anyone dump their suv for an econo box?

It's all in perspective 40-50mpg is gas guzzling next to a smart car. You're not going to tow anything anytime soon or haul anything in a vehicle that gets much over 30mpg though.
 
I just saw an ad for a new Lexus hybrid which will feature a 400 hp V-8 engine. I am not kidding. There seems to be a bit of a mixed message here...

In the general area where I live, you have the somewhat strange phenomenon of folks buying huge, diesel-powered "dualies" and using these monsters as family cars.
Conspicuous consumption? "I got the biggest truck on the block?"

I dunno...
 
My daily driver right now is a '94 Grand Cherokee, and while it's the "small" engine (4.0L six) is still only gets around 16 MPG. Ancient Nash block. I love the Jeep but I honestly would prefer something small, quicker, and more economical for everyday use.

My 1990 Mazda 626 has been great but it's almost completely gone from rust. Won't pass inspection right now. I'm thinking a manual Corolla or maybe an older Celica is in my future.
 
I switched over to all-wheel-drive Subarus about 3 years ago. They last forever and get me through some fairly surprising terrain. Around my house (about 7200 feet altitude) the problem is extremely steep roads that get covered with ice and snow. You need FWD/AWD just to get to work some days. I particularly like the Subaru Forester. It has some ground clearance and I can carry some fairly long stuff if I fold down enough seats. There is a roof rack for some overflow. Most of the time I commute in a 15 year old Legacy that has over 175,000 miles on it. Subarus really last. A lot of my commute is running over 75 mph down I-25.
 
I didn't dump an SUV for an econo box. BUT, I did dump my diesel powered Crew Cab, F-250 for a Toyota Tundra. The price of freakin' diesel was killing us. And it was such a huge vehicle!!! I LOVE my Toyota!! It is the BEST truck I have ever owned.
 
I feel ya on the diesel price. I figure it averages out in my jeep since I get better gas mileage and have a more powerful engine. Currently it's just a wee bit less than regular unleaded down here.
 
I have the best of both worlds, a full time 4 wheel drive SUV with good gas milage that handles like a rally car.......the Subaru Forester!
 
I have the best of both worlds, a full time 4 wheel drive SUV with good gas milage that handles like a rally car.......the Subaru Forester!
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Mind if I re-phrase that?

I have the worst of both worlds, a car that lacks the utility, capabilities, capacity, and clearance of a truck; lacks the "fun", comfort, and power of a real car; and makes me look like an old hippy while getting mediocre gas mileage all in a vehicle with below-average reliability ratings .......the Subaru Forester!
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Sorry, I couldn't hold it back any longer. Sometimes you guys say things that seem so strange to me that it's like you're speaking in a foreign language.

Best Wishes,
-Bob
 
Bob W
Thats a pretty harsh response to something you've obviously never owned but you're entitled to your opinion......an I? And by the way I "am" a 56 year old hippie....peace man.
 
Thats a pretty harsh response to something you've obviously never owned but you're entitled to your opinion
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Nope never owned one (I've driven older Subarus and seen the new models at the dealership), but it only takes a few seconds to check specs and stats online. Subaru ranks below average both in Initial Quality and Long Term Dependability. The Forester is not one of the top three vehicles in it's class in either study. It also helps to know that there are two versions of the Forester - the first gets average mileage but has a measly 170hp (that's less than a Miata); the second is turbocharged and has a good hp rating but dismal fuel economy.

I don't need to look up stats to show how a Forester or other station wagon matches a full-size truck. Compare horsepower, cargo space, interior cab space, vehicle clearance, 4WD capability, towing and load limits... a truck wins in every category.

you're entitled to your opinion......an I?
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Absolutely. Hopefully anyone reading our comments is intelligent enough to average them together, combine their own experiences and thoughts, and come to a reasonable conclusion. That's the reader's/car shopper's task, not ours'.

Peace back atcha'. :)
Best Wishes,
-Bob

p.s. Since you're a Subaru fan, I gotta say that I love the far-out interior design of the Tribeca. Hopefully Subaru will carry over some of it's design features to their other vehicles.
 
Can’t get rid of the 2500 diesel since I need to tow critters and stuff, but looking into a used Jetta TDI

So what does the jeep liberty diesel get for fuel mileage?

05 Dodge 4x4 weighs in at about 7k pounds and I have been getting right at 18 MPG as long as I stay at 80 mph or a tad under.
 
I see average around 24mpg but have read that the more miles you put on the better the mileage get with after 50,000 about 26-27. Not great but still an improvement over the 6 cylinder 14/20. With a 21 gallon tank you can drive for just about forever. Most of my driving is done on the highway at about 75mpg and 2100 rpm.
 
beefangusbeef said:
I see average around 24mpg but have read that the more miles you put on the better the mileage get with after 50,000 about 26-27. Not great but still an improvement over the 6 cylinder 14/20. With a 21 gallon tank you can drive for just about forever. Most of my driving is done on the highway at about 75mpg and 2100 rpm.
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I was considering looking at those, but 24 wont be a big enough jump over what I got now.

I foresee a Jetta in my future, 50+ on the highway
 
Yeah like I said it's not great, but the vehicle offers a good combination of towing and off-road capability and gets over 20mpg. Those 3 don't normally go together.
 
True. The small 'cars' I saw in Italy was a real shocker.

Thing is, they have alot less distance to cover in Europe. So you would thing the mpg would be reversed...:confused:
 
beefangusbeef said:
Yeah like I said it's not great, but the vehicle offers a good combination of towing and off-road capability and gets over 20mpg. Those 3 don't normally go together.
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It may not be great but it is good enough for me. Hmmmm....I wonder what would happen to the mpg if you turbo charged it....
 
It is turbocharged :D There are several aftermarket chips and turbo kits that boast increased performance and mileage........ Not so sure, but I'm upgrading to k&n intake, so hopefully an extra mpg or two.
 
beefangusbeef said:
It is turbocharged :D There are several aftermarket chips and turbo kits that boast increased performance and mileage........ Not so sure, but I'm upgrading to k&n intake, so hopefully an extra mpg or two.
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I would go to the turbodieselregistry.com and read up on air filters, I would not put a K&N on anything I own, diesel or not.

BTW Full time FWD is the bomb:D

most people just heard stories from someone who thought it was bad, and never drove em, if the NP 242 transfer case in the hummers was rated for enough power I would swap one in my truck and ditch the front axle disconnect.
 
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