On Mon, Sep 8, 2008 at 12:39 PM, R A Bennell <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
> She is fine so that is the most important thing Glad to hear no injuries involved, here. Sort of lost on what to buy as a replacement however. Anyone with a crystal > ball out there? Fuel mileage keeps coming to the forefront on our thoughts. > A Honda Civic maybe? Don't really like small cars but most of her driving is > very close to home so that might be alright. Don't want to spend a fortune > but she will not be happy with any sort of a fixer upper so it has to be > something relatively new. > > Randy Unfortunately, a car is a fairly personal thing. Without knowing more about you, your wife, your family and the wants, desires and needs of said persons, no crystal ball in the world can really help. So we have to turn the question around a little bit, and ask it from the other direction. In my opinion, I wouldn't own a GM product of any recent vintage. They are uninspired, also rans trying to keep up with other companies without the same soul. The Ford Five Hundred is a decent car, and has ok fit and finish for an American sedan and is available in AWD. Though, I wouldn't want a Focus or an Edge. Chrysler actually has, again in my opinion, the best American sedan right now in the Chrysler 300 / Dodge Charger. The Big Three, as you can see, has way too short a list. One of the many, many reasons they are struggling so hard right now. Turning to Germany we have the obvious in Mercedes-Benz, as well as BMW sedans, but may not be in the proper price point for a recent vehicle to be worth consideration. As well as the drop in build quality of all auto manufacturers due to economic concerns without a drop in the overall prices expected. VW with the Jetta Diesels, awesome modern Diesel cars but not quite in the "large" sedan category. Asia, and specifically Japan, is where I have been for several years now. Personally, I really prefer the Mitsubishi V6 and that includes the versions that are in the 90's Chrysler's. That little engine is a hard bugger to kill. I had a 7th Generation Galant with a 4 cyl that could easily get into the 100 Mph range, and got high 20's mileage and had 170,000 miles on the clock when I got rid of her. I have a 94 Diamante with the 3.0 V6 that has 250,000+ miles on the ticker and is currently in need of a major overhaul because she's only getting about 15-17 Mph right now. She still starts first hit of the starter, though. Currently, I'm driving the 03 Galant that is arguably "My Wife's Car" as it was bought for her, but get better mileage right now in the mid 20's that I'm driving it since she isn't working. Your wife had a 98 Toyota, great cars Toyotas. Honda's have to have gold lining in them somewhere, not that I've ever found it, but the prices they ask on even junker ones is astounding to me. Suzuki, nifty little machines. Had an Aerio for a time before an accident totalled it. But my crystal ball, and my opinion, keeps wanting me to nudge you toward a 9th Gen Galant with the MITEC V6 and leather trimmings. Heck, an 8th Gen like the one I'm in right now is a great car, good mileage, seems to have inherited the genes from the other Mitsu's I've owned and are easy to find in the $5000 - $9000 range, dependant upon options, mileage, etc. However, as always, it's just my two cents on the subject and your mileage may vary greatly. EdB -- "I'm a Night Elf Mohawk!" - Mr. T. _______________________________________ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
