SONOFAB. . .
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 11,950
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From: MAHT-O-MEDI
Oh BTW......if you don't need the capacity of the Element or Fit, used Mazda 3's are cheap and plentiful. My wife had the first gen, skipped the gen with the evil smile on the front and has a current one. They both have been really reliable and fairly nice cars. The interiors are a notch above general econoboxes, and the ride is a bit sporty. There are hatchbacks to be had that would offer some carry space.
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 34,131
Likes: 126
From: Canton, MA
Originally Posted by Bullwings' timestamp='1457558908' post='23903729
User needs required...
-budget
-must have features (mpg, awd, manual, etc. etc. ???)
-optional features (want - not need)
I was cross shopping the first generation element in awd with 5speed (market price was around $6-8k depending on condition and mileage) and decided i want something with warranty and better MPGs. I'm settling on a 2014+ impreza 5-door 2.0i (17" wheels and 5speed options).
-budget
-must have features (mpg, awd, manual, etc. etc. ???)
-optional features (want - not need)
I was cross shopping the first generation element in awd with 5speed (market price was around $6-8k depending on condition and mileage) and decided i want something with warranty and better MPGs. I'm settling on a 2014+ impreza 5-door 2.0i (17" wheels and 5speed options).
budget - whatever insurance gives me
features - runs well, cheap af to maintain, doesn't attract Camrys that push it over curbs and into fences and trees
optional - my gf sometimes drives the car, so if I got a manual, it'd force her to finally learn
I have seen Honda Crosstours with about 100K on them selling for around 10K.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 109,435
Likes: 1,651
From: SJC
Bill, thanks for the advice. We went through this routine last year with the gf and her scooter. Unfortunately, we also did have to sic a lawyer on both her insurance and the at-fault-party's insurance. Regardless, KBB puts the value of the Element at $5500, with Dealer price at $8K. I am hoping that my insurance company does press for the higher number from the at-fault-party.
. . . my main concern as far as the accident is that the owner of the car was not the driver of the car (but the driver was known to the owner). So, I hope all that crap sticks correctly first, then I can work the number after that.
And while I believe the reliability of the Crosstour, the usable space for cost is miserable.
. . . my main concern as far as the accident is that the owner of the car was not the driver of the car (but the driver was known to the owner). So, I hope all that crap sticks correctly first, then I can work the number after that.
And while I believe the reliability of the Crosstour, the usable space for cost is miserable.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 109,435
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From: SJC
I like the idea of the Odyssey, but the gf is threatening to leave if I either get a Prius or a minivan.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 109,435
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From: SJC
Astro Van.
Custom, $4k - http://charlotte.craigslist.org/cto/5443075099.html
Spend the $1k you saved on Lysol.
Custom, $4k - http://charlotte.craigslist.org/cto/5443075099.html
Spend the $1k you saved on Lysol.
You've just been promoted to 2nd place in the car suggestion competition.
Thread Starter
Moderator
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 109,435
Likes: 1,651
From: SJC
Oh BTW......if you don't need the capacity of the Element or Fit, used Mazda 3's are cheap and plentiful. My wife had the first gen, skipped the gen with the evil smile on the front and has a current one. They both have been really reliable and fairly nice cars. The interiors are a notch above general econoboxes, and the ride is a bit sporty. There are hatchbacks to be had that would offer some carry space.
Thread Starter
Moderator
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 109,435
Likes: 1,651
From: SJC
Originally Posted by Legal Bill' timestamp='1457627731' post='23904534
So I recommend you focus on this before the replacement vehicle.
. . . my main concern as far as the accident is that the owner of the car was not the driver of the car (but the driver was known to the owner). So, I hope all that crap sticks correctly first, then I can work the number after that.
And while I believe the reliability of the Crosstour, the usable space for cost is miserable.
