JDM: Civic
USDM: Focus
EDM: Golf

Prius all the way.

Yeah the mid-2000's Corollas seem to be a go to for cheap efficient cars.  Been getting a lot of them as Ubers lately.

I'd prefer to stay away from hybrids, but I'm open to them if they're reliable enough (and I can find a cheap one without issues).

ikbrown, potato interest duly noted.

Also, I'm a little disappointed in the caliber of the responses. Where's the pizzazz? Where's the wealth of stories or experience backing these reviews? Mostly, where are the angry contentious posts and demands that characterize this forum? It's why I come back. That and my stupidity.

Last edited by whalecliff (2016-11-28 14:30:57)

I willing to spend as much as $5k. Like I said, I'm looking for cheap. A hatch would be nice, since I'm coming from the linear, but I'd be fine with a sedan.

to a Fit with M/T. Actually has a really nice shifter compared to most Econoboxes. You also may want to check out a Mazda 3. They're pretty reliable, funish to drive, and have pretty nice interiors.

Last edited by sohlman (2016-11-28 16:10:40)

+1 for the Fit.  I daily an 08, got it a bit beat up with 75k on the clock, 5MT Sport, right at $5k.  I drive it like an asshole and it gets 27+mpg all the time.  Comfortable for 4 adults too.

If you want to go super cheap, mid 90's Geo Prizm, they're a Corolla in disguise and can be had for a grand or so regularly.  240's aren't bad either, but I got bored with mine and it wasn't quite as simple or comfortably of an appliance as the Fit is.

Or say fuck it and go Miata.  2 seats, but I could fit a big grocery trip in the trunk.  <$5k for NAs should be easy, maybe even early NBs.

All of these are good options. I mentioned the Prius because our shop only gets them in for maintenance EVER! I never thought I would own one, but we recently bought a 2005 to replace my wife's 92x. We regularly get 48-52 mpg and she loves it! We spend way less on fuel now. A 500 mile trip to North Carolina one way cost us $21 in gas.

hammyt wrote:

Prius are great cars for everything besides the experience of driving.

I agree but I don't think it's as bad as people think. I was actually impressed the first time I drove one because I was expecting much less. There is also more leg room than the 92X which surprised me.

Can't believe you guys are advocating for Prii. I had one as a rental for a month when my motor was being rebuilt the first time and it was the worst car I've ever experienced. Slow as fuck, awful busy interior, horrible acceleration, unremarkable milage at 80mphish on the freeway, and the fucker beeps in the interior to let you know you're in reverse. Don't sell your soul for so called reliability (look into the cost of battery replacement, and realize Prii are throw away cars) and green smug (not that green when you consider environmental impact of battery manufacturing/ throwing away the car at a certain point).

If any of you do own them/ end up getting one please stay the fuck out of the passing lane while paralleling trucks on 5, thanks

Last edited by sohlman (2016-11-28 18:48:16)

Yeah you are letting your hatred for how boring and shitty it is to drive blind you from the fact that it actually does some other things very well.

If I wanted to buy a modern vehicle that is extremely cheap to operate and good to the environment (besides the manufacturering of the batteries) but is akin to driving a dishwasher, the Prius is the perfect car.

2nd gen batteries are much better than first. I've seen 2005 and later over 250k still getting 47mpg. Our 05 cost us $4500 and had 98k on it. I understand your points sohlman but it fits what he is looking for. People are hung up on these battery replacements but they have proven to last way longer than the distance you mentioned on the original batteries.