Next project

[msmemory_archive]

OK, on to the next thing. I need a new car. At least, new to me. Candidate makes and models include Toyota (Prius, Corolla, Matrix), Subaru (Forester, Outback), Chevy something, Saturn something, Honda something. Or something else I haven't thought of.

Must have: mpg comparable to Prism (~30), auto trans, CD, excellent acceleration (I do have to drive in Boston), support system convenient to my home, rear window defrost. I expect to drive it for more than 100,000 miles, so reliability is key.

Comments

[whispercricket]

I'm very happy with my Toyota Echo - great gas mileage, very reliable, much bigger inside than it seems from the outside. I think the Matrix is the Echo in semi-wagon form, but I haven't driven one so I can't say for sure. The trunk is a good size considering that it's a compact car, but I don't know how much gear you want to haul around.

My family used to have Hondas and then switched to Toyotas, but I don't know if that means anything...

[galaneia.livejournal.com]

umm...this got a little longer than I intended. I've broken it up so it might make a little more sense.

I've never driven an Echo, but I have sat in one here at the shop so I'll add this little bit of trivia.

You may not care, but the dashboard has an odd configuration. The whole speedometer/odometer/tachometer assembly has been moved to the side (although it's also been rotated to still face the driver).

So there's great visibility straight down the hood from the driver's seat, but in order to see the instrument panel you have to look off to the right.

[whispercricket]

I really like the different dashboard configuration on the Echo - I feel that it takes less time and effort to check my speed by flicking my eyes down / sideways at an angle than to have to look down inside the steering wheel. However, other people definitely have different opinions, so I highly suggest test driving to see what you think of it (give it a couple of minutes, because it will seem a little odd at first).

I really love the thought that went into the design of the car in general (could give more details if requested, but I don't want to force a long essay on you :) ), but like anything else, it's not right for everyone.