LiveJournal Entry: The Seventh

[stiltwalker]

So, I find out last week that something in my car needs to be replaced.

And that thing rhymes with "Bread Basket".

(insert stream of aggravated explitives here)

Yeah, so, it looks like it's time for a new car.  The additional insult to this injury is that I just spent $2800 on bodywork for the damn thing earlier this year.  And there are enough little

Comments

[klingonlandlady]

People don't need SUVs. They don't have any more cargo room and a 4wd really doesn't help you get traction while driving at speed in the snow. We like our 2005 Scion XBs, they have plenty of carrying capacity, and they get 30-34 mpg. And get a used one, the new models are bigger with less good mileage. And, cheap!

[rusalka]

I beg to differ on the cargo room. That car has moved a whole lot of my stuff. *sniff* I'll miss it!

[klingonlandlady]

For form factor, i really liked the old Subaru Legacy (before it was called that, it was a Station Wagon...) boy you could fit a lotta crap in there. However the XB will handle a washing machine or overstuffed armchair pretty handily, so it's useful too.

[stiltwalker]

I've been really happy with the AWD, even in the city. I've noticed a significant difference in control vs 2wd cars in wet weather, and I could get in and out of *ANY* parking space during the winter. And lemme tell ya, it rocked getting in and out of Firefly. Even *that* Firefly. ;)

The Forrester is actually built on the Legacy wagon base, but is taller in the cabin. I was initially looking at the Outback or the legacy wagon, but they both felt cramped; I looked the headroom of the Forrester, which is why I like the compact SUV in general. And I don't take up a space and a half when parking! (SUV != light truck)

[catinthehood]

what about a Honda Element. Ok, ok.. so people might laugh at it's ridiculous design on the outside but on the inside it is like a truck. The back seats flip out of the way and you can open all the doors up and really haul stuff. And if you aren't hauling stuff you can camp in it. They make and AWD version and it has alot of headroom. It is also shorter than most SUVs so you can park it pretty easy. When my truck finally (knock on wood - I love my truck) kicks it I have thought of getting a used one. And if it isn't funny looking enough I might paint really crazy colors all over it - But that is just me. I have test driven one and took it up my old driveway (if any one every saw my driveway in Richmond you'll know what a crazy ride that is) and it was AWESOME.

[sidereal_rhythm]

I have a couple of coworkers who love their Rav-4's. But if you've tried them and not cared for them, don't buy one. You have our latest Consumer Reports car issue, so you're all set for research. In general, they say that the best used cars (that you might be interested in) are the Hondas, Subarus, and Toyotas. The worst are things made by GM and Land Rovers.

[stiltwalker]

Well, in any case I'll look at the Scion and the Element as well; after all, I wasn't considering the Forrester last time I was looking at cars. :)

[mollfrey]

Hey there...I have a co-worker/friend who just inherited her mother's Lexus and is selling her...rats...I -think- it's a CR-V...I'll ask her for the specifics tomorrow. It certainly falls into the compact SUV category. Anyhow, it's older but doesn't have many miles on it and I think she's asking in the 5k range for it.

I'm just happy I could provide you with exacting details and highly specific information.

[stiltwalker]

< geekhumor >
PS: according to Heisenberg, if you hadn't been standing so still you would have been able to give me more details. ;)
< /geekhumor >

So, yes, I am keenly interested! Also, Hi! Long time no see! How are things at your place?