Auto options due to rising gas prices

TroyD

....one can only hope.

BDT

exalted512

I love my motorcycle. I got it for $3500, 2 years old and 2.3k miles when I got it, perfect condition. Insurance is less than $100/year(yes, thats correct) and it averages about 50mpg.

Plus, for me, its more enjoyable than any car, just the whole drawback of someone running a red light and you die instantly thing, but thats why you look both ways before crossing the street.
-Cody

rskarvan

"For the first time since WWII, UAW membership has dropped below half a million hardhats, reports the Kansas City Star . The news comes from a Labor Department filing, which shows that the union was down to just 464,910 members by the end of 2007, compared with 538,448 at the end of 2006. This continues a trend of decline for the union since membership peaked in 1979, at 1.5m dues-paying members. "

"Harbour Consulting, a firm based in Michigan that analyzes factory efficiency, in June reported
that the average Toyota vehicle built last year in North America needed about 19.5 hours of labor
for assembly, while each GM vehicle took about 23 hours and each Ford about 24.5 hours."

24 hrs x $85 / hr (bundled) = $600.... assembly labor cost in a vehicle.

Effeciency difference between Toyota and Ford: about 20%.

Granted, the UAW isn't as efficient as Toyota... but, it's 80% as efficient (which isn't terrible).

Danny Tse

About 3 weeks ago, I purchased a new 2008 Honda Civic LX for $16.5K ($18.2K out the door). The car it's replacing is a 4 cylinder 2001 Toyota Camry LE with over 120,000 trouble-free miles. Despite its mileage, it still averages about 26 mpg (but it takes over $50.00 to fill up the Camry gets tiring fast). Btw, my commute is about 50 miles roundtrip, but those 50 miles include getting through San Francisco Bay Bridge during commte hours :mad: Originally, I was going to drive the Camry until it dies, but I stumbled across its resale value several months ago and I was kinda surprised that it was that high. Thus, the idea of selling the Camry was born. I figured with the ever-rising gas prices and the added safety features of a newer car (the Camry has 2 airbags, daytime running lights and ABS brakes), it was worth it to get a newer car. Since I am still single (although I did get engaged at end of January), I really don't need a big car. After several months of visiting car dealers, the finalists were the 2008 Hyundai Elantra SE, the 2009 Toyota Corolla LE, the 2008 Honda Civic LX, and the 2008 Toyota Camry LE. The most expensive one amongst these was the Camry at $18K (street price) and it was easily the most comfortable car with the most power. However, in my case, the Civic has the best combination of low price, reliability, safety, overall design, gas mileage, and resale value. The Civic is currently still in its break-in period and I am averaging close to 35 mpg in combination city/freeway driving. I expect that average will drop once I am through with the break-in period as I can go faster on freeways.

Btw, the Hyundai Elantra SE was my second choice. I was offered a brand-new 2008 Elantra SE for $14.2K. This car has everything the Civic had, plus the 10 year powertrain warranty, alloy wheels, fog lamps, electronic stability control, 5 years of roadside assistance, etc. Unfortunately, it was in a color I don't like and the resale value of Hyundai kinda worried me. It was certainly much better than the 2009 Corolla, both in terms of overall design and features.

devani

do not keep the jeep...get a used car with higher MPG...
$500-$600 = 142.85 - 171.42 gal per month...at estimated 15 mpg...with $3.5 per gallon
2142-2571 miles per month...if you get 35 MPG civic...that's what I drive same as Danny
61.2-73.45 gal per month...
$214-$257 a month on gas...
I don't see why not, you are still paying for insurance and less chance of breakdown...so total cost should be very close

steveinaz

Got gas?

sucks2beme

Danny Tse wrote: »

About 3 weeks ago, I purchased a new 2008 Honda Civic LX for $16.5K ($18.2K out the door). The car it's replacing is a 4 cylinder 2001 Toyota Camry LE with over 120,000 trouble-free miles. Despite its mileage, it still averages about 26 mpg (but it takes over $50.00 to fill up the Camry gets tiring fast). Btw, my commute is about 50 miles roundtrip, but those 50 miles include getting through San Francisco Bay Bridge during commte hours :mad: Originally, I was going to drive the Camry until it dies, but I stumbled across its resale value several months ago and I was kinda surprised that it was that high. Thus, the idea of selling the Camry was born. I figured with the ever-rising gas prices and the added safety features of a newer car (the Camry has 2 airbags, daytime running lights and ABS brakes), it was worth it to get a newer car. Since I am still single (although I did get engaged at end of January), I really don't need a big car. After several months of visiting car dealers, the finalists were the 2008 Hyundai Elantra SE, the 2009 Toyota Corolla LE, the 2008 Honda Civic LX, and the 2008 Toyota Camry LE. The most expensive one amongst these was the Camry at $18K (street price) and it was easily the most comfortable car with the most power. However, in my case, the Civic has the best combination of low price, reliability, safety, overall design, gas mileage, and resale value. The Civic is currently still in its break-in period and I am averaging close to 35 mpg in combination city/freeway driving. I expect that average will drop once I am through with the break-in period as I can go faster on freeways.

Btw, the Hyundai Elantra SE was my second choice. I was offered a brand-new 2008 Elantra SE for $14.2K. This car has everything the Civic had, plus the 10 year powertrain warranty, alloy wheels, fog lamps, electronic stability control, 5 years of roadside assistance, etc. Unfortunately, it was in a color I don't like and the resale value of Hyundai kinda worried me. It was certainly much better than the 2009 Corolla, both in terms of overall design and features.

And that's a solution that works. I'd like to downsize one vehicle.
Keep one big, and have a gas sipper. And drive the snot out of it.
The F150 is getting old and tired. I think the Hyundai sounds good.
I don't worry about resale much. They are pretty much junk after I'm
done with them. I plan to test Hyundai on that 10 year thing at some point.

That single thing does allow for an easy downsize of a car. I remember looking
at a 2 seater at a dealership with my girlfriend. She leaned over to tell me
we were gonna need room for a car seat. That kinda changed a few plans.
What a way to find out you're gonna be a dad.

Danny Tse

sucks2beme wrote: »

I think the Hyundai sounds good.
I don't worry about resale much. They are pretty much junk after I'm
done with them. I plan to test Hyundai on that 10 year thing at some point.

I strongly urge you to check out the Hyundai's. Both the Elantra and the bigger Sonata have great designs and looks to be extremely reliable, based on Consumer Reports.

Early B.

devani wrote: »

do not keep the jeep...get a used car with higher MPG...
$500-$600 = 142.85 - 171.42 gal per month...at estimated 15 mpg...with $3.5 per gallon
2142-2571 miles per month...if you get 35 MPG civic...that's what I drive same as Danny
61.2-73.45 gal per month...
$214-$257 a month on gas...
I don't see why not, you are still paying for insurance and less chance of breakdown...so total cost should be very close

Yeah, I think you're right.

Let's make it simple -- $600/mo. for gas on an old Jeep @ 15 MPG vs. a $300/mo. note on a "newer" used car plus $300/mo. in gas @ 30 MPG, and that doesn't include maintenance costs. Either way, it's $600 per month. However, if gas prices increase (which they will), then it is probably financially advantageous to get another vehicle.

MillerLiteScott

I get at best @ 13 miles per gallon, but I need a big old honking V8 to tow my tool trailer for work and what ever else I need to haul for work. I used to have a smaller displacement V8 but I had to run the s*&t out of it to haul the trailer which resulted in both bad gas mileage and more maintenance.

I think I am going to start sailing to work:rolleyes:

TroyD

You may wish to figure that on a new car your insurance/registration costs are going to be higher.

BDT

Jstas

TroyD wrote: »

You may wish to figure that on a new car your insurance/registration costs are going to be higher.

BDT

Not to mention that but unless you got a cool 20K burning a hole in your pocket, you're gonna likely have to finance with a suck-**** interest rate plus the added benefit of maximum insurance coverage so if you wreck the bank's car, they can recover their investment.

Yeah, my truck costs me about 350-400 a month in gas but since I own it, my insurance is about $250 a month (it's NJ, insurance is a dirty word here). Since it's 7 years old too, collision costs go down because parts are more plentiful so my premiums are lower. Does it get the best gas mileage? No but it sure is a hoot to drive! It also costs me about 1/3rd what it would cost me to buy, finance and insure a new vehicle. Yeah, the gas guzzler costs me money now but if I get another car, I'm gonna end up losing out in the whole deal and spending more than what I am now.

Polkitup2

I'm with you bro, my 2002 Dodge Dakota quad cab is a POS. From electronics constantly failing to the bottoms of the doors rusting out after 5 years, my next vehicle will be a Toyota or Honda.

TroyD

Agreed, I mean, if you want to get a new car and all that....by all means, g'frit.

The premise that you are going to ditch the old gas guzzler (that has been paid for) for something new and fuel efficient and actually SAVE money on the transaction just doesn't hold water.

BDT

SKsolutions

If your old car still has a high value, and you apply it towards a new purchase, you can save money with the difference in efficiency.

Early B.

TroyD wrote: »

The premise that you are going to ditch the old gas guzzler (that has been paid for) for something new and fuel efficient and actually SAVE money on the transaction just doesn't hold water.

From a cost/benefit standpoint, my wife is right at the threshold. She fills up the tank twice a week and it's costing her over $60/tankful (approx. $500/mo.). If prices go any higher (to beyond $4.40/gal.), it won't make sense to pay $600 - $700 per month or more in gas. We don't buy brand new cars because they're such a rip-off, so it may be best to buy her a small used car and pay less monthly for the note and gas than she's paying for gas alone with the Jeep. Our insurance won't really increase much at all, but maintenance costs should decrease.

madmax

rskarvan wrote: »

Thank you for purchasing a fine UAW built vehicle!!!

That is what got him in this mess to start with. :rolleyes:

I wouldn't run out and buy something for the better mileage but it is worth considering when the time comes for a new vehicle. My current car is a box with an engine, a Scion xB. I love it. 33 to 37 mpg after modifications. Sometimes I forget what its like to stop for gas.
madmax

devani

Early B. wrote: »

From a cost/benefit standpoint, my wife is right at the threshold. She fills up the tank twice a week and it's costing her over $60/tankful (approx. $500/mo.). If prices go any higher (to beyond $4.40/gal.), it won't make sense to pay $600 - $700 per month or more in gas. We don't buy brand new cars because they're such a rip-off, so it may be best to buy her a small used car and pay less monthly for the note and gas than she's paying for gas alone with the Jeep. Our insurance won't really increase much at all, but maintenance costs should decrease.

My civic 2001 was bought brand new at 10 miles....the insurance is same as it was new and now 7 years later...the car is at 108K miles and going strong...I still get 35 MPG with 17 inch wheels and with OEM 15 inch wheels I usually get 37 MPG....
these numbers are solid since I bought the car....I only fill once a week and I can get 400 miles per full tank for only $38...

I am also in NJ and only pay $130 a month full coverage insurance 100/300/300...Jstas pays $250 a month for liability? who's saving money?? I pay ~$160 a month for gas totaling whopping $290 ...Jstas pays what??:eek:

Eriol

avguytx wrote: »

Those (Smarts) are cool little cars but that would scare the hell outta me driving that on I35 in DFW traffic back and forth to work!

Actually, Smarts are quite safe, even at interstate speeds. They do well in crash tests, and Fifth Gear (I think) even went above and beyond standard tests by crashing one into a double-concrete barricade at interstate speeds. The Smart came out better than the barricade.

Not that I would recommend anyone buy one. I'll admit that's mainly because I'm bitter about Daimler (parent company) killing off Chrysler, though.

How about a Miata? They're terrific cars, they get great mileage, and they're always cool for chicks to drive. Sure it doesn't have anywhere near the cargo room of a JGC, but if most of the hauling she does isn't anything more than her self, then that makes sense. Keep the Jeep as a third for when you do need to haul something.

Danny Tse

Eriol wrote: »

Actually, Smarts are quite safe, even at interstate speeds. They do well in crash tests, and Fifth Gear (I think) even went above and beyond standard tests by crashing one into a double-concrete barricade at interstate speeds. The Smart came out better than the barricade.

I see the Smart around San Francisco quite often but I am wary of how it will survive in an accident. And I am talking about driving it within the City. I am scared for those people who are driving one simply because this is a city where people talk on their cell phone and then drive their SUVs into the back of a parked police cruiser (with 2 policer officiers inside). It's entirely conceivable that some guy running a red light in a SUV will plow into one of these Smart cars and crushing it again a street lamp post.

TroyD

Jeeze, that's ridiculous for insurance. You guys are paying a month what I pay a year.

BDT

sucks2beme

TroyD wrote: »

Jeeze, that's ridiculous for insurance. You guys are paying a month what I pay a year.

BDT

Tell me about it. Insurance in Texa is high. And 30-40% of everyone else
is not insured. Many not even registered. Seems we Americans are just
plain mean. Not only do we want our workers documented, we want them
to have a drivers license, insurance, ETC. Nothing worse than a cop pulling
over someone, and finding they are just winging it. That is just plain wrong
for the police to expect that. Heaven forbid they impound the car, detain
the undocumented worker(or whatever the hell they are calling them this month)
and call INS. The rest of us should pay for their mistakes and
accidents. After all, they are here to help us poor lazy Americans that can't mow
our own grass. And they can sue me if there's an accident.
But try to sue them? Poof! gone. It's up to me to cover that in my premium.

Between gas and insurance, the car payment isn't crap.

SKsolutions

Hope there's no line:

Airplay355

I pay $60 a month for insurance. No collision on my '99 Mazda protege but $60 a month is still pretty low for a 20 year old male driver...

Danny Tse

Airplay355 wrote: »

I pay $60 a month for insurance. No collision on my '99 Mazda protege but $60 a month is still pretty low for a 20 year old male driver...

I have no moving violations within the last 5 years, but I still have to pay almost $100.00/month for insurance on my '08 Civic. :mad: On top of that, and it pains me to say this, I've been recently been "promoted" to the next age group.

VR3

Mines 40 a month and thats with collision

RutgersFTW

I pay $110 a month for comprehensive on a 2001 Sentra and a 2006 Scion xB... not too bad, I guess.

Danny Tse

I had to fill up the new car this morning. Damnit, $3.85/gallon for 87 regular unleaded was the cheapest I found locally. :mad: Despite having to drive 3 people up/down San Francisco hills with the A/C on this past Sunday, the new car ('08 Civic LX sedan) still averaged under 31 mpg. That's a 10% drop in mpg from before, but it's still very impressive.

Early B.

Early B. wrote: »

Now I'm back to re-visiting the motorcycle option. What about one of those three-wheeled cycles? They seem more stable than a typical bike.

Still thinking about it...

Ricardo

If you're going to ride, do it the right way. What's fun about those things? Cars will go faster than you on the twisties