LawTalkers - Cars and Other Driving Machines

Originally posted by ltl/fb
Fast, schmast. Like there's ever any chance to go all that fast on the clogged highways and byways of California.

The real question is, smart car or Honda Civic hybrid?

Isn't the Smart only a two seater at this point? Do you want to take more than one person with you on any trips?

ltl/fb

01-30-2008 04:19 PM

Fastest car

Quote:

Originally posted by John Phoenix
Isn't the Smart only a two seater at this point? Do you want to take more than one person with you on any trips?

Yes, it is just a two-seater. I could rent a car if, e.g., my sister brought her kids to town.

Mmmm, Burger (C.J.)

01-30-2008 04:25 PM

Fastest car

Quote:

Originally posted by ltl/fb

The real question is, smart car or Honda Civic hybrid?

Which has a bigger tax credit?

I'd wait for reviews of the smart cars. I've read some preliminary ones that suggest the only reason to buy one is because it's so damn cute.

Mmmm, Burger (C.J.)

01-30-2008 04:29 PM

Fastest car

Quote:

Originally posted by ltl/fb
Yes, it is just a two-seater. I could rent a car if, e.g., my sister brought her kids to town.

If your sister brought her kids, wouldn't you just rent a Thule roof box?

taxwonk

01-30-2008 04:50 PM

serious question need quick answer

Quote:

Originally posted by Hank Chinaski
okay. buying a car in the next few days. the model doesn't matter for the question.

we are looking at a 2008 with the middle package. the lot starts pushing the 2007 with the package one up (about a $4000 difference). They haven't priced it yet but imply the step up will be almost nothing (rebates maybe).

but we're a bit paranoid about it, like maybe they're trying to clear out a lemon. any hints on how to sort out if it is a lemon? any view on dealerships doing something like this?

GM offers its dealers 5% incentive money to clear out last meodel year vehicles. I'm sure they aren't the only one.

ltl/fb

01-30-2008 05:56 PM

Fastest car

Quote:

Originally posted by Mmmm, Burger (C.J.)
Which has a bigger tax credit?

I'd wait for reviews of the smart cars. I've read some preliminary ones that suggest the only reason to buy one is because it's so damn cute.

The smart car that will be available here is not hybrid or alternative fuel or anything, so it has no tax credit. It's quite a bit cheaper than the Civic Hybrid, though. It might be a little too distinctive-y for me, in the PT Cruiser/Mini way. Both of which make me barf.

NotFromHere

01-30-2008 06:00 PM

Fastest car

Quote:

Originally posted by ltl/fb
The smart car that will be available here is not hybrid or alternative fuel or anything, so it has no tax credit. It's quite a bit cheaper than the Civic Hybrid, though. It might be a little too distinctive-y for me, in the PT Cruiser/Mini way. Both of which make me barf.

Honda Civic. The Smart car is only really appropriate for people who live in big cities where parking is an issue, like here. You'll find that there's inadequate power to get onto the freeway or even survive very long on a freeway. It'd be a good second car just for the drive to work, but as a primary in LA? Huh uh.

bold_n_brazen

02-06-2008 10:36 AM

Serious car help

I need a new car. There's no question. My SUV is starting to behave erratically enough to make it clear I need a new car.

But I have no idea what I want.

I have a general idea that I'd like something in the 2006 or 2007 model year, gently used, for somewhere under 30k.

The Brazenette has requested a "TV car" which means it should have a video player, but this is not a requirement.

I'd like to get better than the 14 mpg I get at the moment.

And I admit, I'd like it to be cute. Or at least, for me to feel cute in it.

Suggestions as to what I should test drive?

John Phoenix

02-06-2008 11:15 AM

Serious car help

Quote:

Originally posted by bold_n_brazen
I need a new car. There's no question. My SUV is starting to behave erratically enough to make it clear I need a new car.

But I have no idea what I want.

I have a general idea that I'd like something in the 2006 or 2007 model year, gently used, for somewhere under 30k.

The Brazenette has requested a "TV car" which means it should have a video player, but this is not a requirement.

I'd like to get better than the 14 mpg I get at the moment.

And I admit, I'd like it to be cute. Or at least, for me to feel cute in it.

Suggestions as to what I should test drive?

Let's start by narrowing down a bit.

The tv question is not dispositive; you could go to any store like Best Buy or Target, and get a player that straps to the headrest of the driver seat, allowing the 'ette to watch DVDs.

Do you have any requirements? For example, are two seaters out of the question because you must drive the 'ette around? Do you need four doors? Are convertibles out of the question? Must the car be automatic only?

Mmmm, Burger (C.J.)

02-06-2008 11:22 AM

Serious car help

Quote:

Originally posted by bold_n_brazen

And I admit, I'd like it to be cute. Or at least, for me to feel cute in it.

Brazennette might feel cute in this.

http://bp2.blogger.com/_3-h3lqEIcx0/...hellokitty.jpg

bold_n_brazen

02-06-2008 11:38 AM

Serious car help

Quote:

Originally posted by John Phoenix
Let's start by narrowing down a bit.

The tv question is not dispositive; you could go to any store like Best Buy or Target, and get a player that straps to the headrest of the driver seat, allowing the 'ette to watch DVDs.

Do you have any requirements? For example, are two seaters out of the question because you must drive the 'ette around? Do you need four doors? Are convertibles out of the question? Must the car be automatic only?

Prefer 4 doors. Prefer a backseat. Prefer an automatic.

Mmmm, Burger (C.J.)

02-06-2008 11:44 AM

Serious car help

Quote:

Originally posted by bold_n_brazen
Prefer 4 doors. Prefer a backseat. Prefer an automatic.

Wagons/minivans/suvs in or out?

Atticus Grinch

02-06-2008 12:11 PM

Serious car help

Quote:

Originally posted by bold_n_brazen
Prefer 4 doors. Prefer a backseat. Prefer an automatic.

Your price ceiling indicates you're not insisting on a luxury brand. With those specs, I would consider the Nissan Altima 3.5 with CVT or the Acura TSX.

No one ever got fired for buying a Honda Accord, and it's still the gold standard for family sedans, but the most recent refresh made that car ginormous, and the tail end makes it look like a Hyundai.

bold_n_brazen

02-06-2008 12:14 PM

Serious car help

Quote:

Originally posted by Mmmm, Burger (C.J.)
Wagons/minivans/suvs in or out?

Wagons definitely in.
SUV's maybe...
Minivans no way.

soup sandwich

02-06-2008 12:21 PM

Serious car help

Quote:

Originally posted by bold_n_brazen
Minivans no way.

You wound me. I love our minivan.