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Old 12-19-2010, 12:40 AM   #11 (permalink)
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2006 DaCivic Hybrid - '06 Honda Civic Hybrid
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I am somewhat bias since I drive a Honda Civic Hybrid. Had it for 18 months and like it very much. I looked at the new Insight but did not like the interior as much, gets the same mileage as the civic. Only advantage I saw in the insight was it was cheaper and you can put down the back seat to the trunk/hatchback area. The Civic Hybrid has a battery behind the seat so no dropping the back seat for your skis.

The Prius is a great car but I could not get any deals on them where I live.

Crunching the number on the smart to me seems like it is not too smart, high purchase cost, premium fuel and not so good FE. Also how many bags of groceries will it haul?

What if you want to give a ride to another human and a dog?

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Old 12-19-2010, 10:38 AM   #12 (permalink)
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Toyota - '94 Toyota Pickup
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I`m kind of sorry I downplayed the Smarts earlier in this thread. I wouldn`t want one for myself, but they do have advantages. They really do get good mileage, even if they aren`t top of the heap. They`re one of the least expnsive new cars (maybe the very least expensive) available in the US. While they don`t haul much, they will certainly move one person back and forth easilly- if it`s going to be a second vehicle, space for more passengers or luggage might well be unneeded. Since the OP already has an Escort, would it be worth it for him to shell out at least twice the money for a hybrid or a TDI?
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Old 12-19-2010, 12:48 PM   #13 (permalink)
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Super-Metro! - '92 Geo Metro Base

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I'd say it all depends on what you are looking for. The Smart makes a great city car because of how easy it is to park. However, my choice in the Smart's price range wold be the Toyota Yaris. It is almost as good on gas (29 city) as the Smart but can seat 4 and has more cargo room. It also comes within 3 feet of the Smart's turning circle and has a much better transmission, best in class brakes and much better reliability. If all you want is the best fuel mileage bang for the buck in a used car, the best choice is an old Geo Metro with the 3 cylinder/5 speed drivetrain. Good ones go for as little as $800 to as much as $4-5k. For better mileage, but more money, the original 2 seat Insight is also a good choice. Plus, it is distinctive and futuristic looking even today if that is what you are looking for. However, they are not cheap as a good one can still run north of $10k, and a bad one will need quite a bit of sorting before it is usable.
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(Note: the car sees 100% city driving and is EPA rated at 37 mpg city)
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Old 12-20-2010, 01:47 AM   #14 (permalink)
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Ford Fiesta 4 doors, better EPA numbers, lower acquisition cost.

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