Quote:
Originally Posted by Daox
Just did a quick search on fueleconomy.gov. Sorted for 1998-2003 cars that get better than 30 mpg combined. Looks like I'd just be looking for a Civic, Corolla (Chevy Prizm), Echo, Tercel, Metro, or a Mirage.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Daox
Just did a quick search on fueleconomy.gov. Sorted for 1998-2003 cars that get better than 30 mpg combined. Looks like I'd just be looking for a Civic, Corolla (Chevy Prizm), Echo, Tercel, Metro, or a Mirage.
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When I looked for a car, I had ProDarwin's problem, where the cars were either ancient, trashed, or falling apart. Winters full of road salt don't treat auto bodies too well. However, it seems like the point will be moot: my parents are planning on getting a new car now, and are going to give me their old '01 Echo. 146kmi on it, but it runs great, especially with that 5-speed manual (though I may need to look at the synchromesh for 3rd gear).
Quote:
Originally Posted by ProDarwin
$3000 could get you 20 engines for that Saturn.
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Hard part is getting the engine in or out of the body. We don't have a car lift, and we'd spend a lot more cash on renting a place to do the job.
Quote:
Originally Posted by ProDarwin
What requirements does the car need to meet? Tow rating? Do you have kids (does it need to fit a car seat)? How comfortable are you working on your car? Is a wagon beneficial? Are you looking for a manual or auto?
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I was basically looking for a little commuter car. 80% of the time I could get away with two seats, but every once in a while I'm driving places with friends, so four seats were my minimum. Didn't need towing, or kids. A hatchback would have been preferred, but sedans work well. Love me a manual. And fortunately I'm comfortable doing my own work. Did a lot of that on my Saturn, and even my old F-150 before that. At one point I got good enough that I could swap out starter motors inside of fifteen minutes on that thing. But it's moot, now, since I'm getting the old Echo, which fits the bill perfectly. Even has a tow jack on there (not that I plan on, or could, towing anything with the car, but we have a bike rack that fits in place of the tow hitch, so I could use that!).