Car options around 9k - Honda Fit Hybrid/Toyota Aqua is a good option?

dextersnp

I'm looking for a new car, and I would like it to be a hybrid, but my budget is around 9k, I saw that there are many Toyota Aqua and Honda Fit for sale, researching a little I came across news about cars imported from Japan that are targets for thieves even with full immobilizer because they can imagine that it doesn't have it,

I prefer the Honda Fit, is there any version/year that doesn't have this problem about theft?

It would be for daily use, my routine is to drive on the motorway commuting to work, if that's not viable, which model do you recommend?
I saw comments about the BMW i3 in another post, is it a good alternative?

Can anyone who owns it comment on what it's like in terms of maintenance, etc.?

Edit: What about insurance, is it still a problem?

LightHugger

A friend of mine has had a 2014 Jap import Aqua for the last 2 years. She's put about 30k km on it, and never had a problem. It's been to all 4 corners of the country, and lots of city driving too. She loves it & very happy with the fuel economy. It's been serviced twice since she got it. Nothing fancy, just oil & filter changes. The only other expense she's had is a couple of tyres.

...Ghost...

We would need a bit more info before making any recommendations. You say you want a hybrid and prefer a Honda Fit, but on the off-chance there are more suitable options (seems as you mentioned a much smaller i3…usually full BEV) it would be best you give more details for you requirements such as:

What is your typical monthly/annual mileage

Is it a shared vehicle

Do you have access to another car

Does it need to be family friendly…dog friendly etc

What is your work commute…on what roads and percentage R/N/M roads.

Do you need long distance and if so, how often and from where and to? Dublin to Belfast poses different problems than Wexford to Donegal.

Do you have off-street parking and can you have an outdoor socket, or charge point installed if you get a PHEV or BEV.

Finally how flexible is your budget?

User1998

Newer shape Honda Fit isn’t targeted by thieves. They have alarm & immobiliser and can’t be stolen

dextersnp

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122111334#Comment_122111334

Thanks buddy 👍🏼

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122111692#Comment_122111692

Ok, here we go:
What is your typical monthly/annual mileage:

Around 15~20k/year

Is it a shared vehicle

No

Do you have access to another car

No

Does it need to be family friendly…dog friendly etc

No, just for 2 people and sometimes some friends (rarely)

What is your work commute…on what roads and percentage R/N/M roads.

60% Motorway

40% R/N

Do you need long distance and if so, how often and from where and to? Dublin to Belfast poses different problems than Wexford to Donegal.

No, I only a sometimes go to another county to visit or something like that.. Limerick to Cork for example, or Dublin

Do you have off-street parking and can you have an outdoor socket, or charge point installed if you get a PHEV or BEV.

I can’t have a charger at the moment.

Finally how flexible is your budget?

Tbh I’m looking for 8~10k

dextersnp

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122111716#Comment_122111716

New from what year?

This shape?

...Ghost...

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122111743#Comment_122111743

OK. No charge point pretty much rules out any PHEV or BEV, so the i3 is out. Otherwise, it would have been ideal. Very cheap to run and a couple within budget.

I'll leave the floor open to those more familiar with mild hybrids.

User1998

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122111751#Comment_122111751

Yeah, 2013/2014

dextersnp

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122111874#Comment_122111874

And about Honda Fit, what's your opinion?

...Ghost...

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122114105#Comment_122114105

I don't have an opinion on them. Never drove, or considered one.

kanuseeme

Try a Lexus ct 200h, lovely car, much nicer than my previous Honda insight or Prius

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058350854/car-options-around-9k-honda-fit-hybrid-toyota-aqua-is-a-good-option

dextersnp

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122115242#Comment_122115242

Do you have one? Any cons?

kanuseeme

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122115811#Comment_122115811

Had 3 hybrids, on to phevs now, honda insight was a econobox, prius was slightly better, lexus was the nicest, all gave similar economy, around 50 mpg without much effort.

I would think honda or toyota/lexus are bullet proof in nearly every ones eyes.