XJwonders

what about a station wagon. You would still be able to haul stuff

a_shirey

My GF has a 2012 Cruze and we drive the **** out of that thing. 100 miles or more a day when she was in college. 30+ mpg. Only problem was the bad intake manifold that is a cruze issue, free under warranty.

NewbJeep

You guys keep talking Cruz. I think I'm buying one if ol' girl doesn't look like she'll get me to Florida

a_shirey

There are other options as well. I have a Kia Soul and it is a great and cheap vehicle. Only thing I don't like about it is the fact that it has a timing belt that has to be replaced every 60k.

kuzican

I'd say Cruze is definitely a good option. The Focus as well which there is also a hatchback version. My girlfriend has that and she drives to Baltimore everyday. Averaged about 37ish mpgs, and rides great on the highway.

NewbJeep

I think a co-worker of mine has that. He's 550 lbs and keeps it on the road so I know their suspensions are good too...

NewKindOfClown

My 400+ lb friend used to race his Sonic, so...

As petty as it is, I'm gonna buy domestic. I know how little it means these days, but I'm not buying a new import

a_shirey

I would recommend staying away from Ford. The Fiesta is garbage and the Focus is really not much better. Their transmission issues in the new Focus is improved, but they still fail often and early.

NewKindOfClown

Ford also costs more for a comparable car. I love their trucks, but their cars are no good unless you pony up for a higher trim level.

And when I say Sonic, I mean the Premium hatchback with a turbo 1.4L with navigation and heated leather seats. It's still cheaper than a decent sedan

a_shirey

I haven't heard any complaints about the Sonics. The 1.4L is a tough little engine too. I was looking for a price under $10k and I hate GM products.


But i fully agree about Ford. A 6.7L F250 is in my near future.

gone4x4

this, then

this? WTF, had waffles for breakfast?

a_shirey

Dont like Ford cars at all. The focus, fiesta, etc. I also don't like Mustangs. I do not like ecoboost trucks.
However I do like the 6.7L powerstroke. I like them a lot better than the current Cummins and I definitely hate Duramax.

Why are you ridiculing me?

gone4x4

twernt, post #99042, clarifies things, somewhat

NewKindOfClown

The "I could get a new car and still save money" effect is wearing off, and I'm back to being practical. I toyed with getting an SUV instead of a car so I can pull a utility trailer as needed, but here's what I'm thinking.

Keep the big Wrangler for wheeling.

Pre-owned commuter hatchback/sedan with under 30k miles. Could realistically change my price from $25k to under $15k at 2-3 years old. I'd still be saving over $250/mo when factoring payments, insurance, and fuel cost, and the term of my loan would be shorter.

Use all that money I'm saving and get an 80s-90s full size pickup or SUV with a big block for under $5k and use it as needed. Don't worry about making it a show truck; just make it reliable and reasonably comfortable.

NewKindOfClown

There's a '78 F350 flatbed on the Richmond Craigslist page for $650 if anyone is looking for the desirable front D60. The front axle alone can sell for over $1k.
http://richmond.craigslist.org/cto/5733116207.html

I wanna buy it, but I'm being responsible. It sucks lol