Vehicular Decisions

[auraseer]

Thanks for all the car suggestions, people. I went out and test drove some of them this weekend, and so far it looks like I'm deciding between the Mazda 3 and the Honda ElementThe Mazda is a smallish hatchback, very sporty. The drive and handling are nice and tight, feeling like a much higher-end car. In a lot of ways it reminds me of my dear,

Comments

[gothicsquish]

Yes, suv's are bad. Consider the mother earth in your car purchase please... you probably don't have the money for a hybrid, but if you do....

thanks, your neighborhood environment nazi.

[auraseer]

Yes, suv's are bad.

In most cases I agree with you, but the only reason I'm considering the Element at all is that it isn't your ordinary SUV. Its gas mileage is better than most normal cars, and at least comparable to even the compacts and subcompacts.

Plus, each time we can avoid taking two separate cars, that actually saves a ton of gas. If my math is right, packing the Element for just one Grove trip could save as much gas as two months of driving a hybrid on my daily commute. In the long run, for the type and amount of driving I expect to do during the next few years, it really does make sense.

So be assured, I am considering mother Earth. It's just that the issue is more complicated than it might at first appear.

[gothicsquish]

*hugs*

well, you were expecting one of us to respond :P

I didn't look at the elements stats when i made my comment, although a part of my brain said i should first. but im lazy at times.

[starrthinks]

Go for the mazda.. I mean, do you actually use your backseat?

[auraseer]

Yep. Lots. That's why my first car post said the car needs to fit four adults.

[starrthinks]

Maybe the element then. They are awesome SUVs and aren't horrible on gas as I see you've realized from comments above. And.. as for environmental friends...you've done your homework and they should respect that.

I just bought a 6 cylinder SUV as well and I felt the same pang and mine isn't fuel efficient AT ALL but I needed something in my price range that would tow the boat and store the bikes....should I ever *actually* ride them!

[vlvtshdow]

i, personally, will be most upset with you if you get a "utility vehicle"

;-)

well, not really, but someone has to admonish you for being a bad pagan... as far as everyone is visually concerned, ya know.. suv bad. compact/hybrid good.

maybe you could leave the sign in the window that says what kind of mileage it gets?

[auraseer]

Yeah, the 5 is basically a minivan, even though it doesn't look like one on the web. I'd planned to test drive one, but seen in person it's kind of ugly, and I don't need three rows of seats.