Top Five available eco-mod vehicles??

[whatthe]

Originally Posted by offroad1994

But of course I would consider a classic Metro in some flavor of manufactuere (Geo, Chevy, Suzuki, etc.) if I could find one. The Toyota Echo is one I never thought of. Get AC in that and I have a nice commuter car. The 5speed neon sounds interesting too.

I guess I haven't looked for one of the 3 cylinders or other for a long time now. There used to be 15-20 to choose from around here in the local paper any given week. It looks like only 3 or so in this weeks, 2 of which are likely not worth a look.

I've always known the GTs to be very hard to find, but it's interesting to see the other models becoming scarcely listed.

[ebacherville]

common over looked cars.. ford escorts, chevy cavaliers ,

and hyundai accents, the one I sold to a buddy with 155-80r-13's on it.. he's getting 42 mpg if he stays under 60mph. I bet I could pull out 50mpg with the scan gauge on it.

and of cource civics , CRX's and geo metros.. really the crx has tons of cargo space for a tiny car if all you need is 2 seats its a great choice and easy to park.. well unless you mod the nose and add a boattail to it then its like a normal car but with motorcycle MPG ratings.

[justpassntime]

Originally Posted by offroad1994

B) Can be fixed relatively cheaply. My mechanic says that HONDA anything is well designed for fast easy repair, and parts are always available. I think some of the older vehicles might have a hard time with parts. I am thinking a vehicle at least five years old, but not older than ten years is ideal (so looking at 1998 or newer).


Honda Civic maybe? What model? (CRX?)
Toyota Corolla? or Yarus? or Scion xB?

Don't be affraid of older Hondas. You can pick up late eighties and newer Hondas for next to nothing and many times it the fuel system main relay. For Honda parts check out: Honda Parts Wholesale - Discount Honda Auto Parts - Honda Car Parts I have ordered parts from these guys many times (hard to find parts) and gotten them the next day!

[offroad1994]

The Toyota Echos are looking good at less than $10,000 for a not too old vehicle. Would like a hatchback model configuration, so will need to look closely at those Escort wagons, and others in hatchback common cars.

[offroad1994]

Originally Posted by justpassntime

Don't be affraid of older Hondas. You can pick up late eighties and newer Hondas for next to nothing and many times it the fuel system main relay. For Honda parts check out: Honda Parts Wholesale - Discount Honda Auto Parts - Honda Car Parts I have ordered parts from these guys many times (hard to find parts) and gotten them the next day!

My sons Honda Civic 1995 manual, has problems. Normal wear and tear but still.

All new brakes, half of exhaust replaced. New distributor, and replaced engine. The AC compressor is shot (they want $1000 to replace it - I think not).

Grand total was $3700 repairs in one year with this used black hole. Before this the car checked out as good compression, no noticable exhaust problems, good AC, good brakes.

[Schwaebz]

any of you guys though about the pontiac feiro? its low, small engined, light, fari aerodynamic as is, and sprty looking, i may look into one fo those

[IndyIan]

Originally Posted by Schwaebz

any of you guys though about the pontiac feiro? its low, small engined, light, fari aerodynamic as is, and sprty looking, i may look into one fo those

Have you driven a 4 cylinder fiero? I had a quick test drive in one with a buddy many years ago, it was interesting atleast. Mid engine handling on high profile very cheap 13" tires was actually very fun, but its sort of a no purpose car with its limited hp and basically annoying engine. You would probably EOC like crazy to get the racket behind your head to quit for a while I imagine with a new Cobalt engine it would fly though!
It reminds me of these:

Also interesting but not suitable for very much, although probably the best 4x4 for city MPG because you need a 4x4 in town...

[mhmitszach]

Originally Posted by Joe_Bloe

I think the '91 - '02 Escort with the CVH (SOHC) engine gets short shrift for ecomodding. Stone simple, cheap (bought mine in great shape with 100k miles for $1,000), you can find them everywhere, and I'm getting almost 36 mpg city in my wagon with very mild hypermiling (some EOC). It does EOC really well - even with power steering, the car is lightweight, and steers and stops well with the power off.

I second that. Got my 98 zx2 with 106k miles, rebuilt title for $1590. Pulling 40+ mpg by mainly only going 55mph and engine off at long lights. Power windows, mirrors, and ac.

[RH77]

Originally Posted by i_am_socket

For cheap and available:

Honda Civic
Ford Escort
Toyota Corolla
Dodge Neon
Chevy Cavalier

This is likely the same list I would recommend. Add the option of the Geo/Chevy Prism as the cheaper Corolla twin...

For variety, I would add the...
Pontiac Vibe / Toyota Matrix
Mazda Protege / 3 - 2.0L
Mitsubishi Mirage / Lancer

RH77

[offroad1994]

Originally Posted by RH77

This is likely the same list I would recommend. Add the option of the Geo/Chevy Prism as the cheaper Corolla twin...

For variety, I would add the...
Pontiac Vibe / Toyota Matrix
Mazda Protege / 3 - 2.0L
Mitsubishi Mirage / Lancer

RH77

Thanks RH77 - good list.