What Car??
#17
Re: What Car??
I'd probably go for a Scion tC for a smaller car so long as I didn't plan on using as a family vehicle as it's only a 2 door. Prius and Honda Insight both tempt me as I like the idea of rarely paying for gas, alas the other half of my brain also wants a big truck as I also like the idea of not being killed by the maniacs in trucks around here.
#18
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Feb 2009
Location: North Charleston,SC. born in Stockport,UK.
Posts: 10,109
Re: What Car??
But, the Prius is a great little car for running around locally, which is pretty much all I do!
#19
Forum Regular
Joined: Dec 2006
Location: Arlington, VA
Posts: 244
Re: What Car??
If you can wait until next spring, depending if the cash for clunkers program will be funded after the end of this year, you might want to test drive the Ford Fiesta I saw one of these in England in April and it's miles better than the 1990 Fiesta I bought for my first car years ago.
If economy is important, and you want an alternative to a hybrid, VW will be launching a diesel Golf to the US market probably this fall. You'll have to balance the higher purchase cost against the fuel economy, you won't save money unless and until you keep it for a long time.
Do test drive the Honda Fit for size - my size 12 feet hit the clutch and brake pedal at the same time in the manual.
If low purchase price is important, you want to buy new, & get a decent warranty, the Hyundai Accent GS 3-door with manual transmission and popular equipment package (air-conditioning) is yours for $12,670 MRSP. Cheapest new car with air-con in America, comes with a 10 year warranty, take off the $1,500 Hyundai rebate, and the $4,500 cash for clunkers government discount, and you're laughing. It'll be worth bugger all as a trade in but you wouldn't care about depreciation when you've saved 50% of the purchase cost new.
If economy is important, and you want an alternative to a hybrid, VW will be launching a diesel Golf to the US market probably this fall. You'll have to balance the higher purchase cost against the fuel economy, you won't save money unless and until you keep it for a long time.
Do test drive the Honda Fit for size - my size 12 feet hit the clutch and brake pedal at the same time in the manual.
If low purchase price is important, you want to buy new, & get a decent warranty, the Hyundai Accent GS 3-door with manual transmission and popular equipment package (air-conditioning) is yours for $12,670 MRSP. Cheapest new car with air-con in America, comes with a 10 year warranty, take off the $1,500 Hyundai rebate, and the $4,500 cash for clunkers government discount, and you're laughing. It'll be worth bugger all as a trade in but you wouldn't care about depreciation when you've saved 50% of the purchase cost new.
Last edited by Dewey; Jul 21st 2009 at 5:04 pm.
#21
Re: What Car??
Ok second question today on cars. M. is thinking of taking up the Cash for Clunkers (or Bangers 'n' Cash as we're calling it) deal and trading in one of his many (don't ask ) but old cars.
We've mentioned the Mini Clubman and he's also thought about a Honda Fit or Civic. Thing is we just want something for a run around, smallish and economical. Given he's got so much on with work and moving right now I said I'd do some rummaging around and see what's out there. Only problem is of course I'm just familiar with mainly European manufacturers and versions of cars.
Soooo just wondering if you had to buy a smaller car, reliable, good mileage etc. what would you consider?
Thanks in advance
Mandy
We've mentioned the Mini Clubman and he's also thought about a Honda Fit or Civic. Thing is we just want something for a run around, smallish and economical. Given he's got so much on with work and moving right now I said I'd do some rummaging around and see what's out there. Only problem is of course I'm just familiar with mainly European manufacturers and versions of cars.
Soooo just wondering if you had to buy a smaller car, reliable, good mileage etc. what would you consider?
Thanks in advance
Mandy
#22
Re: What Car??
The Fit is highly rated by Consumer Reports, but the Mazda3 5 door has more Pizazz.
http://www.imagecows.com/uploads/282...zda3-Axela.jpg
http://www.imagecows.com/uploads/282...zda3-Axela.jpg
#27
Re: What Car??
Also I have been looking at Edmunds.com and they do a "true Market Value" thing on their website which compares what you are looking for, for sale in your area vs Invoice price.. might be worth printing off and haggling with the dealer.
#28
Re: What Car??
The fact they have now just released the majorly revised new (2010) model means there will be some outstanding deals either already here or coming on the outgoing models....
#29
Re: What Car??
I'm seriously looking at the mazda 3 - although undecided over the hatchback / wagon or the sedan.. any thoughts on whether this makes a difference to internal space / headroom (hubby is 6'3")?
Also I have been looking at Edmunds.com and they do a "true Market Value" thing on their website which compares what you are looking for, for sale in your area vs Invoice price.. might be worth printing off and haggling with the dealer.
Also I have been looking at Edmunds.com and they do a "true Market Value" thing on their website which compares what you are looking for, for sale in your area vs Invoice price.. might be worth printing off and haggling with the dealer.
#30
Re: What Car??
We're buying a Chevrolet Suburban. Seats 7 (5 if heavily armed and with body armor), can carry a boat, and can run over yuppie larvae if they get in the street. It's not exactly fuel efficient, but I figured hell, by the time I buy my next car it will be $6 a gallon so might as well enjoy it while I can.
Slightly more serious, the Ford Fiesta was the thing that jumped to mind when I saw your post. They are literally about to introduce it nationwide and you will get some pretty good mileage with a bit of comfort. I thought BMW was also introducing a diesel that has pretty impressive stats as well.
I've thought of a Prius but the ROI at this point wasn't there for me. The added up front cost wasn't worth the fuel savings, though the next gen of hybrids might be interesting. I'm also watching the new Tesla sedan. That would be kind of cool.
Of course, I've seen guys drive Corvettes via 'hyper-miling' techniques that have outdone jack rabbit start/stop, lead footed Prius drivers. Much of your fuel efficiency comes from proper technique, the subtleties of which are lost on most drivers unfortunately. I think if you get a decent small car and then take a look at some hyper-miling skills you'll probably exceed the fuel efficiency goals you've set for yourself pretty easily.
Good luck.
Slightly more serious, the Ford Fiesta was the thing that jumped to mind when I saw your post. They are literally about to introduce it nationwide and you will get some pretty good mileage with a bit of comfort. I thought BMW was also introducing a diesel that has pretty impressive stats as well.
I've thought of a Prius but the ROI at this point wasn't there for me. The added up front cost wasn't worth the fuel savings, though the next gen of hybrids might be interesting. I'm also watching the new Tesla sedan. That would be kind of cool.
Of course, I've seen guys drive Corvettes via 'hyper-miling' techniques that have outdone jack rabbit start/stop, lead footed Prius drivers. Much of your fuel efficiency comes from proper technique, the subtleties of which are lost on most drivers unfortunately. I think if you get a decent small car and then take a look at some hyper-miling skills you'll probably exceed the fuel efficiency goals you've set for yourself pretty easily.
Good luck.