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/>