the daily snivel
Rob's love affair tempestuous dalliance with the automobile
As I near closer to April, when I can take my road test and get my G2 driver's licence, I'm inevitably left with the conclusion that once all that is out of the way, I'm going to need to buy a car. I'll need one as soon as I begin my articles in September, and it seems like an awful thing to have to arrange at the last minute when I move to Toronto in August, so most likely this is something that will be done in July. Yipes.
Now, I do think driving is quite enjoyable, and I've really developed a feel for it. I've even booked more lessons in the weeks ahead just so I can stay in practice and iron out the few little things I'm not doing well (like bloody lot/stall parking), but I'm definitely not a fan of the general obsession we westerners have with our cars. You konw, the power and sex appeal and 'zoom-zoom' and driving to the corner store and all that. Given that we had a smog warning just a few days ago, in fricking February, I'm not sure we need to drive as often as we do. Nevertheless, it is a necessary and sufficient precondition of my employment (the last thing my future boss said to me after offering me the job last August was, "And, Rob, don't forget about the car!") so here we go.
But that doesn't mean I'm satisfied buying a car on terms that are not my own. I'm constrained, of course, by the fact that I'll just be starting out as a graduate and on a very tight budget, but I've thought quite a bit about whether to buy a smaller new car or go for something larger and fancier but used, but am presently leaning towards new, reliable, and efficient. The most important things I need will be fuel efficiency and reliability, because I am a smelly hippie and I do care about how much gas my car will suck and how much poison it will belch back out into the air, given that my employment will demand a heavy amount of driving each day. That said, I also need something reliable that won't break down without warning, as much as is possible. Finally, safety is pretty important given that however good a driver I may be at the end fo this process, you can't account for all the other idiots out there.
My sister, who is articling this year, bought a new Hyundai Accent, and while she got a great deal and a car that is very well equipped (with air conditioning, power mirrors, dual air bags, and a CD player) for a fantastic price with a fantastic 5-year warranty, and not to mention that it's very well rated in the Lemon-Aid guide, I'm still leaning away from it (though not definitively without a test drive and so on) because it's a bit wee, good on fuel but not great, with mixed reviews by owners and testers (you either love it or hate it), and because I'm not in love with the style.
That said, it was something I was seriously considering, and still am, but now it's taken second place to the 2005 Toyota Echo Hatchback (warning: website makes annoying vroom-vroom noises). Despite my beloved Celeste's chidings against cute cars (this weekend she was bemoaning my interest in hatchbacks at all, let alone the dreaded New Beetle that I was thinking about getting used), I think the damn thing is adorable and zippy. It really has to be seen. I've ridden in one and found it remarkably roomy for a subcompact, in large part because the car has a lot of vertical room and so the seats are elevated, creating more overall room without requiring a long car. All reviewers like its visibility, and love its fuel economy (one of its main features), since it can go a ridiculous 44 miles per gallon in the city, and 54 on the highway with a manual transmission. The only car that gets better economy is a hybrid. It also just won a 2005 EnerGuide award for low emissions. Meanwhile, it also comes standard with two airbags, anti-lock brakes, tilt steering, and the "LE" package I'm favouring gives it power steering, a rear windshield wiper, extra speakers, and splash guards, though I'll have to pay extra for air conditioning if I want a CD player upgrade (from AM/FM cassette, though I may keep it as is since I'm probably going to rely on my iPod and a car adapter kit for music anyway). It's also freakishly manoeuverable because of its compact size.
What's more, Toyota's reliability is very high and the Echo hatchback is becoming quite popular even though the sedan has had mixed results in North America (I agree that the sedan is a little plain and uninspired). Not everyone likes the fact that the instrument panel is on the centre of the dashboard, angled towards the driver (it took me by surprise) but I'm getting used to it when I see it now. The universal thing I see is that everyone who owns them loves them, and I'm quite keen to try one out for a test drive. I love the fact that they stand out, even though they're small. In a world of gray sedans, it's a distinctive and "cute" car that's still peppy and (yes) environmentally conscious and they're fun to see in traffic. I'm leaning towards blue, but red and black are also quite nice colours for it.
Anyway, if anyone has experience with either of the above new cars, or any other great new or used cars in my miserly price range, please let me know.
Comments:Now, I do think driving is quite enjoyable, and I've really developed a feel for it. I've even booked more lessons in the weeks ahead just so I can stay in practice and iron out the few little things I'm not doing well (like bloody lot/stall parking), but I'm definitely not a fan of the general obsession we westerners have with our cars. You konw, the power and sex appeal and 'zoom-zoom' and driving to the corner store and all that. Given that we had a smog warning just a few days ago, in fricking February, I'm not sure we need to drive as often as we do. Nevertheless, it is a necessary and sufficient precondition of my employment (the last thing my future boss said to me after offering me the job last August was, "And, Rob, don't forget about the car!") so here we go.
But that doesn't mean I'm satisfied buying a car on terms that are not my own. I'm constrained, of course, by the fact that I'll just be starting out as a graduate and on a very tight budget, but I've thought quite a bit about whether to buy a smaller new car or go for something larger and fancier but used, but am presently leaning towards new, reliable, and efficient. The most important things I need will be fuel efficiency and reliability, because I am a smelly hippie and I do care about how much gas my car will suck and how much poison it will belch back out into the air, given that my employment will demand a heavy amount of driving each day. That said, I also need something reliable that won't break down without warning, as much as is possible. Finally, safety is pretty important given that however good a driver I may be at the end fo this process, you can't account for all the other idiots out there.
My sister, who is articling this year, bought a new Hyundai Accent, and while she got a great deal and a car that is very well equipped (with air conditioning, power mirrors, dual air bags, and a CD player) for a fantastic price with a fantastic 5-year warranty, and not to mention that it's very well rated in the Lemon-Aid guide, I'm still leaning away from it (though not definitively without a test drive and so on) because it's a bit wee, good on fuel but not great, with mixed reviews by owners and testers (you either love it or hate it), and because I'm not in love with the style.
That said, it was something I was seriously considering, and still am, but now it's taken second place to the 2005 Toyota Echo Hatchback (warning: website makes annoying vroom-vroom noises). Despite my beloved Celeste's chidings against cute cars (this weekend she was bemoaning my interest in hatchbacks at all, let alone the dreaded New Beetle that I was thinking about getting used), I think the damn thing is adorable and zippy. It really has to be seen. I've ridden in one and found it remarkably roomy for a subcompact, in large part because the car has a lot of vertical room and so the seats are elevated, creating more overall room without requiring a long car. All reviewers like its visibility, and love its fuel economy (one of its main features), since it can go a ridiculous 44 miles per gallon in the city, and 54 on the highway with a manual transmission. The only car that gets better economy is a hybrid. It also just won a 2005 EnerGuide award for low emissions. Meanwhile, it also comes standard with two airbags, anti-lock brakes, tilt steering, and the "LE" package I'm favouring gives it power steering, a rear windshield wiper, extra speakers, and splash guards, though I'll have to pay extra for air conditioning if I want a CD player upgrade (from AM/FM cassette, though I may keep it as is since I'm probably going to rely on my iPod and a car adapter kit for music anyway). It's also freakishly manoeuverable because of its compact size.
What's more, Toyota's reliability is very high and the Echo hatchback is becoming quite popular even though the sedan has had mixed results in North America (I agree that the sedan is a little plain and uninspired). Not everyone likes the fact that the instrument panel is on the centre of the dashboard, angled towards the driver (it took me by surprise) but I'm getting used to it when I see it now. The universal thing I see is that everyone who owns them loves them, and I'm quite keen to try one out for a test drive. I love the fact that they stand out, even though they're small. In a world of gray sedans, it's a distinctive and "cute" car that's still peppy and (yes) environmentally conscious and they're fun to see in traffic. I'm leaning towards blue, but red and black are also quite nice colours for it.
Anyway, if anyone has experience with either of the above new cars, or any other great new or used cars in my miserly price range, please let me know.
Rob, there are a couple new hybrids and higher-efficiency vehicles coming to market in the next couple years. Nissan, for example, has some wacky little cars coming out in the next year or so which, in addition to having efficient engines, have transmissions that automatically keep the car at the best RPM for mileage (or power, if you hammer the gas to try to pass). They're also building a hybrid car based on Toyota's hybrid engines. How well they work, I couldn't tell you, nor do I have a price. I'm sure Nissan also isn't the only company that's got similar plans in the next year or so, I just happen to know about Nissan's plans.
Thanks, Chris, I'll definitely keep my eye out for those new efficiency cars as they come down the line. What struck me about the Echo is that it actually ranks higher than the Honda Civic hybrid on Consumer Report's testing of fuel economy, and third overall on their top ten (behind the Honda Insight (manual) and the Toyota Prius. As much as price is important to me, I'm very much concerned about excellent fuel-efficiency and low emissions, which is why I'm leaning towards the Echo. But I also know it's important to test drive and shop around, and anyway it's still theoretical right now anyway since I need a licence and money first. But I'll keep you all updated on those fronts.
Rob, current owner of a 2001 Echo, good car, basic, dependable, no frills, as I like it. As I have learned over the years more options mean more things to break and fix, $$$ spent for things of little utility. Center mount gauges took about 2 days and you don't notice, I even like it better. Great headroom, and interior space. Little disapointed in gas mileage averaging 36 mpg, mostly rual driving. For winter buy 4 rims and proper snow tires as the "all season" tires have no traction in snow.(NJ, USA) Previous car was a 1992 Honda Civic Hatchback, a better car IMHO. It also got better mileage. Of cource honda drops the hatchback in 96'. Ran it 12 yrs and 200k miles.
Wish Toyota offered the hatch in the USA, seems they want you to go with the Scion instead. After the Honda I have liked the hatchbacks, great for hauling (try stuffing a NIB 27" tv into the trunk of a car).
New car time, looking at the matrix, maybe the Scion.
Best of luck with your car choice, stick with quality brands like Honda, Toyota,you wont go wrong.
Wish Toyota offered the hatch in the USA, seems they want you to go with the Scion instead. After the Honda I have liked the hatchbacks, great for hauling (try stuffing a NIB 27" tv into the trunk of a car).
New car time, looking at the matrix, maybe the Scion.
Best of luck with your car choice, stick with quality brands like Honda, Toyota,you wont go wrong.
