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

[hfcougar.livejournal.com]

I have a '94 Chevy Cavalier that I'm very happy with. It only has 71k miles (I don't drive much), but it's been from Texas to Minnesota twice and I'm confident it will see the hundred mark. It has only one rust spot (the size of a pencil-top eraser) and the only maintenance issue I've had is that I had to replace the alternator back in 2000. I don't know how the latest Cavaliers stack up but the only negative thing I've heard about them is that they're kind of goofy looking.

I would recommend against Saturns for Boston driving because in accidents they total extremely easily. True, you'll likely be unhurt, but you'll also be out a car. I have friends that got burned after what they thought were (or should have been) minor accidents.