[TriLUG] [way OT] new auto recommendations (fwd)

[Charles Fischer]

Just went through the purchasing process with my SO.  She had a 2006 Prius
with 162k miles.  It died a double death.  First the engine started burning
oil (all scheduled maintenance was done at Wasp) and two weeks later the
hybrid traction battery died.  For the first time in her life she test
drove a Chevy.  She bought a Volt.  In her first 5000 miles, she added
about 5 gallons of gas.  It is a great car for her, but does not meet your
low cost requirement.

I know two Fit owners that are on their second Fits.  Both would highly
recommend the Fit.

I own a 2004 Ford Focus wagon with 240k miles.  It has been a great car and
the handling beats the Volt, which kills the Prius.  If you want a fun car
that is still practical look at the Fiesta ST, Focus ST or any Focus.  The
fun part is not just my opinion, but that of Consumer Reports.  See (it is
in the non-subscription part of their site):

http://consumerreports.org/cro/2012/12/most-fun-to-drive/index.htm

for more information.  The Mazda 3 and Mini also make the list.

Good Luck,
Charles


On Fri, Oct 17, 2014 at 2:24 PM, Steve Litt <slitt at troubleshooters.com>
wrote:

> On Fri, 17 Oct 2014 14:07:50 -0400 (EDT)
> William Sutton <william at trilug.org> wrote:
>
> > and while we're discussing cars, let's not forget routine maintenance
> > costs.  I have a 2010 Honda Civic DX (base model, no fancy whiz-bang
> > stuff).  It seems like every time it goes to the dealer for the
> > maintenance minder service, the cost is between $200 and $500.
> >
> > Add to that the fact that it's only ever been serviced by two Honda
> > dealers, one of them broke the right rear control arm cam bolt hole
> > (they didn't tighten down the bolt), and both dealers disclaimed
> > responsibility...  well, the Civic has a reputation as a reliable
> > car, but I'm sick of Honda itself.
>
> Glad you told me this stuff. I was thinking of buying a used Honda for
> one of my kids. Now I won't, unless the thing's thousands below market.
>
> With my brand new 2012 Jeep Patriot, I go to Fields Chrysler Jeep Dodge
> in Sanford, FL. Free car washes for life. Four oil/oilfilter changes for
> $65.00, including checking all fluids. I have 18 months and 19,000
> miles on this puppy, and IIRC my only out-of-pocket, besides oil
> changes, has been about $50.00 for three tire rotations, and $20 for a
> new set of windshield wipers.
>
> The car had a constant-on check engine light at about 9K miles. I took
> it in, they fixed it for free, it was something about the gas cap or
> evaporative emissions system or something like that.
>
> Every Saturday they have a free Barbequeue from I think 11am-1PM, you
> come in and eat, and dream of buying all the cars. I think they figure
> that if you bought a MoparCar from them, and you like it, and you get
> your family used to coming to Fields Chrysler Jeep for barbequeues, your
> family members will go to them when they need to buy a car. It must be
> working, because I told my kids that when buying a new car, grind all
> the car dealers, and when you get the lowest possible price, buy it from
> Fields even if it's 5% more.
>
> SteveT
>
> Steve Litt                *  http://www.troubleshooters.com/
> Troubleshooting Training  *  Human Performance
>
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