Need advice on new vehicle.

[93hatchDX]

Hey folks,

The wife and I just moved to Oregon and I am freezing my tail up here.

I'm looking to replace my 2 door car which I only use in the winter time to escape the cold. Normally I ride a 250cc bike which I ride most of the year.
I just bought a set of electric heated gear to try out which should hopefully allow me to ride longer into the winter season.

I don't have a lot of use for a 4 wheel drive vehicle. I can't figure out what vehicle would be the most useful.

Vehicles I found of interest are:

1. A 30s era rat rod or gangster style car for the weekends. Purpose would be just for fun.

2. A Sl1 or SL2 version of the Saturn. I find the 4 door more practical over the 2 door myself. The SL1 gets around the same mileage as the Prius without the price tag or insurance. Plus the full size trunk. Est mileage 45

3. 2005 Dodge/Chrysler grand caravan with fold down rear seats. This is the most practical of the bunch with fold down seats allowing for use as a truck, van , or car if the seats are up. Est mileage 26-30

As I say, for the most part I don't really need a cage. It is mostly to escape the elements like heavy rain downpour or cold weather.

Ofcourse I love the Gen 1 insight but the 2 door limitation is a tough sell.

I'm not sure which direction to go in. I could use some thoughts.

[Stubby79]

I like 2-doors. They're even better if they're only 2-seaters!

That aside...I'd pick the saturn. I had one for a while. Pretty plain/boring car, but that tall 5th gear is great for highway mileage. And it was dirt cheap. Roomy, big trunk. Which all adds up to a great combination for a second vehicle.

Didn't they make a wagon version? 4 doors and huge cargo space? That sounds like a vehicle that would cover 99% of your needs for when you need to drive something big enough to carry people and things.

[93hatchDX]

I think that is the winner. The Sw2 would cover all the bases.

Details: 1999 Saturn SW2 - 1999 Saturn SW2 Wagon Fuel Economy - EcoModder.com

Shaggin Wagon, 98SW raised floor (rear seat delete) - Page 3 - SaturnFans.com Forums

For some reason I forgot about the sw2. Thanks so much!

[Stubby79]

I'd be jealous, if I wasn't so attached to my two-seaters.

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

I haven't seen those early Saturns for a long time, but they seem to be the best option. Sure the undercarriage still demands some care, but those plastic body panels are also interesting since they're rustproof.