Vehicle purchase recommendations

[ninj4geek]

Hello all!

I currently drive a 2000 Honda Accord EX-L Coupe V6, EPA rated at 18/24 with 142k miles on it, paid off.

I can usually squeeze 22-23 MPG city out of it without mods. I just threw on a lower grille block the other day (previously had overheating issues from a bad fan, resolved).

I've been looking at 'upgrading' to something worth ecomodding and would like feedback and recommendations on what to buy. I need something that can easily do >40 hwy without mods, newer is better, and cheaper is better.

I currently have my sights on a 2014-15 Mitsubishi Mirage DE (stick, of course), mostly based on a rather exhaustive search of the internets and of a OldMech's review.

[me and my metro]

As long as you stay in Denver you will have dealer support. I would hate to get caught on a road trip and have the nearest dealer 500 miles away. There are only three Mitsubishi dealers in Oregon.

[redpoint5]

You mention getting 23 MPG city, but then go on to say that you need greater than 40 MPG highway. Does that mean you recently had to start commuting long distance?

Tell us more about what your typical driving will look like and how much longer distance you will be doing, along with your cargo needs.

Is your primary concern to lower your total cost of ownership, reduce gasoline consumption (environmental/political reasons), increase reliability...

Denver gets a lot of snow, right?

[ninj4geek]

Great questions.

Snow is essentially a non-issue. Plows are out super early and it usually melts by the next day. The mountains are where it can accumulate and stay all winter (and stick around into the next fall!)

My commute is city as of now, but I will be moving (back) to Alabama, and literally everything there is going to be a much longer drive, hence my concern for hwy mpg. Also, those usually have better city mpg anyways.

Also, the accord is 16 years from its manufacture date (bit old), I've had it 8 years (time for change), and it's low mpg rating doesn't lend itself to cracking out 50mpg. My highest tank ever was 29mpg hwy.

Also, doesn't hurt to be 'green'!

[cowmeat]

Well, you all know what I'm going to suggest considering the criteria . . . .

2001 Honda Insight LOW MILES!!!!

2000 Honda Insight 5 speed hybrid

2000 Honda Insight Hybrid 5 Speed 62.5mpg

Last one must be somebody on here, lol! Already started the modding for ya

[ninj4geek]

Originally Posted by cowmeat

Well, you all know what I'm going to suggest considering the criteria . . . .

2001 Honda Insight LOW MILES!!!!

2000 Honda Insight 5 speed hybrid

2000 Honda Insight Hybrid 5 Speed 62.5mpg

Last one must be somebody on here, lol! Already started the modding for ya

Yeah, I considered that option due to the possible super-high MPGs, but I feel like I'm leaning to a newer car, hence looking at the 2014-15 Mitsubishi Mirage DE. I saw some in the Garage that are upwards of 50-70 MPG.

Also, I don't feel like having to maintain batteries, it just seems like one more thing to fix/replace. More parts = more to repair, IMO.


Also, also, you do good work with your rides, Cowmeat.

[ninj4geek]

Also, pretty much anything that's a 4-banger will get better mileage than this 3.0 V6!

[Xist]

Ha! An Insight would be new to you!

[Daox]

Any small vehicle will get you better mileage than the Accord.

What kind of price range did you have in mind? I know the used Mirages are about $8-10k right now. The 70 mpg Mirage in the garage is being hypermiled with P&G quite aggressively, however 50 mpg is very realistic.

[MobilOne]

You realize that you have "new car" fever. Regular gas can be purchased in Al for $1.86 a gallon currently, if you shop for it. You will likely never recoup the cost of a new car at current gas prices. Having said that, a used Mirage might recoup its cost. Wait until you get to Bama before you buy the car. You want one that has never seen snow or salt.