller. I'd read the fine print on the Mazda warranty though. They had 'thermal incidents' a few years ago. That's lawyer talk for Dude my &*#$(&!@ car's on fire!

If you want above average performance and handling, the Versa may not do it, but you might save 4K or so. I would still give a Versa or similar a good test drive, might just do the trick. Or keep the Golf and invest in abandoned properties, find the new Cabbagetown! Gallery expansion? pardon rant, I needed the release after doing physical work today...

Thanks, A. Lien. Good recommendations. We are a manual transmission only family. I'm not generally a fan of the Nissan styling these days. I've had a Golf IV since 1999... I could use a car with some performance.

Unless I invest in Detroit, $4k won't get much much in the way of abandonments. Even in Buffalo! The gallery could use a bit of work, though.

I loved the Versa I drove when they first came out. My only real issue with them is that they sell too many of them here.

AVOID THE MAZDA....

Why is that? Isn't it just a Ford? (or vice versa?)

Precisely.

They're terrible, and a lot of the newer ones have galvanization issues with the steel, and rust out in like 5 years.

If you liked and were happy with your Golf, why not stay with VW and get a Rabbit? I think it's a fantastic little car, one of my good friends bought a 2009 2.5L last March and he loves it to death. After being in it several times, I thought the interior was much better than the MKIV. More room, much better support and overall comfort from the seats, and the dash organization is great. Only thing is the gas consumption is not the best in it's class, but it is a 170hp-177lb-ft 5cyl, a far cry from the 2.0L 8V. I never thought the 2.0L 8V was that great on gas in the first place, and after much discussion with my friend, his car seemed to be getting better KM's/100L than me with my old Jetta on the highway... The Jetta TDI is another great choice is you're into the VW products.

If you're into roomy and economical cars, the Honda Fit might be world a look at too. I have 2 sergeant and 2 master corporals in my unit that drive fits and they won't shut up about the room/comfort and mostly the mileage.

Posted by Professor Chaos If you're into roomy and economical cars, the Honda Fit might be world a look at too. I have 2 sergeant and 2 master corporals in my unit that drive fits and they won't shut up about the room/comfort and mostly the mileage.

of course.

Perhaps a lightly used Volvo S40/V50? They're fairly compact, with great modern interiors (i.e. "floating" dash) and Volvo has a reputation for comfortable seats.