Kawasaki Concours Forum

Mish mash => Open Forum => Topic started by: Awaz on August 07, 2012, 02:46:54 PM

Title: Stylish car with decent mpg
Post by: Awaz on August 07, 2012, 02:46:54 PM
Wife driving one way 40 miles to get to work and already unhappy with the Jeep Wrangler gas mileage. On a good day it will be about 15 mpg. So, we are tossing around the idea of getting a car that is good on gas (does not have to be 40 or 50 mpg), but also is stylish. Got the following in mind:

Mini Cooper
Honda CR Z
Hyundai Veloster

One other car that peaked my interest is the Hyundai Genesis. Looks like you can get a good package for under $30k.

Any thoughts or other suggestions? Do not prefer rear wheel drive car as this is snow country.

Title: Re: Stylish car with decent mpg
Post by: sherob on August 07, 2012, 03:00:36 PM
Ford Focus... I really like the Focus ST.  8)
Title: Re: Stylish car with decent mpg
Post by: Jeremy Mitchell on August 07, 2012, 03:14:42 PM
I didn't used to be a fan of Korean cars but Hyundai has made huge strides in quality.
If you like the Genesis then check out the Elantra.  One of my friends has one and the 2.0 turbo makes great power but you can also get 40 mpg on the highway with it.

The Chevy Cruze and Ford Fusion are also nice looking cars IMO that get good MPG's.

Title: Re: Stylish car with decent mpg
Post by: stevewfl on August 07, 2012, 03:25:29 PM
Ford Focus... I really like the Focus ST.  8)

^^^^^^^my vote. Or for a wife/girlfriend, Fiat 500.
Title: Re: Stylish car with decent mpg
Post by: sherob on August 07, 2012, 03:33:13 PM
^^^^^^^my vote. Or for a wife/girlfriend, Fiat 500.

... Abarth if I had to do a 500!  8)
Title: Re: Stylish car with decent mpg
Post by: Jeremy Mitchell on August 07, 2012, 03:40:09 PM
... Abarth if I had to do a 500!  8)

Very cool car! I'm glad they are bringing them to the US now.  Fun car to drive (from what I read) and they are capable of 35+ mpg to boot.
Title: Re: Stylish car with decent mpg
Post by: sherob on August 07, 2012, 03:54:08 PM
The next few years for compacts are going to be fun!  8)
Title: Re: Stylish car with decent mpg
Post by: Conrad on August 07, 2012, 04:08:35 PM
What about a VW Jetta TDI? 40+ mpg and it's a very nice car! My wife loves our SportWagen, I do too. It's a diesel, that takes some getting used to but not that much. 


(http://www.xpbulletin.de/gfx/smilies/smilie-570.gif)
Title: Re: Stylish car with decent mpg
Post by: Awaz on August 07, 2012, 04:52:00 PM
Ford Focus ST is growing on me. Gonna go by to check one out.
Title: Re: Stylish car with decent mpg
Post by: Bosco on August 07, 2012, 05:00:26 PM
If your not hard against it. (Some people are for political reasons)

Look at the Prius. It is one of the most reliable and least maintenance required cars built today. If you can get by the politics and just look at the car you might be surprised.

Also ,you can get a rebuilt one for a lot less money. Here is a guy who rebuilds them.

http://www.autobeyours.com/ (http://www.autobeyours.com/)
Title: Re: Stylish car with decent mpg
Post by: Scaffolder on August 07, 2012, 07:03:29 PM
Fiat 500 for the girl. Good choice.
Title: Re: Stylish car with decent mpg
Post by: Son of Pappy on August 07, 2012, 07:10:47 PM
What about a VW Jetta TDI? 40+ mpg and it's a very nice car! My wife loves our SportWagen, I do too. It's a diesel, that takes some getting used to but not that much. 


(http://www.xpbulletin.de/gfx/smilies/smilie-570.gif)
+10000
Take a test drive, you will be surprised, it aint the diesel of old.  I have averaged 50mpg on a 650 mile rountrip crossing a couple of mountain passes each way.  That was riding solo.  I just got back from Colorado Springs, loaded like Jed Clampet.  Did Yellowstone, lots of touristy things while there, did Pikes Peak and all the surrounding attractions.  The trip averaged over 42 mpg, and all in style 8)
Title: Re: Stylish car with decent mpg
Post by: Excavator on August 07, 2012, 07:14:43 PM
My wife was driving all over the county (realtor) in a big 4X4 GMC getting terrible mileage. We traded it for a used BMW328i, it's getting 36 mpg on the freeway and it's lots of fun to drive. The performance and drive-ability of this car is awesome.
Title: Re: Stylish car with decent mpg
Post by: Scaffolder on August 07, 2012, 07:24:33 PM
A friend of mine bought 2 328xi for him and his wife and love them. Matching colors is a little odd.
Title: Re: Stylish car with decent mpg
Post by: jim_de_hunter on August 07, 2012, 08:10:02 PM
I just bought a Chevrolet Sonic for my 100 mile commute.  I think that GM has finally figure out how to build a subcompact.  My wife loves her Honda Fit.
Title: Re: Stylish car with decent mpg
Post by: Walker18 on August 08, 2012, 12:14:48 AM
Wife driving one way 40 miles to get to work and already unhappy with the Jeep Wrangler gas mileage. On a good day it will be about 15 mpg. So, we are tossing around the idea of getting a car that is good on gas (does not have to be 40 or 50 mpg), but also is stylish. Got the following in mind:

Mini Cooper
Honda CR Z
Hyundai Veloster

One other car that peaked my interest is the Hyundai Genesis. Looks like you can get a good package for under $30k.

Any thoughts or other suggestions? Do not prefer rear wheel drive car as this is snow country.



Going against the grain here.. When I test drove the Mini Cooper, I had a BLAST! I was hoping that I could tow with the
Countryman (4x4), but no dice. Bmw's 4 year 100K maintenance program too.. Plus I let my SO drive it, she smiled the whole time,
but we both purchased Subaru's, mine the 3.6 Outback, her's a Legacy, both awd's. If I didn't have a garage queen already, I'd consider
a John Cooper Works Edition Mini.. Here's an example of one..
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/John-Cooper-Manual-Hatchback-1-6L-CD-4-wheel-disc-brakes-ABS-brakes-AM-FM-radio-/110931271458?pt=US_Cars_Trucks&hash=item19d404df22 (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/John-Cooper-Manual-Hatchback-1-6L-CD-4-wheel-disc-brakes-ABS-brakes-AM-FM-radio-/110931271458?pt=US_Cars_Trucks&hash=item19d404df22)
Title: Re: Stylish car with decent mpg
Post by: snarf on August 08, 2012, 05:06:25 AM
Going against the grain here.. When I test drove the Mini Cooper, I had a BLAST! I was hoping that I could tow with the
Countryman (4x4), but no dice. Bmw's 4 year 100K maintenance program too.. Plus I let my SO drive it, she smiled the whole time,
but we both purchased Subaru's, mine the 3.6 Outback, her's a Legacy, both awd's. If I didn't have a garage queen already, I'd consider
a John Cooper Works Edition Mini.. Here's an example of one..
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/John-Cooper-Manual-Hatchback-1-6L-CD-4-wheel-disc-brakes-ABS-brakes-AM-FM-radio-/110931271458?pt=US_Cars_Trucks&hash=item19d404df22 (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/John-Cooper-Manual-Hatchback-1-6L-CD-4-wheel-disc-brakes-ABS-brakes-AM-FM-radio-/110931271458?pt=US_Cars_Trucks&hash=item19d404df22)
I dont know how much 'trunk' space the Mini's have, I can affirm that the Subaru's have good storage room in the back ::)
Title: Re: Stylish car with decent mpg
Post by: Conrad on August 08, 2012, 05:13:15 AM
I dont know how much 'trunk' space the Mini's have, I can affirm that the Subaru's have good storage room in the back ::)

Ditto on the Jetta SportWagen.    ;)
Title: Re: Stylish car with decent mpg
Post by: Awaz on August 08, 2012, 06:06:20 AM
Last night we scoured the local delearship. Not sure if we are slamming the plastic down, but it was fun to check em out.

No Focus ST anywhere to be found locally. Wife did not quite like the looks of Focus SE. So she deducing that she will not like ST either. Guess we shall see.

VW jetta is definitely under consideration. But we liked the looks of other cars better.

We talked about Minis. Our first choice, but we are both worried about maintenance cost.

Honda CR Z got some bad reviews. We went and checked one out - could not test drive. I am not too impressed by the 122 horses and wife not too impressed that you can barely through the rear-view mirror.

Good news is, we definitely liked the Hyundai Veloster!! Too bad they only had the non-turbo version. I told the wife, if we are buying it, we are getting the turbo version! :D



Title: Re: Stylish car with decent mpg
Post by: timmerz on August 08, 2012, 06:31:54 AM
I can definitely give a huge thumbs-up to my 011 Camry, although the styling is more "middle-of-the-road" than the others you're looking at...I'm getting 31 to 32 mpg on my 100-mile-a-day commute, and the comfort is unsurpassed in my experience....could not ask for a better commuter...that's with the 2.5L 4-cyl and 6-spd auto tranny....surprisingly good performance, great comfort and good styling, in my book...
Title: Re: Stylish car with decent mpg
Post by: sherob on August 08, 2012, 08:15:42 AM
The Focus ST was supposed to be out already, now I hear September.  :o

You might checkout the Kia Optima... great looking car!  You can't beat the warranty on them either!
Title: Re: Stylish car with decent mpg
Post by: T Cro ® on August 08, 2012, 08:52:13 AM
I didn't used to be a fan of Korean cars but Hyundai has made huge strides in quality.
If you like the Genesis then check out the Elantra.  One of my friends has one and the 2.0 turbo makes great power but you can also get 40 mpg on the highway with it.

The Chevy Cruze and Ford Fusion are also nice looking cars IMO that get good MPG's.

Chances are that Korean car was made in the good old USA, our 07 Santa Fe  was made in Alabama.
Title: Re: Stylish car with decent mpg
Post by: stevewfl on August 08, 2012, 08:55:42 AM
Chances are that Korean car was made in the good old USA, our 07 Santa Fe  was made in Alabama.

People don't realize that.

I have been to that facility, also I have been to Honda of Alabama, VW (TN), Mercedes manufacturing in Vance, Alabama. BMW in SC (4 times and their performance center/track), Nissan, and a host of others.

Made in USA with NON-union labor. 

Side note: My Tundra was built in TX, but I haven't been to the facility =)
Title: Re: Stylish car with decent mpg
Post by: stevewfl on August 08, 2012, 08:56:26 AM
BMW is expanding the SC facility as GM is expanding in China and Ford is still cranking out F-150's in Mexico.
Title: Re: Stylish car with decent mpg
Post by: T Cro ® on August 08, 2012, 09:17:37 AM
Off topic I know.... But where did our beloved ZG1000 come from, somewhere in Nebraska right?
Title: Re: Stylish car with decent mpg
Post by: Strawboss on August 08, 2012, 11:30:25 AM
Ford Fiesta, hatch and sedan both get 39 hwy with an automatic. You can get a sedan with an "economy" option thats gets 40. The Mazda 2 is basically the same car, less features, less expensive, less power, less mpg, hatch only though.  Fiat is way underpowered and only gets 35mpg. VW is having some quality issues lately, but the Jetta looks nice, in my opinion, Diesel is the way to go, recouping your higher initial costs faster than with a hybrid or totally electric. Chevy's Sonic looks nice too, designed and built here-what a concept. 
Title: Re: Stylish car with decent mpg
Post by: Conrad on August 08, 2012, 11:44:09 AM
Mazda 3 Skyactiv ain't too shabby.

- 27/39 mpg (SKYACTIV-G 2.0L MT)‡
- 28/40 mpg (SKYACTIV-G 2.0L AT)‡
Title: Re: Stylish car with decent mpg
Post by: stevewfl on August 08, 2012, 12:01:57 PM
Fiat 500

I thought we suggested that for a wife GF already, along with pics of car and Italy.  hmmm...perhaps another thread =)
Title: Re: Stylish car with decent mpg
Post by: jim_de_hunter on August 08, 2012, 12:28:20 PM
Chevy's Sonic looks nice too, designed and built here-what a concept.

The Sonic is assembled in Orion, MI.  However, it is a joint Opel/Fiat design from Europe.  Worldwide, all of GM's subcompacts are going to the platform.  Chevy Spark and Buick Encore are the next vehicles.
Title: Re: Stylish car with decent mpg
Post by: Jeremy Mitchell on August 08, 2012, 12:39:47 PM
Chances are that Korean car was made in the good old USA, our 07 Santa Fe  was made in Alabama.

Back around 1999 my dad bought some sort of Hyundai (used) and it was the biggest piece of crap that I had ever driven, but it is a completely different story now.

IIRC it has been almost two years that they have been making cars down in Alabama. 

When they came out with the 10 year 100,000 mile warranty several years ago, I knew they were for real. 

Title: Re: Stylish car with decent mpg
Post by: sherob on August 08, 2012, 12:44:54 PM
Yeah, now Hyundai owns Kia... they've made HUGE advancements in their quality control... I remember when they first hit the shores, the Vega of South Korea.  ;D
Title: Re: Stylish car with decent mpg
Post by: Strawboss on August 08, 2012, 12:54:55 PM
Yeah, Opel, wrong choice of words, I meant, in house design. Spark is all electric right? Plus, it looks a third smaller than the Sonic.
Title: Re: Stylish car with decent mpg
Post by: sherob on August 08, 2012, 12:56:39 PM
Geez... Opel... we had an Opel Kadett L station wagon when I was a kid.  :o
Title: Re: Stylish car with decent mpg
Post by: Scaffolder on August 08, 2012, 07:18:29 PM
Get her a C-14!!!
Title: Re: Stylish car with decent mpg
Post by: jim_de_hunter on August 08, 2012, 08:25:50 PM
Spark is all electric right?


Spark isn't electric.  It is essentially a restyled Sonic (Front end looks like a Chevy version of a Honda Fit) with a 1.2L 80hp mill.  Sonic runs the Cruze engines - 1.4L Turbo and 1.8L NA.  Both run 138hp with 125 ft-lbs torque for the 1.8L and 145ft-lbs for the 1.4L Turbo.
Title: Re: Stylish car with decent mpg
Post by: Walker18 on August 09, 2012, 04:43:17 AM
I dont know how much 'trunk' space the Mini's have, I can affirm that the Subaru's have good storage room in the back ::)

The Mini's trunk can't be much smaller than her Wrangler, but the milage would be better than double, and a ton of fun to drive..
Now about you riding in the back of the Subie, you're wifie put you back there, and we were not going to argue with her!  :battle:
Title: Re: Stylish car with decent mpg
Post by: Strawboss on August 09, 2012, 06:02:09 AM
So, is the Spark a hybrid? If not, whats the purpose of it if its just a restyled Sonic with a smaller engine?
Title: Re: Stylish car with decent mpg
Post by: Jeremy Mitchell on August 09, 2012, 06:07:28 AM
So, is the Spark a hybrid? If not, whats the purpose of it if its just a restyled Sonic with a smaller engine?

No, it has a normal gasoline motor.  It is also about $2,000 less than the Sonic and is actually quite a bit smaller. 
Title: Re: Stylish car with decent mpg
Post by: snarf on August 09, 2012, 07:12:33 AM
The Mini's trunk can't be much smaller than her Wrangler, but the milage would be better than double, and a ton of fun to drive..
Now about you riding in the back of the Subie, you're wifie put you back there, and we were not going to argue with her!  :battle:

WOW it has only taken me five years to figure that one out, ya'll are some fast learners.
Title: Re: Stylish car with decent mpg
Post by: Awaz on August 09, 2012, 01:55:30 PM
Wife and I both liked Hyundai Veloster turbo with manual transmission. Except we cannot find it anywhere !!!  :yikes:
Title: Re: Stylish car with decent mpg
Post by: jim-d on August 09, 2012, 03:29:05 PM
Just my 2 cents but I had a rented Focus for a month.  All the gadgets were fun for a few days what won out was how bad the seats are.  After a month I was hardly able to drive it for more than an hour.  Seats  could not move to a comfortable position, everything you value in life that shouldn't get crushed gets crushed.  They are hard in a hard riding car.  Just overall not good.  Other than that I would think about it if I was in the market but in the final analysis what else is there but a nice seat????

Look past all the dazzle & gizmos since most get set once & forgotten.  Make sure you like the ride.  Worth an extra mpg or two to get the right combination.
Title: Re: Stylish car with decent mpg
Post by: jbailey on August 09, 2012, 06:50:39 PM
For fifteen years I only drove foreign cars.  My motto was "Only buy a car if it ends in a vowel other than E".  Well, in 2006 while car shopping I kept reading about the Focus.  The transmission and engine both supplied by Mazda.  I bought one for about $1500 - $2000 less than a Hyundai Elantra or anything else.  We drove that car for 86,000 miles with NO problems, squeaks or rattles.  My wife was rearended by a Kenworth truck about three years ago.  Amazingly no broken bones.  We replaced the Focus with a Fusion which now has 84,000 miles with NO problems.  The fusion gets about 32 highway (72-75 MPH).  I also bought a used 2001 Focus for commuting (120 miles per day) which now has about 185,000 miles.  I have replaced one wheel bearing in the almost 100,000 miles I have owned it.  It also gets a constant 32-34 MPG.

I have had VW, Ford, GM, Chrysler, AMC, Mazda, Toyota, Subaru, Suzuki, and Nissan.  Ford has really turned itself around and produce some of the best cars available.  Plus they did it on their own without the governments "help".
Title: Re: Stylish car with decent mpg
Post by: VirginiaJim on August 10, 2012, 11:19:56 AM
If your not hard against it. (Some people are for political reasons)

Look at the Prius. It is one of the most reliable and least maintenance required cars built today. If you can get by the politics and just look at the car you might be surprised.

Also ,you can get a rebuilt one for a lot less money. Here is a guy who rebuilds them.

http://www.autobeyours.com/ (http://www.autobeyours.com/)

+1 on the Prius...  We went on vacation with it and never got below 50mpg...and that's with high speed interstate and using the AC.  257500 miles now.  Find one used.
Title: Re: Stylish car with decent mpg
Post by: jim_de_hunter on August 10, 2012, 07:55:02 PM
+1 on the Prius...  Find one used.

I believe that he wants a stylish car instead.  :stirpot:
Title: Re: Stylish car with decent mpg
Post by: VirginiaJim on August 10, 2012, 10:37:56 PM
Yeah, I'm more on the practical side of things. ;D
Title: Re: Stylish car with decent mpg
Post by: Outback_Jon on August 11, 2012, 07:03:49 AM
Yeah, I'm more on the practical side of things. ;D
Sure you are....  What color is yours?
Jeff Dunham About His Toyota Prius (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RL4wfilTe-o#ws)
Title: Re: Stylish car with decent mpg
Post by: Conrad on August 11, 2012, 07:21:54 AM
I believe that he wants a stylish car instead.  :stirpot:

 :o

(http://blog.checkeredflag.com/.a/6a00d8341e5c8953ef0120a5a4de68970b-450wi)
Title: Re: Stylish car with decent mpg
Post by: Strawboss on August 11, 2012, 08:49:10 AM
I knew the Spark was a lot smaller and NOT a hybrid and less expensive than a Sonic with a different front end and better mpg, I had read it in a current auto magazine, thought somebody found something else I missed about it.
Title: Re: Stylish car with decent mpg
Post by: VirginiaJim on August 11, 2012, 09:32:59 AM
Sure you are....  What color is yours?

Silver, of course.  All my vehicles and bikes are/were silver.  Less washing involved.  I'm sure I could get better gas mileage if I washed the dirt off of it and waxed it, but what the heck.  I get good gas mileage out of a low maintenance vehicle and it has enough power to do what I need it to do, fully loaded. It has plenty of room in the rear seats (more than my Rav4) as well and it can carry a 2x4x8 with the windows all closed.  It's a great vehicle and the people that make fun of them don't have a clue about it.  I've had mine for over 7 years and I hope to keep it another 7.
Title: Re: Stylish car with decent mpg
Post by: Strawboss on August 11, 2012, 02:51:25 PM
I haven't seen anybody mention the new Dodge Dart. Based on a Fiat design, it so much better than the car it replaced. Looks like they might sell a few of them. Makes you wonder why on earth they cancelled the Neon.


http://www.dodge.com/en/2013/dart/ (http://www.dodge.com/en/2013/dart/)
Title: Re: Stylish car with decent mpg
Post by: jim_de_hunter on August 11, 2012, 02:56:51 PM
:o

(http://blog.checkeredflag.com/.a/6a00d8341e5c8953ef0120a5a4de68970b-450wi)

That's a Photoshopped Bugatti; Am I right?  Am I right?
Title: Re: Stylish car with decent mpg
Post by: jim_de_hunter on August 11, 2012, 02:58:57 PM
I haven't seen anybody mention the new Dodge Dart. Based on a Fiat design, it so much better than the car it replaced. Looks like they might sell a few of them. Makes you wonder why on earth they cancelled the Neon.


http://www.dodge.com/en/2013/dart/ (http://www.dodge.com/en/2013/dart/)

I could be wrong but I don't think they're available quite yet.
Title: Re: Stylish car with decent mpg
Post by: Strawboss on August 11, 2012, 03:00:52 PM
Got plenty of them sitting in the dealership right by my house in NE OH for the last month. Nice car.
Title: Re: Stylish car with decent mpg
Post by: sherob on August 11, 2012, 03:12:32 PM
Talking about a ~300 hp SRT version of the Dart too.  8)
Title: Re: Stylish car with decent mpg
Post by: Scaffolder on August 11, 2012, 06:05:28 PM
I went to see the Dart yesterday and they sold them all. I did see a very good looking Chrysler 200 S. Very good looking car and that 3.6 liter engine is awesome. Although I do love the Hemis my vehicles have, but this thread is looking for more mpg. I can get 25mpg in the Charger 5.7 V8, but it is a lot of work and not worth it. I run about 19-20 mpg all the time.
Title: Re: Stylish car with decent mpg
Post by: Awaz on August 11, 2012, 08:24:25 PM
:o

(http://blog.checkeredflag.com/.a/6a00d8341e5c8953ef0120a5a4de68970b-450wi)

Daaaaang! If Toyotas looked that cool, I will be hoping over to the dealer!! Well, bad news is wife is having cold feet. Good news is, Veloster turbo with m/t is no where to be found (good news  because if we find one, I will be sleeping with the dogs).
Title: Re: Stylish car with decent mpg
Post by: VirginiaJim on August 11, 2012, 10:10:14 PM
That's a Photoshopped Bugatti; Am I right?  Am I right?

No, you're wrong....

http://www.yztb.com/car-news-and-reviewtoyota-prius-gets-tommy-kaira-treatment.html (http://www.yztb.com/car-news-and-reviewtoyota-prius-gets-tommy-kaira-treatment.html)
Title: Re: Stylish car with decent mpg
Post by: Pokey on August 12, 2012, 07:39:56 PM
Subaru Impreza, Outback Sport model especially. 8) The Prius is a pitiful excuse for a car by the way........ :stirpot:
Title: Re: Stylish car with decent mpg
Post by: VirginiaJim on August 12, 2012, 08:02:51 PM
 >:(
Title: Re: Stylish car with decent mpg
Post by: Pokey on August 12, 2012, 08:17:10 PM
>:(


Rated very low in build quality, not that reliable, and who wants to deal with batteries? There is a bit more salt in the wounds Jimmy boy! :yikes:
Title: Re: Stylish car with decent mpg
Post by: VirginiaJim on August 13, 2012, 04:11:04 AM

Rated very low in build quality, not that reliable, and who wants to deal with batteries? There is a bit more salt in the wounds Jimmy boy! :yikes:

There was a rating of that sort with one of the new shorter versions that just came out.  The older ones have consistently been near the top for reliability and quality.  Let me reiterate this, I have bought Toyotas since 1981 and their quality has always been good.  I can't afford to buy low build quality, low reliability cars as I drive for a living.  As far as the batteries go.  There haven't been that many replaced.  I expect my car to go 10 years or more based on past experience with it.  Haven't even changed the brake pads yet (257k miles).  If you want low reliability, buy a Nissan.  Both of my daughters have them and I marvel at what breaks on them.  Things that you would never see on a Toyota.  I'll stick with my Toyotas, thank you very much!   ;)
Title: Re: Stylish car with decent mpg
Post by: Son of Pappy on August 13, 2012, 09:45:02 AM
Anyone notice the ZERO % rate for a new VW?  Hard to argue them numbers :)
Title: Re: Stylish car with decent mpg
Post by: Scaffolder on August 13, 2012, 06:24:51 PM
Usually VW doesn't count the TDI.
Title: Re: Stylish car with decent mpg
Post by: Son of Pappy on August 13, 2012, 10:51:13 PM
Usually VW doesn't count the TDI.
They did for me, and I believe Conrad as well.  They are working really hard to stomp the competition.
Title: Re: Stylish car with decent mpg
Post by: fred-houston on August 13, 2012, 11:05:57 PM
KIA Forte.  Had ours for three years with no issues.  Biggest trunk I have ever seen in a small car.

Title: Re: Stylish car with decent mpg
Post by: jim_de_hunter on August 14, 2012, 03:22:12 AM
Biggest trunk I have ever seen in a small car.


I do like big trunks..... ;D
Title: Re: Stylish car with decent mpg
Post by: Conrad on August 14, 2012, 04:46:51 AM
Usually VW doesn't count the TDI.

They did for me, and I believe Conrad as well.  They are working really hard to stomp the competition.

At the time they weren't offering the zero % on the SportWagens. I got 1.9% for up to 5 years, I went with 4 years.
Title: Re: Stylish car with decent mpg
Post by: Pokey on August 14, 2012, 07:24:15 AM
There was a rating of that sort with one of the new shorter versions that just came out.  The older ones have consistently been near the top for reliability and quality.  Let me reiterate this, I have bought Toyotas since 1981 and their quality has always been good.  I can't afford to buy low build quality, low reliability cars as I drive for a living.  As far as the batteries go.  There haven't been that many replaced.  I expect my car to go 10 years or more based on past experience with it.  Haven't even changed the brake pads yet (257k miles).  If you want low reliability, buy a Nissan.  Both of my daughters have them and I marvel at what breaks on them.  Things that you would never see on a Toyota.  I'll stick with my Toyotas, thank you very much!   ;)


Toyota makes good stuff no doubt, but I still would "never" own a Prius. :)  You get your man-card back by riding that C14, so I will cut ya some slack. Are you ever coming to Ohio this year? I think you should make it to my Laborday Rally......just sayin.
Title: Re: Stylish car with decent mpg
Post by: Conrad on August 14, 2012, 08:46:32 AM

Toyota makes good stuff no doubt, but I still would "never" own a Prius. :)  You get your man-card back by riding that C14, so I will cut ya some slack. Are you ever coming to Ohio this year? I think you should make it to my Laborday Rally......just sayin.

Sparky has that Dodge truck, so that and the Prius sortta cancel each other out. His man card should be safe.
Title: Re: Stylish car with decent mpg
Post by: Strawboss on August 14, 2012, 10:20:12 AM
VW group wants to be the biggest car producer on earth within a few years and is going all out to achieve it, that and some niggling quality issues recently is maybe a reason they are offering some great deals. I really like the new Jetta TDI though.
Title: Re: Stylish car with decent mpg
Post by: T Cro ® on August 14, 2012, 01:11:07 PM
You get your man-card back by riding that C14, so I will cut ya some slack.

Careful now you could end up poofed....
Title: Re: Stylish car with decent mpg
Post by: sherob on August 14, 2012, 02:12:01 PM
Careful now you could end up poofed....

Last guy didn't look to good...
 
 ;D
Title: Re: Stylish car with decent mpg
Post by: Scaffolder on August 14, 2012, 03:40:30 PM
I looked at the Dart today. Looks really good. When I get a good chance to, I'll drive the 1.4 turbo 6-speed in limited or RT editions. The price I saw (window sticker was $22,000 ish.
Title: Re: Stylish car with decent mpg
Post by: Scaffolder on August 14, 2012, 03:48:49 PM
Back to the Chevys. What a waste of material. If the auto industry was the olympics, Chevy would only get 2 medals. I'd give them 1 gold medal for the Suburban and a bronze for the Camaro. All the other vehicles were not even at the games. At least the Buick brand has the Regal. Pontiac had the G8 and that was a great design they let die with the brand. Ford is doing so good with styling in the last couple years and Dodge is bringing in so much muscle. I find it pretty hard to consider many of the foreign autos. If you want a diesel car then you don't have too many options, so you are a little bit forced to buy a VW.
Title: Re: Stylish car with decent mpg
Post by: Strawboss on August 14, 2012, 07:25:04 PM
I wish someone would offer a stripped Diesel with no options. Especially the Fords where the smaller cars get upwards of 60mpg's. Of course that will never happen here.
Title: Re: Stylish car with decent mpg
Post by: jim_de_hunter on August 14, 2012, 07:34:58 PM
Back to the Chevys. What a waste of material. If the auto industry was the olympics, Chevy would only get 2 medals. I'd give them 1 gold medal for the Suburban and a bronze for the Camaro. All the other vehicles were not even at the games. At least the Buick brand has the Regal. Pontiac had the G8 and that was a great design they let die with the brand. Ford is doing so good with styling in the last couple years and Dodge is bringing in so much muscle. I find it pretty hard to consider many of the foreign autos. If you want a diesel car then you don't have too many options, so you are a little bit forced to buy a VW.

I guess that now is not the time to tell everyone that a lot of my family either works for or retired from Chevy including both my father and father-in-law.
Title: Re: Stylish car with decent mpg
Post by: Pokey on August 15, 2012, 08:47:45 AM
I guess that now is not the time to tell everyone that a lot of my family either works for or retired from Chevy including both my father and father-in-law.


Nothing wrong with letting anyone know you have family currently working or who has worked at Government Motors Company. ;)  Their little wake up call seems to be working, I too agree that their quality was in the crapper too long. Glad to see they are back, I wouldn't hesitate to buy a GMC product "now". 8)
Title: Re: Stylish car with decent mpg
Post by: Pokey on August 15, 2012, 08:49:17 AM
I wish someone would offer a stripped Diesel with no options. Especially the Fords where the smaller cars get upwards of 60mpg's. Of course that will never happen here.


Agree 100%!  :thumbs:
Title: Re: Stylish car with decent mpg
Post by: Strawboss on August 15, 2012, 10:13:31 AM
A small Diesel vehicle here has too many things going against it. Car makers don't make a lot of money on small cars, in fact, some may lose on every one they sell. The big money is made in the optioned out huge trucks and SUV's. They sell the small cars to make the CAFE standards so they can make the big cars to make big money, why do you think Porsche, Lexus, and MB are making those silly Hybrids? Another is the price of furl here is still WAY low compared to the rest of the world, a Diesel isn't something most Americans will look at until the price of gas goes to about $6-8 dollars per gallon. Another factor is the Diesel itself, most Americans think they are big, noisy, clattery, smoky, slow, leaky, converted gas engines and expensive. Wrong on all accounts. A minor factor is the sheer amount of money it will cost to certify a Diesel in this country, most makers simply gave up trying to satisfy EPA and put money into getting more mpg out of gasoline engines. So, with all that in mind, I don't see any Diesels coming to the U.S. anytime soon even though every single maker offers a Diesel in every single market and model they sell in other countries. Make a stripper small car with no power anything, no blue tooth, no mytouch/synch/onstar, etc... make it a Diesel and sell it for under $15,000 watch them fly out the door, oh, wait, I think KIA or Hyundai will do it in a few years and watch the other companies play catch-up.
Title: Re: Stylish car with decent mpg
Post by: Outback_Jon on August 15, 2012, 10:16:34 AM
Make a stripper small car
I'm picturing a circus clown car but SOOOO much more awesome.   ;D
Title: Re: Stylish car with decent mpg
Post by: Conrad on August 15, 2012, 11:21:05 AM
A small Diesel vehicle here has too many things going against it. Car makers don't make a lot of money on small cars, in fact, some may lose on every one they sell. The big money is made in the optioned out huge trucks and SUV's. They sell the small cars to make the CAFE standards so they can make the big cars to make big money, why do you think Porsche, Lexus, and MB are making those silly Hybrids? Another is the price of furl here is still WAY low compared to the rest of the world, a Diesel isn't something most Americans will look at until the price of gas goes to about $6-8 dollars per gallon. Another factor is the Diesel itself, most Americans think they are big, noisy, clattery, smoky, slow, leaky, converted gas engines and expensive. Wrong on all accounts. A minor factor is the sheer amount of money it will cost to certify a Diesel in this country, most makers simply gave up trying to satisfy EPA and put money into getting more mpg out of gasoline engines. So, with all that in mind, I don't see any Diesels coming to the U.S. anytime soon even though every single maker offers a Diesel in every single market and model they sell in other countries. Make a stripper small car with no power anything, no blue tooth, no mytouch/synch/onstar, etc... make it a Diesel and sell it for under $15,000 watch them fly out the door, oh, wait, I think KIA or Hyundai will do it in a few years and watch the other companies play catch-up.

Another minor issue (maybe not so minor), is how stupid some people are. If small diesel cars were more common can you imagine how many people would 'accidently' fuel up with gas instead of diesel? This happens more than you would think already. If I did that in my Sportwagen I'd be looking at a HUGE repair bill, ~$6k at the dealership.   

"Another factor is the Diesel itself, most Americans think they are big, noisy, clattery, smoky, slow, leaky, converted gas engines and expensive. Wrong on all accounts."

You got that right Boss! My JSW is so quiet that people can not believe that it's a diesel! No smoke, very little noise, great economy, and stump pulling torque down low. Plus it has a 6 speed DSG trans that shifts like a dream.
Title: Re: Stylish car with decent mpg
Post by: sherob on August 15, 2012, 11:24:26 AM
The first company to offer a small truck with a diesel will wipe the floors... Toyota HiLux or even the Ford Ranger in South America would clean up!
Title: Re: Stylish car with decent mpg
Post by: gPink on August 15, 2012, 12:06:08 PM
We could then convert coal to diesel and dump terrorist oil.
Title: Re: Stylish car with decent mpg
Post by: Outback_Jon on August 15, 2012, 12:36:23 PM
The first company to offer a small truck with a diesel will wipe the floors... Toyota HiLux or even the Ford Ranger in South America would clean up!
I was thinking along the same lines.  A small or mid-sized truck/SUV (I like my Trailblazer) with a diesel that's designed more for economy than towing would be great.  (Light towing ability a must, but not the massive ability of full size truck diesels)  Give me a small turbo-diesel with power delivery similar to my 4.2l I6, and I'd be thrilled!  And that should be able to easily beat the 16~17mpg I get out of gasoline/ethanol.
Title: Re: Stylish car with decent mpg
Post by: Scaffolder on August 15, 2012, 04:08:09 PM
Jeep tried it with the Grand Cherokee, but failed. I believe it was a 3.7 liter. Oh and $40,000.
Nothing wrong with working for General Motors. Hopefully they are not Designers or engineers. Hyundai and Kia are really cleaning house with everything they do. I just wish the U.S. car companies could put up a fight somehow.
Title: Re: Stylish car with decent mpg
Post by: graham downunder on August 15, 2012, 04:35:52 PM
You think companies have to spend huge amounts of money to certify a diesel version with the EPA,your are wrong as most of the teat results for others countries or regions are very similar . Euro emision standards are achived and recorded these same figures are just applied to the EPA application. It is simply they do not know what will happen 5-10 years out with the car market if engines are diesel because they last much longer.People will not need to replace them as often and they will be more valuable second hand . So the nations car fleet get's older= less sales
Title: Re: Stylish car with decent mpg
Post by: Jeremy Mitchell on August 15, 2012, 05:18:21 PM
The Audi Q7 and VW Toureg both come in TDi varients, but they are quite spendy.  I read something a while back that Chevy/Isuzu were working on a smaller (3.5 V6 IIRC) version of the Duramax for use in a mid sized SUV. 

I would be happy with an old school 4BT Cummins (3.9 liter 4 cylinder) in my Jeep.  Great fuel mileage and they make plenty of torque.  If only money grew on trees.........
Title: Re: Stylish car with decent mpg
Post by: jim_de_hunter on August 15, 2012, 07:07:53 PM
Hopefully they are not Designers or engineers.


Father-in-Law was a Corvette Engineer.   Did the seals to hydro-form the frame rails and roll bar.  Put him out to pasture as soon as he finished the ZO6.
Title: Re: Stylish car with decent mpg
Post by: jim_de_hunter on August 15, 2012, 07:10:40 PM
Sorry.  Back on Topic.  I added Rally Stripes to my Stylish car with decent mpg.

(http://i579.photobucket.com/albums/ss231/jim_de_hunter/RallyStripe.jpg)