For Current VT Owners: If you could do it again, would you still buy a VT?

[shaX 07]

As the title states, it's a straight forward question. Now that you've owned your VT for a little bit, if you could do it all over again (knowing what you now know from owning the car) would you still buy a VT?

I'm hoping to get some input from others who've owned their cars for at least a few months, if you've owned your VT for 4 days you're probably not fully equipped to answer this question yet.

For me, I can honestly say that I don't even know for sure yet if I would still buy a VT, knowing what I know now. Why you ask? Well first off, a big factor in buying this car for me was the fuel economy. I drive 80+ miles a day and I spend a lot of money in Gas. I was hoping this car would have saved me money over my 07 Civic Si (rated at 21/29) but i'm getting the same mileage in this, sometimes worse.

Aside from fuel economy, I really do love the car. I love the styling and I love the interior and the way it feels and all of the goodies that came standard with it. It's quite spacious for a small car and i've been able to use it as a family hauler quite well (I haul around my 1 year old son rear facing and also his 8 year old sister just fine with plenty of cargo loaded).

The only other thing that is displeasing to me about the car is of course, the suspension. I knew that the car wasn't going to handle like an FRS, clearly I know what the car is and that it has a solid rear axle. I'm not super disappointed by the car's handling, but there are times when I wished I had a more performance oriented suspension (Focus ST please).

Financially speaking, I could have bought a Focus ST for not too much more than I payed for my VT (I had a local Ford dealer offering to sell me an ST for $1,100 under MSRP). Given that it seems like both cars probably achieve the same fuel economy, that wouldn't have even been an ultimate factor and the ST would have been a better performer in both straight line performance and suspension. I'm not as big on the styling of the ST and of course you get a lesser warranty, which was another factor in my VT purchase decision.

All in all, i'm certainly not unhappy that I bought a VT, I just feel like the fuel economy ratings are Highly overstated (as i've stated in other threads). I know that most cars don't get their EPA ratings these days, but you shouldn't average 11 MPG Less than the highway rating when you drive 90% highway miles (regardless of how you drive). I've driven the snot out of other cars and got maybe 2-4 MPG less than EPA rating, not 11.

[Boots Ylectric]

Absolutely. I wish it got better fuel economy at higher highway speeds, but it's still better than my acura, and when I'm doing the speed limit it's actually quite acceptable. It's comfortable as hell for my commute and long road trips I take. It's extremely practical, and by adding a roof rack I can really pack big for road trips. Reliability we shall see. I'm at almost 8000 miles now and not a single problem, but I'm not even worried because of my warranty.

There were cars I wanted to purchase more at the time I bought my VT. But, All in all still looking back on it I'm extremely happy the VT was my final decision. A friend and I were just talking about it this last weekend and she agreed of my choices this was the best one.

[Boots Ylectric]

Absolutely. I wish it got better fuel economy at higher highway speeds, but it's still better than my acura, and when I'm doing the speed limit it's actually quite acceptable. It's comfortable as hell for my commute and long road trips I take. It's extremely practical, and by adding a roof rack I can really pack big for road trips. Reliability we shall see. I'm at almost 8000 miles now and not a single problem, but I'm not even worried because of my warranty.

There were cars I wanted to purchase more at the time I bought my VT. But, All in all still looking back on it I'm extremely happy the VT was my final decision. A friend and I were just talking about it this last weekend and she agreed of my choices this was the best one.

Oh and I forgot to mention, it's fun to drive, fun to look at, and I love how people react to it.

[jcroscigno]

I picked up my VT at the end of September and couldn't be happier. 3 trips back and forth from SF to LA have been the majority of my 4k miles, but even around the city it's just so much fun to drive. I do sometimes wish that the Navigation/backup camera was an option for those that don't want a sunroof, but otherwise consider me extremely satisfied. I get good mileage on the long trips, and since I'm not commuting with this, so I really don't worry so much about fuel economy during daily driving.
Coming from a Scion xA, I'm also pleased that there is a growing community online for the Velosters.

[dianebrat]

The only other thing that is displeasing to me about the car is of course, the suspension. I knew that the car wasn't going to handle like an FRS, clearly I know what the car is and that it has a solid rear axle. I'm not super disappointed by the car's handling, but there are times when I wished I had a more performance oriented suspension (Focus ST please).

Sidebar comment:
Poor daily drive commute ride quality was a significant factor in my trading in my NAV for a Focus ST, but even the performance oriented Focus ST suspension is significantly better feeling and far smoother riding the the NAV (and by association the VT) ever was, it's night and day, and for me the Focus ST was the right move. I went from cringing every time I saw a bump or rough spot ahead of me to just making sure I avoid potholes.

[pjeffery]

Arguably I moved downmarket as I have previously had a Mini Cooper S. an Audi TT, a Sirrocco and a Peugeot RCZ - [yes a car nut!]. However the Veloster Turbo has really impressed me - not had to pay for any extras, it is zippy and most of all much more practical than the other cars - main point is it is narrower which makes it much more practical on the busy streets of Briitish cities and that all major pedal and stalk controls are light and easy to use, een when in slow moving traffic. Great car and great service so far from local Gloucester UK dealership My only regrets are minor - would not choose matte grey paint again as always worried about damaging it .. and also why not put leather on the hand brake to match
steering wheel and manual gearhandle set up.

[VeloT]

I'm 3k miles in...I really like my VT, but I think I would be happier with a Gen Coupe. Also, I wish I had held out for a MT, there were none in my area when I bought mine. I think my satisfaction level with the VT will go up once the performance aftermarket picks up. Hopefully somone will come out with a tune that will wake this car up.
I like all the looks and questions I get whenever I go through a parking lot...it's one of the best looking reasonably priced cars out IMHO.

[elecblue06]

only had mine for 3 weeks but i'd definitely do it again.. the car was worth the 3.5 month wait imo

[Mingo85]

EDIT: VT owner since July (Holy! I've had you for 6 months now baby, time to celebrate with a spirited drive home tonight!)

My straight forward answer: Yes

The long-winded answer: But since everyone is giving additional info as well, I'll join in. It simple meets all the needs as my daily driver. It gives me enough power when I need it (most of the time, I never hit rpms that would even engage the turbo anyway (so essentially I guess it is like driving it NA) while providing me with the gas efficiency around what I would expect. It provides just enough storage for most my household needs (the ones that don't work happen 2-3 times a year and would require the van/SUV at a minimum so no hatch would have saved me from this). It provides the comfort and technology I am happy with and consider above average for the price. I like a lot of balance and I think the VT provides that to me. Any improvements in other areas (power, suspensions, driving experience) would have either costed more and had sacrifices in areas I would have no preferred (storage, comfort, fuel efficiency, interior quality, etc) or if it did cost the same or less I would significantly sacrifice in some of those other areas. Styling also played a huge role, the look of the car unfortunately affects my decision greatly. Lastly, for better or for worse, I really wanted something different and in a really nice darkish blue. There are a lot of cars I would consider and like but for keeps and the price I was willing to dish out for a car for my daily drive at that time, I pick the VT again and again.

[gt800]

6500 miles. Answer Yes

[timo]

Had my VT since August and typically complete in city driving. I too drive conservatively but well appreciate having the Turbo and added horsepower when I need it. The gas mileage is what it is..I typically drive less than 10k a year so it really does not matter. I have not changed my opinion on the car since I had it trucked to Arizona from Chicago...would do it again. The car has everything on it I wanted (except blind spot mirrors), is fun to drive and I can easily put my mountain bike in the back. The roads out here are new and smooth so the stiff suspesion is not an issue. I still vote the Veloster Turbo as the best looking hatch in the market and continue to thank the South Koreans for thinking out of the box. The car turns heads and makes smiles and my answer is a resounding Yes, as Curly would say "Certainly".

[Bonepuddle]

Yes. I'd buy it again - it is a very well rounded car that meets all of my needs. It drives, looks, and feels sporty and is practical enough for me.

I did do a lot of research before hand and multiple test drives of various different cars in the same category and would certainly buy it again.

[nvyseal]

I would most definitely. Im very happy with my VT

[AdelaideSRT]

Yes, definitely - I've come out of a 5.7l V8, so fuel economy is never going to be an issue for me, I've halved my fuel bill without even trying for economy. I am only three weeks into the car, have done just over 2000 kilometers in that time, including a couple of really spirited drives in the hills yesterday - being the Christmas holidays we've pretty much been in the VT the whole time, and the wife and kids love it too.

An extremely anti Hyundai friend admitted that if he ever chose to not hate a Hyundai, this would be the car to make him do it... He's been for three rides in it so far. He also asked what I'd 'lost', moving from the Statesman, and other than the electric passenger seat, neither of us an come up with much - it even holds enough in the boot for the four of us to go away for an extended weekend - love it

The response of others to the car is also a bonus - I've had 'individual' looking cars for the past twenty five years, rotaries with body kits, a Falcon with a one off body kit, even the Statesman demanded attention, running low on chromes, with jet black tint, but the VT just pulls people in. Probably not the best choice if you want to blend into the crowd, but otherwise, gold


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[silverarrow27]

Only regret is I should have waited out for a white base VT in a manual transmission and sometimes I should have just spent a little more for an Evo 9 or X. But then when I'm able to fold the back seats down and cram a bunch of crap back there including a brand new 47" tv still in its box. It makes it all worth it and I totally forget about the Evo 9/X comment! Oh and this 200 hp beast gets better gas mileage and way less cabin noise than my 120 hp Versa.

[LnghrnVT]

As the title states, it's a straight forward question. Now that you've owned your VT for a little bit, if you could do it all over again (knowing what you now know from owning the car) would you still buy a VT?

I'm hoping to get some input from others who've owned their cars for at least a few months, if you've owned your VT for 4 days you're probably not fully equipped to answer this question yet.

For me, I can honestly say that I don't even know for sure yet if I would still buy a VT, knowing what I know now. Why you ask? Well first off, a big factor in buying this car for me was the fuel economy. I drive 80+ miles a day and I spend a lot of money in Gas. I was hoping this car would have saved me money over my 07 Civic Si (rated at 21/29) but i'm getting the same mileage in this, sometimes worse.

Aside from fuel economy, I really do love the car. I love the styling and I love the interior and the way it feels and all of the goodies that came standard with it. It's quite spacious for a small car and i've been able to use it as a family hauler quite well (I haul around my 1 year old son rear facing and also his 8 year old sister just fine with plenty of cargo loaded).

The only other thing that is displeasing to me about the car is of course, the suspension. I knew that the car wasn't going to handle like an FRS, clearly I know what the car is and that it has a solid rear axle. I'm not super disappointed by the car's handling, but there are times when I wished I had a more performance oriented suspension (Focus ST please).

Financially speaking, I could have bought a Focus ST for not too much more than I payed for my VT (I had a local Ford dealer offering to sell me an ST for $1,100 under MSRP). Given that it seems like both cars probably achieve the same fuel economy, that wouldn't have even been an ultimate factor and the ST would have been a better performer in both straight line performance and suspension. I'm not as big on the styling of the ST and of course you get a lesser warranty, which was another factor in my VT purchase decision.

All in all, i'm certainly not unhappy that I bought a VT, I just feel like the fuel economy ratings are Highly overstated (as i've stated in other threads). I know that most cars don't get their EPA ratings these days, but you shouldn't average 11 MPG Less than the highway rating when you drive 90% highway miles (regardless of how you drive). I've driven the snot out of other cars and got maybe 2-4 MPG less than EPA rating, not 11.

First, to answer your question: yes.

Second, I just looked at my old window sticker which shows 25 mpg city, 34 highway, 29 mpg combined. I have an A/T and, just as the sticker says, have been averaging 29 mpg (mostly highway like you) since I got it in September. I guess I just don't see how you would be getting 23 mpg combined.

[Schweezly]

Sidebar comment:
Poor daily drive commute ride quality was a significant factor in my trading in my NAV for a Focus ST, but even the performance oriented Focus ST suspension is significantly better feeling and far smoother riding the the NAV (and by association the VT) ever was, it's night and day, and for me the Focus ST was the right move. I went from cringing every time I saw a bump or rough spot ahead of me to just making sure I avoid potholes.

I almost did this and am still considering it. What level did you get? The mid level I drove felt a little cramped, but I'm sure I just had the seat to far forward.

[GmanTX]

YES! Bought in mid-Sept. with 3300 miles. MT for me was a huge difference. Had been driving auto for last 4 cars so going back to 'active' driving has been fun. Only complaint on gas mileage is that the car's 'computer' calculation is a bit off.

[MTD]

My car sucks. I hate it.

[mwil028]

My car sucks. I hate it.

MTD,
Are u drinking and posting again? Of was your account hacked? Lol


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