Hey guys!!! i'm new around here and please tell me if this is not the right place to post this.

Now im looking forward of getting myself a used car because right now I own a volvo s60 and its a timed bomb. Now my biggest criteria for my new car is fun to drive! Oh and good MPG. Now I've narrowed my selection for these cars but im not sure which is the most fun to drive.

- 1 gen honda fit manual (2008)
- 1 gen mazda 3 2.3 manual (2006-2007)
- acura rsx manual (not the type-s) (2004)

Now I know your going to say that there not comparable and the acura is probably funner but Im a teenager and insurance and money are important for me! And I'm asking myself if its worth paying the extra money in gas, insurance and parts (due to the fact that its an older car) for the RSX and 3. And is there a big difference in handling for both of these cars compared to the fit?

As I said I'm looking for a car that I can throw in corners nicely, that I will have good feedback in the steering, put a smile on my face, and cheap to run!!!

Thanks Guys!

 

The Fit. Its not as fast as the other two but its fun to drive, takes regular gas, cheap to insure, and it can be modded on the cheap.

 

u can almost bet that the rsx will be a hot item for thieves. something to think about.

between those, i think the rsx would be my choice, followed by fit and then the maz

 

From the title of this post I SO thought this was an AutoX thread.

I CONSTANTLY compete against both modded RSX's AND Mazda 3's.

I have a 2008 Fit Sport 5MT, and so far, with some prep and seat time I have NO problem beating those other cars at the AutoX course :



I can also haul ALL my tools and tires in the back, get 30+MPG and have maybe 1/2 the total $$$$ invested in my car total.

PLUS you have a whole forum full of us FitFreaks to ask for help and advice :D

 

It's the driver, not the car?
If you don't need the room and want performance I would say RSX. Not a Mazda guy myself.

 

If you were looking at used hatchbacks alone here is a ranking :

Best Used Hatchbacks under $15K | U.S. News Best Cars

 

I wouldn't leave the Mazda 2 out, it will out handle the Fit, but the downside it there is hardly any room in back.

 

Mazda 2 is also a good choice!

The driver does make a huge difference in AutoX, but even skilled drivers have a hard time in the RSX. Too much weight, which is poorly distributed and even with the LSD of the type S, too much power to get it down on corner exit. I won't even start on the suspension.

OP, have you test driven anything? That will really help you decide!!!

 

You're describing cars at three points on the performance spectrum.
The Fit gets great economy and is fun, but slow.
The Mazda3 is a bit more fun.
The RSX is getting to be more of a semi-performance car, with better suspension and a bigger engine.

Now, the RSX at this point is older. You will sometimes find things like radiator and brake replacements cost money; you need a little more $$ in reserve to cover this. Over time, it won't be a lot of money, but the spend may be required at times that are not of your choosing. Of course, 2004 isn't THAT old, so you just have to be attentive to the car.

The Mazda3 is newer, but not more reliable, and not as fast or as good round the bends as the RSX. In this comparison, I wouldn't consider it, except that a Mazda3 is easy to find used and a good RSX is not.

The Fit is of course extremely reliable, and slow and loud, and still very fun. A 1.5L engine pales next to the 2.4 in the RSX but there's more to life than straight-line speed and if that's the only thing in YOUR life then you better find something faster than an RSX that's for sure :P

I think it depends what you want. The RSX is fine for a student's only car, and pretty capable as a driving machine. The Fit will be something you can keep as you become responsible and have to carry apartment supplies and maybe even kids. Your friends will still be able to carry these things but they'll be spending 200$ a month extra in car payments while your Fit keeps chugging along.


At many points in my life I would have chosen the RSX for the performance credo so I won't blame you at all if that's what appeals to you. These cars are pretty different so I think you should go with your gut :)

 

i checked out the maz2 last year but they were like a generation or two behind honda.

the thing took be back to late 1990's/early 2000's. lol

 

What about a car similar to the RSX the 2002-05 Honda Civic Si hatchback?

 

I ALWAYS liked the EP3. Fun "rally" style stick shift, near as much cargo versatility as the Fit, PLENTY of aftermarket support yet sporty in stock trim.

It still has handling issues... BUT overall SHOULD be in the same price range and tick most of the same boxes!

 

 

^Mmmm...SMEXY :D

 

I always thought this was cool but i've never driven one and have no idea how wierd/notweird it is in practice.

Either RSX or EP3 would be fun, check insurance rates first, I have a feeling anything with "Civic" and "Si" in the name is going to be more expensive than you'd think.

All of those cars are fun to drive IMO.

 

Always like the looks of this model the only thing is the funky shifter on the dash rather then the floor not sure if this was really a improvement.

 

The shifter motion is identical to floor mounted. :)