Scotty, what are your thoughts on the upcoming Toyota Corolla Hatchback GR?
I have a 2014 KIA Forte LX sedan, standard transmission, 113k miles, had it since 9700 miles, no issues so far. (I swear!) Thinking since used cars sell for more these days, it might be a cool upgrade, plus I won't be pushing my luck.
Should I do it?
After much pondering and reading up on the engine I have, from KIA/Hyundai mechanics even, I've decided to go with a Corolla Hatchback SE with standard transmission.
At 113k miles the KIA has been a great car, but it's a ticking time bomb. There are upcoming maintenance repairs that will amount to close to $2k, which seems far too risky for an engine that might die in 20k miles. I'd rather get out while the going is good and into something that will last me forever.
Thanks to everyone for your input, it's much appreciated.
Congratulations and all the best!
no issues so far. (I swear!)
Well it's a European Kia Ceed - it's not that surprising,
On European markets these are regarded as some of the best cars out there - xCeed, proCeed, etc.
The weak spot is the engine, it's not a Gamma MPi, It's a NU MPi and they're troublesome.
Usually it begins to tick loudly or looses compression due to cylinder wall scuffing.
So it's not terrible, but not great at all!
These engines don't last like a similar Toyota would.
Should I buy a Corolla Hatchback GR
Avoid the 1.6L 3 cylinder turbo - it has a serious potential to turn out as a nightmare.
If you want a Fun Corolla, get a Corolla Apex or Nightshade - that's just a much better car.
Or a Mazda3, it's also just good all-around and quite fun to drive.
Appreciate the reply! The issue I run into is that I refuse to drive an automatic, which severely limits my options. 🙁
Tried to edit my post but it failed? Forgot to mention, I'd like it be a hatchback for the dogs I have. Sedan just isn't handy for me.
A Corolla Hatch with the regular engine can be bought with a manual - or, you might consider a Mazda 3 with a manual.
A GR86 doesn't have a real back seat, but does have a hatch for your canine co-drivers.
I considered the GR86, but I'm 6'5, and I can't fit into one; I tried! {black}:crazy:
The issue I run into is that I refuse to drive an automatic, which severely limits my options
It doesn't, the Toyota Corolla can be equipped with a 6 speed iM manual for less!
And in the case of the Mazda3, the manual comes only in the Premium version.
Forgot to mention, I'd like it be a hatchback for the dogs I have. Sedan just isn't handy for me
In North America hatchbacks are SIGNIFICANTLY shorter than sedans!
Your main option would be the Corolla Cross but these are NOT offered with a manual as far as I know.
The CX-30 was at one point offered with a manual, and so was the Subaru CrossTrek - unsure wether that's still true, but they're alright options.