Time to buy a new used cage

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

The transmission is going out in my '96 Mazda 626.  It is [currently] a good car, but with 180,000 miles, I don't think it warrants a (minimum) investment of probably $2500 to get it rebuilt.  And then worry about it until something else gets my attention.

I am thinking very hard about a Scion xA (2006).  I see several 1-owners for sale for less than $10k.

This is NOT the boxy xB (yuck).

Does anyone have any experience with this Toyota-made line?  Thanks!

This is the color I want (I saw one on the way to work today, and naturally imprinted with it).




~ Soon to be in debt  

[nhmaf]

I've no experience with them, but I know several people on tight budgets who have had pretty good experiences with recent/new Hyundai cars though.  As with any of these 'budget' used autos, one has to look carefully as sometimes the previous owners don't expend what they should in normal maintenance.   It seems that auto dealers in my area are pretty hungry to sell cars - maybe you might be able to swing a new one (with a new car warranty) for only a little more.

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

A new one would be over $6000 more!  (that includes two accessories - a center arm rest and the cargo cover...)  

That would just extend the payment agony.  I want to pay it off ASAP.

This is the one on eBay at a dealer in NW Ohio.  $9873.00 (or make offer!) versus $16,034 for the new one.



Then there are the insurance costs to consider.

[azcycle]

My wife's best friend and her husband have two Scions, one of which is the same model (xA) as you mention. They haven't had it too long but so far they love it.  

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

I found that they didn't have factory cruise control (a requirement for my heavy foot...) and that they were not too long-legged on the interstate.  So I turned my attention elsewhere.
And where else but Honda?

I've always wanted another Civic, so I bought one!
2002, one-owner w/56,000 miles.  Manual transmission, and bells & whistles galore.
It, too is spinning nearly 1000 RPM more at 62 MPH (my typical cruise speed) than did my Mazda 626, but they are totally different vehicles, so differences are to be expected.
The nice thing is, is that there is PLENTY of pick-up on the interstate with it in 5th.  No need to downshift.

And I just filled it up last night.  I can't wait to see what kind of mileage I get!


_{clickable pic}

[NC Steve]

I have a friend that had an A, and my sister just bought a new "D", the stretched A, about 2 weeks ago: loves it so far. I looked hard at the Scions before I bought a Civic back in '04, when they were new, and they're a lot of car for the $$, with great quality too.
Personally, I'd go for it if the condition and price were right.
Good luck!  [smiley=thumbsup.gif]

[NC Steve]

Oops looks like our posts crossed up there Rob. Congrats on the Civic! Mine is an '04 that I gave to my daughter at 110K, and absolutely zero ever went wrong with the thing, nothing.
They're great cars, so hope yours works out well!

ps: and I drove 75 miles daily on the Interstate, and always got around 38 mpg, averaging maybe 35 overall. Never did much city with the car.

[Bob_Roller]

Rob, you won't have any regrets with a Honda Civic, I've had mine a little over 19 years and 113,000 miles and no problems with it yet .

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

This is my 4th Civic, actually!

I bought a new hatchback in 1980.  A wonderful car.

Then sometime around 1985 or so, the ex and I bought a Civic wagon.  One doesn't see them much, anymore.

And then somewhere around 2005 I bought this 1988 hatchback.  I think I only paid $300 for it.  It had well over 200,000 miles and lots of rust.  It was a one-owner from Minnesota.  But it was an automatic, (sigh), but I had just wrecked my $1000 Accord, and I needed transportation fast, and the price was right.  I drove it until it felt like the engine or transmission was getting ready to drop out on the ground.  I sold it to a breaker for $100 and bought the 626 (my 3rd Mazda!).


I had a co-worker here at the water company express envy when she saw this car!
Her husband wouldn't let her have a foreign-made car.
Two years later, he divorces her.  She had a Civic about 6 months later.

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

I have a friend that had an A, and my sister just bought a new "D", the stretched A, about 2 weeks ago: loves it so far. I looked hard at the Scions before I bought a Civic back in '04, when they were new, and they're a lot of car for the $$, with great quality too.
Personally, I'd go for it if the condition and price were right.
Good luck!  [smiley=thumbsup.gif]

I really like the "A" better than the new "D".  I suppose it was because that is what I saw first and imprinted on.  
I like the little window in the rear quarter.  The "D" does not have it.

[Motu]

I tried to give this away,but no one wanted it.Then the rego costs went up on my 1989 Pajero,so sold that and kept the NX Coupe.I can't carry as much stuff as the Pajero,but for a one person car it's ok.The price was right - nothing.

[MrRiden]

The Toyotas make me a bit nervous, that includes the Sion line. Hondas have some Ignition switch and EGR issues but the fixes are well documented. I see 6 yr old Kia and Hundais falling apart on some automotive boards. I've had good luck with Saturn S series cars but they do have some mysterious troubles. If I were shopping, well despite my fears I don't think you can go wrong with a little used Toyota pickup. Here is my reasoning:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OVkedyQZfwQ

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

That was a fun video!  Thanks!

[Semper Gumby]

Hey Rob,

Aren't you old enough for a Camry?  

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

Hey Rob,

Aren't you old enough for a Camry?  

Apparently not!  I'm loving the new car!