Guest Black Label Society Posted April 13, 2006 So, I'm buying a new house, and my 'rent' went from $650 to a mortgage of $1550. I have a 97 Dodge Dakota with a V8, and I get about 15MPG. I drive right now about 200 miles per week, and when I move, it'll be 300 per week, JUST to work and home (not to mention the other 200+ for client onsite visits, which I get mileage $$ for) So, I'm thinking of selling it and getting a low budget car with good to great gas mileage. My initial thoughts were like a Geo Metro, Honda Accord, or Saturn. I'm looking for input, experiences with these or other vehicles as far as mileage, reliability, etc. I'll basically drive it into the ground, and hope to get 3 years out of it. Any ideas of life expectancy of the car you'd recommend, etc. Any help is much appreciated. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RLLD 3,785 Posted April 13, 2006 All I got is, pinch the top before you roll it down.... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
davebg 0 Posted April 13, 2006 Which one of these doesn't belong? *Geo Metro *Honda Accord *Saturn Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Black Label Society Posted April 13, 2006 Which one of these doesn't belong? *Geo Metro *Honda Accord *Saturn Yeah, I know the Metro is a POS, but the damn thing gets almost 50mpg. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
spork in the road 2 Posted April 13, 2006 I would suggest you look at used cars. They are so much cheaper. Also the Honda Accord is quite different than the Geo Metro. Did you mean the Honda Civic? I've had a lot of friends who own both the Civic and the Accord. They really liked them and haven't had any problems other than normal wear and tear. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
phillybear 365 Posted April 13, 2006 Never get involved in a land war in Asia. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
D'ohmer Simpson 0 Posted April 13, 2006 I could do a Consumer Report search on these vehicles used, and tell you what they think. I could almost guarantee though that only the Honda will be listed as a Best Bet. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Black Label Society Posted April 13, 2006 I would suggest you look at used cars. They are so much cheaper. Also the Honda Accord is quite different than the Geo Metro. Did you mean the Honda Civic? I've had a lot of friends who own both the Civic and the Accord. They really liked them and haven't had any problems other than normal wear and tear. YES, it would be USED. Sorry I didn't mention that. I'm basically looking for a beater.....that will be reliable with good gas mileage. I could do a Consumer Report search on these vehicles used, and tell you what they think. I could almost guarantee though that only the Honda will be listed as a Best Bet. LINK or do you have an 'inside' track? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
KSB2424 3,096 Posted April 13, 2006 If you are really looking at a GEO or Saturn then I would get a 04'/ 05' Honda Civic. Honda's run forever and the Civic gets even better gas milage than the Accord and are much less in $$. The new models look alot better than the older models. I sometimes even mistake them for an Accord. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
D'ohmer Simpson 0 Posted April 13, 2006 YES, it would be USED. Sorry I didn't mention that.I'm basically looking for a beater.....that will be reliable with good gas mileage. LINK or do you have an 'inside' track? "inside" Do you know the car's year? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SUXBNME 1,413 Posted April 13, 2006 If you can, stick with Toyota or Honda.. Unfortunatly the american econo boxes are still way behind as far as reliability. You will pay a bit more for, but there is a reason that toy and hondas command more money in the used car market..Quality.. Personally, I like Toyota better. A little less money than honda, and much easier to work on. When the common problems need addressing, i.e. starters, belts, brakes..etc. The parts are generally less expensive, and easier to replace yourself.. Good luck Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Black Label Society Posted April 13, 2006 "inside" Do you know the car's year? No, not off hand. I guess maybe I'd like to know what make/model and years are good in reliability. Sorry, not much help I know. I'm really looking for suggestions. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Slruc 0 Posted April 13, 2006 I drove my accord into the ground. The engine was still fine but the body consisted of duct tape and rust and when I finally killed the trani I decided it was time to retire the honda. The only thing I hate about hondas are other drivers. (all honda drivers think they are race car drivers). My parents recently bought a saturn (about 5yrs ago) and they love it. But it hasn't been long so who knows about longevity. And the Geo - please. So overall I would vote honda. But be prepares to feel like your driving a go-kart to work compared to what you currently drive. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
parrot 789 Posted April 13, 2006 Civic or Tercel, or an older Camry or Accord. My Camry has 100K+ and still runs like a top with no problems. My sister had an Accord that my father has now. Has to have close to 200K on it. Can't really go wrong with either of these. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
D'ohmer Simpson 0 Posted April 13, 2006 No, not off hand. I guess maybe I'd like to know what make/model and years are good in reliability.Sorry, not much help I know. I'm really looking for suggestions. CR Good Bets These are models that have performed well in Consumer Reports road tests over the years and have proved to have several or more years of better-than-average Used Car Verdict. They are listed alphabetically. Acura Integra Acura MDX Acura RL Acura RSX Acura TL BMW Z3, Z4 Buick Regal Chevrolet Prizm Ford Crown Victoria Ford Escort Mustang (V8) Honda Accord Honda Civic Honda Civic Hybrid Honda CR-V Honda Element Honda Odyssey Honda Pilot Honda Prelude Honda S2000 Infiniti FX35 (V6) Infiniti G20 Infiniti G35 Infiniti I30, I35 Infiniti QX4 Lexus ES300, ES330 Lexus GS300/GS400, GS430 Lexus IS300 Lexus GX470 Lexus LS400, LS430 Lexus RX300, RX330 Lincoln Town Car Mazda Millenia Mazda MX-5 Miata Mazda Protegé Mercury Grand Marquis Mitsubishi Galant Nissan Altima Nissan Maxima Nissan Murano Nissan Pathfinder Pontiac Vibe Subaru Forester Subaru Impreza Subaru Impreza WRX, STi Subaru Legacy Subaru Outback Toyota 4Runner Toyota Avalon Toyota Camry Toyota Camry Solara Toyota Celica Toyota Corolla Toyota Echo Toyota Highlander Toyota Land Cruiser Toyota Matrix Toyota Prius Toyota RAV4 Toyota Sequoia Toyota Sienna Toyota Tundra CR Bad Bets These models from the Used Cars to Avoid list have shown multiple years of much-worse-than-average Used Car Verdicts. They have regularly shown more problems than most models each production year. BMW 7 Series BMW X5 (V8) Chevrolet Astro Chevrolet Blazer Chevrolet Express 1500 Chevrolet S-10 (4WD) Chevrolet TrailBlazer Chevrolet Venture Chrysler Town & Country (AWD) Dodge Grand Caravan (AWD) GMC Envoy GMC Jimmy GMC Safari GMC Savana 1500 GMC Sonoma (4WD) Jaguar S-Type Jaguar X-Type Kia Sedona Land Rover Discovery Lincoln LS Lincoln Navigator Mercedes-Benz CLK Mercedes-Benz E-Class (V8) Oldsmobile Alero Oldsmobile Bravada Oldsmobile Silhouette Pontiac Aztek Pontiac Trans Sport/Montana Saturn Vue (AWD) Volkswagen Cabrio Volkswagen Jetta Volkswagen New Beetle Volkswagen Passat Wagon (V6) Volvo XC90 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GobbleDog 897 Posted April 13, 2006 I vote for a used Honky Civic. As reliable as they come and great millage. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
davebg 0 Posted April 13, 2006 I'm basically looking for a beater Why not get a rickshaw & an undocumented Asian immigrant? Get a cheap ride and help solve the immigration problem...two birds...one stone. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
brinett9 0 Posted April 13, 2006 The M1A1 Abrams Main Battle Tank only gets about 1 mile per gallon. But at least people treat you with courtesy. Also, the fuel is JP8 jet fuel. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cdub100 3,607 Posted April 13, 2006 My 01 cavalier has over 104k on it and is still running well Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CurlyNight 0 Posted April 13, 2006 If you can, stick with Toyota or Honda..Unfortunatly the american econo boxes are still way behind as far as reliability. You will pay a bit more for, but there is a reason that toy and hondas command more money in the used car market..Quality.. Personally, I like Toyota better. A little less money than honda, and much easier to work on. When the common problems need addressing, i.e. starters, belts, brakes..etc. The parts are generally less expensive, and easier to replace yourself.. Good luck Toyota's are nice aren't they? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Black Label Society Posted April 13, 2006 CR Good Bets These are models that have performed well in Consumer Reports road tests over the years and have proved to have several or more years of better-than-average Used Car Verdict. They are listed alphabetically. Acura Integra Acura MDX Acura RL Acura RSX Acura TL BMW Z3, Z4 Buick Regal Chevrolet Prizm Ford Crown Victoria Ford Escort Mustang (V8) Honda Accord Honda Civic Honda Civic Hybrid Honda CR-V Honda Element Honda Odyssey Honda Pilot Honda Prelude Honda S2000 Infiniti FX35 (V6) Infiniti G20 Infiniti G35 Infiniti I30, I35 Infiniti QX4 Lexus ES300, ES330 Lexus GS300/GS400, GS430 Lexus IS300 Lexus GX470 Lexus LS400, LS430 Lexus RX300, RX330 Lincoln Town Car Mazda Millenia Mazda MX-5 Miata Mazda Protegé Mercury Grand Marquis Mitsubishi Galant Nissan Altima Nissan Maxima Nissan Murano Nissan Pathfinder Pontiac Vibe Subaru Forester Subaru Impreza Subaru Impreza WRX, STi Subaru Legacy Subaru Outback Toyota 4Runner Toyota Avalon Toyota Camry Toyota Camry Solara Toyota Celica Toyota Corolla Toyota Echo Toyota Highlander Toyota Land Cruiser Toyota Matrix Toyota Prius Toyota RAV4 Toyota Sequoia Toyota Sienna Toyota Tundra CR Bad Bets These models from the Used Cars to Avoid list have shown multiple years of much-worse-than-average Used Car Verdicts. They have regularly shown more problems than most models each production year. BMW 7 Series BMW X5 (V8) Chevrolet Astro Chevrolet Blazer Chevrolet Express 1500 Chevrolet S-10 (4WD) Chevrolet TrailBlazer Chevrolet Venture Chrysler Town & Country (AWD) Dodge Grand Caravan (AWD) GMC Envoy GMC Jimmy GMC Safari GMC Savana 1500 GMC Sonoma (4WD) Jaguar S-Type Jaguar X-Type Kia Sedona Land Rover Discovery Lincoln LS Lincoln Navigator Mercedes-Benz CLK Mercedes-Benz E-Class (V8) Oldsmobile Alero Oldsmobile Bravada Oldsmobile Silhouette Pontiac Aztek Pontiac Trans Sport/Montana Saturn Vue (AWD) Volkswagen Cabrio Volkswagen Jetta Volkswagen New Beetle Volkswagen Passat Wagon (V6) Volvo XC90 WOW...THANK YOU! Great info. Thanks everyone for posting your thoughts. Looks like a Toyota or Honda is the ticket. Shock there...focking american engineers can't make crap that lasts....I hate to buy foreign, but dang. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CurlyNight 0 Posted April 13, 2006 My 01 cavalier has over 104k on it and is still running well My 93 Nissan Altima was running well at over 230K until it got totalled in Oct of 03. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SUXBNME 1,413 Posted April 13, 2006 WOW...THANK YOU! Great info. Thanks everyone for posting your thoughts. Looks like a Toyota or Honda is the ticket. Shock there...focking american engineers can't make crap that lasts....I hate to buy foreign, but dang. If it makes you feel better, most of the Toyotas are made in the U.S. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Joe Carcuss 0 Posted April 13, 2006 So, I'm buying a new house, and my 'rent' went from $650 to a mortgage of $1550.I have a 97 Dodge Dakota with a V8, and I get about 15MPG. I drive right now about 200 miles per week, and when I move, it'll be 300 per week, JUST to work and home (not to mention the other 200+ for client onsite visits, which I get mileage $$ for) So, I'm thinking of selling it and getting a low budget car with good to great gas mileage. My initial thoughts were like a Geo Metro, Honda Accord, or Saturn. I'm looking for input, experiences with these or other vehicles as far as mileage, reliability, etc. I'll basically drive it into the ground, and hope to get 3 years out of it. Any ideas of life expectancy of the car you'd recommend, etc. Any help is much appreciated. The Geo Metro will fall apart, Saturns aren't that great on gas and made mostly of plastic. The Accord is a very nice car but gets about 10-12 less MPG then the Civic. I personally went with the top trim, special edition Civic over the Accord. Not as much horsepower but it has all the other extras and gets 30+ MPG! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Black Label Society Posted April 13, 2006 If it makes you feel better, most of the Toyotas are made in the U.S. Assembled, yes. Profits go overseas. Just would like to invest in american products, but reality is reality. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hoytdwow 202 Posted April 13, 2006 Just would like to invest in american products Yeah, just like GM and Ford invest in Americans Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CurlyNight 0 Posted April 13, 2006 If it makes you feel better, most of the Toyotas are made in the U.S. Don't they have to follow the specifications of the "foreign" made as in parts and such? It's not like Toyota here is making crap stuff like Ford or something, eh? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SUXBNME 1,413 Posted April 13, 2006 Assembled, yes. Profits go overseas. Just would like to invest in american products, but reality is reality. True, but at least mostly american workers are doing the assembly... As an auto mechanic, and a "buy american first" type person, there are unfortunately very few cars that I can honestly recommend to friends. Especially the type that you are looking for. Now if you wanted a truck to tow your new doublewide...err...house, then thats a different story.. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ArnieBragg 1 Posted April 13, 2006 The M1A1 Abrams Main Battle Tank only gets about 1 mile per gallon. But at least people treat you with courtesy. Also, the fuel is JP8 jet fuel. I think Riddlen can give a review of the M1 Abrams. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CurlyNight 0 Posted April 13, 2006 True, but at least mostly american workers are doing the assembly... As an auto mechanic, and a "buy american first" type person, there are unfortunately very few cars that I can honestly recommend to friends. Especially the type that you are looking for. Now if you wanted a truck to tow your new doublewide...err...house, then thats a different story.. Yeah, I figure I've got the best of both worlds in Toyota: quality and made by workers here. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SUXBNME 1,413 Posted April 13, 2006 Don't they have to follow the specifications of the "foreign" made as in parts and such? It's not like Toyota here is making crap stuff like Ford or something, eh? Nope, nothing like that at all..the main difference is in the emmissions, as they vary from state to state, country to country.. I've been a huge Toyota fan for a long while now, with the possible exception of Rav4's...They suck Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CurlyNight 0 Posted April 13, 2006 The old ones do, not the new ones. Being the first owner, mine is not going to suck. I actually bought it for the size, gas mileage, and comfort in the SUV arena. With good care, this thing will last me fine if I choose to keep it "forevah." Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SUXBNME 1,413 Posted April 13, 2006 The old ones do, not the new ones. Being the first owner, mine is not going to suck. I actually bought it for the size, gas mileage, and comfort in the SUV arena. With good care, this thing will last me fine if I choose to keep it "forevah." I was just kidding Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CurlyNight 0 Posted April 13, 2006 I was just kidding Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
D'ohmer Simpson 0 Posted April 13, 2006 WOW...THANK YOU! Great info. YW If you narrow your search to a few specific models and years I can give you more detailed info. Just give me a holla! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
George Carlin 1 Posted April 13, 2006 Best tip you'll get. Move to a state where you can make real money. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
iuchris 0 Posted April 13, 2006 So, I'm buying a new house, and my 'rent' went from $650 to a mortgage of $1550.I have a 97 Dodge Dakota with a V8, and I get about 15MPG. I drive right now about 200 miles per week, and when I move, it'll be 300 per week, JUST to work and home (not to mention the other 200+ for client onsite visits, which I get mileage $$ for) So, I'm thinking of selling it and getting a low budget car with good to great gas mileage. My initial thoughts were like a Geo Metro, Honda Accord, or Saturn. I'm looking for input, experiences with these or other vehicles as far as mileage, reliability, etc. I'll basically drive it into the ground, and hope to get 3 years out of it. Any ideas of life expectancy of the car you'd recommend, etc. Any help is much appreciated. I have a 2003 Toyota Corolla S that gets great gas mileage, is sporty, and is extremely reliable. Great car at a great price. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Toro 1 Posted April 13, 2006 Look EYE!@!#$! AlWayS LoOk eYe!!!!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Black Label Society Posted April 13, 2006 Thanks Everyone....especially D'ohmer. (Except EDJR Carlin Fukk face bichass cracka) I appreciate the input. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites