Tuesday, December 11, 2007
MPG and space for three (boards)...
So I need help choosing my next car. Chances are slim I will get my Element back so I'm planning for the inevitable. Requirements: good gas mileage, space for boards 5'6" to 7'6" inside, good safety. I need your ideas! My wife nixed the Honda Fit (surprisingly versatile interior) because of safety concerns. Everything else is wide open.
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15 comments:
Get a Subaru Forester! I got one and love it. Better mileage than the Element, all wheel drive, better performance, ample space. Kearney Mesa Subaru is where I got mine, but Irvine should give you the same deal. 2 year lease, 15000 miles a year, $2000 down including 1rst months payment, and $200 a month. That is with all taxes and fees, out the door. Chris @ Kearney Mesa is who I used.
You can't beat a Toyota Tacoma with a shell as an around town surf truck.
what a bummer, sorry to hear that.
I would recommend TOYOTA Prius, or FORD Unleashes 54-mpg Diesel and Two Bio-Ethanol Models.
both cars are nice MPG. I have not tried FORD but sounds good.
I hope you will find nice one.
As an owner of a 2008 Honda Fit Sport, I cannot understand what your wife is going on about regarding "safety" as a reason to discount the Fit from your list of autos. The car has a five star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the highest rating possible. Vehicle size has less to do with crash safety then most think, look at F1, NASCAR, etc.......all superior engineering. This car is very safe. Look at the Honda link for the entire picture:
http://automobiles.honda.com/fit/safety.aspx
Also, beware that some car makers do not offer rear air side curtains, some offer it as an option. You need to do some research. Those passengers in the back are important.
For the surfboards, you can get a locking roof rack for the top from any quality rack company. If it is important a full sized surfboard will fit in the car, folding down the front passenger seat. This leaves room for only the driver and a passenger in the rear seat. Plenty of storage room as well. Google "Honda Fit surfboard" in "images". Plenty of pics there.
S.
www.eslspider.com
www.healthyexpat.com
Any more info on the Ford Diesel?
Right now I'm leaning towards a commuter sedan of some type. I need the good gas mileage. Thanks for the suggestions. Keep them coming.
Kia Rondo. Cheap. Great warranty. Korean cars are the new Japanese cars. Read Dan Neil's LA Times review in their archives. I'm looking at one.
If you don't mind the looks of the Fit then you should test drive a Toyota Matrix. Very cool seat fold down system and I could get a 9'6" in there. I didn't pull the trigger on it though as I was going cheaper.
Found you something, Andy. It's made by a Carlsbad company and the hybrid model coming out in 2009 should get 300 mpg. This should do a good turn in reducing that carbon guilt from driving around to check the waves.
Nice, Erik. Surf mobile for the 21st century and beyond.
Car was found relatively uncompromised so decisions are to be made. Financial flexibility and ecological responsibility or pure functionality?
I sell Fords here in Carlsbad. It will be a little while until we get the Diesel and Bio-Ethanol cars here in the US, which is a shame but hey, what can you do.
We've got the Escape Hybrid here which would be a good one for you, 34mpg city/30 freeway.
There are lots of other good cars out there for you too. The Fit is a good car and not bad at all on safety, but my wife is the same way, no small cars, its not just the safety rating, but the feeling of insecurity when you're used to a bigger vehicle.
If I see one more skinny 5'6" North County housewife driving alone in her Escalade/Suburban/Expedition/Armada yapping on her cell phone I'm going to blow a gasket!
Frank, stay out of Orange County, you'll have a heart attack!
If you have any car-related questions, feel free to contact me, even if you're looking at something other than a Ford. I'm happy to help in any way.
Danny, thanks a ton. Right now I'm in a holding pattern until my car comes back from the shop.
Anon- How did you get a 9'6 into a matrix? The whole car looks to be 9'6 in length!
Right now leaning towards an economy fuel saver with a beater truck on the side for baja etc...
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