Car shopping a non-starter: Honda shines, Chevy sinks

May 26, 2008 by Rob.

Laura and I finally were able to go car shopping on a day when the dealers are actually open.  Unfortunately, we did not buy a car.  In fact, we were not even able to drive the a car that we were interested in!  The Honda dealer is 100% sold out and back ordered on all Fits (and Civic hybrids).  Even without those models, they were so busy pushing regular Civics and other models that there was a line waiting at the receptionist.

2008:    2009:

Except for the lack of economy cars, the Chevy dealer was exactly the opposite.  Chevy salesmen were lingering at the entrance dressed-like Hawaiian clad barracudas trying to off-load unwanted gas guzzlers.  They did not even know what an Aveo was and had none in stock.  There were some in the fleet vehicles, but our morose barracuda was not going to show one to us.  He also did not up-sell their MPG comparable Cobalt (which we would have driven).  Frankly, the stink of death hung around the dealer like a cloud of Suburban exhaust fumes.

So…I’m going to get on the waiting list for one of those hot 2009 Fits.  The RAVolt’s awesome and my ICE is still ticking.

Back story about my car selection:

I’m looking for a high mileage 4 door commuter with seating for 5 (us + kids) and Laura wants it to be safe, reliable and cheap.  After convincing Laura that she only gets two of the three we went to look at the Honda Fit.  The Fit hybrid is not due until after 2010, but there is a model update due in August.

I’ve been very interested in the Chevy Aveo.  It’s very inexpensive (not American made) and I wanted to send Chevy a vote with my wallet that there is interest in high MPG cars.  I figure it may spur them on with the Volt.  Unfortunately, the Aveo lacks far enough in every category against Honda and Toyota that they are not practical for people who are buying on more than price.

More back story of cars that had been on my list include:

• Chevy Aveo is cheap and high(ish) mpg, but not well ranked overall
• Madza 3 is mid range and sporty.
• Toyota Yaris is comparable to the Fit, but scores lower.  I like the 2 door, but not the 4 as much.
• Larger options include the Carolla, Civic, Focus, and Cobalt.  They seem OK, but price starts to climb quickly for reasonable optiosn. Mileage is not as good.

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