Looking for a cool hatchback for the college aged kid. Budget is under $10k. Prefer closer to $7k. Automatic.
Any recommendations on what to look at?
Veloster turbo and non-turbo rank high on the list currently. Any reliability issues with them?
Thanks!
All the douche bags that go to Miami University in Oxford, OH with my daughter all have RED (school colors) Mazda Miatas.
Seriously.
In reply to amg_rx7 (Forum Supporter) :
Largely forgotten, which might bring good prices, the The Scion tC is sort of the modern interpretation of a Toyota Celica. Like the Celica, not the fastest in its class and not the best mpg in its class but a nice and reliable car that has some style
GTIs seem to still be popular with the college crowd around here. IDK what year you have to go to to find an automatic in that price range, but could be worth checking out.
Are Honda Fits on the list? If not, they should be.
Though I guess they might not be as cool as I think they are in the eyes of general public.
amg_rx7 (Forum Supporter) said:Looking for a cool hatchback for the college aged kid. Budget is under $10k. Prefer closer to $7k. Automatic.
Any recommendations on what to look at?
Veloster turbo and non-turbo rank high on the list currently. Any reliability issues with them?
Thanks!
I'm pretty sure you want to avoid the auto that comes with the 1.6 turbo.
The non-turbo auto is fine. In na/auto form its a total appliance car, just less useful because the drivers door is gigantic and the hatch is small.
Datsun310Guy said:All the douche bags that go to Miami University in Oxford, OH with my daughter all have RED (school colors) Mazda Miatas.
Seriously.
When I was there from 1989-1993 that specific gang drove Iroc Zs and Blazers. Maybe they've gotten cooler.
In reply to OHSCrifle :
My daughters Korean and complains about the diversity at the school. I'm surprised given the large number of students.
There are a lot of foreign students but they tend to stay in their own clique.
Scion xB or Honda Element if you want room. Honda Fit or scion xA for fun to mostly fun commuting. What Mazda 3 can you also find in that budget? One more - look for a Toyota Matrix/Pontiac Vibe or a Toyota Yaris.
Trying to figure out how a small car can be cool with an automatic and the only option I can see is a lot of engine to make up for the slushbox. So, how about a VW Golf VR6? Unless you want to go crazy and stuff an LS4 in an Aveo, or something equally bonkers.
Some more ideas:
Excessively creative interpretation of your request: C4 Corvette. It can carry a lot of cargo, and the automatic doesn't hold it back much.
No quite as cool now that environment hippies have gone on to electric cars: Prius.
If you're looking at the Veloster, the Kia Soul is mechanically the same. Watch out for the rubber spider coupler in the electric power steering falling apart. I just had to replace mine last week. It's a $20 part and about two hours or less to change, and there's an extended warranty on this. But I found it less hassle to change myself than to make a service appointment.
V6 Accord.
GTI
Volvo C30
Toyota highlander isn't what you are asking for but is also a hatchback if you squint.
Just looked for similar things for my college sophomore this summer. We ended up with a Mk5 2009 Jetta Sportwagen. Not your typical hatchback, but also not crossover either.
I have also seen a lowered Mazda CX-3 (crossover Mazda 2). That looked really good too. 
Mazda 3 with the skyactive is pretty entertaining even with an auto. Agree with the Volvo for unique. Also throw mazda 2 and accent/elantra in there to include everything.
MadScientistMatt said:Trying to figure out how a small car can be cool with an automatic
Came here to say that.
In 2013 (I believe, do the research) the Veloster turbo had serious engine problems, tune related if I recall. Not sure if the non-turbo is the same 1.6 that has the severe oil burning problems.
In reply to amg_rx7 (Forum Supporter) :
A 38 year old Jaguar? I'll see myself out 
johndej said:Mazda 3 with the skyactive is pretty entertaining even with an auto. Agree with the Volvo for unique. Also throw mazda 2 and accent/elantra in there to include everything.
Those are all on the list. We have a Mazda 3 for mom. Unfortunately the second gen 3 is kinda homely and therefore a bit uncool.
The Fit is also on the list but the resemblance to a small minivan makes it a bit uncool too
Soul, Or Fit gets my vote. How about a Chevy Sonic hatch?
In reply to amg_rx7 (Forum Supporter) :
This car with the touch screen is what we had for about a year
In reply to dxman92 :
I love the Sonic, but with a super troublesome cooling system, its probably not something Id recommend to a not quite a car person college student.
2013 or newer MINI Cooper, great fuel mileage, easy to park, plenty of room with the back seats down to haul stuff - and the Clubman is even better - and a complete hoot to drive. Funonabun!
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