Young Professional Car Report for Bridget B

Presented by:

Deanna BayleyIndependent Car Reviewer

Writ3562W December 2008

Introduction

Recently, Bridget B. decided that she needs a new car

I conducted an interview of Bridget B. to determine her car requirements

The purpose of the report is to recommend the most suitable car for Bridget B.

Overview

Client Bridget B. Purpose of the Report Problem Statement Research Methods Findings Conclusion Recommendations

Client

Bridget B. Needs a new car to travel primarily

to work Is a young professional, so she needs a

relatively inexpensive, reliable car Wants the car with the best combination

of features in her price range

Bridget B. Car Preferences1

Top Preferences Premium Safety

Features Fuel Efficiency Performance Small Vehicle Size Low Cost

Convenience Features Cruise Control CD Player Foldable Back Seat Power Window Power Locks

Purpose of Report

Evaluate the current car market within the Twin Cities area

Research cars best suited to the needs of Bridget B.

Recommend a car to best with the best combination of features in the price range of Bridget B.

Problem Statement

Find and research new cars that has the best combination of… Low cost Desired features Small size Fuel efficiency

Research Methods

The report required several methods to provide quality information Internet research

Government Websites2

Independent safety reviews3

Manufacturer brochures Car dealer interviews4

Determining the Autos

Researching small autos on the internet determined the following cars as best suited to Bridget B’s needs Honda Civic Honda Fit Toyota Yaris

Findings Honda Civic5

Basic Equipped Price: $16,075 Safety Rating: Good Safety Features: Tire Pressure Monitor, side impact door

beams Standard Instrumentation: Tachometer, Power Windows,

Power Outlet Body Style: 4 door sedan Standard Comfort: Fold Down Rear Seats, Flat Rear Floor 5 Year Average Maintenance and Repair Costs$1,843 Gas Mileage: 26 City / 34 Highway / 29 Combined Test Drive: Ergonomically Designed, Distracting Two Tiered

Dashboard, Difficult to Shift Into Third Gear, Feels True to Exterior Size, Low Cabin Height

Findings Honda Fit6

Basic Equipped price: $16,070 Safety Rating: Good Safety Features: Tire pressure monitor, Tachometer, Power

Windows, Power Door Locks, Cruise Control Body Style: 4 door hatchback Standard Comfort: Fold Down Rear Seats, Flat Rear Floor,

CD Player Five Year Average Repair Costs: $1,652 Gas Mileage: 28 City/ 34 Highway/ 31 Combined Test Drive: Ergonomically Designed, Strong Yet Quiet

Engine, Feels More Spacious Than Exterior Size, Exhilarating to Drive, Comfortable Interior

Findings Toyota Yaris7

Basic Equipped Price: $16,520 Safety Rating: Good Safety Features: Tire pressure monitor, high tensile

strength steel body panels, Tachometer, Power Outlet Body Style: 4 door sedan No Standard Comfort: Some available as options Five Year Average Maintenance Costs: $2,049 Gas Mileage: 29 City/ 36 Highway/ 32 Combined Test Drive: Clutch Release is High Making It Difficult

to Shift, Feels Smaller Than Exterior Size, Distracting Strange Center Mounted Dashboard Instruments, Small Rear Window, Low Cabin Height

Findings ComparisonHonda Civic5 Honda Fit6 Toyota

Yaris7

Price $16,075 $16,070 $16,520

Gas Mileage 29 Combined 31 Combined 32 Combined

Standard Comfort

Fold Down Rear Seats, Flat Rear Floor

Fold Down Rear Seats, Flat Rear Floor, CD Player

None

Conclusion

Honda Civic5

Unremarkable during test drive Short Cabin Height Least mileage per gallon

Conclusion

Honda Fit6

Agile handling with responsive steering wheel

Large interior unexpected from exterior view

Many features come standard

Conclusion

Toyota Yaris7

Low initial Price Few standard features Very low cabin height Distracting center instrument panel

Recommendation

After comparing the three cars, the Honda Fit combines the qualities Bridget B is looking for in a car.

Resources1B, Bridget. Personal Interview. 26 October. 2008 2“Mazda 3 Fuel Efficency.” United States Department of Energy. 28 October. 2008

<http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/findacar.htm> 3

“Top Ranked Cars.” Us News and World Report: Ranking And Reviews. 27 October. 2008 <http://usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/cars-trucks/rankings/>

“Top Safety Picks for 2009.” CNN Money. 27 October. 2008 <http://money.cnn.com/galleries/2008/autos/0811/gallery.safety_picks/4.html

“2009 Crash Reports.” Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. 28 October. 2008 http://www.iihs.org/ratings/default.aspx

“Car Reviews and Ratings 2009.” Consumer Reports. 27 October. 2008 http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/cars/index.htm?EXTKEY=SG72C00&CMP=KNC-CROCARSG&HBX_OU=50&HBX_PK=Car_Reports

4

Castle, Don. Personal Interview. 7 November. 2008 Stafford, John. Personal Interview. 8 November. 2008 Haertzen, Ben. Personal Interview. 11 November. 2008 5“2009 Honda Civic.” The Official Honda Website. 28 October. 2008

<http://automobiles.honda.com/civic/> 6“2009 Honda Fit.” The Official Honda Website. 28 October. 2008 <

http://automobiles.honda.com/fit/> 7“ 2009 Toyota Yaris.” The Official Toyota Website. 28 October. 2008

<http://www.toyota.com/yaris/>