msmemory_archive: (Rois)
msmemory_archive ([personal profile] msmemory_archive) wrote2003-11-17 09:43 am
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Next project

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.
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[identity profile] umbran.livejournal.com 2003-11-17 11:16 am (UTC)(link)
My Lady has had her Saturn for a couple of years, and it hasn't needed anything other than the standard routine oil-change and tire-rotation kind of maintenance. In addition, the fact that the folks at Saturn dealerships are generally friendly, fair and open about their practices and policies, and not terribly sales-aggressive win them points, IMHO. After an unfortunate run-in with a tree, it needed a mirror replaced, but it didn't cost any more than I would expect for any new vehicle.

Power and acceleration are, IMHO, overrated due to typical American impatience. Boston traffic or no, waiting a few extra seconds for a wider opening won't hurt anyone. Especially when the extra cylinders you use to get power put a spear through your gas mileage. Gas isn't really going to be getting cheaper any time soon, and the world is not making more for us to use. Burning less of it is probably a good thing all around.

[identity profile] msmemory.livejournal.com 2003-11-17 02:15 pm (UTC)(link)
I'm not as aggressive a driver as [livejournal.com profile] jducoeur, but I do value having pickup when merging onto the interstate during rush hour.

But you're right about conservation of our resources, too - that's part of why I'm considering an alternative-fuel vehicle like the Prius or Civic Hybrid.

hybrids

[identity profile] outlander.livejournal.com 2003-11-17 06:54 pm (UTC)(link)
Point to ponder: when I was researching civic's, I came across the fact that the battery in a hybrid costs upwards of 8000 to replace. May not be true, as I heard it word of mouth and not at a dealership, but you might want to look into it.

Of course, if the battery goes within the first few years, it would be under warranty anyhow...

It is also supposed to take up a large amount of trunk space...again rumor, but worth considering.
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