Fifty Plus (50+) - Plan B

Well, now that Plan A is over, it's time for Plan B.

Plan A was help my daughter buy a late model reliable used car, which turned out to be a 2002 Ford Focus, and I keep driving my 2000 Avalon, with just 82,000 miles on it (I'm the original owner).

But the Focus is now being scrapped after the accident, and I'm back to square one. This time, I'm thinking of getting ME the next vehicle and turning the Avalon over to her.

But I don't know nuthin' 'bout no new (or late model) cars. Problem is I don't care much about cars and certainly don't lust after one. So I thought perhaps you fine folks could make some suggestions?

What appeals to me

Something reliable
Good gas mileage
Basic "luxuries" like remote controls, electric windows, some form of stereo, a/c, etc.
An easy way to transport the bike (currently I have a trunk mounted rack which I have a love/hate relationship with, but I could continue to use it).

What else would be nice

A vehicle that's an age appropriate chick magnet. :D

I also think now and then about getting into camping or back packing. Maybe with the right vehicle (and the right companion?) I'd actually do it.

I'm thinking Civics, Corollas, Elements, maybe even a Scion or a Yaris, and then again, maybe a small pick up. I don't drive that much, don't do much long distance driving at all. I haul groceries and my bike and that's about it.

I could even consider a two-seater if I fit into it! (Miata?)

But anyway, anyone got any ideas?

Jetta. They make a hatchback type dealy. The only econo car that could possibly be considered a chick magnet. Fancy wheels, black paint, window tinting...you da man.

I loves me my Civic. It has everything but chick appeal, and you can lower the back seats and easily get a bike (with the front wheel off) inside. With the back seat down, you can haul a lot of other stuff as well.

You don't need a car to get a chick, Deeg. Just melt 'em with your winning smile.

PS--Forget the Miata. That's not a chick magnet. That's a chick-mobile.

Toyota 4 runner, 23 on the highway 18 city. around 32k out the door. Or anything Toyota or Honda, good luck.

Something reliable
Good gas mileage
Basic "luxuries" like remote controls, electric windows, some form of stereo, a/c, etc.
An easy way to transport the bike (currently I have a trunk mounted rack which I have a love/hate relationship with, but I could continue to use it).

What else would be nice

I also think now and then about getting into camping or back packing. Maybe with the right vehicle (and the right companion?) I'd actually do it.

maybe a small pick up.

But anyway, anyone got any ideas?

Toyota Tacoma 4WD pickup. You can haul your bike, groceries, camping gear all at the same time for you AND a friend.

I vote for one of the small SUV things, like a CRV, Ford Escape, or Rav4. A friend just got a Honda Fit and he claims he can get his bike in there, but I haven't seen it.
I have a 1986 S-10 Blazer and the bikes fit in easily, but chicks don't dig it.

I'm driving a 1993 Bonneville with 164000 miles. It has power locks, windows, drivers seat, with a radio and cassette player (handy for books on tape). It gets 30mpg on the hwy which is where I always drive as I live in a small town and it burns no oil. Its comforatable and my bike fits in the back seat with the front wheel off.

Toyota Tacoma 4WD pickup. You can haul your bike, groceries, camping gear all at the same time for you AND a friend.

I've got a Tacoma 2WD. Although I mostly like it, it was rated at 28mpg but gets 24mpg on the hwy if I baby it. IOW, fuel economy sucks. The 4WD would be even worse. Wife has a Yaris. Nice car if you can handle the weirdities, like the speedo being in the middle of the dashboard instead of in front of the driver.

Chick magnet - what about a Cooper Mini? There's almost enough room to mount a bike carrier on the back.

Well, now that Plan A is over, it's time for Plan B.

Plan A was help my daughter buy a late model reliable used car, which turned out to be a 2002 Ford Focus, and I keep driving my 2000 Avalon, with just 82,000 miles on it (I'm the original owner).

But the Focus is now being scrapped after the accident, and I'm back to square one. This time, I'm thinking of getting ME the next vehicle and turning the Avalon over to her.

But I don't know nuthin' 'bout no new (or late model) cars. Problem is I don't care much about cars and certainly don't lust after one. So I thought perhaps you fine folks could make some suggestions?

What appeals to me

Something reliable
Good gas mileage
Basic "luxuries" like remote controls, electric windows, some form of stereo, a/c, etc.
An easy way to transport the bike (currently I have a trunk mounted rack which I have a love/hate relationship with, but I could continue to use it).

What else would be nice

A vehicle that's an age appropriate chick magnet. :D

I also think now and then about getting into camping or back packing. Maybe with the right vehicle (and the right companion?) I'd actually do it.

I'm thinking Civics, Corollas, Elements, maybe even a Scion or a Yaris, and then again, maybe a small pick up. I don't drive that much, don't do much long distance driving at all. I haul groceries and my bike and that's about it.

I could even consider a two-seater if I fit into it! (Miata?)

But anyway, anyone got any ideas?

My youngest had a wreck in May of 2006 and pretty well demolished her car. She is in college working on her masters and I have been helping her. The wreck was not her fault; however, **** happens. I decided to give her my current ride--a 2006 Honda Element that I bought in Jan. 2006, and buy another car.

The reason I bought the first Element is that I wanted one in 2004; however, my SO thought it was ugly and would ride bad. I bought an Toyota Highlander------bad mistake. I traded it for the 2006 Element.

The reason I like the Element is that:
1. The seats are wide and they don't squeeze your butt when you're sitting in them
2. Fuel economy
3. Mount skewers in the back and carry two bikes
4. EXTREMELY easy to mount top bike carriers
5. It's a simple vehicle. I was going to write a check for a MB 320D when I realized everything I hated on the Highlander was on the MB and more.

I have the Pontiac Vibe, uses the Toyota drive train. Get 28 mpg around town and 33 mpg on trip to southern VA from PA at speeds above the limit but below 82mph. I had placed 3 bikes in back. Had to remove front wheel and took pedals off bottom bike. Just laid them down with a moving blanket between. One bike, such as your Ruby will fit in nicely with wheel still attached. Picture shown is the real thing, Toyota Matric. I don't know about the chick magnet. At our age the magnet is usually an obvious show of extreme wealth. But the bright blue shown or bright red will certainly attract attention.

I can make you an excellent deal on a bike mobile-1991 Toyota Previa with only 455,000 miles and comes personalized with ketsup stains on the ceiling from the kids' french fries......

DG - this is a "no-win" thread.... just like bikes, everyone has a favorite and you'll wind up with a million recommendations. Nauturally everyone has different priorities, tastes, and budgets.

There was a similar thread in the road cycling forum recently that may give you some ideas: http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=330598

Good luck!

Crv.

I vote for the Element, I think it answers most of your needs and desires. I'm on my 4th Honda and they've all been extremely reliable cars.

OK, it's time to tell the hard truth about Chick magnet cars.

Guys think* that women look at a nice car and think, "Man, he has money and taste".

What they really think (unless it's said miata, apparently) is, "Man, he's really in debt."

I had a friend who bought a yellow corvette for the sole purpose of meeting women. He had that car for 4 years, got several tickets, and finally sold it. The week after he sold it, he met his wife.

Here's another fact guys refuse to believe: baldness doesn't bother women at all. In fact, most of us thinks it really brings out a guy's eyes. (not that dg is hair-impaired... I just thought I'd add that in while I was at it.)

Now if you want to pick up good women, get a nice vintage steel bike and a puppy. Now that's* approachable.

PS: I agree with Jet about the Miata. I only know women who have one.

I've got a 1965 Pontiac GTO you can have for a few bucks....

OK, it's time to tell the hard truth about Chick magnet cars.

Guys think* that women look at a nice car and think, "Man, he has money and taste".

What they really think (unless it's said miata, apparently) is, "Man, he's really in debt."

I had a friend who bought a yellow corvette for the sole purpose of meeting women. He had that car for 4 years, got several tickets, and finally sold it. The week after he sold it, he met his wife.

Here's another fact guys refuse to believe: baldness doesn't bother women at all. In fact, most of us thinks it really brings out a guy's eyes. (not that dg is hair-impaired... I just thought I'd add that in while I was at it.)

Now if you want to pick up good women, get a nice vintage steel bike and a puppy. Now that's* approachable.

PS: I agree with Jet about the Miata. I only know women who have one.

This is interesting, because I have long suspected that an age appropriate woman (in other words, someone my age) would be more attracted to a guy with a clean, well cared for, practical car, good mileage, and all that. In other words, she'd be more attracted to a guy who's car was just that -- a car, but at least one that he kept maintained and clean. Or maybe that's just me describing the kind of women I'd like to meet!

I put the "requirement" for the car being a chick magnet really as tongue in cheek, anyway.

This is interesting, because I have long suspected that an age appropriate woman (in other words, someone my age) would be more attracted to a guy with a clean, well cared for, practical car, good mileage, and all that. In other words, she'd be more attracted to a guy who's car was just that -- a car, but at least one that he kept maintained and clean. Or maybe that's just me describing the kind of women I'd like to meet!

A woman of depth would think that way, regardless of age.

A woman of depth would think that way, regardless of age.

+1.

Give me practical, clean, showing pride of ownership over flashy, fashionable and attention-getting. And I'm not even looking. I just have opinions. :D

give me a Ferrari any day...and a nasty red head by my side....ciao...

I'm waiting for Subaru to come out with a turbo-diesel Legacy wagon. Audi is winning races with its turbo-diesel engines, and you can drive from Vancouver to Calgary on one tank of diesel. Plus Subaru only makes all-wheel-drive cars, and most of the cars you see parked at hiking trailheads and cross-country ski areas are Subarus.

The current Subaru Legacy with 2.5L gasoline boxer engine is pretty poor on gas economy, though (about 25 mpg highway on mine). But any Subaru built in or after 2000 handles every bit as well as a 3-series BMW (I had a girlfriend with a 320). (current gf drives a Subaru Outback and is even more enthusiastic about Subarus than I am.)

The downside is you probably don't need AWD in San Diego... But put me on a snow-covered road in my Legacy (with no chains) and I'll guarantee I can get wherever I'm going. It will certainly out-handle any SUV in these conditions.

- L.

give me a Ferrari any day...and a nasty red head by my side....ciao...

A testa rossa ("red head") in a Testa Rossa. Che bella!

- L.

My daily driver is a 2WD 1998 Toyota Tacoma. 26-28 MPG city and Highway. Standard shift,
short wheelbase, handles and rides like a British sports car (I've been driving MG's & Triumphs for 35 years and currently own a '72 "B" that I bought new). I LOVE MY TACOMA !!!!! For me its is very practical and fun.

My wifes daily driver is a 1996 Toyota Camry w/140,000 miles on it. I feel cramped in the
driver's seat, but it fits her to a tee. SHE LOVES HER CAMRY!!!!!

When we shopped for our vehicles we shopped to satisfy our needs: in her case a people
transport vehicle that would be long lasting and dependable, in my case a semi utilitary
vehicle that was dependable, economic, long lasting and fun to drive.

Our Mechanic steered us towards the dependable makes and models. We bought, and always will buy, used. Our mechanic checks our cars over before we close the deals.

As far as Chick Magnets are concerned....You are supposed to be the Chick Magnet.


In other words, if you like your Avalon....keep it!
If you're ready to move on, buy what YOU like, buy what fits YOUR lifestyle!!!

Toyota Prius or Honda Element

The Prius because it's a hybrid and it's just the right thing to do.

The Element because you can just roll the bike right in the back end. If you're really thinking about camping, you can also haul the camping gear easily, and even slap a foam pad down in the back and sleep in there.

I'm a "chick" of a certain age, and I would think good things about a guy driving either of these. As opposed to a Miata or any of those p*nis-mobiles guys seem to drive after 50.

The reason I bought the first Element is that I wanted one in 2004; however, my SO thought it was ugly and would ride bad. I bought an Toyota Highlander------bad mistake. I traded it for the 2006 Element.

The reason I like the Element is that:
1. The seats are wide and they don't squeeze your butt when you're sitting in them
2. Fuel economy
3. Mount skewers in the back and carry two bikes
4. EXTREMELY easy to mount top bike carriers
5. It's a simple vehicle. I was going to write a check for a MB 320D when I realized everything I hated on the Highlander was on the MB and more.

+1 I bought my first one new in 2005. Everyone called it a toaster on wheels. Well, now the oldest is driving it back and forth to school and I just bought a new 08 Element. Love the car. Bikes fit inside WITHOUT taking a wheel or anything else off, easy to maintain, rides well, great stereo with XM, and it just runs forever. My wife parks her Windstar Van and drives my Element when I'm out of town (which is pretty much all the time).

give me a Ferrari any day...and a nasty red head by my side....ciao...

You're beginning to make me rethink my Civic.:eek:

I have one of these and I love it. It would work well in S. Cali, I know it fits in Ok on South beach

http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa32/stonecrd/350z-1.jpg

Look at a Chrysler Town and Country, the shorter model.

Around here, they are very inexpensive, because the shorter model was/is less popular. Chrysler made these to replace the Plymount Voyager when Plymouth went out of business. They are much cheaper than a Honda Element.

With Stow and Go, the middle seat will fold down and your bike will fit inside (even upright), without removing the front wheel. Lots of room for luggage, etc.

Rated a "Best Buy" by Consumer Reports.

Toyota Prius or Honda Element

The Prius because it's a hybrid and it's just the right thing to do.

The Element because you can just roll the bike right in the back end. If you're really thinking about camping, you can also haul the camping gear easily, and even slap a foam pad down in the back and sleep in there.

I'm a "chick" of a certain age, and I would think good things about a guy driving either of these. As opposed to a Miata or any of those p*nis-mobiles guys seem to drive after 50.

Totally agree here. I was able to cop a couple of rides in a Prius this past week and have fallen in love :love: with this car. 50 miles per gallon and much roomier on the inside that I would have guessed.

I don't think it's roomy enough for a bike in the back seat, however, which tips the scale toward the Element if that's important to you. The ideal car might just be a hybrid Element. Do they make those? If they do, I'm gonna start rolling all my pennies...:p

+1.

Give me practical, clean, showing pride of ownership over flashy, fashionable and attention-getting. And I'm not even looking. I just have opinions. :D

Another +1.

Who wants to date someone who doesn't have a vehicle capable of carrying a couple bikes, camping equipment, etc:)

Man, you folks are defining 50+, practical, mpg a Chrysler:eek:

DG, your a single guy who wants to have fun on the beach in one of the best areas in the US. Sports :Dcar baby

Go with a 1968 Mercury Montery Fastback with the 390 engine. Where you live this will appeal to many different people.

Actually, for whatever you buy, I'd just make sure you can either get a bike in it or a bike rack on it.

Go with a 1968 Mercury Montery Fastback with the 390 engine. Where you live this will appeal to many different people.

Actually, for whatever you buy, I'd just make sure you can either get a bike in it or a bike rack on it.

NOW YOU'RE TALKING! Vintage! Although if he's going to go that route, an old convertible might be fun. I think the gas mileage would hurt nowadays, though. I sure miss front bench seats.

A Woody would by my retro car. Or an old Volvo wagon.

Go with a 1968 Mercury Montery Fastback with the 390 engine.

Hey, that looks a lot like my first car, a 1968 Ford Torino! (I totaled it in 1977 when a bread truck rear-ended me, bending the chassis.) It looked a lot like this one.

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I wonder if I still had my 69 dodge charger daytona if saris would have made a mount to fit over the wing.

Jetta. They make a hatchback type dealy. The only econo car that could possibly be considered a chick magnet. Fancy wheels, black paint, window tinting...you da man.

+1...Jetta TDI with a hitch mounted bike rack

3 friends drive this...they all love it, plus 600 miles per fill up

good looking car, too (they all went with black)

Hey, that looks a lot like my first car, a 1968 Ford Torino! (I totaled it in 1977 when a bread truck rear-ended me, bending the chassis.) It looked a lot like this one.

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Sweet ride. The cars were basically the same car... one by Ford the other the Mercury version of it. You could stomp on the gas pedal and fly up the road, as you watched the fuel gauge needle move toward empty.

If I were in the market for a new vehicle today I would look at:

Toyota FJ40 - they look like they can go anywhere and pretty much, they really can. I actually DO off road a lot with my terriers.
Honda Element - they look too practical to ignore, and Honda's just don't seem to break, ever.
Nissan Murano - they look nice too, good milage and still AWD
Subaru Forester - they have the reputation of lasting forever and being trouble free on the way too.

None of the above are terribly expensive and all get reasonable fuel economy. My wife drives a Honda Pilot and loves it. I just got a new work truck, a 2008 Chevy Silverado 2500 extended cab 4wd pickup with the 6 liter monster motor. It's a very nice ride, but not very practical unless you really need a pickup truck.

Since you are on plan B how about a 1932 Model "B" Ford :D

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So far, mind you just with some internet browsing, I'm liking the Honda Fit and Element, the VW Jetta, the Pontiac Vibe (or Toyota Matrix, basically the same), and the Subaru Forester. Oh, and possiblly the Toyota Yaris, maybe Corolla. I also want to check out what Scion has offer.

Out of curiosity, what are the advantages and disadvantages of roof mounted bike racks? Are they a hassle to use, do they bring MPG down? Or maybe are they a breeze to use and have no impact on MPG? And is there anyone here who's used a roof mounted rack on an Element? Seems like I'd need a ladder to use it!

The Prius would be the best chick magnet car for Sandy Eggo.

And, DF, the Chrysler Town and Country would probably be the most efficient chick repellent you could drive in California.

DG, I agree. You did the noble thing for your daughter last time. Though it wasn't her fault, we know that much of accident avoidance is not in just obeying the law, but in watching out for those who aren't. She may need that one rubbed in a little. Have her spend a day in traffic school so she can see what kind of people she's driving with.

It's time to give her the Avalon. It's not in that bad a shape and its a little bigger and more crash resistant than the Focus. And get something nicer for yourself.

Here's a two seater chick magnet that's probably within your range.

http://images.businessweek.com/ss/06/10/harleys_hog/image/intro.jpg

Lots of people come to Arkansas on these things to go camping or touring in our beautiful mountains.

http://static.flickr.com/121/254407520_3f5bb35431.jpg

Good choice to get the new car for YOU, DG! You deserve it.
See, maybe all the bad luck was just a cosmic ploy to get you into a sleek new ride.

My humble opinion would be to concentrate on a vehicle that makes bike transport, and other cargo transport, dead easy. No climbing or stuffing or tying down - just throwing it inside and forgetting about it. Not only easier on the body but more theft-proof.

Since I lived out in the boonies a good part of my life, and usually had to buy well-used cars, I've driven an assortment of full-size vans, trucks, mini-vans, and a few regular cars too. Right now I have a Grand Marquis to accommodate long-distance driving --- it has a huge trunk, is very comfy and reliable and gets 26-29 mpg ---- BUT I absolutely hate bike racks, and whenever I need to haul anything bigger than the trunk, I'm stuck. I'd gladly trade for a van, mini-van, or small pickup. Oh, for the days when I could just toss a few bikes in the back of the van, shut the door and take off, instead of fighting with the rack and trying to keep the bikes from scratching/denting each other, or worrying about somebody stealing bikes & rack in one piece....

[Edit: P.S., if you're really thinking about camping, a regular full-size van can be fitted out with lots of very nice camping extras like a real bed, stove, fridge and still have tons of room for bikes and gear. Mine got 20+ mpg around town. You can attach a retractable shade too, and even have a screen room. This sounds really decadent until you're out camping in bad or buggy weather, then you start feeling pretty good about your setup. Avoid the conversions though, they're gas hogs extraordinaire]

Sweet ride. The cars were basically the same car... one by Ford the other the Mercury version of it. You could stomp on the gas pedal and fly up the road, as you watched the fuel gauge needle move toward empty.

Oh my goodness, I'm having a huge flashback to my '68 Torino station wagon. GREAT car!

No roof rack needed:

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Oh my goodness, I'm having a huge flashback to my '68 Torino station wagon. GREAT car!

And I'm flashing back to my '69 Camaro.

http://www.indiancowboy.net/blog/wp-content/ext1.jpg

And I'm flashing back to my '69 Camaro.

http://www.indiancowboy.net/blog/wp-content/ext1.jpg

Gary, That's it! You've got to track down a 69 Camaro. Wow, can you just imagine the attention you'd get. Now that was a car... that and the Firebird, which was just a bit more popular where I grew up. Howver, I'd take either in a heart beat.

Here's a possibility and it fits my budget, too!

'64 International Ambulance! (http://sandiego.craigslist.org/car/399050735.html)

You have bikes. Why do you need a car? ;)

You have bikes. Why do you need a car? ;)

I have shared custody of a child who lives 18 miles away, for one thing. And don't say TANDEM! :D