Opinions for a New Ride

[trapped]

So I blew up my last car and I need to find something new. I have about $8,000 to spend. I'm looking for something that is fairly roomy, gets good gas mileage and that my wife can use to tote the kids around if I need the truck (2007 F150). Right now I am looking at 2004-2005 Scion Xb, 2004-2007 PT Cruiser, 2006-2007 Chevy HHR. Any other ideas? I'm trying to find something with 50k miles or less.

 

[Elemdee]

And you're asking computer techs...umm...why??

 

[Xander]

Which one has the built-in MP3, better GPS and cleaner power supply?

 

[trapped]

Um, because a lot of folks here drive a car for business.

 

[sjlplat]

I really like the Toyota Yaris. If I needed a small economy car, I think that's the route I'd go. They're surprisingly roomy inside, and gas mileage is around 40mpg. Being an economy car, they're relatively inexpensive. I'm pretty sure you can find one for under $8k.

 

[Alan22]

I have a Pontiac Vibe (aka, Toyota Matrix). 3.5 years, almost 80,000 miles, average 28MPG. Very happy with it.

 

[kagman]

I use public transportation here in NEW YORK CITY.. lol...

Have you looked into a large bus to get around.. lol

 

[trapped]

I cover a 50 square mile area so public transportation wouldn't be an option for me, lol.

 

[kagman]

How about a bike? Think of all the money you would save.

 

[trapped]

I do have a scooter for around town stuff.

 

[sjlplat]

I have a Pontiac Vibe (aka, Toyota Matrix). 3.5 years, almost 80,000 miles, average 28MPG. Very happy with it.

I looked at a Matrix a few years back. I liked those as well. Quite a bit more room than the Yaris.

 

[kagman]

A scooter?? How nice... you are moving up in the world... lol......

 

[madmark]

I drive a vibe as well. Had one since 2003 they are great and you can flip down every seat including the front passenger seat. It also has an ac outlet in the dash so you can plug your laptop in

 

[NYJimbo]

Come on girls, this belongs in the general chat area.

It has nothing to do with business and legal issues.

 

[trapped]

I guess I should have been more clear. I am looking for a vehicle for my business and I was hoping to get some opinions on what was practical and projected a good image. I get quite a few jobs from people who get the number off our vehicles so for me it is an important part of the business.

 

[hardtoremember]

I drive a Scion XA and I love it... A lot! I imagine an XB would be great too.
I am getting about 35 mpg with great pick up and plenty of room. The Scion is a great car with most of the upgrades standard.

 

[StringTech]

Honda Element

The Honda Element only seats 4. I'm recommending the Element not because I drive one but, I really think that it's a versatile vehicle.

Check out this forum, elementownersclub.com/forums. You'll see how owners with different types of businesses integrate their Element at work.

 

[rkenig]

I use a Prius. Great gas mileage and fairly cheap.

 

[vontreigo]

I like the Sion. You have plenty of room inside and plenty of room to advert on the outside. besides the HHR and the PT and be "OVER DONE".

 

[tankman1989]

Used Smart Car or Mini? I liked those Matrix'x. What about a Prius? They can be pretty cheap. I have driven one and it is pretty nice and you can't really beat the gas mileage, especially around town (around town is better mpg than highway, about 47-50 on the one I drove).

If a Prius cost a little more $$ up front, you might still want to consider it because your fuel cost may be 1/2, which can add up VERY fast if you are traveling for business.

I figured out the gas savings for 5 years @ 15,000/yr @ 2.75/gallon.
A car that gets 48mpg (Prius or even a VW TDI) = $4296.88
A car that gets 28mpg (Matrix) = $7366.07
Savings of $3069.20 or about $750/yr
Just something else to think about. Advertising can be easily placed on the back window of a Prius as well. I have seen a number of companies using Prius as their "company car".