Go Back   EcoModder Forum > Introductions
Register Now
 Register Now
 

Reply  Post New Thread
 
Submit Tools LinkBack Thread Tools
Old 03-11-2012, 10:04 PM   #1 (permalink)
EcoModding Lurker
 
Mifunego's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: The People's Republic of Chicago
Posts: 70

The Taco - '99 Toyota Tacoma Prerunner
90 day: 19.29 mpg (US)
Thanks: 5
Thanked 13 Times in 9 Posts
2012 Mazda 5

Hi all,

I've been on board here for a while with my other cars, but there has been a recent "shake up" in the stable, so to speak. Until quite recently, our garage was populated with a 2006 VW Jetta 2.0T, and a 2008 Mazdaspeed 3. Both turbo, both fun to drive, both not quite fitting our needs. We have two kids and will be hosting a few overseas visitors this year, including an exchange student, and three across the back, with a couple child seats, doesn't quite cut it. We need something that can fit more. However, we are subject to the constraints of tight city parking, and a mom who is less-than-comfortable maneuvering big SUVs or "full-size" minivans :irony:. Hence the Mazda 5. It parks like a compact, fits 6 passengers when necessary, and only comes equipped with a 2.5L I4. I, on the other hand, have been rehabbing a city two-flat, and a turbo pocket rocket like the 'speed3 was not exactly optimum for that. I tried pulling a trailer for runs to the lumberyard, and the car had plenty of torque for it, but it just got to be a pain the rear to fumble around with the hook ups every time I needed to pick up a sheet of drywall. Thus, the Toyota Tacoma. It's not really the best mileage, but it was quite inexpensive, so while I'm spending a bit more at the pump, I didn't have to pay that much to start out, and I can still haul lots of construction debris and materials. And I'll be honest: I like driving a truck.

I've got high hopes for the 5. I've read some good reviews, and it seems that conservative drivers are getting close to 30 on the highway with no mods; not bad for a 3500 lb 6 passenger vehicle. Mom is already easy on the gas pedal, so I'll start with pumping up the tires and see where our first couple tanks get us.

  Reply With Quote
Alt Today
Popular topics

Other popular topics in this forum...

   
Old 03-11-2012, 10:18 PM   #2 (permalink)
Master EcoModder
 
larrybuck's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: sw Washington (state), a little north of Vancouver
Posts: 1,154
Thanks: 298
Thanked 122 Times in 88 Posts
Welcome to this new auto chapter in your life!

Sounds like you have a good plan started. Are you willing to boost the tire psi's a little"

I am very happy for you that you say your wife has a light right foot!

I'm sure many others on here wish their loved ones were INTO the theme of saving!

Best wishes, and happy multi people touring.

__________________
06 Chev MonteC JG#24tribute car 30mpg 00 Honda Insight 63MPG 98 Buick Park Ave3.8 33MPG 89 Toyota Corolla wag 60MPG so far 81 VW Rabbit diesel pu 50MPG+ 80 Mercedes 240D stick 30-ish 90 vette 6-speed,29ish 07 Honda ST1300 55MPG 83 Honda 650 GL 64MPG 19 Suzuki dr200 88MPG23 HondaGrom?+Tow K10D Sub 26mpg NEVER,NEVER GIVE UP!
PUMP THOSE TIRES UP!
DRIVE IN YOUR SOCKS FOR SENSITIVITY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
SLOW DOWN AND SMOOTH UP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!![SIGPIC]
  Reply With Quote
Reply  Post New Thread






Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2025, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
Content Relevant URLs by vBSEO 3.5.2
All content copyright EcoModder.com