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Old 04-22-2011, 03:01 PM   #7 (permalink)
bwilson4web
Engineering first
 
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Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Huntsville, AL
Posts: 843

17 i3-REx - '14 BMW i3-REx
Last 3: 45.67 mpg (US)

Blue Bob's - '19 Tesla Std Rng Plus
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Quote:
Originally Posted by GoodOak View Post
I own a small business that does landscaping with native plants and natural areas restoration. With our growing crew we're finding a need for a second vehicle in addition to our small truck. So now I'm looking for a small "sales vehicle" that is very fuel efficient but won't cost us too much.

I am hoping to get something used and maybe even pay cash for it, thus my $10k price limit, but for a good value I could spend more and go with financing. We're looking for a small wagon or hatch back. Basically we need a vehicle that will carry two people and cargo, or 4 adults comfortably. I would like it to get in the neighborhood of 40mpg on the highway stock (then we'll see if we can do better with mods and hypermiling training for my staff).

Any thoughts? I really like the idea of the VW TDI models, but they seem expensive, and really hard to find.
I am fond of Ebay "Completed" listings as these show what people have paid. Using your criteria:

$10,450 - 2006 Prius, 88,500 mi
$10,400 - 2004 Prius, 68,787 mi
$10,350 - 2007 Prius, 102,068 mi
$10,000 - 2006 Prius, 115,000 mi

This is a hatchback that seats up to five or the rear seats fold down:

96 ft{3} - passenger
16 ft{3} - luggage

It is not rated for towing but many of us have bought and installed receivers and I use it with a folding trailer for oversized loads.

2,932 lbs - curb weight
3,795 lbs - gross weight

To get less than 40 MPG on the highway, you have to drive faster than 75 mph (standard day, inflated tires, e.t.c.)

Bob Wilson
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2019 Tesla Model 3 Std. Range Plus - 215 mi EV
2017 BMW i3-REx - 106 mi EV, 88 mi mid-grade
Retired engineer, Huntsville, AL
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