New in New Jersey

[vao]

Hi Everyone-

Long time creeper, first time registering or posting. I currently am driving a 2006 Kia Sportage LX, FWD, with the 2.7L V6. I was in a bit of a predicament a month back, I was hit on my motorcycle by an unliscenced driver (bye bye to my GSXR750), then the next night my Sonata was totaled by a drunk driver.

Out of a vehicle, and with very little money, I bought a 1993 Crown Victoria (5.0 baby) for $400.

After a month, it threw its tranmission up all over the road.

Luckily, my bike (new bike) is very efficient, and my brother in law was selling his mother's car (RIP). And thus- my Kia Sportage was acquired.

I need to have the recall work done (stop lamp malfunction), and once completed my cruise control should work again. I don't want to spend alot of money into mods, as I feel that defeats the purpose, and I put a LOT of miles on my cars (I average 25k p/yr). But for a 2wd compact SUV, I am not pleased with sub 20 mpg.

I'll keep my eyes open, if anyone in Jersey is around send me a PM! No one understands traffic like we do

Many thanks to all, God Bless- Vao

[Weather Spotter]

welcome!

Sorry to hear about the issues the last months, God has a plan, keep looking to Him!

[vao]

Thanks man, gratz on 80%+ over. Impressive

[MetroMPG]

Wow - what a string of bad luck.

But for a 2wd compact SUV, I am not pleased with sub 20 mpg.

Honestly, since you have the bike as alternative transport, you're in a good position to put the Kia up for sale and look for something that's a better starting point. There are a bunch of other options out there that would cut that fuel consumption in half.

[vao]

Options? Do tell.

The budget is under 6k, I need the cargo room that the sportage gives me, as I work for a hospital outreach program and consistantly need to move many suitcases full of medical equipement. My commute is a painful 40mi per day in some degree of traffic (it's jersey).

Alternatives? I need reliability over all.

[Weather Spotter]

My 2006 matrix got 30 MPG stock and modded it gets 57 MPG! It has tones of cargo space and people room. very reliable and practical in snow. Used they (or vibes) are cheep .

[MetroMPG]

Matrix/Vibe is a really good suggestion. Not the sport model. It's essentially a Corolla under the skin, so frugal & reliable.

I'm sure there are other wagon-y or hatchback types that can get 30-40 mpg highway. I'd recommend a 2nd gen Prius (50 mpg & bullet proof reliable and surprising room in back), but you'd be hard pressed to find one at that price.

Golf TDI (diesel) comes to mind too, but I'm not up on the VW reliability question.

I'm sure others will chime in with advice. I'll add a few words to your thread title to bring in some more eyeballs.

EDIT: never mind - I see you started a new thread asking for advice: http://ecomodder.com/forum/showthrea...-6k-22778.html

[Weather Spotter]

Base with manual is the best, then sport with manual, bigger engine but manual makes up for it, then auto trans.