foghorn67
Lifer
UPDATE: 11/8/11.
Cliffs:
2009 Chevy Malibu LTZ, everything on it.
Long winded story:
After looking at Escapes, I really thought I would want one. I had in mind not to fall in love with something and don't buy the first thing you like.
I had a hard time looking for V6 Escapes since 08. Even harder time looking for the newer 6 speed autos. I didn't want the 2.5 I4, it was okay. Good enough for daily driving and even passing. But I don't like how most 4 cylinders in crossovers perform when laden with passengers. I know it's a generalization, but cars in that era from domestic makers didn't have the best 4 bangers in terms of power and responsiveness.
I found two V6 Escapes I would be happy with. But....
After driving the rental for a week and half, the mileage is so-so. It's what you would expect. I averaged 22mpg. I thought it would go up a little after I got used to driving it and just trying to cruise around. But it didn't. I also decided crossovers and cute-utes aren't for me. I took a canyon road a few times in the Escape, plenty of windy parts and switch backs making hairpins.
That didn't go well with me. Don't get me wrong, the Escape planted every foot perfectly, but you can't turn a tall box into a car.
I looked at a few Imprezza WRX's, but after NOT researching them, I left that alone. Plus the few I looked at seemed off. Cheapo tires were on all the examples I looked at. The one that seemed the best, had some weird blemishes on it. For example, the hood was dull. Not shiny. Bad mojo and juju. If I had planned on a car purchase, I would have the patience to wait a while until the right one showed up. But car accidents are like that, unplanned.
I came across a 2009 Chevy Malibu LTZ. I always liked the way they looked, inside and out. This thing is fully loaded. Leather, sunroof, heated seats, auto climate control, on and on and on. I have driven rental 4 cylinders before, and was impressed for what they were. Driving an LTZ with a 250hp V6 is something much different. I liked it. It also has a little over 20k on the odometer.
I was actually looking at an older V6 Fusion. I didn't notice the Malibu sitting a car down from it. But this Malibu was too good to pass up after my buddy spotted it. It was 5k more in price, and I made a judgement call that it was better to go for the Malibu.
I'm content. I got a good claim check for the wrecked Focus, and my APR is really decent.
Pics incoming tomorrow. (err, later today)
Original Post
After my Focus is wrecked, it's time to buy a new/used car.
Help me AT Garage.
Thought #1. Ford Escape, 2nd gen. I am renting one now, it has the aging Duratec V-6 in it, but I think it's well suited for that little SUV. The mid range punch is welcome. It seems refined enough, I can only hear the exhaust, and it doesn't sound all drone like. If I have the windows down, the valvetrain seems kind of noisy if it echos around say a drive thru or gas station. I get only 23 MPG, but it is way roomier than I remembered. I have plenty of room, my buddy who is 6-3 had plenty of room in the front, with someone in the back that is 5-10 being comfortable.
It's quiet, cruises nicely, the platform does seem mid decade-ish in feeling, but I can't help that. Hoping to find one with a SYNC system.
Thought #2. Ford Edge, 1st gen. QUIET! Wow, drove one...seems Lexus like in soaking up bumps. Rigid, no flex, rattles.
Possibly way worse in mileage. Not sure. Not that much more room inside. Takes more room on the outside.
Thought #3. Subaru Impreza WRX. Non-STI. I have no idea bout these, other than I like them. Don't care if it's wagon or sedan. My only trouble is they are a tad more expensive than I remembered. Looked at a STI version for 26k, thinking a non-STI would be a tad below 20. BUZZZZ, wrong again foghorn. They are about 22k.
Mileage?
Thought #4. Honda Accord w/2.4 VTEC. Or Ford Fusion V6.
I don't like the thought of sedans, but I think I need to make an exception. I can find plenty of Accords from 2007 on with the 2.4 for 16-18.
Totally out: Small cars. I think that was my last hurrah on that. Would make an exception for the NEW Ford Focus. But it's too new, and too much in demand for any discounts. Also, it went upscale. It's Ford's new media darling.
Let's hear your worst, err, best ideas. I have a beard I can stroke while I ponder new thoughts based on your suggestions. And yes, the beard is mine, on my face. :/
Cliffs:
2009 Chevy Malibu LTZ, everything on it.
Long winded story:
After looking at Escapes, I really thought I would want one. I had in mind not to fall in love with something and don't buy the first thing you like.
I had a hard time looking for V6 Escapes since 08. Even harder time looking for the newer 6 speed autos. I didn't want the 2.5 I4, it was okay. Good enough for daily driving and even passing. But I don't like how most 4 cylinders in crossovers perform when laden with passengers. I know it's a generalization, but cars in that era from domestic makers didn't have the best 4 bangers in terms of power and responsiveness.
I found two V6 Escapes I would be happy with. But....
After driving the rental for a week and half, the mileage is so-so. It's what you would expect. I averaged 22mpg. I thought it would go up a little after I got used to driving it and just trying to cruise around. But it didn't. I also decided crossovers and cute-utes aren't for me. I took a canyon road a few times in the Escape, plenty of windy parts and switch backs making hairpins.
That didn't go well with me. Don't get me wrong, the Escape planted every foot perfectly, but you can't turn a tall box into a car.
I looked at a few Imprezza WRX's, but after NOT researching them, I left that alone. Plus the few I looked at seemed off. Cheapo tires were on all the examples I looked at. The one that seemed the best, had some weird blemishes on it. For example, the hood was dull. Not shiny. Bad mojo and juju. If I had planned on a car purchase, I would have the patience to wait a while until the right one showed up. But car accidents are like that, unplanned.
I came across a 2009 Chevy Malibu LTZ. I always liked the way they looked, inside and out. This thing is fully loaded. Leather, sunroof, heated seats, auto climate control, on and on and on. I have driven rental 4 cylinders before, and was impressed for what they were. Driving an LTZ with a 250hp V6 is something much different. I liked it. It also has a little over 20k on the odometer.
I was actually looking at an older V6 Fusion. I didn't notice the Malibu sitting a car down from it. But this Malibu was too good to pass up after my buddy spotted it. It was 5k more in price, and I made a judgement call that it was better to go for the Malibu.
I'm content. I got a good claim check for the wrecked Focus, and my APR is really decent.
Pics incoming tomorrow. (err, later today)
Original Post
After my Focus is wrecked, it's time to buy a new/used car.
Help me AT Garage.
Thought #1. Ford Escape, 2nd gen. I am renting one now, it has the aging Duratec V-6 in it, but I think it's well suited for that little SUV. The mid range punch is welcome. It seems refined enough, I can only hear the exhaust, and it doesn't sound all drone like. If I have the windows down, the valvetrain seems kind of noisy if it echos around say a drive thru or gas station. I get only 23 MPG, but it is way roomier than I remembered. I have plenty of room, my buddy who is 6-3 had plenty of room in the front, with someone in the back that is 5-10 being comfortable.
It's quiet, cruises nicely, the platform does seem mid decade-ish in feeling, but I can't help that. Hoping to find one with a SYNC system.
Thought #2. Ford Edge, 1st gen. QUIET! Wow, drove one...seems Lexus like in soaking up bumps. Rigid, no flex, rattles.
Possibly way worse in mileage. Not sure. Not that much more room inside. Takes more room on the outside.
Thought #3. Subaru Impreza WRX. Non-STI. I have no idea bout these, other than I like them. Don't care if it's wagon or sedan. My only trouble is they are a tad more expensive than I remembered. Looked at a STI version for 26k, thinking a non-STI would be a tad below 20. BUZZZZ, wrong again foghorn. They are about 22k.
Mileage?
Thought #4. Honda Accord w/2.4 VTEC. Or Ford Fusion V6.
I don't like the thought of sedans, but I think I need to make an exception. I can find plenty of Accords from 2007 on with the 2.4 for 16-18.
Totally out: Small cars. I think that was my last hurrah on that. Would make an exception for the NEW Ford Focus. But it's too new, and too much in demand for any discounts. Also, it went upscale. It's Ford's new media darling.
Let's hear your worst, err, best ideas. I have a beard I can stroke while I ponder new thoughts based on your suggestions. And yes, the beard is mine, on my face. :/
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