(800) 853-2651
SHOP NOW

New Cars 2008/2009

T

T_Bone

Well-known Member
Hi All,

Well it's time too look for another new car so I'm looking for comments on 2008 or 2009 cars.

My first thoughts, WOW what shocker too the junk being made today. If the car mfg's are having problems you sure wouldn't know it from there asking price ( the big 3).

What I'm wanting:
1) a car that will get 30mpg plus hi-way ( the big three are having a hard time here)

2) a basic transportation car for 2hrs max trip time. If I travel for more than a day trip, then I take my F350 & 5th RV

I'm running the numbers but it don't look good for the hy-brids for being cost effective. I either pay for a higher priced car or get lower fuel mileage and pay the Arabs.

I average 6200miles/yr on my car and change cars every 10yrs.

Suggestions ?

T_Bone
 
I know several people who have long commutes and who drive Pontiac Vibes. They like the Vibe because it has good utility and gas mileage. Depending on the engine and transmission, the EPA highway rating is between 26 and 32 mpg.
 
For some reason in the last couple years all manufacturers have fattened up their cars which need thirsty engine just to keep up with the older cars. Keep you old car.
 
Not sure how big of a car you need but:

I have been shopping for myself about 2 years. My daughter got her car totaled last year and we bought her a 2008 Ford Focus. Ford dealer was willing to deal on it and she is very happy with it. She lives in columbus, OH and we got a much better deal in Michigan so we bought it here. I drove it a few times and have been so impressed that I considered getting one for myself. She has the SE model and she can get 35+ mpg on the road. After rebates and a supplier discount (which anyone can get) I think we bought that car for about $14K. Comes with a 60K powertrain warranty. Her boyfriend has a 2008 Focus as well and he likes it too. They ride bigger than they seem and are pretty impressive.

Larger car that would suit me better (sales and marketing road warrior)I had looked at the Ford Fusion and the Honda Accord 4cyl. Right now the Fusion is hands down the best buy with pricing available at the local dealer's website. Round numbers you can get about $5K off at $21K sticker here in western Michigan. If I was spending someone else's money I would be looking at the Honda but they are a lot more money (about $5K). These both will get around 30mpg.

No matter what this is a great time to buy a new car.
 
Not sure where you think the big three are having problems with
30 MPG; Chrysler=Sebring, Ford=Focus, GM=Malibu,G6.
6200miles divided by 25MPG = 248 gallons, 6200 divded by
30MPG= 207 gallons, 40gal X $1.75= $70.00, 40gal X $4.50=
$180.00. Maybe just me but you seem overly concerned with
low mileage fuel economy versus what that F350 (13MPG?) gets
as a major useage vehicle.
 
Make sure you go check out and drive a Honda Fit. I have a 2008 model. They have ALOT more room inside then you would ever think. Consumer Reports said it was a BEST BUY best mileage,and features,and MPG for the price.
The 2009 models have a few things I like better like an armrest and telescoping steering wheel.

The Nissan Versa actually has a better ride,but their seats made my back hurt. No lumbar support. MPG wasn't as good as the Fit in tests and then I wasn't sure about Nissans quality. I know too many that have had GREAT luck with Honda's.
 
I have a 2007 Chevy Cobalt. It gets 32 MPG on average Hwy/city. In the winter I get 28-29, cause I let it warm up for a while. The J@ps make a few cars that get 30-35MPG too.
 
The reason is government mandates mostly for safety stuff like airbags, bracing in doors, and stuff like that. Dad was getting 35-40 mpg with his mid 80s ford escorts with carbureters. They were base models, standard trans and no air conditioning. I think side by side an escort is bigger than a focus but probably weighs a good bit less.
 
I'm to careless to get everything in one post, so check back in
the archives on the economy of a hybrid. Basically the higher
cost won't be offset by fuel gains til around 300,000 miles, or 50
years of your driving.
 
Hi Gary,

My 02 F350 DRW gets 19mpg empty, 16.5mpg with 16kGCW pulling the AZ mountains and 14.3mpg pulling the Co rockies, and my 28k mile life time fuel mileage is ***15.3mpg*** with pulling 16kGCW to 31kGCW for 9k of those 28k miles.

That's total miles driven / total gallons used.

As you can see I drive for maximum fuel mileage at all times.

Your alittle short sided on your numbers. Using $3/gal average fuel cost for 62k miles,

A gasser getting 35mpg will have a total fuel cost of $5314

A hy-brid getting 45mpg will have a total fuel cost of $4133.

Fuel saving $1200, upfront cost difference $6000 or $4800 more for the hy-brid total costs for 62k miles. This changes too $300 more cost at $4/gal fuel

T_Bone
 
Hi Gary,

My 02 F350 DRW gets 19mpg empty, 16.5mpg with 16kGCW pulling the AZ mountains and 14.3mpg pulling the Co rockies, and my 28k mile life time fuel mileage is ***15.3mpg*** with pulling 16kGCW to 31kGCW for 9k of those 28k miles.

That's total miles driven / total gallons used.

As you can see I drive for maximum fuel mileage at all times.

Your alittle short sided on your numbers. Using $3/gal average fuel cost for 62k miles,

A gasser getting 35mpg will have a total fuel cost of $5314

A hy-brid getting 45mpg will have a total fuel cost of $4133.

Fuel saving $1200, upfront cost difference $6000 or $4800 more for the hy-brid total costs for 62k miles. This changes too $300 more cost at $4/gal fuel

T_Bone
 
Hi Mike,

I've been looking at the Fit really close. What kind of fuel mileage do you get and do you drive for maximum fuel mileage or just drive it ?

Hows the ride quality, road noise and the AC ?

From a couple reviews they said there's a problem with the front seats with back ache?

T_Bone
 
I'm very happy with my '09 Scion Xb. Gets around 28 mpg for my normal 30 mi commute and about 34 mpg on long trips. I'm 6'3" and find it quite comfortable, and it has enough room for two adults in front and two kids or smaller adults in back. If you only travel 6800 miles a year, it doesn't seem like fuel economy should be much of a factor for you, though.
 
You may want to look at a Chevrolet Impala. I work at a Chev. dealer and don't see many problems with these newer ('06 up) Impalas. Nothing like what we saw with the '05 back models. (Intake leaks, BCMs, trans. pressure controls) Good economy, most of our customers avg. 25mpg on short trips 30mpg long trips. No maintenance,(such as a timing belt), other than oil changes and tire rotations. Don't opt for the displacement on demand engine though, doubtful you'll ever make the money back on fuel saving. Been seeing some of these cars advertised under $20K; not decked out with leather and a sunroof, but nice. 100K mi. drivetrain warranty. Rick
 
Rick,

I just bought (Friday) a 2004 Impala with 42K miles. 3.8L one owner. It's got an extended warranty to 60K miles.

What should I be looking for on this car and what maint. steps would be helpful?

Thanks, E-mail is open

Bob
 
you could consider a vw jetta diesel,low $20's price, it will need a new timing belt every 125000 other then that, just drive. im getting 48-52mpg and actually drive it pretty hard,65-75mph. you also prob. qualify for the 1200 dollar tax credit, which is worth a few grand itself. there alot of jetta diesels on the road with 150k plus miles, just ask a owner round your area at a fuel station. they'll tell ya bout vw's secret for high fuel prices.
 
Saturn Aura and Chevy Malibu come to mind. Malibu with the 4 is actually a nice hiway cruiser,32 mpg. Have one friend with the 4 and one with the 6, both like 'em. Honda Fit sells well, it is 100% imported from Japan, if that matters to you.
 
My parents have 2 Ford Focus(Focuses? Foci? what IS plural for Focus??) Anyway... they like them. Mid-30's for milage, just average driving, manual trannies. Traded their 1st back to the selling dealer (95,000+ miles) because the dealer wanted used ones, made them a good deal on #3. NOTHING beyond normal maintainance (and some sheetmetal, thanks to deer) U.S. designed and built, although I'm sure some parts are from overseas.
 
I have a Fit sport with automatic trans. And I just drive it. I drive 15 miles to work and when in town I'm stuck at every red light and at noon sitting in drive-thrus of the fast food joint and/or bank so I do combined driving. I get right what the EPA says. 28-33 My worst ever was 28 and that was when I first got it. That was in Nov. 2007 and was cold out and likely had winter blend gas in a new engine. I usually see 30-33 running it now with 8,000 mi. on it. My best was on a 70 mi. one way trip with the air on and 3 of us and were not little, got 36 mpg this was running up Ohio 71 to Cleveland and was in some bumper to bumper traffic when up there.
The seat could fit me better ? but it hasn't been a problem. Ride and handling is good you just hear noise on all the bumps. I think Honda's are all noisy to some degree. The 2009 models are even better in the seat,ride,power and have a telescoping wheel and arm rest for the driver right arm. If you want I'll sell you mine and I'll go buy a 2009 model.
Hopefully this Honda will be as good as my sisters and Dads. The ones they have had you just don't have problems with them. Some think the 100% made in Japan is bad ? well it is for this country ,but it should translate into a much better product as I have had really good luck with Japan made products from Impact sockets to the JD 750 to my Pulsar wrist watch !
No reason companies can't make good stuff here but they don't want to. The ones that don't should go bye-bye ! get some that can and do !
There are darn few other cars on the market like the Fit. Small size outside but BIG on the inside. Easy entry lots of head room lots of front and rear seat leg room. Hatchback and fold down seats let you haul BIG items.

It's just too bad in this day and age the MPG has went down from like back in 1990 era.
 
T Bone,
what do you to get that kind of mileage? I have a 2000 F250 with 7.3PS, with SRW, has 3.73 gears in rear, and lucky to get 13-14 mpg. I run 70% interstate, try to keep rpm at 1800-1900 range most of the time.
Jim
 
2 of the big 3 are. GM has more vehicles that exceed 30MPG than anybody else. If you look at a 4 cyl Malibu, make sure it has the 6T40 trans in it. You will think you are driving a V-6 powered car from a stop.
For 08', the Camry set a new record for the most # of recalls in a single model year...
 
Change all of the fluids, have the injectors cleaned. Change the fuel filter too. Maintenence is the key to long life. Intake gaskets are prone to leaks. When it does leak, most do, be sure to have the new aluminum backed gaskets used.
I've seen plenty of BCM's and Passlock sensors and lock cylinders cause no crank no start concerns.
 
Good decsion,I bought a rabbit diesel new in 1984,Still driving it 365.000 on it.very minimal expenses on it.
 
Howdy
All other things aside I would buy a Ford product, they must be doing something right, as they are hanging on without a BAILOUT. Who knows by spring you might just own a CHRYSOLET!!
Bob S.
 
Alum backed gaskets for the 2004 3.8 ? Got a part number for it as my catalogs here at the dealership don't have it in them.
The plastic intake manifold burns through where the EGr pipe comes up in.
 
Glad to hear the good news. I just bought a new 08 yesterday afternoon (1/3/09). $16,990 Am very happy so far. Just drove it home and to church this morning and evening. Rick
 
Hi Jim,

My rig:
02 F350 DRW, CC, 3:73, 6spd manual, 4x4, lwb, 100% stock

I drive by RPM, or maximum torque, 1600rpm, other than 8% grades at 1750rpm as adding that little bit of turbo power makes a huge difference pulling load weight. This is my RV driving style.

With 31kGCW I could no longer use my RV driving style. Here I had too use turbo power, 2200rpm to 2400rpm, to maintain 50mph to 60mph on the flats. That 3700 mile trip was 13.83mpg average.

Since it's a DBW fuel system, I'm either adding fuel or using no pedal, there's no in between or floating the throttle like a gasser. The fuel is shut off at any RPM above idle rpm and I use this allot.

I upshift at 1250rpm using a light foot even with pulling load weight, "IF" I have room with traffic. I never lug my engine.

From my fuel mileage test road, [email protected], to 17.1mpg@70mph or just about 5% lower fuel mileage for every 5mph increase in speed above 55mph.

T_Bone
 
Even using different MPGs and costs at least you saw my point about hybrids not being price competitive yet, even in the long term.
 
Per dollar with adjustments for inflation. Cars and trucks have never offered so may safety features, fuel mileage, reduced maintenance requirements, resistance to rust, durability and reliability.
 
We have been very satisfied with our 2006 Pontiac Vibe. It is a small station wagon that actually gets 30mpg or a little more. The front seats are just fine, although if you are really tall, you might want more leg room. The Vibe is very similar to the Toyota Matrix, and both are based on the dead-reliable Toyota Corolla. We found that we could buy the Pontiac version quite a bit cheaper than the Toyota version. Both are available with all wheel drive. They are supposed to be assembled in the USA.

We have had no problems with the car itself. However it has been in the body shop a couple of times, as I ran over a small bear and hit a deer, and it also got backed into fairly hard. Of course none of those problems have been the fault of the car.

Our Vibe now has about 80K on it, so next year we will probably want to get a new car. I would certainly look at another Vibe, and would probably buy a Vibe if I could get a decent deal on it. I will probably keep this Vibe for me to drive and have my wife drive the new car.

The Vibe has been a very practical, dependable and comfortable car. It was also relatively inexpensive to buy and very inexpensive to fuel up. It is big enough to haul fairly large items, but is small enough to be cheap to run and easy to park. Other than the trips to the body shop, we have spent nothing to keep it running great beyond the factory recommended maintenence and a set of tires. The only things I haven't liked have been the stupid, expensive low profile tires, and the fact that the vision to the passenger side rear could be a lot better.

But 80k without having to do anything except change the oil and filters is excellent service. Would I buy another Vibe? You bet!
 
I agree with that. EXCEPT for the resistance to rust ! I'm betting it is because with all the cost cutting they are not doing the extra steps they were to prevent rusting.
GM's rocker panels since about 1991 ? have a BIG time problem. Chryslers are rotting up fast. I see alot of other makes too. They all went to putting foam inside of the panels too which hold moisture and rusts them right out in short time.
And then lets talk about brake lines ! With all these saftey items mandated WHY in the world don't they make brake lines that don't rot off in 6-7 years ? I think this would be a #1 saftey item.
Of course Ohio spraying "brine" calcium cloride on the roads has really speeded this up.
 
Hi BFO,

I ran the numbers and they just don't pay back for my useage.

62k miles, $3/gal fuel gas, $3.20/No2
35mpg gasser= $5314
52mpg diesel= $3815 or $1500 positive

Even if I keep the car for 20yrs and 130k it won't make up for the $7k upfront diesel cost.

That was one of the first cars I looked at as I really like the VW diesel. I put on 300k miles plus chasing geese on a 80's VW oil burner.

T_Bone
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

RedMF40
Follow up: Anyone use U-Haul trailer for tractor?
2
Replies
22
Views
2K
Tgrasher
Tgrasher
O
Hi all, new guy here + some VAC questions
Replies
8
Views
836
OnTheCase
O
P
Planning for an auction to sell out
2 3
Replies
48
Views
4K
rockyridgefarm
rockyridgefarm
B
Vacation
Replies
8
Views
1K
Clodbuster
C
D
OT-GM Keyless Remote Woes
2
Replies
23
Views
4K
Gene Davis (Ga.)
G
Tractor Parts Tractor Manuals

We sell tractor parts! We have the parts you need to repair your tractor - the right parts. Our low prices and years of research make us your best choice when you need parts. Shop Online Today.

Copyright © 1997-2024 Yesterday's Tractor Co.

All Rights Reserved. Reproduction of any part of this website, including design and content, without written permission is strictly prohibited. Trade Marks and Trade Names contained and used in this Website are those of others, and are used in this Website in a descriptive sense to refer to the products of others. Use of this Web site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy TRADEMARK DISCLAIMER: Tradenames and Trademarks referred to within Yesterday's Tractor Co. products and within the Yesterday's Tractor Co. websites are the property of their respective trademark holders. None of these trademark holders are affiliated with Yesterday's Tractor Co., our products, or our website nor are we sponsored by them. John Deere and its logos are the registered trademarks of the John Deere Corporation. Agco, Agco Allis, White, Massey Ferguson and their logos are the registered trademarks of AGCO Corporation. Case, Case-IH, Farmall, International Harvester, New Holland and their logos are registered trademarks of CNH Global N.V.

Yesterday's Tractors - Antique Tractor Headquarters
Website Accessibility Policy

Back
Top