 Re: Small, cheap car with a big backseat?
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Joined: May 2002
Posts: 915
aficionado
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aficionado
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 915 |
I don't know what it is, but many of my clients are buying brand new Suzuki Forenza's for about $15,000 and have been very satisfied so far. I've seen them and they are nice cars for the money. Our local dealership is also offering free tires and oil changes for life. I don't know if this special is nationwide or not, and I'm sure it comes along with some exclusions...something to read the fine print on. Anyway, I know it's over $10K, but you have the security of a nice warranty. Otherwise, I tend to be a fan of Toyotas and Nissans which run in our family. Unfortunately, I don't care much for American made vehicles. 
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Re: Small, cheap car with a big backseat?
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Joined: May 2003
Posts: 973
aficionado
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aficionado
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 973 |
Quote:
Nice try, dude.
...and i'm sure you understand i had to try! 
"Chickens don't clap."
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Re: Small, cheap car with a big backseat?
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Joined: May 2003
Posts: 18,044
shareholder in the making
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OP
shareholder in the making
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 18,044 |
I am the Doctor, and THIS... is my SPOON!
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Re: Small, cheap car with a big backseat?
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Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 1,235
connoisseur
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connoisseur
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 1,235 |
Quote:
Quote:
I know they are ugly as sin, but how about a 3 to 4 year old Honda Element? Based on the Civic platform, they are "somewhat" compact, but amazingly versatile. With the swing-out rear doors, loading & unloading the little ancle biter will be a snap.
Slideshow with the rear door open
I'll second that.
Three couples I know bought them when their babys arrived and they love them (the babys and the Element).
Might be tough finding one for 10k though. They have good resale value. (The Element not the baby)
But the "biters" will cost you much more in the long run.
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Re: Small, cheap car with a big backseat?
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Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 10,420
shareholder in the making
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shareholder in the making
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 10,420 |
Quote:
If you get a Ford Escape, watch out for transmission problems. When I owned a Mazda Tribue (same thing) from 03-05, I spent time on various owner forums. There were a lot of complaints related to transmission and brake problems. I have no idea if it's been fixed in later years, so please research it rather than just taking my word for it.
FWIW, I bought a brand new '03 Mazda Tribute (same thing as an Escape) in early 2003, and it was on its third transmission when I traded it in at 24k miles back in '05. The first one was replaced at about 8k miles, and the second one started making noises and was repalced again at about 20k miles. Otherwise, it was a pretty nice vehicle. My only other complaint was the very SUV-like gas mileage that about 14 city / 20 highway mpg (V6, AWD
Sorry to hear you had such a bad experience with your Tribby.
My 01 Escape is still all original and I tow a 2000lb tent trailer with it a few times a year. I would agree that the Trans is the weakest link along with the mileage, these are quite possibly related, as too much slip in the trans would give poor fuel economy and burn out the clutch packs as well. The trans was also designed for the extinct Mystique and Contour which were much lighter and not driven the same way as the Escape would be driven. The motor(3.0L) they use was designed back in the early 80's with only mods to the heads to increase power but the overall efficiency of the 3.0L is very poor compared to the competition, a hybrid would fix that problem.
The brake problems are mostly complaints about brake dust as the rims get coated in it and look bad.
I am presently looking into the Camry, Civic, and Escape Hybrids for my family. The Highlander Hybrid is beyond my means. The Vue hybrid looks to have a cheap interior for the money so it is out of the running as well. The front runner right now is the Camry as the transition from electric to dual motors is seemless but it is a little above the budget.
Jason
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Re: Small, cheap car with a big backseat?
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Joined: May 2002
Posts: 1,177
connoisseur
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connoisseur
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 1,177 |
Ken, how about a Toyota Avalon? I know it may be a bit bigger outside that you want, but the back seat is flippin' HUGE, and there are lots of them in the $8K to $12K range. (circa 98-2001) Plus it's a Toyota....
The only suggestion I can make is to find one with a complete service history. The previous owner needed to be religous with the oil changes, as they were prone to sludging. Actually, it's a good idea no matter what car you are looking at.
Shawn
Epic 80/600 + M3's + M3 Algonquins + M2 Computer + EP125
I think I'm developing an addiction.
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Re: Small, cheap car with a big backseat?
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Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,344
connoisseur
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connoisseur
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,344 |
Let me also suggest you take a Nissan Versa for a spin, the inside is much larger than the outside .
Getting to 2,000 posts; one year at a time vp160/qs8/qs4/SVS 2000/m60/Monolith 3x200 amp
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Re: Small, cheap car with a big backseat?
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Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 6,471
axiomite
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axiomite
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 6,471 |
The Avalon is like the Camry on steroids, so I suspect it will be too big overall. Kind of like Toyota's answer to the great ol' American luxoboat (read: Buick Riviera, etc).
Bears, beets, Battlestar Galactica.
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Re: Small, cheap car with a big backseat?
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Joined: May 2003
Posts: 18,044
shareholder in the making
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OP
shareholder in the making
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 18,044 |
Yeah, I wouldn't want to try parking an avalon in that spot. To give an example, it's very, very difficult to park our Volvo 850 wagon in that spot.
I am the Doctor, and THIS... is my SPOON!
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Re: Small, cheap car with a big backseat?
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 315
devotee
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devotee
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 315 |
Hows about a '91 civic?
(running away with head covered)
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