2024 Value Car Of The Year Winner!
video description
You were both discussing Envista, and to me the interior, particularly the vents, is the same boring look GM has been cranking out for years. I thought the Envista had a nice exterior look, until I saw one on the road. To me, the back end looks proportionally off, where the Trax does not.
Date: 2024-01-02
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Comments and reviews: 19
brucekalter4206
I think that your winner is spot-on. Hard to beat the Trax for value for the dollar. I take issue with your comment about at my age, I don't see myself driving a Buick. That is just ridiculous. You have to evaluate the car based on its merits, not your outdated preconceived notions or prejudices of others. That said, I think that the Trax DOES look better on the outside than its corporate twin, the Envista, but that is personal preference only. I have read from several reviewers though that the armrests on the Trax are not padded (enough, whereas the Envista is better in that regard. Aside from the exterior looks, I think the Envista also falls short in cargo space vs. the Trax, owing to its fastback shape. But overall: don't DIS Buick: their Encore GX is a solid seller & is basically their upmarket version of the Chevy Trailblazer. And so too, there is room for the Envista, a slightly upscale & potentially more stylish or distinguished looking version of the Trax. Both are good values.
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I think that your winner is spot-on. Hard to beat the Trax for value for the dollar. I take issue with your comment about at my age, I don't see myself driving a Buick. That is just ridiculous. You have to evaluate the car based on its merits, not your outdated preconceived notions or prejudices of others. That said, I think that the Trax DOES look better on the outside than its corporate twin, the Envista, but that is personal preference only. I have read from several reviewers though that the armrests on the Trax are not padded (enough, whereas the Envista is better in that regard. Aside from the exterior looks, I think the Envista also falls short in cargo space vs. the Trax, owing to its fastback shape. But overall: don't DIS Buick: their Encore GX is a solid seller & is basically their upmarket version of the Chevy Trailblazer. And so too, there is room for the Envista, a slightly upscale & potentially more stylish or distinguished looking version of the Trax. Both are good values.
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nickgonchar7272
I was on the market for a new car a couple years ago.
If I was completely rational, my choice would be Corolla (nowadays hybrid, but back then it was not available.
But I decided not to be completely rational and bought a Civic instead.
Still happy with my choice.
If I was a cowboy and needed a tractor, yes, my obvious choice would be Impreza, not a Caterpillar.
But the Trax? I once owned Chevy Malibu, it went completely rust in less that ten years.
Since then I wouldn't touch with a long pole anything with a nameplate of GM or Ford or, god save, Stellantis on it.
In my view, very few companies/brands are still making good vehicles worth considering.
Toyota hybrids, Honda for irrationals and Hyundai/Kia.
Everything else is either garbage or will rust to garbage in few years.
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I was on the market for a new car a couple years ago.
If I was completely rational, my choice would be Corolla (nowadays hybrid, but back then it was not available.
But I decided not to be completely rational and bought a Civic instead.
Still happy with my choice.
If I was a cowboy and needed a tractor, yes, my obvious choice would be Impreza, not a Caterpillar.
But the Trax? I once owned Chevy Malibu, it went completely rust in less that ten years.
Since then I wouldn't touch with a long pole anything with a nameplate of GM or Ford or, god save, Stellantis on it.
In my view, very few companies/brands are still making good vehicles worth considering.
Toyota hybrids, Honda for irrationals and Hyundai/Kia.
Everything else is either garbage or will rust to garbage in few years.
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mrgurulittle7000
Aw You guys picked my last choice. I can understand the initial surprise that Chevrolet actually made a very well packaged car, but thinking of value with long term ownership, the Corolla Cross or Mazda CX30 has to be the winners. But my top winner is the Mazda, just because they did so well in implementing premium feeling and zoom zoom into a car for that price segment. My heart goes out for the Subaru, and that ll be what I would personally choose because I just like oddball cars (which Subarus are oddball) but my conscience would tell me the Mazda and closely second the Toyota, are the better buy for the money.
But, good video and totally understand the logic behind your choices. Happy new year.
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Aw You guys picked my last choice. I can understand the initial surprise that Chevrolet actually made a very well packaged car, but thinking of value with long term ownership, the Corolla Cross or Mazda CX30 has to be the winners. But my top winner is the Mazda, just because they did so well in implementing premium feeling and zoom zoom into a car for that price segment. My heart goes out for the Subaru, and that ll be what I would personally choose because I just like oddball cars (which Subarus are oddball) but my conscience would tell me the Mazda and closely second the Toyota, are the better buy for the money.
But, good video and totally understand the logic behind your choices. Happy new year.
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Ben-bs4od
WRX. :) But these 3 were excellent choices. But for what you get the WRX is the best value of any new car on the market! Chevy and GM are such sheisa boxes I just can't watch it as the winner on the other hand without regurgitating a bit of my meal. I also would definitely rather be seen in a Buick even as a young man rather than a Chevy. I'm not quite sure I could stomach being seen in a Chevy unless it was something really like a pickup truck. GM is such a crud box company for me with virtually anything they make. I only really like a few Cadillacs. Their engines are too weak for me. Which brings me back to the WRX! My goodness. That's the bargain to be had. 30k?
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WRX. :) But these 3 were excellent choices. But for what you get the WRX is the best value of any new car on the market! Chevy and GM are such sheisa boxes I just can't watch it as the winner on the other hand without regurgitating a bit of my meal. I also would definitely rather be seen in a Buick even as a young man rather than a Chevy. I'm not quite sure I could stomach being seen in a Chevy unless it was something really like a pickup truck. GM is such a crud box company for me with virtually anything they make. I only really like a few Cadillacs. Their engines are too weak for me. Which brings me back to the WRX! My goodness. That's the bargain to be had. 30k?
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Mgoblagulkablong
Imo the Buick Envista is better value than Trax. Buick has better noise insulation / quieter interior, better interior quality (padded armrests instead of bare, rock-hard plastic, etc. Maybe also better paint quality, I didn't confirm this, but I know paint on Encore is better than on Chevy, so maybe it applies to Envista too. Also Buick dealers offer better OTD deals than Chevy. Especially now, bc most Buick dealers in the US are closing down (EV buyout, so there are going to be clearance sales of dealers who close down, great opportunity for even better deals.
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Imo the Buick Envista is better value than Trax. Buick has better noise insulation / quieter interior, better interior quality (padded armrests instead of bare, rock-hard plastic, etc. Maybe also better paint quality, I didn't confirm this, but I know paint on Encore is better than on Chevy, so maybe it applies to Envista too. Also Buick dealers offer better OTD deals than Chevy. Especially now, bc most Buick dealers in the US are closing down (EV buyout, so there are going to be clearance sales of dealers who close down, great opportunity for even better deals.
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juanzingarello4005
I got a chance to sit in a Trax at a Chevy dealer next door to the Cadillac dealer I brought my XT5 in for service. I was really impressed with it. It was nicely equipped (it was an Activ model) and at an excellent price. Also the 3-cylinder was impressively peppy and smooth. I was really expecting a raspy sounding engine but it was quite smooth like a modern 4-cylinder and probably phenomenal gas mileage. When it comes time to replace my commuter vehicle (a 2016 Rav4, I may have a look at this and its Buick sibling (Envista.
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I got a chance to sit in a Trax at a Chevy dealer next door to the Cadillac dealer I brought my XT5 in for service. I was really impressed with it. It was nicely equipped (it was an Activ model) and at an excellent price. Also the 3-cylinder was impressively peppy and smooth. I was really expecting a raspy sounding engine but it was quite smooth like a modern 4-cylinder and probably phenomenal gas mileage. When it comes time to replace my commuter vehicle (a 2016 Rav4, I may have a look at this and its Buick sibling (Envista.
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tjs114
Has anyone purchased a Trax new? I'm curious because I've never seen a Trax or Encore that wasn't purchased used- if it doesn't have an Enterprise/Budget/Avis license plate frame, it has a CARMAX sticker on the rear. Or our local high-volume used car dealership's plate frame. I'm still far too wary of 3 cylinder engines at this point, and even more nervous of a turbo charged one. Add in that they're built by the notoriously unreliable South Korean Daewoo, even if it's called GM Korea, that doesn't fill me with confidence.
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Has anyone purchased a Trax new? I'm curious because I've never seen a Trax or Encore that wasn't purchased used- if it doesn't have an Enterprise/Budget/Avis license plate frame, it has a CARMAX sticker on the rear. Or our local high-volume used car dealership's plate frame. I'm still far too wary of 3 cylinder engines at this point, and even more nervous of a turbo charged one. Add in that they're built by the notoriously unreliable South Korean Daewoo, even if it's called GM Korea, that doesn't fill me with confidence.
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spinmouth4114
Buy it nice or buy it twice. The Trax is an aerodynamic POS, 3 banger with a turbo. If I have to duck to get into anything, you just lost me. All that stress on 3 cylinders and the EXPENSE and hassle of replacing that turbo, is a non-starter. Your better of buying a Kia Soul for that price point and get a 60k mile bumper bumper warranty included. Both the Trax and the Soul are throuw away cars for petite women, and all model should only arrive in pink, because that is who this vehicle is for.
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Buy it nice or buy it twice. The Trax is an aerodynamic POS, 3 banger with a turbo. If I have to duck to get into anything, you just lost me. All that stress on 3 cylinders and the EXPENSE and hassle of replacing that turbo, is a non-starter. Your better of buying a Kia Soul for that price point and get a 60k mile bumper bumper warranty included. Both the Trax and the Soul are throuw away cars for petite women, and all model should only arrive in pink, because that is who this vehicle is for.
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dangerdaaku
Really good and well-thought-out pick for the top four. People will still have to decide based on their needs. For example, an anemic base engine and low ground clearance for Impreza can be a deal breaker for some, and lack of AWD on Trax might dissuade many from buying it. Toyota Hybrids are still carrying dealer markups in some parts of the country. And the CX-30 has the smallest boot of the four. But if you are on a budget, Trax is the best buy to take you from point A to point b.
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Really good and well-thought-out pick for the top four. People will still have to decide based on their needs. For example, an anemic base engine and low ground clearance for Impreza can be a deal breaker for some, and lack of AWD on Trax might dissuade many from buying it. Toyota Hybrids are still carrying dealer markups in some parts of the country. And the CX-30 has the smallest boot of the four. But if you are on a budget, Trax is the best buy to take you from point A to point b.
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ccroy2001
I recently bought a Nissan Sentra. It handles surprisingly well, imo. and the SV trim cut all the right corners for me: I have manual cloth seats, which is fine as I am the only one that drives the car, but auto climate control, adaptive cruise, blind spot monitoring, etc. I prefer a sedan to a hatch b/c a trunk lid is very light (no glass or interior finish. With the popularity of crossovers I wonder if a sedan would get a better deal these days?
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I recently bought a Nissan Sentra. It handles surprisingly well, imo. and the SV trim cut all the right corners for me: I have manual cloth seats, which is fine as I am the only one that drives the car, but auto climate control, adaptive cruise, blind spot monitoring, etc. I prefer a sedan to a hatch b/c a trunk lid is very light (no glass or interior finish. With the popularity of crossovers I wonder if a sedan would get a better deal these days?
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naveenthemachine
I m surprised the Camry hybrid isn t on the list. Because aside from missing awd the Camry hybrid will likely be easier to get than the Corolla cross or rav4 and it s a lot more spacious inside and at the top end price of a Corolla cross hybrid you can get a nicely equipped Camry with more features and still get 50mpg but also get better handling and a smoother ride and a huge feature lacking on the cross: a spare tire
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I m surprised the Camry hybrid isn t on the list. Because aside from missing awd the Camry hybrid will likely be easier to get than the Corolla cross or rav4 and it s a lot more spacious inside and at the top end price of a Corolla cross hybrid you can get a nicely equipped Camry with more features and still get 50mpg but also get better handling and a smoother ride and a huge feature lacking on the cross: a spare tire
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scott8919
I really wonder about the Chevrolet's reliability over ten years. It may be a great value on paper, but as we've seen with the Cruze and the last Trax and the Cobalt and many of GM's smaller offerings, they age like milk. Granted I'm a bit biased towards imports, but there's a reason for that. I wish value included its lifetime potential repair costs instead of simply cost to feature ratio on the new car lot.
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I really wonder about the Chevrolet's reliability over ten years. It may be a great value on paper, but as we've seen with the Cruze and the last Trax and the Cobalt and many of GM's smaller offerings, they age like milk. Granted I'm a bit biased towards imports, but there's a reason for that. I wish value included its lifetime potential repair costs instead of simply cost to feature ratio on the new car lot.
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mss627
While I agree with many of your points GM has still managed to make a slow vehicle that somehow doesn't provide great fuel economy. There's also the case of GMs not so stellar reliability record. Finally someone has to explain the purpose of a three cylinder engine that can't match the power or efficiency of most four cylinders. Give it up already. Oh well, at least it's pretty.
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While I agree with many of your points GM has still managed to make a slow vehicle that somehow doesn't provide great fuel economy. There's also the case of GMs not so stellar reliability record. Finally someone has to explain the purpose of a three cylinder engine that can't match the power or efficiency of most four cylinders. Give it up already. Oh well, at least it's pretty.
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joannestazio4495
I have a new 2023 Venza LE on hold, that I was going to purchase tomorrow.
I m trading my 2009 Prius in, and I m rethinking my decision.
I really don t think I need all wheel drive, heck, most people probably do not.
I dread the fact that I need to replace all 4 tires at once, especially if it s a constant all wheel drive (Subaru) uuuggghhh
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I have a new 2023 Venza LE on hold, that I was going to purchase tomorrow.
I m trading my 2009 Prius in, and I m rethinking my decision.
I really don t think I need all wheel drive, heck, most people probably do not.
I dread the fact that I need to replace all 4 tires at once, especially if it s a constant all wheel drive (Subaru) uuuggghhh
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riverexplorer
The Trax is an amazing package. I wish it had more power and better mileage though. I m just scared of the GM Korea/Daewoo connection as most of those cars (Spark, Sonic, Cruze, Suzuki rebadged) did not hold up well at all and here is this coming out of that design studio and factory. I ll watch what happens with them and maybe come in late in the game.
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The Trax is an amazing package. I wish it had more power and better mileage though. I m just scared of the GM Korea/Daewoo connection as most of those cars (Spark, Sonic, Cruze, Suzuki rebadged) did not hold up well at all and here is this coming out of that design studio and factory. I ll watch what happens with them and maybe come in late in the game.
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Mgoblagulkablong
Subaru LEGACY base trim: 26, 015 (already including destination, MID-size, AWD, 2. 5 engine, great headlights (often overlooked feature, adaptive cruise control and other driver assists, great suspension / ride comfort.
edit: for people who want adaptive cruise control Trax' value gets worse, least expensive Trax with ACC seems to cost 24. 8k
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Subaru LEGACY base trim: 26, 015 (already including destination, MID-size, AWD, 2. 5 engine, great headlights (often overlooked feature, adaptive cruise control and other driver assists, great suspension / ride comfort.
edit: for people who want adaptive cruise control Trax' value gets worse, least expensive Trax with ACC seems to cost 24. 8k
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LSR-YT21
How is an unreliable car a good value car?
Chevy shouldn t even be able to be on this list.
Also 6-speed good in the Chevy but not good in the Mazda? HUH?
Sorry but every car listed is better than the Chevy.
Also no AWD in an SUV? What s the point of an SUV without AWD.
Also Nissan knock off looking rear end kills me.
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How is an unreliable car a good value car?
Chevy shouldn t even be able to be on this list.
Also 6-speed good in the Chevy but not good in the Mazda? HUH?
Sorry but every car listed is better than the Chevy.
Also no AWD in an SUV? What s the point of an SUV without AWD.
Also Nissan knock off looking rear end kills me.
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acsmoothing2262
Alex, would you say the new Trax s handling fun-to-drive character is similar to the old Honda Fit? I recall that you lamented the third generation Fit for reducing the fun over the second generation. But the second generation Fit handled great, largely because it was light weight and even despite its torsion beam rear end.
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Alex, would you say the new Trax s handling fun-to-drive character is similar to the old Honda Fit? I recall that you lamented the third generation Fit for reducing the fun over the second generation. But the second generation Fit handled great, largely because it was light weight and even despite its torsion beam rear end.
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amberheywood2603
You picked the right car. Cute as csn be and cheap as chips. My daily driver is a JT, but don't pick the wrangler next. I love my jeeps but really need an SUV to do what the jeeps just can't. I looked at the Trax to replace my I5. Want a 2-door impractical wrangler might get the envista just for the power liftgate.
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You picked the right car. Cute as csn be and cheap as chips. My daily driver is a JT, but don't pick the wrangler next. I love my jeeps but really need an SUV to do what the jeeps just can't. I looked at the Trax to replace my I5. Want a 2-door impractical wrangler might get the envista just for the power liftgate.
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