new used car
 

My friend is looking to buy a new used car--low mileage-- safety and reiliabity are number one priorities but also fuel economy. 2004-2007ish range.

They are primarily looking at Toyota and Honda but I am posting here for other suggestions. (Nissan, Hyundai, Mazda, etc..?)

They are not very interested in the Prius because they are concerned that its quietude is not safe for other people. What about the civic Hybrid?

Subaru Forester,
Honda Fit
Civic
Civic Hybrid
Toyota Matrix
Toyota Corolla

These are some popular cars, what others?

Re: new used car
 

I've always been a fan of the yaris. I especially like the 4 door hatch.

I have heard that the prius is going to come out with a noise maker that only comes on when it is in electric only mode. I want to say it is out in japan. that may be an option if it comes to the states.

Re: new used car
 

yeah, my friend mentioned that to me. I have a feeling my friend is looking for a sedan--yaris is pretty small. Thanks for the suggestion tho.

Re: new used car
 

the horn is a great noise maker

Re: new used car
 

Meh...horn is only good if the driver sees someone and knows that they don't see the car. Engine noise helps people notice the car in the first place.

Re: new used car
 

Yeah, the electric only mode on any hybrid that can do it (and I'd imagine the leaf) is a major safety issue for the blind.

Re: new used car
 

There is no proof that the Prius is any more dangerous than a straight ICE car. I think the pedestrian accident incident for the Prius is lower than the vehicle average. There are one or two posters at Priuschat who have been following and researching this issue. It feels more like a political issue than a safety one. Where politicians support it out of fear of looking bad without thought over the affects to everyone if implemented. In the Japanese manual of the Prius, one suggested use of the EV mode was for leaving your home in the early morning without disturbing your neighbors. A mandatory noise maker negates that.
There are ICE cars that are quieter than the Prius. There is no talk of them getting a noise maker.
Tire noise probably plays a bigger part than you think.