Sub and compact vehicles

[Maria]

Thinking of a 2nd vehicle as first one while great and paid for guzzles gas beyond belief. Am not looking for BMW or Lexus grade smaller vehicle so if anyone has something small/compact that is recent and reasonable in price please comment on what model it is and what it is you like about it.

I want to look at mini coopers but they have no rear seat so while "cute" not sure it would serve my needs.

My current car is a Mitsubishi Montero Limited.. gas guzzler

[mwolf2022]

I have a 2009 Nissan Altima that I love as my 2nd car.Not to big or small.Great on gas and nice features for the price.

[dshobbies]

Last year Julius and I were fortunate enough to go to Europe - thank you rewards cards. We were surprised that most cars are sub-compact. In Italy, the Smart Car, the cutsy car we see around every so often, is abundant and one of the larger cars. In Capri - how I love saying that - we saw four people with luggage get into a tiny car. Though they do it out of necessity, they've proven it's doable.

I applaud your efforts Maria but what we've found is the cost of alternative fuel cars is the same over time. The initial cost of the car vs. the same gas model is higher by the cost of gas over a 5-6 year period.

My suggestion - go to Europe, buy a car made for the US, drive it around for awhile and then bring it home as a used car.

[Maria]

I liked that about Europe in terms of smaller cars being what's commonly driven there. What I like about them is the ease of zooming around and getting in and out of tight spots and also parking~ so great to park easily.

Also great for a short gal to be also be able to reach over the top of a car to wash the roof. My poor SUV never gets that done thoroughly with me washing it!

My cars were all smaller until my back started bothering me so much I couldn't stand to sit in my car for a 10 minute drive. In fact I never used to comtemplate bigger vehicles as I was always considered milage/gas until it just wasn't the overriding concern re picking out a vehicle that suited me.

Now my back doesn't bother me the way it used to and I find that I can sit in some smaller vehicle seats w/o too much discomfort if they are fairly supportive and can also hoist my rear out of the seats w/o major effort. That wasn't the case in the mid - late 90's thru 2005 or so for me!

The smart car is pretty cool and the price isn't so bad either. I've thought about buying one though I'd prefer a car with a back seat (just in case I have to lie down back there while someone else drives~ hasn't happened in quite some time tho spinal stuff does have a way of recurring as many of us know unfortunately!)!
The trip to Europe sounds GREAT all by itself!

[nomorepain]

my favorite is my old 1973 volvo E1800es wagon, it's the most fun i have ever had, gets 35 to 38 miles on the road with my electric overdrive, of course you need to have a prodisc or 2 to drive it with 4 on the floor...

[Maria]

Hope the list keeps growing! By the time I actually decide to sell my car and get another one (not necessarily a new one) it'll be awhile! I think a stick is definately out since I don't even know how to drive one!