Need help deciding on a car
Gone but not forgotten.
Joined: Jul 2001
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Originally Posted by nsaikia
We have two trucks and no cars anymore. Fortunately, we work just 1 and half mile away from home. However, my wife may take up a new job that will require her to commute about 40 miles one way. This changed things for us and she is now wanting a good economy car.
I suggested the 1.9L disel Bettle, but do not know if that would be really economic choice considering other stuff I may not know - like maintenance cost. She wants a small car and so we are considering a Mini Cooper too - has the best personality for a sub-compact car. I am trying to steer her away from Hondas and Toyotas for now. We looked at Saturns and Focus too.
Any suggestion will be appreciated. But the main criteria is fuel economy.
I suggested the 1.9L disel Bettle, but do not know if that would be really economic choice considering other stuff I may not know - like maintenance cost. She wants a small car and so we are considering a Mini Cooper too - has the best personality for a sub-compact car. I am trying to steer her away from Hondas and Toyotas for now. We looked at Saturns and Focus too.
Any suggestion will be appreciated. But the main criteria is fuel economy.
Dono
The Southernmost Mod
Joined: Dec 2004
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From: Caracas, Venezuela
You could also check out some of the premier US brands models that have 4-5 years, you´ll get a great deal for a good, luxury car (entry level that´s it, if you want something semi-compact). I bet you find something for less than $20k.
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Originally Posted by Encho
You could also check out some of the premier US brands models that have 4-5 years, you´ll get a great deal for a good, luxury car (entry level that´s it, if you want something semi-compact). I bet you find something for less than $20k.
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2006
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From: Riverview, MI
Honestly, I can't talk up about the smaller american cars made until the last three years. I really wouldn't own anything american that didn't have a V8 or diesel in it until, oh, 2003. I've heard a lot of problems with trannies, and only a few less than that with the motors. I know the Cougar my step mother had was a PO junk. I think it went through two trannies, and shes not a crazy driver. Now that was a auto, not a stick.
If you want a reliable, good on gas car, and are willing to go over three years old, then I'd say Toyota or Honda would be a good start. The Civic is a good car for those years, but they usually have a high resale, so watch out. Toyotas are pretty good all around, but I understand you may want to buy American.
I also have a freind with a 2001 VW Jetta Turbo Diesel, never had any problems out of it, and gets about 45 MPG on the highway. It may not be American, but its not Japanese, the lesser of two evils I guess.
If you want a reliable, good on gas car, and are willing to go over three years old, then I'd say Toyota or Honda would be a good start. The Civic is a good car for those years, but they usually have a high resale, so watch out. Toyotas are pretty good all around, but I understand you may want to buy American.
I also have a freind with a 2001 VW Jetta Turbo Diesel, never had any problems out of it, and gets about 45 MPG on the highway. It may not be American, but its not Japanese, the lesser of two evils I guess.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Aug 2004
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From: Roseburg, OR
E350 Superduty suggests the last-gen Lincoln Mark VIII, which is a car I am completely in love with, but you shouldn't be looking at one if repair costs are an issue. Great cars, great design, great power train, great suspension; but they are pretty complex and if you have to have the dealer fix something, prepare to take out another mortgage.
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Joined: Sep 2003
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From: NY and VA
One thing you might want to think about is safety and comfort, you want to make sure she is in a good mood when she gets home, so she can make your diner. I like my Crown Vics, the 89 SW consistantly gets 20 mpg and my wife's 93 around 24-5.
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Senior User
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 447
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From: Jacksonville IL
I got some great ideas from you guys. But my wife is now having second thoughts about taking the job. Regardless, we went to a local lot here and set our eyes on a 04 Ford Focus with 40,000 miles and under 10 grand. So, if she ends up taking the job - we will jump on that car. If it is gone, she will alternate between her truck and her sportster - that should average out to a decent saving until we find a similar car. But again, lots of good advises that definitely helps. Glad to be part of this forum.