James Brannan
Established
Talking alarms are one of the sure signs that our culture is in a decline.MelanieC said:
peterc
Heretic
I picked up a retired police cruiser (Chev Impala) when my trusty Ford Escort wagon bit the dust a couple of months ago.
Been very happy with the car. Heavy duty everything, nice rubber floor that's easy to keep clean and other drivers avoid you.
Peter
Been very happy with the car. Heavy duty everything, nice rubber floor that's easy to keep clean and other drivers avoid you.
Peter
Stephanie Brim
Mental Experimental.
Yeah, I love biking...I used to have a bike that I rode constantly until I left it unchained in an apparently bad part of town and it got swiped. I figure that I can probably get away with upwards of $200 on a bike. It's really the car that's the problem.
The reason I'm considering the scooter is that Des Moines is rather large...and trying to bike through most of the streets there may be a hazard to my health. Lots of traffic and it doesn't go slow. If it was my choice I'd pretty much nix the car idea altogether and get a Vespa instead as I think it would serve me better in the long run, but I can't ride that long distances in the winter and we can have some rather cold ones. Now...if I lived in San Francisco I'd consider that course of action. =P
The reason I'm considering the scooter is that Des Moines is rather large...and trying to bike through most of the streets there may be a hazard to my health. Lots of traffic and it doesn't go slow. If it was my choice I'd pretty much nix the car idea altogether and get a Vespa instead as I think it would serve me better in the long run, but I can't ride that long distances in the winter and we can have some rather cold ones. Now...if I lived in San Francisco I'd consider that course of action. =P
aad
Not so new now.
Stella is a Vespa made in India but half the price. True retro-gotta shift, but I've carried enormous loads on it.
Really, though, walk before buying a Cavalier for that much$
Really, though, walk before buying a Cavalier for that much$
Stephanie Brim
Mental Experimental.
I won't get the Cavalier. I shouldn't get a car that new anyway. All I know is that I'm not getting a Neon. Perhaps a Stratus. If only I could find a new(er) Beetle in my price range.
ampguy
Veteran
hi, i would look for a subaru if there is snow or ice, and if not, then a good condition honda or toyota.
clarence
ダメ
I don't have a driving license yet, not a civilian one at least, but I'm dreaming of a Jaguar XJS (remember Simon Templar?), XK8 (Die Another Day) or a classic Mini. Best of British.
My father used to spend on cars, even though we could barely afford it. Riding to school in the back of a Jaguar was an utterly delightful sensual experience. It's probably how your camera feels like being in a Luigi case.
All the best to getting a car, Stephanie. I'm sure they're a lot more useful in the US.
Does anyone else here think that contemporary car design is going down the drain, at least with regard to aesthetics? BMW and Mercedes are implementing strange looking headlamps and posteriors that are supposed to look futuristic. Of the mainstream Continental sedan manufacturers, I'd say only Audi has kept to making sleek cars with designs that will endure the vicissitudes of fashion.
Clarence
My father used to spend on cars, even though we could barely afford it. Riding to school in the back of a Jaguar was an utterly delightful sensual experience. It's probably how your camera feels like being in a Luigi case.
All the best to getting a car, Stephanie. I'm sure they're a lot more useful in the US.
Does anyone else here think that contemporary car design is going down the drain, at least with regard to aesthetics? BMW and Mercedes are implementing strange looking headlamps and posteriors that are supposed to look futuristic. Of the mainstream Continental sedan manufacturers, I'd say only Audi has kept to making sleek cars with designs that will endure the vicissitudes of fashion.
Clarence
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T
tedwhite
Guest
Yes, Audi is still retaining the smooth design. The VW Passat was essentially the same car (same 1.8T engine, same Tiptronic transmission, same platform, etc.,) and almost the same lines. However, VW couldn't leave well enough alone. The new Passat just doesn't have it.
Re: motor scooters. The Stella is indeed beautiful and well made. Lots cheaper than the Vespa. But the Gran Turismo Vespa 200cc probably sets the standard for excellence. However, lots of even cheaper Chinese and Korean scooters out there, and most have large diameter wheels (safer, better handling). Check out http://www.goscootover.com/ and look at the different models. This shop, in Tucson, is owned by two women.
Ted
Re: motor scooters. The Stella is indeed beautiful and well made. Lots cheaper than the Vespa. But the Gran Turismo Vespa 200cc probably sets the standard for excellence. However, lots of even cheaper Chinese and Korean scooters out there, and most have large diameter wheels (safer, better handling). Check out http://www.goscootover.com/ and look at the different models. This shop, in Tucson, is owned by two women.
Ted
SteveM(PA)
Poser
clarence said:
My car is the final year of Sixten Sason's (Hasselblad) original design from '67. This is a 1994. It's the closest I'll ever get to a 'blad, and probably not worth much more. Excellent in the snow. It's our yearly tradition to transport the xmas tree in the back seat.
Attachments
John Camp
Well-known
It would take you a half hour to become comfortable with a stick, but there really isn't much reason to buy one; in most cars of reasonably late model, the automatic is essentially as fuel-efficient as a stick, and automatics are better on ice. I couldn't agree too strongly with the others about the Japanese car; a Toyota Corolla would be a good place to start. In your price range, and with your plans, take a good long look at the tires, and if they're bad, make the dealer an offer that includes newer tires. They can usually switch tires between cars at no cost to themselves. I-35 can be a wicked highway in the winter...I have driven all over North America and much of the Middle East, and the absolutely worst conditions I ever encountered anywhere, any time, were on I-35 between the Minnesota border and Des Moines about 5 years ago, after a February ice storm. You need good tires...If you're short on cash, you also need high mileage, the way things are going, and a Corolla will get 35 mpg in a mix of city/highway driving. A small Honda will do the same...I'd be really nervous about a Cavalier, especially as a used car. They're often a first car for kids, and do you really want to own a car that might have been a first car for a kid? Get in the car, turn on the radio and check the presets. if you get five out five metal stations, look for a diffferent car.
JC
JC
clarence
ダメ
John Camp said:
I'd be more wary of the urban music listeners, actually. I also have a soft spot for heavy metal.
Clarence
aad
Not so new now.
My wife has a Vespa ET4-not as fast as the GT, but a real nice scoot!
I love my Audi, but a budget minded person really should consider a Toyota. Maybe an Echo, as they were inexpensive and not too popular.
I love my Audi, but a budget minded person really should consider a Toyota. Maybe an Echo, as they were inexpensive and not too popular.
Stephanie Brim
Mental Experimental.
clarence said:
This is why I need a car that I can install a Sirius satellite radio in easily...I bleeping hate music censorship. I also have a soft spot for heavy metal, hard rock, alternative, and industrial music.
w3rk5
Well-known
I would love to get an 89 Chev Caprice 9C1 and fix it up.peterc said:
My best advice is to get the best you can afford. Don't worry about the make or model. Every car has there batch of lemons. Good luck.
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amateriat
We're all light!
Whew...
What can I say? I cycle damn near everywhere I know, but I know lots of peopla with lots of different cars. I think the verdict on the Cavalier (think about the name!) is damn near unanimous: Avoid at Any Price. $6000+ is outrageous for what you'd end up getting. Almost anything from Toyota or Honda, made in the last 10-14 years, is a better (and likely cheaper) alternative on all the important counts: economy, safety, reliability. The last thing you need is a car that'll do a not-so-slow burn through your wallet.
Also: if you really feel the need for a scooter, go ahead, but I think a solid all-around bicycle will come in handier (last time I was in Des Moines, traffic seemed swift but manageable to me...but, of course, I ride fearlessly in Manhattan and Brooklyn, so I must be nuts). You want to be sure that any scooter you get ian't a potential wallet-sucker as well; you'll have two engine-powered beasties on your hands to feed and care for. It's usually bad enough to deal with just one.
- Barrett
What can I say? I cycle damn near everywhere I know, but I know lots of peopla with lots of different cars. I think the verdict on the Cavalier (think about the name!) is damn near unanimous: Avoid at Any Price. $6000+ is outrageous for what you'd end up getting. Almost anything from Toyota or Honda, made in the last 10-14 years, is a better (and likely cheaper) alternative on all the important counts: economy, safety, reliability. The last thing you need is a car that'll do a not-so-slow burn through your wallet.
Also: if you really feel the need for a scooter, go ahead, but I think a solid all-around bicycle will come in handier (last time I was in Des Moines, traffic seemed swift but manageable to me...but, of course, I ride fearlessly in Manhattan and Brooklyn, so I must be nuts). You want to be sure that any scooter you get ian't a potential wallet-sucker as well; you'll have two engine-powered beasties on your hands to feed and care for. It's usually bad enough to deal with just one.
- Barrett
BrianShaw
Well-known
amateriat said:
Impossible... simply, impossible
amateriat said:
Possible... likely, possible!
New Yorkers amaze me. I spent 4 days in NYC once and couldn't believe how the city never seemed to stop and how many people there were on the streets. The convention I attended was at the Pennsylvania (6-5000) Hotel and I almost never left the building. I found it a lot scary-er than Los Angeles... where I feel continually protected by the 'safety shroud' provided by my automobile. Call me a hermit, but I like living separated from most of mankind!
Gabriel M.A.
My Red Dot Glows For You
That is so deliciously ironic.clarence said:
Gabriel M.A.
My Red Dot Glows For You
I thought it was "American Idol"James Brannan said:Talking alarms are one of the sure signs that our culture is in a decline.
peterc
Heretic
Nice choice if you can find one. I went for the 2001 Impala 9C1. The 9C3 came in colours other than white, but I didn't like the ride and handling as well.w3rk5 said:
Peter
ywenz
Veteran
The cavalier is a piece. Buy a nice used Jap car. Those are way more reliable and better milage too. It can even be a few years older than the Cavalier..