Condsidering the much lower entry price, is a Focus ZX5 worth a look?
Condsidering the much lower entry price, is a Focus ZX5 worth a look?
The Kia Rondo goes for $12K with around 35,000 miles on it. (i'm sure you could find one under $10K with 50,000 miles) More room than your other choices, but no AWD. Very dependable and practical and the interior is a lot nicer than you'd expect. If you have given up on getting hot chicks and just want to haul people and stuff and not go broke on repairs, the Rondo is for you.
They look just like this:
poopshovel wrote: Condsidering the much lower entry price, is a Focus ZX5 worth a look?
I had a ZX3 and it was a pretty good, solid car that wasn't totally boring. I'd give it a look.
We love our Fit, only car we thought about replacing it with is the Mazda 5, but the gas mileage is quite a bit worse there. The Fit is uber-versatile, fun to drive, very reliable, and economical.
If looking at an xB, I'd stick with the mk1 cars, as the later ones had pretty bad mpg.
Of course, if you buy an Element, you'll have to budget for a lift kit and bigger tires ;)
bastomatic said: Of course, if you buy an Element, you'll have to budget for a lift kit and bigger tires ;)
And a 6-speed conversion. Yes it can be done.
Poopie- you're getting a lot of different ideas...Check out my post on page two on OFF TOPIC about the manufacturers skimping on sticks. I'm too lazy to cut and paste it here.
Can't figure out why no one has recommended an Audi Allroad...
plance1 wrote: Can't figure out why no one has recommended an Audi Allroad...
Because most of us actually like Poopie, and know that he is used to Hondas. He would impale himself on a whiskey bottle after dealing with the issues he would have with a 2.7t Allroad.
BMW wagon with manual transmission and sport package? Make me an offer! Already has hella sweet GRM die cut sticker. 
dyintorace wrote: BMW wagon with manual transmission and sport package? Make me an offer! Already has hella sweet GRM die cut sticker.
That is brilliant! Bah! where were you a month ago!
Sonic wrote:plance1 wrote: Can't figure out why no one has recommended an Audi Allroad...Because most of us actually like Poopie, and know that he is used to Hondas. He would impale himself on a whiskey bottle after dealing with the issues he would have with a 2.7t Allroad.
I love you.
Cost/ease of maintenance are biggies for me. Any other thoughts on the Focus wagon reliability-wise?
minimac wrote: Poopie- you're getting a lot of different ideas...Check out my post on page two on OFF TOPIC about the manufacturers skimping on sticks. I'm too lazy to cut and paste it here.
No offense: I rented a Versa to drive down to Tampa in October. 5 minutes into the ride, I wished I had just driven my 336,000 mile 20 year old Integra like a berkeleying man. I hated absolutely everything about that car except for the cold A/C. I've never driven such a numb appliance, or felt so disconnected from the road, while simultaneously adjusting the seat every 3 seconds, squirming around, desperately trying to get comfortable.
Thanks for the suggestion though. 
Cost/ease of maintenance are biggies for me. Any other thoughts on the Focus wagon reliability-wise?
Manuals are fair, but expect the rails to disintegrate if you work it hard. Bearings and synchros won't be far behind. If its the Automatic, please put my Cottman shop on speed dial because you'll need it. Soon. And bring the big wallet.
Otherwise they are on par with any other Ford appliance. Better than average, but disposable with little or no resale value.
I realize I'd have to give a little on the MPG, but damn:
http://atlanta.craigslist.org/wat/ctd/2168516087.html
pinchvalve wrote: If you have given up on getting hot chicks and just want to haul people and stuff and not go broke on repairs, the Rondo is for you.
hey, that describes me.....
Sonic wrote:plance1 wrote: Can't figure out why no one has recommended an Audi Allroad...Because most of us actually like Poopie, and know that he is used to Hondas. He would impale himself on a whiskey bottle after dealing with the issues he would have with a 2.7t Allroad.
Issues such as?
plance1 wrote:Sonic wrote:Issues such as?plance1 wrote: Can't figure out why no one has recommended an Audi Allroad...Because most of us actually like Poopie, and know that he is used to Hondas. He would impale himself on a whiskey bottle after dealing with the issues he would have with a 2.7t Allroad.
???????????? Audi makes great cars, the S8 is bada$$. The allroad, especially the manual version, is a great car. Perhaps you are referring to the suspension? I dunno dude.
I'm mostly referring to the CEL.
Optionally, I could also be referring to:
- gussied up VW
- overweight appliances
- $150 / hr incompetent dealers
But for now I'll just stick with overpriced unreliable eurotrash.
They are pretty though. Nice interiors too.
plance1 wrote: ???????????? Audi makes great cars, the S8 is bada$$. The allroad, especially the manual version, is a great car. Perhaps you are referring to the suspension? I dunno dude.
Although I completely agree that Audi makes great cars, I'm going to go out on a limb and say that if poop hates doing Honda timing belts, then he's REALLY going to hate doing a 2.7T timing belt. Not to mention the ball joints. Oh, and the turbos.
What Dave and Corey just said, combined with a fickle air suspension, that is what I was referring to.
DILYSI Dave wrote: I'm mostly referring to the CEL. Optionally, I could also be referring to: - gussied up VW - overweight appliances - $150 / hr incompetent dealers But for now I'll just stick with overpriced unreliable eurotrash. They are pretty though. Nice interiors too.
Ouch!
And what exactly are you driving thats god's gift to the automotive world lol? In all seriousness, I don't think I could hate a brand as much as you do but ok I guess.
poopshovel wrote: I realize I'd have to give a little on the MPG, but damn: http://atlanta.craigslist.org/wat/ctd/2168516087.html
I drove a rental one of those. Not a bad little car. The A/C controls are a little strange and it is a little small for my tast but over all I was impressed. For a bargain basement car it drove nicely, the ride wasn't bad and the little engine didn't mind too much when you buried you foot in it. The wife and I discussed getting her one when her van dies.
dyintorace wrote: Make me an offer!
Trade you for an '85 MR2? (its an offer...)
I got one of these for just over $10K - AWD, turbo-5, folding rear seats, nice interior.
Downsides are autobox and only 27MPG hwy. But still, a lot of car for the $.
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