Which is a better choice, buying a new Manual Power Nothing Kia Rio or an automatic used car? see details...?

Question

the Kia Rio would have power NOTHING

a used car for the same price could have power everything (which i find very convenient)

My fiance wants to get the New Rio b/c of the good warranty

I would like a comparably priced used car w/more options and low miles and is automatic

examples: '05 Corolla, '06 Dodge Stratus, '05 Chevy Malibu, '06Chevy Cobalt, '05 Nissan Altima

We are trying to get a more gas friendly car

which is the better deal... getting a New Manual Power Nothing Rio or a used automatic?

Answer 1

Get a used car. Because a couple of years ago I was going to buy either one or the other. The rio is so plain you don't even get carpet . You would be happier with the used car, I know I am with mine.

Answer 2

The manual Kia Rio is far more efficient due to the lack of a torque converter (a component in an automatic transmission that does the job of the clutch). A manual car will also accelerate quicker and reach a higher top speed than a comparable automatic.

The Kia has a huge advantage in being new: with a new car you can take care of it properly, do the initial break-in yourself etc.. When you buy a second hand car (even a low mileage one) you don't know what it's been through - the previous owner's hobby might have been doing doughnuts and burnouts for all you know, or it might have been in a crash.

If you're not so happy having power "nothing", then I suggest a compromise: get the Kia, but pay the little extra you need to add to get power steering (and perhaps power windows) - it will be worth it in the long run since you're getting the advantage of a brand new car, and power steering is very very useful.

Answer 3

Go with the used one.  The new one will drop in value as soon as you drive it off the lot anyway.

Answer 4

Get a used Honda or Toyota!