View Full Version : Car/truck question.
Well, I have started my certification course to become a Home Inspector. The hard part is that I will have to get rid of my amazing Ford Escort. I cannot carry all the equipment needed to perform the task (largest being a 6ft ladder). So I need something bigger. I know that conventional wisdom shouts SUV or pickup. I am looking at something smaller. There are a few on my list and I would like to get some opinions.
- Chevrolet HHR Panel.
- Chrysler PT Cruiser.
- Kia Soul.
- Nissan Cube.
- Scion xB.
Any insight would be greatly appreciated.
Methanolandbrats
05-10-09, 07:00 PM
Jetta TDI Sportwagen. Then deduct actual mileage on your taxes and you will make money driving :)
Jetta TDI Sportwagen. Then deduct actual mileage on your taxes and you will make money driving :)
I never thought about that. Just 'built' one on vw.com and it wasn't as expensive as I thought. $25k with the sweet semi-auto. A bit on the high side with the others listed but the mileage is killer.
oddlycalm
05-10-09, 09:19 PM
Diesel is a good way to go if you're going to be putting a lot of miles on and reasonably long driving segments. Not a lot of options in the affordable diesel car market.
oc
Methanolandbrats
05-10-09, 09:35 PM
I never thought about that. Just 'built' one on vw.com and it wasn't as expensive as I thought. $25k with the sweet semi-auto. A bit on the high side with the others listed but the mileage is killer.
A friend of mine drives over 30k a year for his consulting business and gets a deduction of 55 cents a mile...... After a couple years in a diesel, you're making money with your car. :)
Chevy Silverado "work trucks" with extended cabs come base with auto, air, CD and they have an amazing amount of interior room. They are extremely nice and car-like (at least as I compare them to trucks I have owned in the past). If you look around you can find whatever color you like, and with all the rebates and everything you can push the dealers below $16,000.
That is one hell of a lot of utility for the price, and the $9,000 difference to the VW Sportwagon will buy you an awful lot of fuel. Figure you give away 30 MPG to the car and if you drive 15,000 miles a year with petrol/diesel averaging $3 year-round, the truck costs you roughly an extra $1,500 per year in fuel. That takes you six years to pay for the difference. Factor in your safety in driving a tank at work (priceless IMO), the added utility of the big truck, and eventually owning an out-of-warranty work vehicle which is very inexpensive to maintain, and it is no mystery so many who need such a vehicle for the job choose the full size pickup truck.
cameraman
05-11-09, 02:14 AM
I cannot carry all the equipment needed to perform the task (largest being a 6ft ladder).
The guy who brought home eight 16' 2 x 8s and eight 16' 2 x 4s today on a Subaru Outback says to buy a Yakima rack and keep the car.
$300 vs $25,000
chop456
05-11-09, 02:32 AM
TDI Sportwagen or a Mazda5.
Or a roof box.
Or one of those telescoping ladders. :D
extramundane
05-11-09, 08:24 AM
Back in the early '80s, my grandfather was doing the Handyman gig. He managed to cram all manner of tools, ladders, etc into and on top of a Chevy Citation (such an ironic name, considering someone should have been cited for greenlighting that POS). Granted, his methods were not the most elegant, but to echo Mr. Cameraman, a decent rack setup could well make it work.
It's too bad that modern "mid-sized" pickups are anything but and compact pickups no longer exist. The older, smaller, 2WD regular cab Tacoma, Frontier & Ranger would be perfect for this type of thing.
http://images.drive.com.au/drive_images/Editorial/2007/09/21/Holden_ute_SS-V_m_m.jpg
Ford's Transit Connect small commercial van is supposed to be available in the U.S. starting this summer.
http://www.vospers.com/upload/vospers/images/misc/transit-connect-main.jpg
Pickups are pretty much out of the question unless I can find a quad cab with a lockable bed cover. I have expensive tools and test equipment to carry. That is why I would prefer a wagon. Also they are more fuel efficient. Throw on a set of Bridgestone Blizzaks and there is no need for 4wd.
The Ford Transit is very interesting. They had one on display at the smAlbany Autoshow recently and I was very impressed.
Having said that I am leaning towards the HHR Panel. Saw an HHR SS Panel at a local Chebbie dealership in silver ice mettalic with chrome rims. 260hp for $23k. Sure I could knock that down.
http://images.drive.com.au/drive_images/Editorial/2007/09/21/Holden_ute_SS-V_m_m.jpg
GM should get that here. The return of the El Camino! :thumbup:
GM should get that here. The return of the El Camino! :thumbup:
For about 5 minutes, Pontiac was going to do that.
http://www.limit4000.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/04/pontiac-g8-sport-truck-ute.jpg
More herehttp://jalopnik.com/366699/2010-pontiac-g8-sport-truck-the-el-camino-is-back
Why not get a folding multipurpose ladder?
My Home Inspector did just fine with one of those in the trunk of his Accord.
Why not get a folding multipurpose ladder?
Because I want an excuse to get rid of my Ford Escort. ;)
Wheel-Nut
05-11-09, 06:29 PM
Honda Element
Honda Element
:saywhat: :yuck: :saywhat:
-Kevin
:saywhat: :yuck: :saywhat:
-Kevin
as opposed to an HHR? not that horrid a suggestion.
as opposed to an HHR? not that horrid a suggestion.
Oh, the HHR is just as bad, but on another scale. I got stuck with a rental a few years back on a trip to Dulles. I felt like I should have been dressed like this:
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/9/95/Seinfeld_s7e19.jpg
Perhaps your style, but not mine. :gomer:
-Kevin
Pickups are pretty much out of the question unless I can find a quad cab with a lockable bed cover. I have expensive tools and test equipment to carry. That is why I would prefer a wagon. Also they are more fuel efficient. Throw on a set of Bridgestone Blizzaks and there is no need for 4wd.
Honda Civic Hybrid pickup
* Crew Cab
* Short bed w/ lockable cover
* Roof rack for big loads
* 40+ MPG
* Trailer hitch for pullin'
http://img514.imageshack.us/img514/7176/2008hondacivichybridreap.jpg
:p
Methanolandbrats
05-11-09, 09:42 PM
Honda Element
Is Mapguy gay? ;)
Al Czervik
05-11-09, 11:17 PM
Go big or go home
http://images.businessweek.com/ss/06/07/wagons/image/4.jpghttp://images.businessweek.com/ss/06/07/wagons/image/4.jpg
E55 wagon
Methanolandbrats
05-11-09, 11:48 PM
Go big or go home
http://images.businessweek.com/ss/06/07/wagons/image/4.jpghttp://images.businessweek.com/ss/06/07/wagons/image/4.jpg
E55 wagon That bitch will haul a ladder :D
Brickman
05-12-09, 01:02 AM
http://www.carthawt.com/~autoinvestors/5T215321-1sm.jpg
If you are on the clock the first hour at the customers house you get to talk about your car. :D
http://www.thelittleladderstore.com/images/graphics/model17wheels2.jpg http://www.thelittleladderstore.com/images/graphics/ultralitegroup.jpg
Aluminum or Fiberglass
http://www.thelittleladderstore.com/LittleGiantFiberglassLadderSystem.html
http://www.carthawt.com/~autoinvestors/5T215321-1sm.jpg
If you are on the clock the first hour at the customers house you get to talk about your car. :D
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Now, if I lived in Phoenix or SoCal the Nomad would be the prime choice. Here in Upstate NY it would only be good for a couple of months. Plus the roads here in Albany give the toughest 4wds a hard time. Pothole city.
Oh, the HHR is just as bad, but on another scale. I got stuck with a rental a few years back on a trip to Dulles. I felt like I should have been dressed like this:
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/9/95/Seinfeld_s7e19.jpg
Perhaps your style, but not mine. :gomer:
-Kevin
:thumbup: It would be pretty hard to get up into attics dressed like that tho.
Brickman
05-12-09, 10:46 AM
Now, if I lived in Phoenix or SoCal the Nomad would be the prime choice. Here in Upstate NY it would only be good for a couple of months. Plus the roads here in Albany give the toughest 4wds a hard time. Pothole city.
Well... the Honda Ridgeline and Toyota V6 trucks are gas guzzlers, for the size of the trucks. {been there done that}
Anything Chevy built needs an extended warranty. But the duramax. {experience}
Honda Element (http://automobiles.honda.com/element/) has all that great Honda reliability. I would guess the CRV keeps it's value better.
For the dollar and over the long haul a Chevy Duramax Diesel will last you twice as long as any other vehicle.
Whatever you buy enjoy, and BUY from the fleet department. Walk past the other salesmen and go straight to fleet. Call first and get a contact name so you can brush "Joe" Salesman off by dropping a name. Not every fleet office will give you the best price so you need to get them fighting for your business. You will be able to buy thousands under sticker. Good Luck. :thumbup:
The Civic Hybrid sucks, as the batteries occupy much of the trunk space.
About the only Hybrid that makes any financial sense is the Escape/Mariner Hybrid.
But, Ford finally hit the 60k sales number that phases out rebates. That cut the tax rebate in half.
We got a $3,000 tax credit (CREDIT, not deduction) on ours. Plus, you're starting to see them on dealer lots. We had a 5 month wait for ours.
Oh, and if you own one share of Ford stock, you qualify for X-Plan pricing.
That's pretty much the Ford "Friends and Family of Employee" price - plus whatever incentives are available. The dealer is required to show you the invoice (which lists the X-Plan price).
Good way to buy a Ford (or any of their other brands, except Mazda, which left the program when Ford announced they were selling their stake)
datachicane
05-12-09, 02:18 PM
Whatever you buy enjoy, and BUY from the fleet department. Walk past the other salesmen and go straight to fleet. Call first and get a contact name so you can brush "Joe" Salesman off by dropping a name. Not every fleet office will give you the best price so you need to get them fighting for your business. You will be able to buy thousands under sticker. Good Luck. :thumbup:
In my previous incarnation in auto sales, we used to have a special name for customers like that. It rhymed with 'chump'. :gomer:
Seriously, having seen the commission slips for the fleet office vs. line salesmen, the fleet office uses much better lube.
It's all about perception, just like the year end blowout! sales.
Personally, I'd let someone else take the first hit. Buy something 18 mos old or so, maybe even off-lease.
Sean Malone
05-12-09, 02:24 PM
Personally, I'd let someone else take the first hit. Buy something 18 mos old or so, maybe even off-lease.
Yep. And since it's for work, get a beater. The PT Cruiser is probably too small for your needs although you can pick up used ones for a nickle.
datachicane
05-12-09, 02:38 PM
The guy who brought home eight 16' 2 x 8s and eight 16' 2 x 4s today on a Subaru Outback says to buy a Yakima rack and keep the car.
$300 vs $25,000
I carried a 16' extension ladder, a dozen 8' studs, 25 gallons of paint, a couple of friends and an old recliner in a '65 Mustang convertible.
The Civic Hybrid sucks, as the batteries occupy much of the trunk space.
Not true...you could easily fit all of Danica's trophies in the trunk with room to spare.
Oh, and if you own one share of Ford stock, you qualify for X-Plan pricing.
Do they want to see a stock certificate?
I never thought about that. Just 'built' one on vw.com and it wasn't as expensive as I thought. $25k with the sweet semi-auto. A bit on the high side with the others listed but the mileage is killer.
Born to haul.
http://img246.imageshack.us/img246/5010/overloadedjettau.jpg
^ :rofl:
Go badass, pick up a used one. You can even get a Hemi in it. :gomer:
http://www.cars.com/features/autoshows/2007/detroit/coverage/images/08_Dodge_MagnumRT_frntangle_mfr_430.jpg
oddlycalm
05-12-09, 03:41 PM
After getting the home inspection report on my dad's place yesterday I thought about your new career Mappie. I've seen a lot of inspection reports over the years, but this one was the 'War & Peace' of inspection reports. A table of contents, a summary and 46 pages of text along with annotated pictures and diagrams. :eek: :confused: :laugh:
oc
Napoleon
05-12-09, 04:31 PM
After getting the home inspection report on my dad's place yesterday I thought about your new career Mappie. I've seen a lot of inspection reports over the years, but this one was the 'War & Peace' of inspection reports. A table of contents, a summary and 46 pages of text along with annotated pictures and diagrams. :eek: :confused: :laugh:
oc
Yea, but did that guy prepare his report without his pants on?
Don Quixote
05-12-09, 04:39 PM
After getting the home inspection report on my dad's place yesterday I thought about your new career Mappie. I've seen a lot of inspection reports over the years, but this one was the 'War & Peace' of inspection reports. A table of contents, a summary and 46 pages of text along with annotated pictures and diagrams. :eek: :confused: :laugh:
oc 45 pages of which were boiler plate and cya language. That's how they roll.
Brickman
05-12-09, 09:22 PM
In my previous incarnation in auto sales, we used to have a special name for customers like that. It rhymed with 'chump'. :gomer:
Seriously, having seen the commission slips for the fleet office vs. line salesmen, the fleet office uses much better lube.
It's all about perception, just like the year end blowout! sales.
Personally, I'd let someone else take the first hit. Buy something 18 mos old or so, maybe even off-lease.
I agree it always better to have someone else take the hit.
But fleet sales are always better than straight up salesmen. I always tell them, A. I'm a local business owner. B. Give me your best shot I won't be coming back to negotiate. Always three dealers. The toughest car I ever bought was a Lexus 400H. Stinkers did not want to budge, called EVERY dealer in Southern California until I found one and only one that gave me anything close to a deal.
Also a very important thing is write off. They use to have and may still have quicker write off for trucks/SUV with 6,000 lbs in gross vehicle weight rating. It can make a big difference on the overall cost.
Yea, but did that guy prepare his report without his pants on?
Well, considering there is insulation in the attic, I'll definitely be pants on here...
45 pages of which were boiler plate and cya language. That's how they roll.
Not in New York. It is a licensed profession and required by the banks.
datachicane
05-13-09, 12:59 AM
But fleet sales are always better than straight up salesmen. I always tell them, A. I'm a local business owner. B. Give me your best shot I won't be coming back to negotiate. Always three dealers. The toughest car I ever bought was a Lexus 400H. Stinkers did not want to budge, called EVERY dealer in Southern California until I found one and only one that gave me anything close to a deal.
You can tell them whatever you like, threaten whatever you like. No matter how experienced you may think you are at the game, they've got you more than covered, so don't kid yourself.
I agree that, to an individual, the fleet customers had the perception that they got better deals, but commission slips don't lie- that's the bottom line.
There is no substitute for doing your homework and knowing what the proper price is, and with that knowledge it doesn't matter much who you talk to. Without that knowledge you may well get fleeced, and no amount of bluff and bluster will save you. Pick someone who's not an *******, just because you don't want to encourage the *******s. It's a nasty business, and I don't relish participating in either end of it.
JohnHKart
05-13-09, 01:39 AM
Good choices. How about the Mazda 5 or their 6 sport wagon too? Really love the looks of the HHR, although I wasn't really too impressed when I sat in one at the auto show in LA in 2007. Would really like to drive it- shees don't understand some of the negative comments I've seen online- it can't be that bad! I've been having this ongoing debate about replacing my 93 Escort Wagon for years. With the economy in such bad shape I finally decided I would rebuild the motor when the day comes. That day came March 28. Just changed the oil, drove to Best Buy in Fullerton then over to a car stereo place in Buena Park. As soon as they put in the nice bluetooth/Ipod Pioneer stereo, I turned the key to leave and waaaaghgghhhhhh- boom. (It was not the oil change that caused it) That was it. Had to take it back for a week when they finished it but all is well now. Really was impressed by the Hyundai Accent I rented and the 07 Ford Focus. Would like to keep my Escort for gigs and then get something like these for running around town. As a kart racer, maybe it's better Im in a slow car like the Escort, being able to do 70 in half a block in that Focus is insane. Last year I even managed a pic of the Escort right where I found it.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v720/JohnHKart/escortfordwest.jpg
Not in New York. It is a licensed profession and required by the banks.
Seems like if you're working efficiently you're still going to use a boilerplate and if you're going to be up front and cover your liability you're still going to need a lot of cya. "No, I can't tell you what problems might be hiding inside your walls.."
extramundane
05-13-09, 09:55 AM
The perfect solution (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Other-Makes-1979-Ford-Granada-Hearse_W0QQitemZ300313505311QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUS_ Cars_Trucks?hash=item45ec146e1f&_trksid=p4506.c0.m245&_trkparms=72%3A1205%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A131 8#ht_500wt_1202%20l): 1979 German market Ford Granada wagon converted to a hearse in England, now residing in the US. What could possibly go wrong?
Do they want to see a stock certificate?
They want to see a certificate or a statement from your broker that you own the stock. Mutual funds won't cut it.
You can buy two cars per year with the plan.
Email Investor Relations for the scoop, they got back to me within a day or so.
http://www.accent-cars.com/cars/07HHR/07ChevyHHRWrap.jpg
http://www.chevyhhr.net/gallery/files/1/8/6/6/2006-chevrolet-hhr-2007-57-panel-wagon-hhr.jpg
http://image.hotrod.com/f/jml7837/6751215+w450+h338+cr0+re1+ar1/2006-chevrolet-hhr-fort-myers-car-show.jpg
http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2006/03/chevrolet-hhr-customized.JPG
The HHR is just asking to be modded. I'd love to own one myself. My cousin had an older mid 60's panel truck he did an extreme project on years ago, wish I still had a picture. Here's a 48 for example
http://image.classictrucks.com/f/rrandall/10066546+w450+h338+cr0+re1+ar1/1948-chevrolet-panel-van-6.jpg
Brickman
05-30-09, 11:02 AM
Ford Flex
http://www.fordvehicles.com/crossovers/flex/?referrer=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ford.com&glbcmp=ford|vehicles
http://consumerguideauto.howstuffworks.com/2009-ford-flex.htm
Happiness is an American manufacturer that doesn't file for bankruptcy?
datachicane
05-30-09, 02:52 PM
I'd buy a Flex for the wife in a heartbeat if it were 3/4 scale and got 30mpg. Probably end up with a V40 or some such.
JohnHKart
05-30-09, 03:12 PM
Nesbit definitely hit a home run with the HHR. It's like he corrected his mistake he made on the PT Cruiser. A guy I know that worked for Chrysler dealerships says the Cruiser seemed half finished, like when he got to the rear portion he just rushed it and didn't complete it. The HHR just seems to have the right dimensions. I'm sure I could fit as much in there as the Escort. Every time I see an HHR it gets my attention. And there's tons of them so GM must be doing at least one vehicle right.
Sean Malone
05-30-09, 10:35 PM
Nesbit definitely hit a home run with the HHR. It's like he corrected his mistake he made on the PT Cruiser. A guy I know that worked for Chrysler dealerships says the Cruiser seemed half finished, like when he got to the rear portion he just rushed it and didn't complete it. The HHR just seems to have the right dimensions. I'm sure I could fit as much in there as the Escort. Every time I see an HHR it gets my attention. And there's tons of them so GM must be doing at least one vehicle right.
I couldn't disagree more. The proportions on the HHR (which ranks as one of the worst names of all time = High Head Room) are atrocious. Horrible vehicle that no one buys.
I couldn't disagree more. The proportions on the HHR (which ranks as one of the worst names of all time = High Head Room) are atrocious. Horrible vehicle that no one buys.
I was not impressed @ all with my rental, and I'm one that needs/loves extra head room. The wife's Explorer doesn't have enough headroom for me. :saywhat:
-Kevin
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