Contemplating the unthinkable...

[79CamaroDiva]

Here's the cliffs if you don't want to read: Need a car that gets good mileage, thinking about selling ALL of mine in the process.

At the end of August, I will be going back to the job I had last year at the same time as a pre-school photographer. The job is amazing and pays well, but is ALL travel (between 3500-5000 miles/month). I'm doing this to be able to keep my own business afloat and pay the lease on my laser engraver. Plus, I'm typically done by lunch time at any given school which gives me ample opportunity to design fliers and promote my own stuff. I will still be working at Island, so no worries there. I'm also trying to save my own family money by staying part time to do important stuff, and the other grounds maintenance I do can be passed off to a lower paid person, whether high schooler or one of the local migrant workers.

Anyhow, since its fully travel, I need a car that will get very good mpg, and be reliable at the same time. I was looking at a Prius, (don't knock because its foreign, please) and would have been able to afford one at sticker, but delaers are marking up to 27k, and the car payment vs. gas saved would not be near worth having.

I've really been looking at the Saturn Astra. I saw it last week for the first time, and since, I have really grown to like the car. the 5 speed is rated at 32 mpg, with reviews saying many people are getting 36+ on highway. Optioned with just a/c it is about 16,900 and I qualify for GMs recent grad discount. The reviews for the car are phenomenal, and it is originally Opel and Holden's Astra, just brought to the states.

We went yesterday and also eyed up the Subaru Impreza "wagon" which is a little bit more, and gets less mpg, so is probably not worth it to me, even though its a very nice car.

Next choice I was reading about was Fords new Focus. It starts cheaper than the Astra and gets better mpg, with more americanized options (cupholders for instance :lol: ) The reviews on this are also very good. I'm just concerned about the space in the car, as I have a lot of gear to carry around, the biggest piece being the backdrop holder which is about 5'x10"x4" I think it might JUST fit in the astra, I need to go to a ford dealership and measure the length of the longest space with the seat folded up.

In order to be able to afford a new car payment, I might end up having to sell my Z. I'm already in the process of selling my 79, I just need to talk to the guy about whether or not he wants to take it. Also need to sell the Jeep I just bought. If anyone wants it, its in beautiful shape, but is a v8 so gets about 16.2 mpg mixed driving. Next step to try to get my finances in order is the hardest of all, and selling my Z28. I love the car, and CAN afford to keep it, but it would make it just that much harder to pay off whats really important, which is the engraver for my own business. It would be impossible to ever find an LS1 car in such good shape with as low miles in a few years, which is why I'm very hesitant about selling it.

So, 2 questions now I'd like opinions on...

What cars should I be looking at getting? My credit is great, so I'm not worried about loans, but I want something that will cost around 17k or less new, not against used, but has to be very worth it. Car also has to get 30+ mpg. auto or manual doesnt matter, as long as the mileage is there and it has storage capacity for a LOT of photo gear and 1 suit case.

Also, what do you think about selling the Z? thats the only one up in the air right now. Those who have seen it in person know what I'm dealing with. Those who haven't, its a 2002 35th anniversary Z28, leather, 6 speed, t-tops, 30k miles, MMM in color (burgundy/maroon/whatever).


FWIW, Steve doesn't want me to sell it, but when it comes down to it, for the time being it is worth more than I owe, and who knows how long that stay that way.

[BigAls87Z28]

You know how I feel about the Astra. The other would be the Pontiac Vibe which is new for this year.
Focus is a coupe or sedan only, make sure you have the space to put stuff in it. IMO, you are looking for a hatchback type vehicle giving you the functionality of a suv without the size.
Mazda 3 5dr is another idea, the 2.0 gets pretty decent gas milage.

[Tsar]

As far as the car goes, get a Civic Coupe. It's only 15k and it gets 30+mpg. Way cheaper than the Prius and less ugly.

Edit. Civic is rated at 25/36mpg.

[sweetbmxrider]

i'd look into a hatchback as well. not sure whats hot or good mpg but deff consider your equipment when shopping around.

[ShitOnWheels]

Toyota Yaris. Gets like 37mpg and is pretty cheap.

[Mike]

Mazda 3 5dr is another idea, the 2.0 gets pretty decent gas milage.

no
no
no
no

[BonzoHansen]

Go drive a new Vibe. Also, people who own them seem to love the HHR. For $12k there is the Nissan Versa. BTK's DD is an Elantra that does him well.

I never liked Mazdas either.

[Mike]

my sisters boyfriend has one........its on its currently getting its 3rd motor put in, my buddy works at the local mazda dealer and says STEER CLEAR, they use a plastic housing for the oil filter, and in cold weather or with an overzelous lube tech the plastic can crack....causing a slow leak on all your wonderful oil

[bubba428]

Cobalt SS...36+ mpg they're around the 17-20k mark, its a chevy, its a chevy, and a friend of mine has one and absolutely loves it. besides the 5 speeds run low 13s lol...

personally I would sell the 79 and the Jeep and try to hold onto that 02 Camaro...The odds of getting another in the same shape when your better off, are slim to none...try to keep it as long as posible, only sell it as a last resort. but thats just my opinion

[slugger27nj]

Go drive a new Vibe. Also, people who own them seem to love the HHR.
+1 for the HHR. We test drove one last week, and it was very nice.

[jims69camaro]

i only have one word for you: HHR.

space: abundant.
get up and go: available SS model has the 2.2 turbo, so it could satisfy your lead foot a little bit.
mileage: 30 mpg or better.
bang for the buck: starting at less than 16k, it might be the answer to all of your questions, and keep your Z or sell it to me.

[sweetbmxrider]

my sisters boyfriend has one........its on its currently getting its 3rd motor put in, my buddy works at the local mazda dealer and says STEER CLEAR, they use a plastic housing for the oil filter, and in cold weather or with an overzelous lube tech the plastic can crack....causing a slow leak on all your wonderful oil

a lot of manufacturers use plastic oil filter housings. its nothing new, it works well too. most oil filters come with new o-rings and crush washers. and they usually are in the engine bay facing up so oil won't seep over time. can't help it if an idiot breaks one though, but i have yet to see it.

[Tsar]

Toyota Yaris. Gets like 37mpg and is pretty cheap.

You forgot that it's also ugly, and if one gets into an accident the chances of survival are probably not that good considering the puny size of it.

[NastyEllEssWon]

i picked up my 07 ion for 11 out the door. i also paid cash for it but theyre getting cheap. 100k mile warranty ftw

[Knipps]

IMO with hybrids the extra cost isn't worth the amount you'll save in gas, but with today's market who knows how long that will hold true

[maroman88]

HHR SS FTW. sweeet lil wagon car thing, i saw one n the swweeeetest blue with a hint of purple pearly action goin on

[chemicalstylez]

Sell everything but the Camaro. Reason being is at this time you won't get nearly what its worth...f-bodies, espically Z28s have fallen drastically in price. And on trade-in you'd be lucky to get 12 grand.

Just get any 4 banger with a nice warrenty, just don't nitpick between one getting 33 MPG and another getting 36 MPG. Its all in how lead footed you are :)

[Tru2Chevy]

i only have one word for you: HHR.

space: abundant.
get up and go: available SS model has the 2.2 turbo, so it could satisfy your lead foot a little bit.
mileage: 30 mpg or better.
bang for the buck: starting at less than 16k, it might be the answer to all of your questions, and keep your Z or sell it to me.

According to Chevy's site, the HHR starts at $17,370, and the SS starts at almost $24k

Would be nice, but I think too much money.

My vote would be for a 1-2 year old Cobalt 5 speed with the 2.2 Ecotec. 148 hp / 152 tq and it's rated 25 city / 36 highway.

And keep the Z28 if at all possible....the extra money would certainly be nice, but you'll regret it for sure.

- Justin

[qwikz28]

i'm sorry to hear that you have to sell off your toys :(

i know this vote won't be popular but the honda fit is still the most fun to drive of the subcompacts. unfortunately your doing this at a bad time because most little cars have markups. if you need storage, don't forget to check out the HHR. i know a guy on TCL traded in his G35 for a HHR base model with a 5-speed and said he's happy as heck.

edit: go to fueleconomy.gov for real world data

[Rich189]

For what you need I would have to suggest the hhr as well you get a ton more storage its a nice little wagon and you dont take a huge hit in mpg....

Second I'd say the impreza wagon they are fun little cars to drive the only reason i went with the legacy over a wrx is more room and i like the looks better. yes you take a small hit in mpg but to me (i have to be at work no matter how much snow ice etc is out there) the awd is awsome i actually feel more in control driving the legacy then i did my tahoe. plus it still has more storage then almost all coupes

and as a third choice i would say the astra mostly because ive never been in one do not know how they drive but from what your saying you really need more of a hatchback

and please no ford focus the new ones are ugly as sin

[ar0ck]

My parents want to sell our 2001 Jetta GL, with 64,089 miles. Its a manual 2.0 that gets 24/31. It recently had a tune up and runs fine. I have an add up somewhere in the classifieds for it if your interested.

[BonzoHansen]

And keep the Z28 if at all possible....the extra money would certainly be nice, but you'll regret it for sure.

- JustinPimp out Steve for additional cash.....

[Frosty]

Cobalt SS...36+ mpg they're around the 17-20k mark, its a chevy, its a chevy, and a friend of mine has one and absolutely loves it. besides the 5 speeds run low 13s lol...


She said reliable ;) I highly doubt she's going to mod the hell out of it to run low 13's lol

I vote for the HHR if you like it, how about a Corolla?

[EchoMirage]

my mother has an 06 vibe. comfortable, good options, lots of space, storage and seating config. AWD never gets stuck or slips on rain/slush.

[BigAls87Z28]

Cobalt SS...36+ mpg they're around the 17-20k mark, its a chevy, its a chevy, and a friend of mine has one and absolutely loves it. besides the 5 speeds run low 13s lol...

personally I would sell the 79 and the Jeep and try to hold onto that 02 Camaro...The odds of getting another in the same shape when your better off, are slim to none...try to keep it as long as posible, only sell it as a last resort. but thats just my opinion

Cobalt SS does not get 36mpg. The Cobalt XFE(eXtreem Fuel Economy) edition does, coupe only.
New Cobalt SS turbo is a great car, but under 30mpg.

my sisters boyfriend has one........its on its currently getting its 3rd motor put in, my buddy works at the local mazda dealer and says STEER CLEAR, they use a plastic housing for the oil filter, and in cold weather or with an overzelous lube tech the plastic can crack....causing a slow leak on all your wonderful oil

Plastic housing only on the 2.3 from what I remember. 2.0 takes a regular spin on filter.
Friend of mine has had a 2.0 Mazda 3 4dr for 3 years now, and she likes it. Not a lot of power, but she got 35mpg going to and from western PA.
Mazda's handling is great, (better with the 2.3 sport package), but it would be a good draw between the 3 hatch and Astra 5dr.
Anyone who goofs up on the new plasic oil filter housings should be shot. Dont take it to douchebage lube shops.

[shane27]

hyundai accent 34-36 MPG :nod::nod::nod::nod:

[bubba428]

She said reliable ;) I highly doubt she's going to mod the hell out of it to run low 13's lol

I vote for the HHR if you like it, how about a Corolla?

its a S/C SS no need to mod to run 13

[bubba428]

Cobalt SS does not get 36mpg. The Cobalt XFE(eXtreem Fuel Economy) edition does, coupe only.
New Cobalt SS turbo is a great car, but under 30mpg.

she has a 5 speed S/C model and drives it over an hour to work everyday and makes 36mpg

[BigAls87Z28]

That is outstanding, but EPA ratings is what I was talking about.

[Tsar]

That is outstanding, but EPA ratings is what I was talking about.
Anyone with a half a brain can beat those.

[bubba428]

EPA and what the car does is a HUGE difference, I'm sure you know that already tho

[BigAls87Z28]

Yes, but each person and thier driving habits are going to change. Someone trying really hard can probably beat those numbers.
The new EPA numbers were supposed to fit better and be more realistic then previous years, but pretty much every car went down.

[bubba428]

true but its a chevy, its fuel efficient(by my standards at least) and they're pretty quick

[BigAls87Z28]

The turbo one is faaaaaaast....

HHR is another option, the 2.2 and 5spd combo I belive will net you around 30mpg...

[bubba428]

The turbo one is faaaaaaast....

HHR is another option, the 2.2 and 5spd combo I belive will net you around 30mpg...

IT NOT TURBO!!!!!!!!!!!!! S/C and the S/C2.2 is in the cobalt so how is the bigger heavier HHR more efficient?

[79CamaroDiva]

thanks for all the input guys. In the end, after making sure that everything will fit, the fuel economy is gonna be what makes or breaks it. I'm not talking a 60 mile drive every day, I'm talking about just 5000 miles a month for work only, thats not including my own regular driving on weekends and what not, so it would probably average almost 6000 miles per month, if I stay with them for a while this time, 8 months out of the year.

with that said, a car that gets 34 mpg at 4.00/gallon would be $705/month in fuel alone

a car that gets just 28 would be $857/month in fuel.

Yes, I do get paid mileage, but the more of that that I can save, the better off I am, so mpg rating will be a very huge consideration, especially since if I'm up north a lot, fuel is about .50/gallon more.

[bubba428]

5 speed Cobalt SS/SC FTMFW!!!!!!!

[BigAls87Z28]

IT NOT TURBO!!!!!!!!!!!!! S/C and the S/C2.2 is in the cobalt so how is the bigger heavier HHR more efficient?

The NEW SS with the turbocharged engine is fast, not supercharged.
the SC Cobalt is a 2 liter, not 2.2

The HHR has 3 engines...
2.2, 2.4, and 2.0 direct injected turbo for SS model.
2.2 with 5spd HHR I belive is around 30mpg highway, while the Cobalt with teh same combo gets 36mpg.

[bubba428]

the supercharged cobalt is a 2.0 my mistake...

[BigAls87Z28]

Its gone from 2008, 2009 brings in the new LNF powerd turbocharged Cobalt SS with revised suspension and Brembro 4 piston front brakes with larger rotors.
It also has a reconfigurable performance display and "no lift shift" so that you can stay on the gas pedal between shifts so that boost is maintained...

[jims69camaro]

you still haven't said whether you like the styling of the HHR, even though five people have mentioned it. i still say HHR is your winner, even though the pricing has gone up a bit (from 16 to 17.5K) and there are threee engines to choose from. auto or 5 speed, you're going to get 30+ mpg. and i like them. i've seen them in SOM, and that color is so sweet on them. there is also one color that is blue/purple, heavy pearl and metallic, looks so cool in the sun. and you can get them with windows in the rear or as a true panel truck. can't beat it for the bucks, if you ask me. if i wasn't saving for a new camaro...

[qwikz28]

is 0% financing still available?

[79CamaroDiva]

you still haven't said whether you like the styling of the HHR, even though five people have mentioned it. i still say HHR is your winner, even though the pricing has gone up a bit (from 16 to 17.5K) and there are threee engines to choose from. auto or 5 speed, you're going to get 30+ mpg. and i like them. i've seen them in SOM, and that color is so sweet on them. there is also one color that is blue/purple, heavy pearl and metallic, looks so cool in the sun. and you can get them with windows in the rear or as a true panel truck. can't beat it for the bucks, if you ask me. if i wasn't saving for a new camaro...

thats because I'm not sure if i like the styling of the HHR. To me it looks like a PT cruiser that got squared off. I went and looked at one yesterday, but there are no Orange Manuals within 200 miles, luckily, i'm not looking to actually buy for another month. If i got one, thats what it would be. You're right that it definitely has the space, and the interior is very nice. we'll see what i can talk to salesman down to, but i'm still looking

[Knipps]

Pimp out Steve for additional cash.....

Sheep don't have very much money :lol:

[bubba428]

Sheep don't have very much money :lol:

no but somebody with money might want to watch :rofl:

[jims69camaro]

no Orange Manuals within 200 miles, luckily, i'm not looking to actually buy for another month. If i got one, thats what it would be. You're right that it definitely has the space, and the interior is very nice. we'll see what i can talk to salesman down to, but i'm still looking

good for you. get what you want. and all of that "there are no..." is just a ploy to get you to buy what they have on the lot. once you get serious and start talking price - like you're ready to buy now, they'll find one for you. it's the salesman playing games, trying to find out how serious you are about buying. once you figure out the price, tell him to order you one. that'll wake him up. or tell him you found one and you'll be heading over to the other dealership to buy. that's another way to get them to get off of that "there are no..." in this area.

[slugger27nj]

but there are no Orange Manuals within 200 miles,
According to their website, Reedman has 3. They're well within 200 miles.

[79CamaroDiva]

we actually looked at GMs dealer inventory list. The salesman was actually not a slimey salesman like most. I was watching over his shoulder as he was looking, in the base model (LS i believe?) there weren't any available. the next model up would be 1000 more, but to get the color i want, it'd be worth it then try to talk down. He also had no problem showing me the page that THEY see. he had the option to click "for customers" or "for dealers" he left "for dealers" there, it had MSRP, "invoice" and the sub-invoice price thats either what they get it for or the absolute lowest they can go. whatever that was.

I've also learned that on websites, dealers tend to keep cars that people will want in their "inventory" just to get you to come down. When I was looking at prius's, one dealer showed 2 new on the lot, i called before going, and shes like well, no. we don't have new ones, but we do have used.. :bs:

[BonzoHansen]

M, I'll go by the local dealers & doa visual if you want. An orange HHR?

[79CamaroDiva]

i'm not set on it yet, won't know til this weekend if my 79 is selling, but IF i were to get an HHR, then yes, I LOVE that orange, and a manual is a must because even though in traffic it sucks, the economy is worth it

[Knipps]

Completely against used?
http://newjersey.craigslist.org/car/749943554.html

[79CamaroDiva]

no, but completely against a used that is listed for the same i can get new for :lol:

also, mostly against autos

i'm not completely against anything, except maybe the chevy aveo. thats just ugly. if its a good price and gets good mileage and has good space available, no, not against it at all. HHR might fit the bill better than anything just because of the fold flat seats. i'm gonna have to go look at some to see if i like any other colors, and also go back and look at the astra and see what the rear looks like with seat folded down.

[SteveR]

no but somebody with money might want to watch :rofl:

you may be on to something :rofl:

[Tru2Chevy]

you may be on to something :rofl:

Steve + Sheep + kinky millionaire = cheap new DD for Melissa :D

- Justin

[SteveR]

Steve + Sheep + kinky millionaire = cheap new DD for Melissa :D

- Justin

I think she needs new HHR panel truck to carry all the sheep around in :D

[sweetbmxrider]

I think she needs new HHR panel truck to carry all the sheep around in :D

those things are pretty siick!! i like the grill and the painted wheels with dog dish hubcaps! pretty sweet. cool concept

[SteveR]

those things are pretty siick!! i like the grill and the painted wheels with dog dish hubcaps! pretty sweet. cool concept

:D

http://www.californiacruisers.com/8abcdDpanel.jpg

[sweetbmxrider]

oh man lake pipes! awesome! needs chrome trim on the fender bulge or two tone or something. really nice though with the !side windows

[Mike]

strange that you post that concept photo....

here is what a customer is having my dad do for him. many of the parts are cut and reshaped from the ORIGINAL (or repo, but some are real) parts for an old chevy *dont want to butcher the year or model*

http://www.jdmcivic.com/forums/showthread.php?t=81099&page=10

http://www.fquick.com/images/vehicles/full/1824170555.jpg?1216179416

http://www.fquick.com/images/vehicles/full/1824170556.jpg?1216179420

http://www.fquick.com/images/vehicles/full/1824170557.jpg?1216179425

http://www.fquick.com/images/vehicles/full/1824170558.jpg?1216179429

[Mike]

now that i made you all throw up in your mouths a little (work is good, car is blah). here are a couple spy shots of his other long term projects

http://www.fquick.com/images/vehicles/full/1824170579.jpg?1216180175

http://www.fquick.com/images/vehicles/full/1824170580.jpg?1216180179

http://www.fquick.com/images/vehicles/full/1824170581.jpg?1216180184

http://www.fquick.com/images/vehicles/full/1824170582.jpg?1216180188

http://www.fquick.com/images/vehicles/full/1824170583.jpg?1216180192

http://www.fquick.com/images/vehicles/full/1824170585.jpg?1216180197

[SteveR]

oooh, guessing game! :D

I spy a '68 Mustang Coupe, and a '48 Chevy Fleetmaster?

[Mike]

ill have to ask, but your close on both, the mustang has a generator instead of an alternator, so i think its a little older than 68?

[SteveR]

ill have to ask, but your close on both, the mustang has a generator instead of an alternator, so i think its a little older than 68?

could be, but I think thats a '68 hood, I'm pretty sure they only made it for that year.


1967
http://www.musclepricecars.com/cars/1967_mustang.jpg

1968
http://www.bobbittville.com/Mustang-1968MargieWatson.jpg

1969
http://www.travelhead.com/cars/mustang/stang3.jpg

[sweetbmxrider]

that hhr is nutty! nice touches on it. gotta throw up some finished product pics

[JL8Jeff]

You should be able to get 28-32 mpg with the Camaro on the highway, a lot of people do with the 6 speed. So if you were to get another vehicle, I would want it to get 35 mpg at a minimum otherwise I would drive the Camaro.

[12secondv6]

My sister in law got a new Yaris - she is very happy with it - she has seen upper 30's to low 40 mpg.

You may also want to look at a hyundai accent. It starts at $10,700 and decently optioned at around $12,500. Runs on regular - mid 30's mpg.

You may want to spend time on www.fueleconomy.gov as you can find the epa fuel economy #'s and then people also submt their real world #'s.

The accent has seen 35-40 mpg

My wife has an 02 elantra, my brother had an 04 and 06 elantra. All cars have seen high milege and still get in the 30+ mpg range

[79CamaroDiva]

You should be able to get 28-32 mpg with the Camaro on the highway, a lot of people do with the 6 speed. So if you were to get another vehicle, I would want it to get 35 mpg at a minimum otherwise I would drive the Camaro.

Camaro has no storage room, and I wouldn't want to put that kind of miles on it anyhow.


My sister in law got a new Yaris - she is very happy with it - she has seen upper 30's to low 40 mpg.

You may also want to look at a hyundai accent. It starts at $10,700 and decently optioned at around $12,500. Runs on regular - mid 30's mpg.

You may want to spend time on www.fueleconomy.gov as you can find the epa fuel economy #'s and then people also submt their real world #'s.

The accent has seen 35-40 mpg

My wife has an 02 elantra, my brother had an 04 and 06 elantra. All cars have seen high milege and still get in the 30+ mpg range

The Yaris also is too small for what I need to carry, but I'll look at the Hyundais, my cousin had one once and had nothing but problems with it. I thought they were pretty much tin cans on wheels.

[BonzoHansen]

I told you BTK has an elantra (I think that's the right model) he uses to schlep to newark for work. He has had no problems. And his other ride is a 502 powered 2nd gen, so there is hope you can cope. (hey, a rhyme!)

[BTK79]

As Scott said I paid about $10,700 out the door. Car stickerd for $16,500. I get 38 + mpg hwy. Car is loaded: leather, kenwood mp3 , Gt model ,etc. I got it in 04 , 90,000 miles later no problems at all. Hyundai has really come a long way , since about 00' . Great warranty also 10yrs / 100,000 . Good beater for the $.

[jims69camaro]

go melissa!

[jims69camaro]

I thought they were pretty much tin cans on wheels.

man, ain't dat da trufe. my aversion for foreign aside, none of them "feel" like cars. i sold them for a while and the only car i would even consider, let's say it was the last car on earth so i had to drive it, would be the camry SE V6 - fully optioned with leather, 10 disc changer, chrome and wood abound in the cabin, huge trunk with low liftover, fold down rear seats. i don't think they do that anymore. the second runner would be the mitsu diamante, the only front-wheel drive car i have ever been in that would perform like a rear wheel drive car on demand.

outside of that, i think you are headed in the right direction. i know that it doesn't have to be a domestic for you, but i am glad you gave them a look. the quality really has skyrocketed over what they were producing in the 80s and 90s. about the only think i can thank the imports for is cup holders. until they had them, i don't think the domestic car makers even thought about putting them in cars.

[qwikz28]

hyundai has improved a great deal since they first came out. but i don't have any experience with them.

you know melissa, i can't help but note how bad of timing you got stuck with. honda 4 cylinders are commanding $2500 markup and priuses (or would it be prii?) are selling used more than what they sold for new. the market for gas sippers is insane. my point is this, the increase in cost of gas is completely speculative and if the government decides to end oil speculation, gas prices will plummet. so there is a chance that gas prices will go down. if your gonna be taking a huge hit, you might want to hold off on selling the toys. i in no way condone what i just said, but i just want you to consider all your options. best of luck, i don't envy your situation. its pretty crappy to say the least

[WayFast84]

I would get a saturn Sw, with a 5spd. They get about 34 MPG With the new EPA standards, and 38 with the old. http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/findacar.htm

[79CamaroDiva]

after test driving, and a few days of non stop research, i think i'm gonna go buy one of the last '08 hhr's. With all the rebates that I qualify for I can get it for a very good price. I just have to wait til Steve has some time to come with me to talk prices to the sales guy. The guy I've been talking to doesnt seem like a scummy salesman, but maybe he's just good at his job. I'd rather have someone who's worked in sales come with me and make sure I'm not getting double talked or have to pay something thats nonsense as I've never bought a new car before.

Unless of course someone else wants to come with me :)

[jims69camaro]

Unless of course someone else wants to come with me :)

i would have gone with you, but didn't see this until now. you made out alright, though, so be proud that you bought 'american' and have fun with your new ride. i seriously want to get some seat time in it, but i don't know when we will be in the same place at the same time.

[79CamaroDiva]

i would have gone with you, but didn't see this until now. you made out alright, though, so be proud that you bought 'american' and have fun with your new ride. i seriously want to get some seat time in it, but i don't know when we will be in the same place at the same time.

I don't remember where you live jim? Do you ever go to the central CFS meets? I might come down to one of those

[jims69camaro]

it's been a long time since i've been to one of those. thing is, i used to work right next door (practically) to where they were held on 22, but i've been away from that job since 2003. i live just south of toms river on route 9. al used to come over this way every once in a while, but since he's got a new girl i haven't seen him.

our best chance is the central meet at firkin, i think.

come to think of it, that's not an entirely bad idea. i could pick up your tab and anyone else at the table that would be paying cash until we get to the $100 i owe you.

[88IrocVert]

Worried about fuel mileage? Check hypermilers out, they're claiming 50 to 100MPG. I especially like the pulse and glide method on the first link.

http://www.wired.com/cars/energy/news/2008/06/hypermilers09

http://www.popularmechanics.com/automotive/how_to/4264938.html

http://www.hypermiling.com/

[79CamaroDiva]

yeah, i've been reading about that stuff.. some of its ridiculous, others is simple to do. there was an interesting article in readers digest about a guy that hypermiles, has gotten well over 100 mpg in a honda or toyota, non-hybrid.

[BigAls87Z28]

A lot of that stuff is silly.
I am a fan of the glide method. I dont race to stop lights, i usually drop it into neutral to stop lights, rpm's drop pretty far doing that, then shift into drive, where the rpm's are below 700.
I did notice that now I recharged my AC, that the Caprice's gas milage has dropped about 20 miles off its range, or abotu 1-2mpg.