Kinda like loosing a member of the family

[Jims50chrysler]

I got the news today...it's terminal. I sent my 1999 Geo in to get a fuel leak repaired and was told when I went to pick it up that they did not fix it and The mechanic had something he wanted to show me.

there is a hole in the frame of the car in the front suspension..a big hole....like he didn't think it was a good idea for me to drive it home kinda hole, anyway I can't belive how much that it bothers me, it was a $13,000 (cdn) throw away car that I have put 206,000 km's on without any out of the ordinary repairs. it owes me nothing.

So here I am online shopping for a replacement car and curious..if you were looking for a new daily driver that was cheap and fuel efficient what would you be looking at. keep in mind this is for a 30 min 1 way trip to work car the only option I want is an FM radio, thats as creature comfort as it needs to be.

Jim

[55 Fargo]

Sorry to hear this Jim, thats thesalt and mild Southern Ontario winters that will do that, might have saved her in Polar Manitoba............Fred

[Arthur1947]

I have a 99 corolla that we bought for my wife's commute. We held on to it since 2000. Good reliable car. Civics are cheap and reliable too.

Best.

ARTHUR

[Captain Neon]

I sure like my Neon. Except for the head gasket problem that Chrysler recalled Neons for, I've had over 100K trouble-free miles. They are quite plentiful and I get over 30 mpg. They usually go for about US$3000.

If my wife's Acclaim were to unexpectedly pass away, I'd probably get her a Neon of her own. We hope that her Acclaim keeps running strong long enough for us to afford a 2000 300M.

I wouldn't be surprised to get 200K mi. out of that Acclaim. We have 140K right now with only a small coolant leak this spring to repair, bad O-rings. The muffler needs to be replaced, but I like the way it sounds and it's far enough to the back that exhaust fumes are not getting into the cab.

If you can find any one that will part w/ their 3.0 L V6 Acclaim, Shadow, or LeBaron you may also have a good reliable car. Of course, I am biased since that is what my wife and I drive. The Acclaims that I see for sale are usu. going for US$1500.

[55 Fargo]

I bought a brand new black 1997 Neon Sport, with Air 5 spd, fast little car, drove it to close to 300000 km or 180000 miles, sold it to the neighbours kid, he smashed it up in a month......was a good little car.

I once bought a 1989 Firefly, drove that little puppy all the way to Southern California twice, was super cheap on gas, and quick too.........Fred

[greg g]

my jetta is getting 29.5 mpg just around town. 33/34 on the highway.

You might like an older Civic si 35 plus mpg and good spunk and handling

Chevy Metro (suzuki swift) or Ford Aspire (think they were a Deawoo)

Mazda 3's have good reputatuons for reliability and economy

could also look for an older VW rabbit golf gti

Ford Escorts or Focus get decent milage and and are cheap and reliable.

And I hate to include these but a 3 or 4 year old Hyundai Accent is a decent beater.

This is for sale in Kiingston

While your at it keep you eye peeled for a 65/66 Lotus Cortina........

Can't ya get your buddy Wayne to weld that sucker up??????

[JerseyHarold]

Is it possible to replace the subframe or a rail or have a welder fix the hole?

[Jims50chrysler]

The thought of fixing it did cross my mind but after some investigation I found what there is very little to weld to, the sub-frame idea crossed my mind as well but sounds like I would have alot of trouble finding a good one and it is a fair amount of labour that my 50 would be missing out on...I can only spread me so thin.

Looks like I will have to pay the piper this time.

Thanks for the suggestions.

Jim

[Johnny230]

The thought of fixing it did cross my mind but after some investigation I found what there is very little to weld to, the sub-frame idea crossed my mind as well but sounds like I would have alot of trouble finding a good one and it is a fair amount of labour that my 50 would be missing out on...I can only spread me so thin.

Looks like I will have to pay the piper this time.

Thanks for the suggestions.

Jim

Seems like the sub railing hole is near a support or somethin'! for what it's worth i would try to give a shop a shot!

For 13K and your accustomed comfort! be worth a shot!

I beleive everything is repairable!

I'm driving a 91 Volvo 240. auto/4 cyl. Gas milage not the best / not the worst, but great comfort (for me bad back). 2 years running - no fixings yet - paid 500. from me neighbor.

Bonne Chance..