Help me find an efficient new car ... for ~$1200!

[Daox]

Yeah, I think its probably a little above scrap here right now. Still a heck of a deal for me because I can do the work.

Anyways, I posted more info in my new thread on the car here: http://ecomodder.com/forum/showthrea...ing-29210.html

[Daox]

With the Civic repair coming close to an end. I've been keeping my eyes peeled for another car to replace the Sunfire again. The contingency being it can't need much work at all. I have other things I need to get to and the Civic ate up all my time.

So, right now I got an email out to this guy:

1999 Saturn SL

Its got high miles, but its really exactly what I want. 1996+ SC1 or SL1 with a 5 spd manual trans. Seems like its been taken care of recently, perhaps had some heating issues. My main concern is underbody rust.

[MetroMPG]

Definitely worth the look if it's within the "beater radius".

[Fat Charlie]

For that price I'd ignore the miles and take it for a spin. Nice find!

[Daox]

Here is another. I've been watching for a first gen Civic hybrid for quite a while. Real high miles though.

2005 honda civic Hybrid 5speed

Also a fair amount more than the Saturn...

[MetroMPG]

Also massively outside the target price.

$900 Saturn!

[2000mc]

Originally Posted by Daox

My main concern is underbody rust.

Biggest rust spots on mine are at the front of the rear wheel wells. I also recently had the rear catalytic converter flange eliminated as preventive maintenance. The flange had rusted down past the studs - done at about 238k mi, original cat and exhaust pipe

[darcane]

Originally Posted by Daox

Here is another. I've been watching for a first gen Civic hybrid for quite a while. Real high miles though.

2005 honda civic Hybrid 5speed

Also a fair amount more than the Saturn...

High miles on a vintage of Civic that is not known for long term reliability and a little rust on the outside usually means a bunch underneath... I think I'd pass.

[Daox]

The Saturn sold last night (not to me).

[Daox]

I think I'm going to expand my search criteria. fueleconomy.gov helped out. Search parameters:

Model year: 1996-2000
Fuel type: gasoline
Transmission: manual
Vehicle type: conventional (not hybrid/diesel)
MPG rating: 30+ combined

This really helped me generate a more full list of vehicles to choose from. This is what fueleconomy.gov spit out ranked highest mpg to lowest.

1. Metro/Swift 1.0l
2. Civic HX
3. Metro/Swift 1.3l
4. Aspire
5. Echo
6. Tercel
7. Del Sol
8. Paseo
9. Mirage / Summit
10. Civic
11. Protege
12. Corolla / Prism
13. Escort / Tracer

The Saturns are just off the list rated at 29 combined. So, it looks like I'll be adjusting my search a little bit. A few of those cars are definitely out of the price range (Civic, Del Sol, Echo, probably others).