Thread: Plan B
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Old 08-18-07 | 05:00 PM
  #66  
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From: Ann Arbor, MI

Bikes: 1980 Masi, 1984 Mondonico, 1984 Trek 610, 1980 Woodrup Giro, 2005 Mondonico Futura Leggera ELOS, 1967 PX10E, 1971 Peugeot UO-8

Originally Posted by Digital Gee
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.

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?
Hey DG, we just bought a Prius. If I bought another now I'd get a Fit or a Mazda 5. Both are good for hauling bikes et cetera IN the car. The Prius is NOT. One bike will fit in the back lying down, and with risk to both bikes and your back two can fit one on top of the other, but this is not optimal IMHO. We have carried two on the back with an Allen rack, but it at least is not the best design to sit on the Prius spoiler. Possible a Bones would be better. The bikes on the back cost around 6 mpg on a highway trip with the Prius.

If I could live with a trunk rack all the time I'd spring fo rthe Miata! sporty, chick magnet (Mrs Road Fan lets me pose just a bit!), fun to drive, and bikie!

I also hear Chrysler is discounting Town and Country vans in some areas, and with the feature where the seats fold down into the floor, you get a huge, flat, tall storage space. I would not want one for me, and the mpg is not that great, but if I only used it for bike trips it might be a good addition to the family.

Well then, there it is.

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