Skidmore
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Sun Jun-17-07 11:57 AM
Original message |
Lordy, we went window shopping for a work car today and a Prius or any other hybrid are not options. |
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Edited on Sun Jun-17-07 12:28 PM by Skidmore
It is depressing. We absolutely need a car for my husband to drive 45 mi. RT to work each day. Our 20 year old Corolla just bit the dust and parts to repair it cost more than the car is worth. Needless to say, we're junking it. If we're luck we might be able to get a couple of hundred out of it from a salvage yard. We have a maximum of $6,000 available to use (including credit we're willing to use) and can't afford a car payment now. Neither can we continue to have him drive the pickup to work either, but the pickup is something we can't afford to lose either.
Just sayin'--don't quit bein' my friend because we can't do the environmentally friendly thing this one time.
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liberalnurse
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Sun Jun-17-07 12:00 PM
Response to Original message |
1. I like the Ford Escape hybrid. |
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Edited on Sun Jun-17-07 12:01 PM by liberalnurse
A friend of mine has one and I think I will trade in my Ford Explorer for the Escape. Here is a link.... http://www.fordvehicles.com/suvs/2008escapehybrid/
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Jackpine Radical
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Sun Jun-17-07 12:09 PM
Response to Reply #1 |
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My wife's Subaru AWD gets 28 mpg or so, and cost a lot less used than a new Escape.
We had a couple of Civics, an 85 that got 43 and an 89 that got about 38. I would look for a used Civic or even an old Nissan Sentra (approx 33 mpg)
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liberalnurse
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Sun Jun-17-07 01:47 PM
Response to Reply #12 |
33. I have to drive an American car.... |
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When I work on a campaign, the Unions shun you, block you from entering rally's and such if you drive anything but an American car. They make it political. My friend Carolyn, she was running for state rep....she drove a Toyota and they wouldn't let her park anywhere closer than a mile away from her OWN debate!
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Jackpine Radical
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Sun Jun-17-07 02:01 PM
Response to Reply #33 |
37. In that case a used Ford Focus is probly your best bet. |
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I drove one for several years as an assigned work vehicle when I worked for the state. I think it got in the low 30's, & the used ones are affordable (if you'll pardon the word).
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july302001
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Sun Jun-17-07 11:13 PM
Response to Reply #33 |
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Are you in the Detroit area or perhaps around Toledo?
I think this is the situation only in areas that are hubs of auto mfg.
I'm in a Southern state and have no problems of this type with my little rice-burner.
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july302001
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Sun Jun-17-07 11:17 PM
Response to Reply #33 |
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Ya might think about shopping around for a classic. How many miles do you drive per week? If it's not too many miles, perhaps a classic Mustang or something like that would do well.
If your driving involves a lot of miles, used Geo Metros get very good mileage. (if you can find one).
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Captain Angry
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Sun Jun-17-07 12:31 PM
Response to Reply #1 |
26. My 2005 Escape Hybrid is awesome. |
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I decided to vote with my wallet and support the first US built hybrid that could carry me and my stuff. I can't have two cars, so I went with the middle. If I could have bought two, I'd have bought an Insight at the time for commuting.
I get great mileage and can carry plenty of people and their stuff. The Prius didn't come close to holding any of my gear. Much less people and that gear.
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karlrschneider
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Sun Jun-17-07 12:00 PM
Response to Original message |
2. I still drive my old 82 Honda Civic much of the time, get almost 40 mpg. |
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I plan to keep until it gets like your Corolla, not worth fixing (are you sure about that?, what's wrong with it?)
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Skidmore
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Sun Jun-17-07 12:02 PM
Response to Reply #2 |
4. Transaxle and transmission. |
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Rebuilt runs $15K-$18K plus labor. We just can't affor to put that much into a 20 year old car.
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karlrschneider
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Sun Jun-17-07 12:11 PM
Response to Reply #4 |
14. No way! You should be able to get a good used drivetrain for under 1K. |
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Heck, a brand new automatic for a very late model car is WAY less than that...? Someone is fibbing to you...
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Skidmore
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Sun Jun-17-07 12:15 PM
Response to Reply #14 |
18. Whoops! I meant $1500-1800. |
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Edited on Sun Jun-17-07 12:16 PM by Skidmore
plus labor. We can't afford to put more money in that car.
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karlrschneider
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Sun Jun-17-07 12:18 PM
Response to Reply #18 |
19. I just called my buddy who is a Toyota expert with his own shop. |
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He said you ought to be able to get a good transaxle -installed- for about 800 or 900 bucks. (around here anyway, you may have to adjust for location)
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ProdigalJunkMail
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Sun Jun-17-07 12:11 PM
Response to Reply #4 |
15. did you mean 1.5K-1.8KUSD... cause those numbers are insane n/t |
lumberjack_jeff
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Sun Jun-17-07 12:14 PM
Response to Reply #4 |
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They quoted me $2500 for a full rebuild on a pontiac transport - including labor.
My suggestion is to get some quotes from junkyards.
In my area, there used to be several companies importing engines/transmissions inexpensively from Japan.
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LeftCoast
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Sun Jun-17-07 12:01 PM
Response to Original message |
3. We're currently looking at VW diesels |
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Edited on Sun Jun-17-07 12:03 PM by LeftCoast
They get comparable or better mileage at a much more affordable price and you can run biodiesel in them.
Edited to add: You'd never even know you're driving a diesel btw. These aren't the smoke-belching behemoth's of the 70s. :)
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Skidmore
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Sun Jun-17-07 12:04 PM
Response to Reply #3 |
8. Honestly, everything we saw today worth considering was easily |
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$2000 above what we can manage now. We spent the whole morning and travelled in a 50 mile radius of our home.
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roody
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Sun Jun-17-07 12:39 PM
Response to Reply #3 |
28. I love my 2004 VW Golf, usually running on |
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biodiesel made from recycled veggie oil.
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WhiteTara
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Sun Jun-17-07 12:03 PM
Response to Original message |
5. You are following the second rule |
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of recycling. You are not putting a new car on the street...you are following the second law of recycling...re useing :toast:
oh...and I'm assuming you meant that you didn't want to be ditched for not buying a new hybrid, and your OP say "do" just checking :)
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LeftyMom
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Sun Jun-17-07 12:03 PM
Response to Original message |
6. You should be able to get a reasonably efficient used car for that. |
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Don't beat yourself up over not getting a hybrid. If you don't have the cash, you don't have the cash.
PS If you're in CA PM me, I saw a classified ad yesterday for a civic hybrid for $6500 and I can send you the info. (If I had the dough I'd have snatched that one up myself.)
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Clark2008
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Sun Jun-17-07 12:04 PM
Response to Original message |
7. The Ford Focus is inexpensive and gets great mileage |
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Edited on Sun Jun-17-07 12:10 PM by Clark2008
It's too small for my needs, but it would be perfect for someone who didn't have to try to fit in two car seats.
Just looked and they can be as much as $10,000 less than a Prius and gets about 34 mpg interstate (26 city).
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SharonRB
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Sun Jun-17-07 12:21 PM
Response to Reply #7 |
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Is there something you're not telling us, Clark?
:rofl:
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maxsolomon
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Sun Jun-17-07 12:05 PM
Response to Original message |
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the structural inadequacies of america's transportation infrastructure are not the FAULT of the individual consumer, but rather the result of decades of foolish short-term planning.
maximize the fuel economy of what you do buy. try to move closer or use public transit if possible.
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Midlodemocrat
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Sun Jun-17-07 12:07 PM
Response to Original message |
10. How about another Corolla? CarMax has some at the price |
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you are talking about. The fact that you got 20 years out of your old one is a testament to how great they are and they get good mileage to boot.
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Clark2008
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Sun Jun-17-07 12:11 PM
Response to Reply #10 |
13. They're not built that well anymore, though. |
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Toyota has surpassed the Big 3 in recalls now.
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Midlodemocrat
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Sun Jun-17-07 12:13 PM
Response to Reply #13 |
16. I didn't know that. We bought a 2004 Camry for my daughter |
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and have been extremely pleased with it. Here, all the kids get a 'kids' car for the kids in the family to use, and they've been mostly Corollas. We just happened upon a great find with the Camry.
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ContraBass Black
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Sun Jun-17-07 02:42 PM
Response to Reply #13 |
42. Recalls are not the most effective indicator. |
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The Corolla and Civic, like most Toyota and Honda cars, continue to have the fewest reported problems in their market segment, according to Consumer Reports. The Corolla retains its build quality.
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lonestarnot
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Sun Jun-17-07 12:09 PM
Response to Original message |
Nickster
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Sun Jun-17-07 12:18 PM
Response to Original message |
20. Just something to think about, if you haven't already junked it. You might be able to convince |
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Edited on Sun Jun-17-07 12:20 PM by Nickster
a car dealer to tow the car away and give you a "trade in" amount that would be better than what you'd get at the junkyard. Way back when, I had a car that was literally undriveable and I got 1500 in trade in credit that helped me out a bunch where I could have made maybe 50 bucks from the local junkyard after paying for the tow. The dealer has a lot of flexibility to give you trade in credit that might not be realistic and if he wants to make the deal, he might be open to helping you out. It's worth a shot, I always believe you have to at least ask.
Also check out places like edmunds.com, they have reviews and pricing info that might help you find something or get a better idea of where you have room to negotiate on the price.
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TheFarseer
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Sun Jun-17-07 12:22 PM
Response to Original message |
22. you could probably pick up a 95 Civic |
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for a few thousand and get good gas milage out of that.
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Warpy
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Sun Jun-17-07 12:23 PM
Response to Original message |
23. I didn't get a hybrid, either |
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I got a little Korean econobox with decent gas mileage.
I use an electric scooter for most short hops when I'm not hauling cases of soda (and sometimes when I am), so a hybrid's superior city mileage wasn't worth the extra money. Plus, the highway mileage, something I do a lot of here in the wild west, is comparable.
We do what we can do. Were I on your budget, I'd be looking for an old Civic or Focus or something that got fair mileage and then I'd be paying a mechanic to keep it that way.
You can always salve your conscience with the knowledge that even if batteries are recycled, it costs more energy debt than most drivers figure on.
Good luck, I know decent mileage cars are out there, even if at $6000 they're not going to be very pretty to look at.
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tabasco
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Sun Jun-17-07 12:27 PM
Response to Original message |
24. If most of your driving is highway miles, it doesn't make sense to get a hybrid. |
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Edited on Sun Jun-17-07 12:27 PM by tabasco
They save in the city driving but you're just as well off with a used Echo or Corolla for mostly highway driving.
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Canuckistanian
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Sun Jun-17-07 12:28 PM
Response to Original message |
25. Anyone ever consider the OPERATING costs? |
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Sure a hybrid is more expensive, but even if it's marginally more expensive, get the hybrid just to save on fuel costs.
Fuel costs are going to be more and more relevant. Cheap gas is a thing of the past.
I'd say you should budget on $6/gal. gas over the lifetime of the vehicle (~8-10 yrs) X the number of miles you expect to drive every day.
Then you'll see which car is more "expensive".
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Skidmore
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Sun Jun-17-07 12:36 PM
Response to Reply #25 |
27. Oh, sure, it's been considered. |
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However, I don't have more than $6K to shell out for a car right now. And then there are taxes, licensing costs, and insurance over and above that. We went from a household income of $60K/yr to $28K when I lost my job. We just don't have the extra money to buy a hybrid.
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Canuckistanian
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Sun Jun-17-07 01:57 PM
Response to Reply #27 |
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Your options to get any kind of reliable high-mileage car for that much are limited.
Small, used cars like Hondas or Toyotas are usually much higher prices than say, a Buick or a Taurus.
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Rosemary2205
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Sun Jun-17-07 01:47 PM
Response to Reply #25 |
32. A lifespan of 8-10 yrs on a car is disgusting. |
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There's no excuse for a car not lasting at least twice that.
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Canuckistanian
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Sun Jun-17-07 01:53 PM
Response to Reply #32 |
34. True. But that's how long most people keep them, on average |
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What's the longest you've ever owned a single vehicle?
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Rosemary2205
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Sun Jun-17-07 02:05 PM
Response to Reply #34 |
38. I had my 1967 Mustang until it was wrecked in 2001. |
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but then that car didn't have a computer and my husband would tinker on it for fun. :)
Now I have a late 1980's Econoline lift van that is beginning to cost me in monthly repairs what payments on a new liftvan would cost. Unfortunately I'm only a year out of bankruptcy and can't qualify for the loan and we are just beginning to get back on not being paycheck to paycheck after the accident.
I don't know anyone with a "computerized" car that goes longer than 13 years. People seem really impressed when they last that long.
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Canuckistanian
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Sun Jun-17-07 02:37 PM
Response to Reply #38 |
41. Guess I was speaking from a Canadian perspective |
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Or at least a "northern" perspective.
See, here in Ontario, we have a major car-killer - road salt.
Cars usually fall apart, needing major body work while the engine and drive train are just fine. It happened to me just last year with a Subaru I owned. The car ran great, but literally fell apart while I was driving it.
A 1967 car just doesn't exist in our area.
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Strelnikov_
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Sun Jun-17-07 04:07 PM
Response to Reply #25 |
46. All depends on the assumptions |
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Edited on Sun Jun-17-07 04:14 PM by loindelrio
Median automobile lifetime ~ 16.9 years (Table 3.9, Trans Energy Data Book 2004)
Lifetime mileage ~ 179.0k mi (Table 3.6, Trans Energy Data Book 2004)
Gasoline price begin life ~ $2.90/gal. Gasoline price end life ~ $14.52/gal. (10% increase per year)
Lifetime median gasoline price $8.71/gal.
Average mpg Corolla ~ 35 mpg . . Lifetime fuel cost $44,545 Average mpg Prius ~ 48 mpg . . Lifetime fuel cost $32,481 Prius Savings $12,064 PV @ 5% ~ $5,289 So, if the difference in price between a Corolla and Prius is less than $5,289, the Prius will theoretically be cheaper. Yes, about a wash.
Thing is, the Prius can be converted to a PHEV and run in-town on electric which could be helpful when the 10 gal./mo. gas ration kicks in, which makes the above analysis moot.
Bottom line, for me, with the uncertain liquid fuels future in this country, the extra paid for a Prius (when buying new) is simply an insurance policy against obsolescence.
On edit: New EPA ratings: 2007 Prius ~ 46 mpg combined 2007 Corolla ~ 31 mpg combined (5 spd.)
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Jonathan50
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Sun Jun-17-07 01:02 PM
Response to Original message |
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Micro luxury car, same engine and transmission as a Nissan Sentra SE R.
Four doors, big trunk, handles well, cruises the interstate at prevailing speeds no problem. You can get five big men in there reasonably comfortably.
You can get a pretty nice one for six grand, mine cost twenty six hundred but had a bit of minor body damage.
Thirty two mpg on the highway, somewhat less in town but the stick helps with that.
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lutefisk
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Sun Jun-17-07 01:46 PM
Response to Reply #29 |
31. I'll second that. I bought a new one in 95 and it's been great |
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Still have it and all I've ever done to it (apart from fluid changes and tires) has been a starter, a set of front brake pads, and a muffler. And those things were all well after it hit 100k miles. The build quality is fantastic- makes my new Honda look like a piece of crap. Should be able to get a nice 95-96 for $3k or less.
As with any used car, take the time to have it inspected...
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Jonathan50
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Sun Jun-17-07 10:36 PM
Response to Reply #31 |
48. Yeah, I forgot to mention.. |
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That because it has the engine and transmission from a Sentra SE R in it, the G20 is quite a lot of fun to drive if you are a person at all inclined to that sort of thing.
It's surprisingly responsive and gets good gas mileage even if you drive it briskly.
2.0 liters seems like a good choice between power and efficiency right now.
A six speed tranny would be nice with that setup.
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SoCalDem
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Sun Jun-17-07 01:37 PM
Response to Original message |
30. check online with carmax.com |
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You will probably find a car .. That's how I found our beauty..(of course we spent more than you are wanting to, but there were others in the range you are looking for ..)
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Skidmore
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Sun Jun-17-07 01:53 PM
Response to Original message |
35. Anyone have any personal experience with Saturns? |
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I see a lot of them on the used car market. Never knew anyone personally who owned one.
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LeftyMom
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Sun Jun-17-07 02:49 PM
Response to Reply #35 |
43. I drive a '97 SW1. Love that car to peices. |
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At 150,000 miles I'm just starting to think about what I want to get when it's time to retire this one, but it's still very reliable so I'm in no hurry about it.
The cool thing about it is that it still looks like new, because the polymer body panels don't collect parking lot dings the way a typical car does.
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proud patriot
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Sun Jun-17-07 02:05 PM
Response to Original message |
39. Is a motorcycle an option ? |
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you can get a nice Bike for that money .
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Skidmore
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Sun Jun-17-07 02:07 PM
Response to Reply #39 |
40. Not when it gets -20 and icy in the wintertime. |
BlooInBloo
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Sun Jun-17-07 02:53 PM
Response to Original message |
44. They're fuel savings still aren't worth the expense... |
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... We're getting there, but we aren't there yet.
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jpak
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Sun Jun-17-07 02:57 PM
Response to Original message |
45. A new Corolla gets 41 mpg - a Toyota Yaris or a Honda Fit 38-40 mpg highway |
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for a lot less than a Prius...
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CatholicEdHead
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Sun Jun-17-07 04:14 PM
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47. No last generation Civic hybrids to be found? |
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Check nearby Honda dealerships.
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gravity
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Sun Jun-17-07 10:38 PM
Response to Original message |
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They will have great gas mileage at a cheap price.
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roamer65
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Sun Jun-17-07 10:44 PM
Response to Original message |
50. As long as the car isn't rusted in half... |
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drop a decent used powertrain into it. That's what they did during the war years of 1942-1945. There were NO new cars available. My dad tells still tells about how his father ordered a rebuilt engine from a catalog for his 1940 Pontiac. Didn't run much better than the original, but it lasted till 1947.
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musiclawyer
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Sun Jun-17-07 11:58 PM
Response to Original message |
53. For a little more than 5K Hyundai Elantra is your best bet |
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Go to Carsdirect or Autotrader or even Craigslist. I spend a lot of time on the Edmunds boards and no one likes CarMax. (the consensus is that they do very little to the car yet mark-up very high).
A 02 04 03 Elantra can be had within your budget with only 75K or so on the odeometer. They are fantastic, roomy little cars, with decent mpg that will run for years if taken car of. Make sure you get the service records. My ex drives her Elantra up and down the west coast. Nothing ever done except oil changes and schedules service. My SO has a new one . She loves it too. I've driven them both. I like the Elantra( new and old) far better than the Corolla or Civic). The latter two will be out of your price range anyway, unless you want to take a car with over 100K. A used American small car will be in your price range, but I would trust one.
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