Well after looking high and low at thousands of cars, I think I settled on the Scion xD. Before I get killed here, let me explain. My first instinct was to stick with a Mazda and was looking for a 3 Hatch in an auto trans, but they are hard to find. I found tons of sedans and sticks but only a few autos. I found on that had like 56K miles for about $14k and the other I found was about $13k with less miles but when I went to go look at it reeked of smoke (no thanks). For me to be able to pull of what I am trying in need to have an auto trans (I am on my cell 75% of the day for work and hate driving a stick and talking on the cell) and needed to get 32+ miles. The goal is that the difference of what I pay for gas now (about $500+ per month @ 15.5 MPG) and what I would get with a smaller car would pay for the majority of my car payment. After looking at what I needed (and wanted) buying new seems to make more sense if I could get it for what I wanted. Not to sound like a commercial here but we are all car lovers so I know everyone will understand. The xD seemed have the longest list of standard features, mod friendly, best interior, 33 MPG, "can" look good and has the overall bang for the buck I have been dealing with a couple of dealerships and found one that was willing to sell a white one to me for invoice, $15,212 with an auto trans. As far as mods go, I am going to include the TRD Drop Springs into my loan, aftermarket in-dash nav for work and rims. This is what I would like it to look like, although I have a little different idea for the rims but same principal. That you to everyone for your input[/b]
After your 'MODS' whats your new Total? Thats the trap Scion trys to get people with, low sale price and then high options. Also, look at what you can buy a two year old xD for, then look at a two year old Mazda. You will be throwing away you hard earned cash. You do know that if you look around and work with a good dealer you can get into a brand new (no smoke) Mazda 5-door Auto for around $17,750 then in a few years you would still have some value in your car regardless of the ton of miles you'll be putting on it for work.
