Speakeasy: Is Angeline Driving Long, Conserving Fuel & Prospering?
Is Angeline Driving Long, Conserving Fuel & Prospering?
by Catgic - 7/12/09 7:11 AMAhoy, Angeline ---- This Enquirying Mind Wants To Know. Re: your *Need Help Re: Auto Dimensions* … Looking at new cars..., post of 20090430.
Did you ever decide on, find, and purchase a new car to replace your ’88 Corolla, which was compatible with both your 8-foot wide garage door, and the automobile shopping budget you had set for yourself.
As I recall, you were evaluating and considering the Honda Fit , Kia Soul & Sportage and Nissan Versa & Cube.
If you still have not pulled the trigger on the purchase, and still have your ’88 Corolla “Clunker,” there is good news for you. The government is handing out *Free Money” under their Cash For Clunkers – Car Allowance Rebate System.
The aim of the Cash For Clunkers Program is to get older less fuel efficient vehicles off the road. You may be eligible to trade in your old ’88 Corolla for a voucher towards the purchase (or lease) of a new vehicle that gets better mileage. The better the mileage of the new car purchased, the more money you’ll get towards the purchase of a new vehicle.
>> You get either a $3,500 or a $4,500 voucher, depending upon the increase in mileage per gallon between your old ’88 Corolla (EPA MPG = New EPA Test: 23 City/26 Combined/31 Hwy /// Old EPA Test: 27 City/30Combined/34 Hwy) to a new car (EPA TBD City/TBD Combined/TBD Hwy).
>> The minimum combined fuel economy of a new car purchased under the program must be at least 22 mpg, using the new 2008 Test Method EPA Ratings.
>> Small trucks and SUVs have to get at least 18 mpg.
>> Large trucks have to get 15 mpg.
>> Fear not, your old ’88 Corolla would be salvaged and given a decent burial once your turned it in.
FYI: Back in 2006, Ole Watashi made his formal Declaration of Independence From Foreign Oil when he added a Prius *Limo & Stuff Hauler* to our Family’s motor pool. The running Per-Tank-Full miles per gallon fuel economy actuals for this mid-sized fuel-miser are bumping along in the mid-50s (winter-summer) to high-60s (spring-fall).
JP 
For inquiring minds. :-)
by Angeline Booher
- 7/12/09 8:06 AM
In reply to: Is Angeline Driving Long, Conserving Fuel & Prospering? by Catgic
I still have my '88 Corolla that has 30,400 miles on it. I don't drive a lot, so don't visit the fuel pump often. I wish I could remember what the mpg were. I do recall it was a good bit better than most. The mpg's are not mentioned in the owners manual. So I honestly don't know if I get below 20 mpg. Then too, I shudder at the thought of this car that looks so good being put through a crusher.
To be honest, I never considered a new car until I saw those different looking machines. I can't tell one sedan or SUV from another. These cars are DIFFERENT, sensible, and fun. My favorite cares were hatchbacks like the '66 VW square-back ad the '84 Tercel. (Our 2 VWs fakk inti favorites as well.)
I test drove the Fit, Soul and Cube. (The Versa hatchback is the prettiest, but pales next to the Cube.)
I had a hard time telling where I was on the road with the Fit. The hood slopes a lot, so I could not find a point of reference easily. But it drove well, the "magic" seat" is a winner, and cargo space good.
The battle has been between the Soul and the Cube. Now, those are vehicles up my alley! I haven't yet found the feature that tips the scale.
Of course, neither drives like a sports car or a luxury sedan.
Both are marketed to young folks. But, as one reviewer said, you wa;l into the cars because access is so good. (I feel like I am dropping into a hole in seat after driving those two.) The controls are so sensual and within easy reach.
My lawn tractor might need to be replaced so that could put an end to my dream.
Probably more than you wanted to know. :-O Thanks for asking and for your information.
Angeline
Speakeasy Moderator
click here to email
semods4@yahoo.com
Which Ugly Puppy Is Cuter?
by Catgic - 7/12/09 11:05 AM In reply to: For inquiring minds. :-) by Angeline Booher
Bakatcha, Angeline--- Re: “I wish I could remember what the mpg were.” Per the new 2008 EPA Fuel Economy Test Method, here are what the EPA ratings of the variously configured 1988 Toyota Corollas are:
Toyota Corolla (City/Highway)
4 cyl, 1.6 L, Automatic 3-spd, Regular (23/28)
4 cyl, 1.6 L, Automatic 4-spd, Regular (23/31)
4 cyl, 1.6 L, Manual 5-spd, Regular (26/32)
4 cyl, 1.6 L, Manual 5-spd, Regular (22/27)
Toyota Corolla All-Trac Wagon (City/Highway)
4 cyl, 1.6 L, Automatic 4-spd, Regular (21/26)
4 cyl, 1.6 L, Manual 5-spd, Regular (20/26)
Toyota Corolla FX (City/Highway)
4 cyl, 1.6 L, Automatic 3-spd, Regular (23/28)
4 cyl, 1.6 L, Manual 5-spd, Regular (26/33)
4 cyl, 1.6 L, Automatic 4-spd, Regular (21/26)
4 cyl, 1.6 L, Manual 5-spd, Regular (22/27)
Toyota Corolla Wagon (City/Highway)
4 cyl, 1.6 L, Automatic 3-spd, Regular (23/28)
4 cyl, 1.6 L, Manual 5-spd, Regular (26/32)
Just pick your particular Corolla from this list.
All of the ’88 Corollas are rated above 20 mpg, so I guess Obama will not be writing you a check if you decide to trade in your '88 Corolla.
Regarding the Kia Soul vs. Nissan Cube buying decision. I would go with the Kia Soul over the Nissan Cube. The Kia has a longer, better manufacturer’s warranty than Nissan, the Soul MSRP is slightly less than the Cube, and the Soul has better 8% better fuel economy than does the Cube.
MSRP on the Base Kia Soul w/ 122 hp, 1.6 Liter L4 & M/T (EPA 26/31) is $13,500. Warranty - Basic: 5-years/60,000-miles; Drive Train: 10-years/100,000-miles. (How about one in Alien Green or Molten Red? http://www.kia.com/#/soul/explore/)
MSRP on the Base Nissan Cube w/ 122 hp, 1.8 Liter L4 & M/T (EPA 24/29) is $13,990. Warranty - Basic: 3-years/36,000-miles; Drive Train: 5-years/60,000-miles.
The Honda Fit is conceptually a nice car, but because it truly is a subcompact, it cannot match the utility of the Soul or Cube. It is a hatchback, and can haul smaller sized cargo. Therefore, forget about buying that new washing machine and trying to haul it home yourself in a Fit, to save having to pay the appliance delivery charge. I can, and have hauled new washing machine and dish washer sized cargo in my Prius Hatchback, but cargo that size will not fit into a Honda Fit.
No the content of you post was not more information on Angeline’s primary personal transportation news than I wanted to know.
FYI: We are looking to buy a low-cost (i.e. “cheap”), but serviceable entry-level new vehicle as a college graduation gift for a niece of ours. My wife and I have, essentially, gone through the same Which-Ugly-Puppy-Is-Cuter/Which-One-Is-The-“Best Buy,” Cost : Benefit analysis-evaluation process as you have, and are going through.
The current front-runner for us is the Kia Soul, mainly because of Price/Value, MPG Fuel Economy, lower Cost-Of-Operation, and Kia’s longer warranty coverage. JP
5 speed manual = 26/32 mpg
by Angeline Booher - 7/12/09 3:55 PM
In reply to: Which Ugly Puppy Is Cuter? by Catgic
Thanks for your research on that!!!!
A comparison video Soul/Cube (fun to watch)
http://www.kia-world.net/index.php/2009/05/22/head-to-head-comparison-test-2010-nissan-cube-vs-2010-kia-soul/
Car connection comparison:
http://blogs.thecarconnection.com/marty-blog/1020256_driven-2010-kia-soul-vs-2009-nissan-cube
An outstanding comparison of the Cube/Soul and Scion xB
http://www.popularmechanics.com/blogs/automotive_news/4306145.html
I have a folder full of reviews!
The "basic" Soul is unavailable here. They expected only a 5% interest in them. I'm looking at the S.
That's the thing about the two. They come so well equipped that moving up only adds fluff for the most part.
As for hauling, the Fit has more cargo space than the Soul and the Soul's access shape is compromised- not as square- for some articles. Cube not as good, but quite adequate for my needs.
Few can beat my '88 Corolla mpg. 
The Fit is the most reliable. But not as cute.
You have an outstanding automobile with the Prius!!!
My insurance man's wife is considering the Kia.
No doubt your niece will be pleased with the very thoughtful gift.
Angeline
Speakeasy Moderator
click here to email
semods4@yahoo.com
Unfortunately, I was just hearing about the requirements
by Diana - 7/12/09 11:12 AM
In reply to: Is Angeline Driving Long, Conserving Fuel & Prospering? by Catgic
The old car cannot get more than 18 or 19 mpg when new (epa estimate). It sounded like an old Honda wouldn't be eligible but a 2008 Hummer would be.
Diana
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