Prepping for Rising Gas Prices

Submitted by on the cusp on Tue, 10/26/2021 - 11:48pm

More than likely site members are all over the spectrum about transportation. Some do not need a car. Some need a truck. Some need large SUVs. Some need only bicycles.
Well, seems that at my house, I need this, that, and that other, too.
Some of you caught in a traffic jam might be docked some pay. I can be late for court, and be held in contempt and subject to hundreds, maybe thousands of dollars for being late.
30 years ago, after writing that check for two hundred bucks for missing a deposition (I was at the er, having had a mild heart attack), I knew I had to have a second vehicle. I have no public transportation, must rely on friends to get me to court. Or, rely on that second vehicle. So, my car has a flat tire, I use my truck. (That judge that sanctioned me is a great friend, has apologized ever since.)
I am accustomed to driving vehicles with power. Now, what 4 cylinder car will work?
I studied SUVs that have some room, great gas mileage, and my main criteria: acceleration. I have driven muscular vehicles since I was 11. I am 69. When I mash the pedal I expect instant response. I let my freak fly and punched up my sports car from 50 mph t0 100 mph in the bat of an eye, for the hell of it, to get around that damn sluggish SUV.
I am going to buy a Hyundai Kona. I will save my Tundra mileage, and load up the miles on a car costing 2/3 of the price.
Any ideas about vehicles? If I get no magic solution from the magic members, come Friday, I will drive home in a Kona.
Input, ideas on fighting back on gas prices is much appreciated.
For what it is worth, food, is getting higher priced, being sold in smaller containers. Stock up now, my friends.

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Submitted by Lookout on Wed, 10/27/2021 - 8:08am
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so I've got no advice on a new vehicle. I would guess like everything else they will continue to increase in price, so I think it is a good time to make your purchase.

Over the last year I've been gradually refitting my 1992 Geo Tracker. I'm proud to say it is running better than ever (knock on wood), and looks pretty spiffy with a new interior as well. It is my local commuting every day driver car, but wouldn't fit your muscular needs.

Best of luck with your purchase!

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Submitted by on the cusp on Wed, 10/27/2021 - 11:30am

@Lookout a lot, and I have read that many 4 cylinder vehicles take up to 10 seconds to go from zero to 60 mph. That would freak me out. On ramps into speeding traffic is my biggest concern. I will have to get used to it.
I remember when we all kept our cars and trucks for years and years, since they were built to last. My every day car is a 2008 Nissan 350Z. I have less than 50,000 miles on the odometer, so it should never have to be replaced.
I agree the prices are going sky high, particularly with used cars and trucks. Now is prime time for a purchase.

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Submitted by ovals49 on Wed, 10/27/2021 - 6:32pm

@on the cusp
and that was considered a “sports car”. This is about what today’s Prius does. I guess when you’re competing on the ramps with BMWs and Dodge Chargers piloted by aggressive drivers that may feel less than adequate. I had a larger, very comfortable, Toyota Avalon with a snappy 4 cyl Hybrid system that got it down to around 7 sec. and averaged around 36 mpg at real world highway speeds. You could do worse. It was also super reliable.

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Submitted by on the cusp on Wed, 10/27/2021 - 8:03pm

@ovals49 until trade in time, or until the battery needs replaced. They had/have an Avalon.
I might take a look this weekend.

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Submitted by Tall Bald and Ugly on Wed, 10/27/2021 - 8:36am

I don’t drive anything I Can’t work on. That leaves everything after ‘04 as a mystery to me. Used to be I’d recommend Subarus, four cylinder, good fuel economy, turbo charged, good power, not anymore sadly.

Just keep in mind, new or old, it’s still All junk and will disappoint at the exact Wrong moment.

YMMV

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Submitted by on the cusp on Wed, 10/27/2021 - 11:35am

@Tall Bald and Ugly I grew up with guys taking auto mechanics in high school. That is a thing of the past.
It is stupid that to work on, say, a Toyota, you must have Toyota friendly tools.
I have one auto repair shop that I trust, and they can work on anything. What they tell me is that parts are hard to find.

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Submitted by Azazello on Wed, 10/27/2021 - 10:36am
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I really liked it, small, easy to park, good gas mileage. If you like a lot of horsepower you may be disappointed. The one we got from the car rental had mediocre throttle response.

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Submitted by on the cusp on Wed, 10/27/2021 - 11:49am

@Azazello cars are both sluggish and sometimes struggle with maintaining top freeway speed. Could you stay on 75 mph without the Kona feeling weak?
I do look forward to parking ease.

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Submitted by Azazello on Wed, 10/27/2021 - 11:53am
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@on the cusp
It just takes awhile to get to that speed.

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We wanted decent healthcare, a living wage and free college.
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Submitted by on the cusp on Wed, 10/27/2021 - 12:31pm

@Azazello I just have to face it that small engine, fuel efficiency means I have to learn to accept it.
I don't want to sound like a maniac, but on occasion, ahem, I feel the need to check out what my car will do in a quarter mile. 120 mph. last time I did a little check.

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Submitted by Azazello on Wed, 10/27/2021 - 1:17pm
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@on the cusp
Get the turbo if you want better acceleration.
Car and Driver

The subcompact Kona is, simply put, a great package that blends carlike on-road behavior with bold styling, a dose of practicality, and an elevated driving position. Two four-cylinder engines are offered: a 2.0-liter four, which is admittedly pretty poky, and a more desirable turbocharged 1.6-liter four that delivers a lot more punch.

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Submitted by on the cusp on Wed, 10/27/2021 - 3:49pm

@Azazello makes to the mpg.
The research I have done has been interesting and very worthwhile. I almost bought a Jeep Renegade. Afterwards, I researched to see how sweet a deal I walked away from. man, Motor Trend and Edmonds were really brutal in their assessment of that make and model.

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Submitted by Azazello on Wed, 10/27/2021 - 4:42pm
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@on the cusp
I got nothing against FIATs, we have a 500, but, dammit, Jeeps are not made in Italy.

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We wanted decent healthcare, a living wage and free college.
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Submitted by on the cusp on Wed, 10/27/2021 - 6:14pm

@Azazello LOL!
It was a demo with 5,000 miles on it. They wouldn't budge on the price, so we left. It looked pretty cute, but I have never aspired to own a Jeep.

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Submitted by peachcreek on Thu, 10/28/2021 - 12:00am

we recently added a Nissan leaf all-electric car to the household to go with the 2001 Forrester. I ride my bike mostly, because most places I need to go are within a 1-5miles and parking usually is expensive or not to be found nearby. We gave our little pickup truck to a neighbor who borrowed it all the time (so that he could carry insurance on it) with the understanding that we could borrow it back whenever we needed to haul something..

But anyway, no gas required in the leaf and pretty low maintenance. We got ours used from a friend who was moving and didn't want to deal with selling. He gave it to us for the price the local dealer would have given him for a trade-in. It's a 2019 purchased in 2020 and has ~10K miles. It's also the "plus" whatever, meaning its got bells and whistles and a bigger battery. It can go about 200miles between charges, we just plug it in to 110V at night. If you have 220V available, charging is faster. And, though it is *not* a 350Z, it's fairly peppy. The google says 0-60 in 6.8seconds, but it feels faster than that to me. A good friend in college had a 260Z back when they were Datsuns. Now, that car could *move*.
Hmmm, just checked--similar 0-60 as the leaf.
Good luck with your search!

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Submitted by on the cusp on Thu, 10/28/2021 - 12:16am

@peachcreek charging station. Is that what they are called? My husband and I went to a local shopping mall, and noticed one in the parking lot. The first and only one I have seen.
not sure a Leaf would get me easily back and forth from my home in east Texas to my property and future retirement getaway in southwestern Colorado. It is about a 2200 mile round trip. Still it is great to hear those cars are good ones. I have often wondered about their power. Amazing technology!
I remember the Z car being bad asses and outrunning just about everything in a drag race, that is, when they weren't in the shop for repairs!
I think the deal you made with your neighbor on your truck is just wonderful, and getting your Leaf at such a fair price tells me you are a good neighbor and a good friend.
I live in a rural area, miles from everything. Also, it is sort of hilly. I would die if I had to bike 2 miles to work and back. Those days are over for me.

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