WTB 40+mpg in N. Mississippi Area
 

Have a festiva with carb problems that I don't know how to fix. Would like to replace it with something of equal or better MPG without breaking the bank. Need something reliable and capable of 65+ mph travel, preferably fuel injected and manual trans. Beyond that, I don't know what to look for. Interested in the little kei cars/trucks, and beyond that, I dunno. Anybody have anything or suggestions what to look for and where??

fix it

2000 Honda Insight is my answer to everything on EcoModder.

But seriously, how about a Civic VX or HX, depending on your budget?

Budget is tight, I don't know what else to do to the festy. If i can get answers i can do the oil seals it needs, but the carb....that's a different creature.

Which is better on budget and fuel? Which is most reliable?

a vx or hx is typically cheaper to acquire

they are comparable in fuel mpg


a 2001 insight will naturally feel newer than a 91 vx

For 1996-2005, the Hx was Honda's lean burn civic. The 1992-95 Civic Vx also does lean burn, it's more aerodynamic, and the fuel economy is better. But a 1995 is a bit old for my taste.

If you want a high fuel economy toy, the Insight is excellent. But if you're looking to spend as little as possible in the long run, there are other, more common cars with cheaper parts out there.

What if you throw a junkyard carb on the Festiva? Or a MegaSquirt?

I have a carb from an 82 escort that is supposed to be a better, simpler unit. all that vacuum crap is likely what's wrong with the festy. I just don't know enough to do it right. I made adapter plates for it (I'm a machinist/engineer) but I'm just short on confidence when it comes to things that involved if i've never done them before. Carbs being a perfect example. I haven't been able to find anyone around who DOES know enough to walk me through.

I'll see what I can find on the hondas and insights.
What other alternatives were y'all talking about?

I see a '95 civic vx within a few hundred miles of me, looks like it's all ok, with a possible headgasket gonna be needed. $4500 buy, $3000 bid. Worth it in y'alls opinion? This festy will never likely get over 42mpg

Wait...a what?? From what I see about it, i don't know how megasquirt is gonna help me.