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[yaazz]

QUOTE

 And in all honestly, 20MPG isn’t that bad. Ya so it doesn’t get 32MPG, but if you want some thing better than that, get a decent car that will get that, say like a VW Jetta TDI that gets 45+MPG. Having an SUV won’t break the bank at the pump. An extra $10 to full up isn’t going to breakup you either.
 

 
 you mean like a civic or a little fwd import car
 
 I have nothing against jeeps but your logic is something else...

[rms2001]

QUOTE(yaazz @ Nov 3 2006, 12:45 PM)

you mean like a civic or a little fwd import car
 
 I have nothing against jeeps but your logic is something else...

No, I mean like a European build car. They will out last any POS ricer. Look better, have better reale, last longer, drive better, and don’t sound like weed-eaters on crack with dose annoying exhaust systems. If you want an import, look to Europe, don’t give Japan any more money than they al ready have.

[yaazz]

Theres nothing wrong with the "POS" ricer cars, I have a honda civic that was bought new, it has just over 200,000k on it, and as for expenses after buying it? I think I had to put gas in it once.... very reliable car, great on gas. Sure its not fast, but Theres a speed limit for a reason, keep fast cars on the drag strip or on the oval track.
And before you get after me as a 4 cyl lover, this is only the second 4 cyl ive had, the rest have been v8's

[jesterrace777]

QUOTE(rms2001 @ Nov 3 2006, 10:17 PM)

All right Jester. I see your point. But I still think Japanese cars are worthless guiltless peaces of shit. Any thing made in Japan falls apart in short amount of them, thus is why its cheap.
No, I mean like a European build car. They will out last any POS ricer. Look better, have better reale, last longer, drive better, and don’t sound like weed-eaters on crack with dose annoying exhaust systems. If you want an import, look to Europe, don’t give Japan any more money than they al ready have.

I feel the same way about most American vehicles.  My Saturn certainly hasn't been a mark of quality.  Hell I have already had a minor engine rebuild after less than 120K on the vehicle and my tranny gives me gear slam each time I put it into reverse if I don't wait a couple of seconds.  This vehicle was previously owned by an older couple who took pretty good good care of the thing, so these issues are from the factory.  As far as the exhaust systems go, it's only the idiots who put on the lame ass mufflers who have that problem.  People who leave their japanese imports stock don't have that irritating sound.  As for being gutless, heh, my parents stock Honda Civic LX can run circles around my Saturn.  I have the most powerful engine for the SL series in my car and it has absolutely no power whatsoever.  Pick up a Camry or an Accord with a 3.0 V-6 and then tell me that all imports are gutless.  Outside of driving in the snow/off road driving they will outperform a 4.0 Jeep Cherokee in every respect and they will still average about 5MPG better.  I had a roomie with a stock Accord 3.0 V-6 Coupe and that sucker could move.  As for better resale?  Who are you kidding.  Honda and Toyota have probably the best resale values of any cars on the market.  Then again at $4K resale value is hardly going to be a serious consideration.    

[Rylinkus]

I'm not about to let this turn into a domestic versus import thread. Please dont make me close a post that I started to get peoples opinions.

I love Jeeps. I really do. My friend owned 2 different ones and is quite the expert. They seemed tough enough, and more than capable dragging my truck out of mud. That being said the gas mileage is not up to par with her goals. She's hoping for high 20s at the least. When she goes to visit her parents its a 1000+ mile ride. That hurts at the pump @ 20 mpg. Trust me, I did it with my truck. So a jeep is out of the question for that reason. As I said, I like them. They simply don't fit what she's looking for.

As far as European cars, theyre too damn expensive. As pricey as Toyotas and Hondas are BMWs and Mercedes are worse. So you end up with one thats a bit older and with more mileage. And while the engine may last forever, (Mercedes at least), other things will fail. And they cost a small fortune on Mercedes. My mom owns 2. One has 276k and shows no signs of giving out anytime soon. But something as simple as a window motor for the car costs over 200 bucks. So little things like that can nickel and dime ya pretty bad.

For her needs I think a 4 cylinder import is probably the best bet. 4 cylinders will give her the gas mileage. And theres very few domestic 4 bangers I trust as much as Honda or Toyota. Though since domestics tend to be cheaper there is a part of me that wonders about a newer Focus or something to that effect as you can find one with 60k in that price range with a little looking.

ATM theres a 01 Mazda Protege for 2500. 80k on it. It looks like it may be promising. Hopefully we're gonna go check it out within the next few days.

And a quick FYI. I think a 4 cylinder Import may be best for her. It doesnt mean I hate domestics. I own 2 Chevys myself. Im not biased towards Imports in any way.

[rms2001]

If you can find one, take a look at a Chevy Impala. I rented one a few weeks ago since I didn’t want to take my bouncy Jeep down to Phoenix (plus it was a business write off so it didn’t cost me any thing). Not sure of the year, 2006 maybe, but it had a V6 and was front wheel drive. The little computer read out thingy said it was getting 27MPG on the freeway when I kept my foot out of it…

I don’t know how much they sell for used, as I don’t really may much attention to Chevys unless it’s a bad ass classic or lifted truck. You mite be able to find an older one fairly cheap. I know the V8 models have a similar MDS like Dodge dose on their HEMIs. The engine changes from an eight cylinder to a four cylinder when cursing.

Just another thought for ya. Good luck.

[Rylinkus]

QUOTE(rms2001 @ Nov 4 2006, 10:24 PM)

If you can find one, take a look at a Chevy Impala. I rented one a few weeks ago since I didn’t want to take my bouncy Jeep down to Phoenix (plus it was a business write off so it didn’t cost me any thing). Not sure of the year, 2006 maybe, but it had a V6 and was front wheel drive. The little computer read out thingy said it was getting 27MPG on the freeway when I kept my foot out of it…

I don’t know how much they sell for used, as I don’t really may much attention to Chevys unless it’s a bad ass classic or lifted truck. You mite be able to find an older one fairly cheap. I know the V8 models have a similar MDS like Dodge dose on their HEMIs. The engine changes from an eight cylinder to a four cylinder when cursing.

Just another thought for ya. Good luck.

I know what you mean. I rented an Impala to take to Amherst when I only had my car and truck. Truck didnt have enough seats and frankly I couldnt handle several hours in the camaro on the highway. Its too damn loud for a leisurely trip. The Impala was quite nice. I dont know how many years theyve made them, so I have no idea if she could find one cheap.

Looked at the Mazda tonight. More damage then was indicated. And the CEL is on. No idea why. Drove great, solid brakes. If I could rule out that CEL being anything major I think the price on it could come down enough to make it a very nice buy.

[jesterrace777]

QUOTE(Rylinkus @ Nov 4 2006, 05:18 PM)

I'm not about to let this turn into a domestic versus import thread. Please dont make me close a post that I started to get peoples opinions.

I love Jeeps. I really do. My friend owned 2 different ones and is quite the expert. They seemed tough enough, and more than capable dragging my truck out of mud. That being said the gas mileage is not up to par with her goals. She's hoping for high 20s at the least. When she goes to visit her parents its a 1000+ mile ride. That hurts at the pump @ 20 mpg. Trust me, I did it with my truck. So a jeep is out of the question for that reason. As I said, I like them. They simply don't fit what she's looking for.

As far as European cars, theyre too damn expensive. As pricey as Toyotas and Hondas are BMWs and Mercedes are worse. So you end up with one thats a bit older and with more mileage. And while the engine may last forever, (Mercedes at least), other things will fail. And they cost a small fortune on Mercedes. My mom owns 2. One has 276k and shows no signs of giving out anytime soon. But something as simple as a window motor for the car costs over 200 bucks. So little things like that can nickel and dime ya pretty bad.

For her needs I think a 4 cylinder import is probably the best bet. 4 cylinders will give her the gas mileage. And theres very few domestic 4 bangers I trust as much as Honda or Toyota. Though since domestics tend to be cheaper there is a part of me that wonders about a newer Focus or something to that effect as you can find one with 60k in that price range with a little looking.

ATM theres a 01 Mazda Protege for 2500. 80k on it. It looks like it may be promising. Hopefully we're gonna go check it out within the next few days.

And a quick FYI. I think a 4 cylinder Import may be best for her. It doesnt mean I hate domestics. I own 2 Chevys myself. Im not biased towards Imports in any way.

Nothing biased about it man, my appologies for going overboard but that was the point I was trying to get across, that given the criteria that you listed that a 4 cylinder import would be your best bet.  That being said the 2000 and newer Ford Focuses seem to be doing quite well but they don't hold their value nearly as long as the imports do (This would actually be an advantage in her case given her budget).  My uncle and aunt have the 2003 ZX3 hatchback model (The two door hatchback) and they absolutely love the thing.  Unfortunately since 2001 was when they really started becoming a solid car, there isn't really any long term studies on them.  I have to say though that if I were buying a domestic 4 banger that the Focus would probably be my first choice.  Prior to 2001 the Focus did have a number of issues so I would steer clear of those ones (ie the ZX2 coupe).

[Rylinkus]

There is a 02 ZX3 hatch that we will be looking @ on Tues. We shall see how that one goes. Shes trying to be open. In her mind a Toyota is the end all car. In mine it's hard to beat a Civic if you can find one with low enough mileage. We shall see what we find.

[Granulated]

I wouldn't get a Focus.   It would be hard to beat a civic.

Saturns, when properly maintained, and NOT automatic, are reliable cars that handle nice from the factory and aren't total dogs.  A manual Sx2 with a good driver can break into the 15's bone stock.  Plus, you can pick one up SUPER CHEAP as already mentioned, keep checking the oil, don't spin the tires, and it will run forever.

My Saturn runs 14.5's around 100, but I've got a lil more done to mine...

[jesterrace777]

Good to know about the automatic.  Either way I will be ditching mine within the next year or two.  Gutless POS that it is and I'm not doing any crazy mods to the thing as I really want to keep it in the low 30s for gas.

[Rylinkus]

The Focus has low enough mileage that it may be worth it. There's a point where a less reliable car with far less mileage may be the better choice. According to the online reviews Ive found the major failing point on the Focus is the suspension. The entire suspension has been upgraded along with some cat back exhaust. It's been meticulously maintained as I work with a good friend of the owner, whom wanted to buy it til the GF put her foot down. (Needs a family car with one kid and one on the way. Same reason the guy with the Focus is selling it.) I figure it's at least taking a look at. Plus my ex does have some desire to have something thats not a completely non-fun, which is what she interpeted the Corolla she test drove as.

[rms2001]

The Focus isn’t a bad car. They are pretty fun to drive, for a FORD… A buddy of mine has one he drives about 75 miles a day commuting every day six days a week. No problems yet and it gets decent fuel mileage. Kinda funny watching a 6 foot man step out of it though. LOL