BMW 2002 FAQ - Choosing a more efficient car

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Thread Topic: Choosing a more efficient car - an exercise in futility!

Date: 5-11-08 07:46
From: dubois in Hollister, (near SJ) California

Subject: Choosing a more efficient car - an exercise in futility!

Just wasted an entire afternoon!

My wife wanted to lower her fuel bill, driving about 2000 miles/month and only getting about 22mph on her 530i, she thought she could save some money by choosing a "commuter car". I think it had to do more with finding a justification for a smaller more fun car, but regardless, I played along...

Being a fan of the old 2 door Ford Focus, we checked the new ones, good value for less than 16k, but the automatic was completely gutless and boring. Nope, we are not old enough for that.

Ok, our little Yaris in Europe was fun and capable, drove that here, and we were both scared, it is way too small, noisy and unsafe for the kind of drivers here.

Next, we did fall in love with the Rabbit, MSRP 16k and completely loaded, the car is a blast to drive, seating position is great, and power and airbags to spare. 2.5 liter and 170hp with 30 mpg. (I could also buy an E46 that matches that and probably outlast the Rabbit , but Laura wanted something different!)

Did the math, and used $5/gallon and I could not come up with the numbers to justify it, it would cost us, about $200/month more in total cost (car payment + gas + registration + insurance) than driving the old 530!

Ok, Honey we just have to wait until gas hits $10/gallon for you to get your little Rabbit! I give up! Any suggestions???
_________________
72 tii A4

Don't argue with anyone that will not consider the possibility of being wrong...
the future is a dream, the present infinitesimally brief, but the memories are forever...

Date: 5-11-08 09:22 From: cj in the BMW Sauber F1 car Subject: Re: Choosing a more efficient car - an exercise in futility!
How much more is a Jetta TDI? Would you be selling the 530i? Cris _________________ The rides! www.cardomain.com/ride/792851 www.cardomain.com/ride/792793

Date: 5-11-08 09:24
From: MatthewCervi in Ellicott City, Maryland

Subject: Re: Choosing a more efficient car - an exercise in futility!

Wait till you have a high-mpg car and want to replace it--then you're really screwed. My wife currently has a Prius and the time is coming up -to get something new (say within the next year). It has proven to be slightly small for us as we'd like to be able to drive the four of us and our bikes. The only vehicle that has any hint of good mileage and space is the VW SportWagen TDI coming out this fall which *might* have mileage similar to the Prius if rumors hold true. But if we don't like it? Then there is absolutely nothing available or on the horizon that meets our criteria.

For your wife, what about a base Mini Cooper or Clubman? They get mid-30's and while small are not as gutless or cheap feeling as the Yaris.

I have a Honda Fit and don't really care for it. Yes it gets good mileage, but it has no power (beyond what I think is reasonable for the mileage), has no features, and is somewhat rattly. I don't feel unsafe in it, however.
_________________
Matthew Cervi
'73 tii

Date: 5-11-08 02:57
From: Supergeek in Los Angeles

Subject: Re: Choosing a more efficient car - an exercise in futility!

Why does your wife insist on a new vehicle? Older cars get much better mileage than todays Bluetooth, navigation, accent lighting, multiple CD changer equipped cars. Who needs that stuff anyway? Do yourself a favor. Buy a cheap used car that she can use for commuting, then she can keep the 5 Series. When I bought my Nissan 200sx a year and a half ago my girlfriend hated it. Now everywhere we go we take the Nissan. Why? It gets WAY better fuel mileage than her Taurus. On a recent trip to Vegas I got 37 MPG! Insurance is cheap. Maintinence is cheap. Fillups at the pump are cheap. Registration is cheap ($60). Car has been totally reliable at 128K miles. If only highway driving the tank will last almost 400 miles! Yes the styling is blah and the car is kinda slow. But who cares. Its saving me money. Skip the new ride and get a reliable, efficient used car. You will save alot of cash.
_________________
David G.
1976 BMW 2002 "Diana" Smog? What smog!!
1998 Nissan 200SX "Sayuki" Can't argue with 35 MPG!!
1987 Nissan 300ZX My Dad's old Z will soon be mine!!

Date: 5-11-08 05:07 From: stone02 Subject: Re: Choosing a more efficient car - an exercise in futility!
Hi, i am in the same situation. BUT i think that i have found a solution. 1996-1997 only Passat VW, 60MPH=60MPG, these cars are hardy and are fun to run. they cost from $3500 to $8500 for a low mileage car. most important, timing belt, oil changes. go to tdiclub.com good luck stone

Date: 5-11-08 05:40
From: Harv in Willoughby Oh.

Subject: Re: Choosing a more efficient car - an exercise in futility!

I vote for a TDi VW.
We have an 04 TDi Jetta Wagon with a 5sp. We just love it! The motor is simply wonderful. The gearing is perfect and while i would not say it's fast, it's definitely quick.

44MPG all the time.

John

_________________
I suggest you sit down and dedicate a couple of hours to this thread. OOPS! NEW LINK! TRY IT NOW
http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=2224141&page=1
#1665778

Date: 5-11-08 06:42
From: Kidasters in Houston, TX

Subject: Say yes to TDi

We loved our '99 Jetta TDi before it was crunched by the Mercury Mountaineer.

45 miles to the gallon. 10 gallon tank. Even today, with Diesel at 3.80 a gallon, it's cheaper to fill up than my E46 330.

And - it is the easiest car to drive. I would slowly let off the clutch, and not even touch the acc pedal, and the car would pull itself forward. Fantastic little 96 hp diesel engine.

We'd still have that car if the lady hadn't decided to go straight from the turn lane....

Ken
_________________
'73 2002, Fjord - "Deuce"
'04 330i, Titanium - "Smith"

Date: 5-12-08 12:24 From: SteveJ in Dublin, CA Subject: Re: Choosing a more efficient car - an exercise in futility!
OK, You know that we are going to bring the Clubman down for a "test drive". Should we forewarn you so you can make sure that she will not be home that weekend? If she is up in Grass Valley next weekend, have her go by Gold Flat Road. MiniMania is having a BIG shin-dig for Mini's- old and new. _________________ Steve J 72 tii / 88 M3 / 99 328 / 08 MCS R55 & too many bikes

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