RunningAHEAD - Topic: cars

nemo1

posted: 7/25/2006 at 4:27 PM

So... let's see what runners suggest for cars. I am looking for a new to me one, starting in September, but it never hurts to get some advice first. My last car was a 2001 Dodge Neon. I am hoping for something with a little more gas mileage if I can, and maybe safer, although, I certainly didn't die in the last accident. My price range is significantly less than some, that whole "in college" thing. Roll eyes

I only have about $6000 to spend on the actual car. I have some extra $$ for taxes and things. I would really like to get one for about $3000 or $4000, but I don't think I can get one that cheap without having to sacrifice mileage. Anyway, let me know your thoughts on the subject. Thanks, Sara

zoom-zoom

Fanatic #3965

posted: 7/25/2006 at 6:09 PM

Boy, if you could find a used Mazda 3 from the first model year (I think it was '04) I would HIGHLY recommend it...but I think you may still be looking at maybe $10k. We have one with 6k miles on it (an '06) and I could not love the car more. It is so awesome!!! A used Honda Civic would also be good. Hubby just "retired" his almost 18 year old with something like 250k miles on it. Smile

k

Kirsten

'07: 1324.5 | '08: 1561 | '09: 1810.9 run ~ 208.7 bike | '10: 1,000.3 run ~ 3513.5 bike | '11: 710.3 run ~ 4157.9 bike '12: 659.9 run ~ 3365.6 bike (100% benched by ortho last 4.5 weeks while in long-arm cast)

'13 Goals:

• DON'T BREAK ANYTHING!!!

• get within 5#s of 130#s (and stay there, gotdammit!)

• 1st olympic distance duathlon

• 1st Iceman Cometh mtn bike race

• Half Fanatic

• punch Type 1 in the junk

Wingz

posted: 7/25/2006 at 8:10 PM

I'm a big Mazda fan too. Had a Mazda 626 for a long while. That was a good car. I've got a Mazda Protege now, and it's a good car too (even if it is in the shop right now!). I get around 30 MPG, by the way.

Roads were made for journeys...

vicentefrijole

posted: 7/25/2006 at 8:42 PM

The "car-talk" guys on NPR are constantly raving about the Subaru Outback and other Subaru cars. I don't own one myself, but I have friends (two in fact) who own one and they love them. They're fun, can carry a few friends, and yet I think the gas mileage is pretty descent, but you'd have to look at it closer. Aside from that, in my family's experience the small Hondas and Toyotas are the most fuel efficient and run forever (if you take care of them, change the oil, etc). Hondas are getting a little more expensive though, I think, because everyone knows they run so well! Hey, a really good source is the consumer reports magazine, in particular, their yearly car issue. You can get it at the library, probably. I think they even have something on used cars? Oh, and since you're buying used... I would really try to buy from an individual person (and then make SURE you get it checked out by a good mechanic before you agree to buy). In my opinion, if you buy off some used car lot, you're NEVER going to get a good (or even fair) deal.... you've got some time so keep looking and hold out for a good deal (someone who is moving/upgrading/divorcing/died will be ready to sell for cheap).

zoom-zoom

Fanatic #3965

posted: 7/25/2006 at 11:17 PM

Quote from Wingz on 7/25/2006 at 8:10 PM:

I'm a big Mazda fan too. Had a Mazda 626 for a long while. That was a good car. I've got a Mazda Protege now, and it's a good car too (even if it is in the shop right now!). I get around 30 MPG, by the way.

My first car was an '87 626 LX...good car, but NO guts. And by the time I got it it was in need of pretty much new everything. I think that's why it was sold. I bought it at 7 years/120k miles and got 40k miles out of it before we said nuts on it (needed a new gas tank). The engine was still amazing, though. Always started. Now the tranny...that's another story. That was the last automatic I bought and ever plan to buy. Second car is/was our Escort LX. Almost identical in many ways to the 626, but 10 years later (same dome light, even). It's boring, but cheap to own and super reliable. We considered a Civic when we bought our Mazda, but the 3 was MUCH more comfortable for hubby and I both to drive--and he is almost a foot taller than I am. Amazing how great that height-adjustable seat is. And it's a much sportier car than the Civic. Though if we had to buy another car today we would also look at the Honda Fit. And since our Escort is almost 10 and getting up there in miles we may be looking at a second 3 or a Fit in another couple of years (we buy 'em new and drive 'em forever). k

Kirsten

'07: 1324.5 | '08: 1561 | '09: 1810.9 run ~ 208.7 bike | '10: 1,000.3 run ~ 3513.5 bike | '11: 710.3 run ~ 4157.9 bike '12: 659.9 run ~ 3365.6 bike (100% benched by ortho last 4.5 weeks while in long-arm cast)

'13 Goals:

• DON'T BREAK ANYTHING!!!

• get within 5#s of 130#s (and stay there, gotdammit!)

• 1st olympic distance duathlon

• 1st Iceman Cometh mtn bike race

• Half Fanatic

• punch Type 1 in the junk

Mile Collector

Abs of Flabs

posted: 7/26/2006 at 8:49 AM

Quote from vicentefrijole on 7/25/2006 at 8:42 PM:

The "car-talk" guys on NPR are constantly raving about the Subaru Outback and other Subaru cars. I don't own one myself, but I have friends (two in fact) who own one and they love them. They're fun, can carry a few friends, and yet I think the gas mileage is pretty descent, but you'd have to look at it closer.

The car talk guys... you're such a geek! Sadly, I listen to them every week too. Anyway, my next car will be a Subaru Outback. I like the idea of all wheel drive, which is pretty darn important here in the northeast. I like its looks, and its practicality. It's not too gas efficient though. Sara, do you have any requirements? Buy a car is so subjective without any restrictions placed on the criteria. As for gas mileage, the Saturns are surprisingly efficient. The SL models, which I don't think they make anymore, do 30-33 miles in the city, and 37-39 on the highway. They're not flashy cars, but the dealer service guys are probably the most honest in the business.

Beantown Runners | On the Bench

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Fanatic #3965

posted: 7/26/2006 at 10:09 AM

Quote from Mile Collector on 7/26/2006 at 8:49 AM:

The car talk guys... you're such a geek! Sadly, I listen to them every week too. Anyway, my next car will be a Subaru Outback. I like the idea of all wheel drive, which is pretty darn important here in the northeast. I like its looks, and its practicality. It's not too gas efficient though.

And there's always that sweet WRX (my baby brother bought one as soon as he and his wife separated, LOL). Nice car! Definitely not cheap or fuel efficient, though...but FUN!!! A used Toyota Prius would be a great car for someone who does a lot of city/stop-and-go driving, too. Friends of ours bought one used and really like it. But I don't think even a used one would be cheap--there's just way too much demand. k

Kirsten

'07: 1324.5 | '08: 1561 | '09: 1810.9 run ~ 208.7 bike | '10: 1,000.3 run ~ 3513.5 bike | '11: 710.3 run ~ 4157.9 bike '12: 659.9 run ~ 3365.6 bike (100% benched by ortho last 4.5 weeks while in long-arm cast)

'13 Goals:

• DON'T BREAK ANYTHING!!!

• get within 5#s of 130#s (and stay there, gotdammit!)

• 1st olympic distance duathlon

• 1st Iceman Cometh mtn bike race

• Half Fanatic

• punch Type 1 in the junk

vicentefrijole

posted: 7/26/2006 at 11:41 AM

Quote from Mile Collector on 7/26/2006 at 8:49 AM:

The car talk guys... you're such a geek!

Hey, I resemble... err, resent... that remark! Big grin

Lifesabeach

posted: 8/1/2006 at 7:49 PM

oooooooooooh, to one day be able to consider a *car* again! Tongue

Right now, I'm totin around 4 boys in a 2005 Sienna... Fuel efficiency? ugh. I don't remember the last time gas in San Diego was under $3.20/gal Shocked

it doesn't really matter at this point in time, LOL. but I'm curious, what'd you decide on? Hopefully, you'll find a nice reliable car that will get you through college. I drove a 1978 VW rabbit in college, it was 11yo when I bought it, hehehehe. It was da bomb. Big grin

Jennifer mm#1231

vicentefrijole

posted: 8/2/2006 at 4:03 PM

Quote from Lifesabeach on 8/1/2006 at 7:49 PM:

I drove a 1978 VW rabbit in college, it was 11yo when I bought it, hehehehe. It was da bomb.

Hey, the Rabbit is coming out again! You can relive your college glory days! Wink

zoom-zoom

Fanatic #3965

posted: 8/2/2006 at 6:04 PM

Quote from vicentefrijole on 8/2/2006 at 4:03 PM:

Hey, the Rabbit is coming out again! You can relive your college glory days!

If we didn't need more space I would totally be getting one. When I was about 10 our family of five drove all over the Eastern US and Canada in a navy blue diesel rabbit for about 3 weeks. That was back in the pre-carseat days when a family could fit 3 kids in the backseat of a small car. Smile

k

Kirsten

'07: 1324.5 | '08: 1561 | '09: 1810.9 run ~ 208.7 bike | '10: 1,000.3 run ~ 3513.5 bike | '11: 710.3 run ~ 4157.9 bike '12: 659.9 run ~ 3365.6 bike (100% benched by ortho last 4.5 weeks while in long-arm cast)