The computer in her car is shot and would cost $1200 for parts alone to replace. We weren't the slightest bit interested in doing that for a car with that many miles. Especially after having replaced the transmission a year or so ago.
So, we had to go into panic-mode and still get something with good gas mileage, probably not new and for less than half the price of the Prius. That led us to looking at a year or two old Corollas, Echos, Civics, etc. From doing the research and visiting a lot of places, we came to find the Hyundai Elantra actually compared very favorably with all those but was several thousand cheaper. We liked the look of them, took several for test drives and ultimately bought the one below. It's a 2005 with low mileage and still under one of the best manufacturer warranties in the business.
We were not thrilled that life forced us into making a hasty decision but ultimately we were going to need to get a car soon anyway and we love what we got.
Which leads me to my original statement ... I hate cars! Society (especially western states) needs to get over their love affair with cars. They're unhealthy, dangerous, inefficient and aggravating. Phoenix is taking a step in the right direction with it's light rail system, which they've begun construction on. But it's not near extensive enough. And it had to overcome a spirited and moronic opposition by those who would give tax breaks to the rich instead of doing anything for the public good.
6 comments:
Public transportation would transform the country, I'm sure of it. For one, people would be less isolated since they'd have to interact with one another (gasp!). Less pollution, less accidents, less fat people driving 3 blocks to the ice cream shop... I dread the day John and I actually have to break down and buy a car. It'll happen eventually, since we can't afford to buy a house in an area with good public transit - even within the city.
Exactly. I wish we could live in the central corridor of Phoenix but we just couldn't afford it. And sadly, driving is a big part of both Michelle and my jobs. So, we just do the best we can and get the most economical and clean cars that we can afford.
I hate buying cars more than anything in the world. Buying a house is a much more enjoyable experience. Buying a car is akin to snake oil salesmen or church tent revivals.
"Buying a car is akin to snake oil salesmen or church tent revivals".
Just so you know, that statement is an insult to car and snake oil salesmen everywhere!
part of the problem with mass transit is the stigma attached ot it. Here in SB, we have an excellent bus system that is badly underutilized, because the perception is that only welfare queens, gang bangers, and the emotionally handicapped ride busses. My daughter will walk the 2 1/2 miles to work before she rides the bus, "because the bus is full of wierd people". Until we figure a way to break that perception, mass transit is going to be a tough sell.
Bear: As someone who rides the CTA at least 10 times per week, sometimes more, I can assure you that public transit IS full of weird people. You can't change that. What you can change is your own ability to put up with the weird people and ignore them when they ask you to help them fix their bra... (yes, that happened once)
Laura
Before they moved the start time of my job up, I used to ride the bus a lot. And yes, there were a lot of "different" people. But there were also a lot of parochial school kids. College students and profs. Maids, nurses, etc.
While the fact is that there is a certain percentage of the wierd, the perception is that they are ALL wierd. Which just isn't so. After all, you ride!
and that proves...? ;)
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