Should I get an Outback?

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Originally Posted by ME_Andy

It's rare but there are hatchback Cruzes.

Hatchbacks on that size class are becoming rare in general, while sedans still keep a foothold. That's considering markets other than the American anyway. On a sidenote, even though I saw a handful of Cruze taxis in my hometown, I'd take the suitability of a downsized engine for a budget-oriented choice with a grain of salt.

[Isaac Zachary]

Originally Posted by Caddylackn

I saw an article recently about the best car to buy with the lowest operating costs per mile long term. So, $ spent per mile driven. The cost of the car was included in the analysis.

It was a ten year old prius that was number one on the list to own. Assuming you paid $13k for a 10-year old Prius, it was the cheapest car to own if you look at in terms of $ paid per miles driven over a period of x years. I think the period was ten years. The ten year old prius has very low maintenance and fuel costs and that countered the $13k capital costs to put it to the top of the list.

Now, their study, I believe had a limit on how old the car could be.

In reality, a Geo Metro, or Saturn SL1 or SL2, or older Civic would win the $ per mile contest, but if you can't do the maintenance/repairs yourself and want safety, ABS, air bags, etc. they would not be practical.

Interesting.

I do have an older Prius (2006) but it has gauling in the cylinders (burns oil as a result), needs a new HV battery, new 12V battery and catalytic converter is shot.

[Isaac Zachary]

I just found out the Impreza comes with a manual transmission!

Not great fuel mileage, the sedan has less lugage room than the Avalon and any Impreza has less rear leg room, but manual transmission!!!!

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Originally Posted by Isaac Zachary

I just found out the Impreza comes with a manual transmission!

At least an engine swap is easier once the engine grenades itself, well, unless the transmission goes along...