what would you do? (Ideas for higher MPG $6k vehicle than a Kia Sportage?)

[vao]

UPDATE: Just bit the bullet and purchased a ScanGauge. I figured I could use it now to try and build some better habits, and transfer it to a different car if/when I get rid of this one.

[Daox]

What do you mean about aftermarket parts? The Matrix/Vibe is essentially a hatchback Corolla so replacement/repair parts are aplenty.

Here is a decent article with some good links to other articles on hybrid battery stuff:
Toyota Hybrid Battery Replacement Cost Guide

[vao]

Many thanks Daox, I'll have to start some research

[MetroMPG]

FYI, the Vibe was built in a California factory by the same workers who also made a Toyota version (for sale offshore), so you can feel patriotic about buying one of those.

You'll have fun with the gauge. It's fun and will open your eyes to how much your technique can be changed to improve the situation.

[ron22]

Originally Posted by vao

Pontiac scares me. As do many American made vehicles. I'm a patriot, and quite a fan of this country. But we suck at making reliable cars (generally- not trying to start a separate thread).

The last 2 american cars I had made it to 200,000 & 250,000 before any major work was done. The industry has come a long ways.

VW reliability scares me too. I've heard entirely too many stories about how quick they bottom out, and how expensive repairs are. Also- diesels retain value entirely too well (around here anyway), so I don't know if I could find a vehicle that would work as a daily (even if the engine is fine, 150k on a body/mechanical parts is enough to concern me).

150K on a TDI is just getting broke in You will see them with 300K for sale.


All that said do not buy a car because of something I or someone else said.
Make sure you are comfortable with what you buy.
You have the right idea look around and see what you like and give you confidance it will last as a daily driver.

[vao]

Originally Posted by ron22

The last 2 american cars I had made it to 200,000 & 250,000 before any major work was done. The industry has come a long ways.




150K on a TDI is just getting broke in You will see them with 300K for sale.


All that said do not buy a car because of something I or someone else said.
Make sure you are comfortable with what you buy.
You have the right idea look around and see what you like and give you confidance it will last as a daily driver.

While I get that a diesel engine is far more durable than its gas counterpart, the other components (ie everything else in/on the vehicle) is what bothers me. It's great that an engine will last 400k, but without the other parts following suit, I won't be getting aanywhere.

Also, I feel like reliability and my price range are just not seeing eye to eye right now

[vao]

RESEARCH:
These are some local 2nd gen prius prices for my area: (I understand mileage isn't the end all/be all of determining vehicle quality, I just listed it for quick reference)

2007/99,700mi/$10,750 obo
2007/43,000mi/$16,000
2005/80,000mi/$7,400 obo
2005/101,000mi/$8,200
2007/112,000mi/$8,800
2007/104,000mi/$9,800

Making the 2nd gen Prius just out of reach of my (incredibly strapped) budget.

As for the Vibe/Matrix?
Vibe-
2004/AWD/Auto/119,000mi/$6,000
2006/FWD/Man/153,000mi/$6,500
2005/FWD/Auto/51,000mi/$9,100
2009/FWD/Auto/54,000mi/$8,500
2003/AWD/Auto/92,000mi/$6,500
Matrix-
2006/FWD/Auto/39,000mi/$10,500
2009/AWD/Auto/64,500mi/$14,500
2007/FWD/Auto/60,000mi/$10,600
2005/AWD/Auto/117,000mi/$7,500 obo
2003/FWD/Man/133,000mi/$3,750 (god awful looking)
2009/AWD/Auto/15,000mi/$11,900

So maybe I can get away with a smaller vehicle- it seems the ones comparable in size to mine are out of reach-realistically? I need something to carry 4-5 suitcases and possibly one person. A corolla-sized vehicle would be fine, really, as the guy whose job I took used to drive one and he made it work fine. (Don't suggest a Corolla, I hate them).

[Daox]

Next up would be a Civic, Yaris, Echo, Cobalt XFE gets great hwy mileage, the Escorts and Focus gets okay mileage as well if driven reasonably and you stay away from the automatics.

[vao]

Since I'm such a fan of Korean autos...how is the accent on gas? I would prefer a hatchback 2dr. Anyone have info on it?

[Weather Spotter]

the second gen vibe/ matrix (2004-2008) is what I have and you should be fine with one. the 06 manual on the list looks like a good one to go look at