my friend is looking at getting a new car...

he has a unique personality so bear with m on these choices...

He's narrowed it down to 3...

Honda Element
Toyota Matrix
or
Scion xA

the element is obviously the biggest of the choices..but the most expensive..being priced out at around $21k

the matrix and the xA are similar in design, but the Matrix is a little bigger, but more costly...around $19k

the xA has price going for it...we priced one out at a mere 15k, with all the options...very inticing, but it's smaller

Here are some thoughts aswell:
The element and the matrix were both priced with 4 wheel drive options.
Toyotas are better cars statistically.
A 1 or 2 year old Matrix would be the same as a brand new xA

Any other insight would be very helpful...
So what does everyone think?

 

If your friend wants a new car. Go for the xA with options. It has side-curtain airbags (Matrix does not), although it's a lil smaller, it's more practical and gets better fuel economy. I mean, granted I'm in my salesperson mode right now (I'm at work) but still, lol.

 

Yeah i should have also mentioned that fuel economy is a big deal for him right now

the Element has the worst with 21/25
the Matrix is in the middle with 25/31
and the xA is at the top with 31/38

so the price and the fuel economy are btoh major selling points for the xA

 

Why no box? and don't tell me he doesn't like boxey...there's an element on that list.

 

actually i suggested the xB after he looked at the element..but surprisingly enuf he said he likes the xA better...*shrug*

 

He needs to drive the box. You can't tell how good a box is by looking just on the outside, you have to dive inside to get a good feel for the box.

 

gotta dive inside. no doubt....oh, you mean the xB.

 

yeah i told him he needs to test drive all of em before he makes any kind of decision...

who knows maybe an xB would still be in the running lol

 

Theres a lot of $$$ difference between those three vehicles as well as different sizes. I would (of course) favor a box!

 

Force him to test drive a box... he'll change his mind!

 

It's kind of interesting that those were among our choices also....well not the xA since we bought the xB, but we considered the other 2 choices you listed. I think the most important questin that needs to be answered is: Does your friend really need the AWD? If not, then the Scion is the logical choice. If AWD is a real priority, i would go for the Element, it is a much more versatile car than the matrix and is holding its value VERY well.

 

we're gonna go test drive some tomorrow, so maybe i can coax him into test driving an xB while we're at it

we shall see, i'll keep you posted

 

Also look int the Pontiac Vibe. It shares the same engine and drivetrain as the Matrix, so basically it's Toyota quality but IMO it looks much better. It also has a smoother ride and did I mention it looks better?