Smallwheels

Renting a car four days per month costs just about the same as owning a subcompact car bought with monthly payments under $300. This is only if you don't need to pay extra to park it somewhere on all of the days in the month.

Renting often can be very time consuming. That might make the price of a cab worth it for a local trip. The price of a local cab ride has gone up 35% in two years in Helena Montana. I'm glad I don't need a car very often.

Gambling on a used car for a really low price could be stressful if you really counted on it to work every time. Eventually it will have a problem and not get you to your destination. I know what it's like to be faced with a repair that is more than my cash on hand. It requires finding another transportation solution until the thing can be fixed or replaced. On the other hand; I knew a woman who bought an older Subaru with over 150,000 miles on it for about $2900, and it lasted another seventy-thousand miles.

DX-MAN

Gas-powered scooters. Two. If camping gear can be hauled on a bike, they can be hauled on a scooter. A little ingenuity could easily see a 2-bike rack of some design attached to one, too. Scooters come in multiple engine sizes.

wphamilton

I'm sure there are lots of suggestions, but personally I've always ignored brand, make and cosmetics and just purchased the best-running vehicle available. My best advice, for a beater car I've had far better luck buying from individuals than used car lots or trade-ins.

For the occasional out of state trip I still rent an economy car, because the gas savings mitigate the rental cost - which is the downside to my advice. The best running isn't always fuel-efficient.

SteamingAlong

[img]https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedi...0px-Waw020.jpg[/img]


Velomobiles are a type of car...All that's missing is the high price of gas and the "broom-broom" noise.

PatrickGSR94

Bought my 1994 Acura Integra from a lady in 2001 with 89,000 miles on it. Today it has 316,000 miles on it, original engine and transmission. Other than replacing various things that wear out, it has only needed very minor repairs in the past 11+ years. And can still average 36+ MPG highway if you don't go too fast.

Next month my car will have been paid off a full 10 years. I'd say that was a pretty good buy on my part. And it's a the hatchback version so it can haul a TON with the rear seats folded.

Smallwheels

PatrickGSR94 your car looks just like my Oldsmobile Calais looked when I moved to LA from New Orleans. It looked the same going back. Even though I owned more things at my Louisiana home, everything I really cared about fit in that two door car. Was this photo taken during a move?

Vans and trucks aren't always necessary when it comes to hauling plenty of things. Only large objects require a truck. With a hatch-back even long skinny things can fit inside and don't require a truck. Regularly I see cars with those Thule roof rack containers. For economy they should be removed when not in use but many people just leave them attached.

wahoonc

My favorite car was my 1982 Honda Civic wagon, unfortunately they don't make very many cars like that for sale in the US anymore. My DD has a Subarau wagon and loves it.

Aaron

PatrickGSR94

yeah moving back from college for summer break.

Wiggles_dad

Well, we finally moved! And we decided to go car free / car sharing until absolutely necessary to do a job or something. Thanks for everyone's advice, suggestions, and cheap car stories.

Smallwheels

Did you show this thread to your girlfriend? Did it have any effect on your decision?

mlau

I'll chime in.

Look into a used Japanese hatchback. I personally like the Honda Fit.
However, I'm still driving my '97 Corolla with no hiccups.

gerv 

maiu, this is a dead thread. The car the OP probably bought is now rusting in his driveway.