Thinking of trading my Tacoma in for...

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MysticGold04

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Ok, I'm thinking about trading my 2004 Tacoma D-Cab in for something more fuel efficient and sporty, fun to drive and gets at least 30 city, 35-40 hwy.

I've been looking really hard at the Corolla S, as I like the styling, interior, etc. Honda as well. I also looked at the new Focus, 08 and 07, the 07 I looked at had the 2.3 Duratec, ABS, 4 wheel disc, and lots of other goodies, with about 3k in incentives. I looked at the Mazda 3s, but sort of dislike the interior. I would at least like to have an mp3 jack built in, if not Ipod control. Manual trans would be my preference.

Here's the deal with the Tacoma... I've invested probably about $2k easily in suspension upgrades and tires. I thought I would offroad with it alot more, but other things have become more important than the "Toy" and I am just wanting a very reliable, low maintenance, comfortable fun to drive DD. So I need to either trade it in, or sell it Private party and then go shopping.

So... any and all opinions are welcome. Thanks
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Prius is out of my price range. I want to stay between 12-16k. I have thought about hybrid too, though.
 
How about a used one then? I haven't driven one, but most people who drive them claim that it's kind of fun.

It's going to be tough finding anything non-hybrid that will consistently deliver 30+ MPG in the city.

Maybe a VW TDI could come close, but again, you'd have to go for a used one given your budget.
 
The 2.3 Focus wont get 35-40 mpg. The Honda would get the closest followed by the Corolla, base engine Mazda3 maybe.
 
I'd vote for the Civic. Good looking car and fun to drive. Get the 5 speed. I know a lot of folks here say that buying a new car is a waste of money, but if your going to keep it until the tires fall off, I'd go new. The piece of mind is worthwhile.
 
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I would rather new or certified... simply peace of mind. I would be open to used if the mileage was lower, but I guess that doesn't really mean anything.. it could have been thrashed on in the given "low" mileage...Both of the vehicles I have now have been new... I'm planning on going out to go test drive some of these cars to get a feel on how they drive. I have driven a truck for so long, that I seem to have forgotten how smaller cars drive, as I don't drive my wife's car very much.
 
I haven't had a small car since 1986. I've been driving 4wd's since then. Now I have an '89 Civic CRX. It will take some getting used to looking over at hubcaps and headlights rather than down into the car.

But I really like the 45+ mpgs for less than a grand. 255k miles on it now and running strong.

I think about any Honda is barely even warmed up before 50k miles.
 
Yaris S sedan or hatchback. Well equipped for around $15k. If you can do 28-33 on the fuel mileage, check out the Scion xD for $16.6k, REALLY well equipped. Surprisingly quick little car for a 1.8l.
 
Why not keep the Taco and get a $2K beater. If the beater breaks, you can still drive the Taco?

You can put liability only on the beater, and drop your annual mileage on the Taco, hopefully reducing your insurance rates.

If you look at what you will lose in depreciation, you could almost drive the beater for free in comparison.

Plus, this gives you a chance to drive a smaller car, trying it out. You may not like it. You will not take as much of a bath, if at all, with a beater, compared to trading again if you don't like the smaller car.

If it were me, that is what I'd do, own a second, much less expensive beater.

Wait, I already do that with my 2006 Scion tC and a 1994 Geo Prizm
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Originally Posted By: MysticGold04
I looked at the Mazda 3s, but sort of dislike the interior. I would at least like to have an mp3 jack built in, if not Ipod control. Manual trans would be my preference.


Check out the Mazda3i base or Touring ($14.5k-17k), the 2007 and newer should have a built in mp3/aux jack, IIRC.
 
I love my Tacoma too, just getting expensive to fill up. I might try to take all of the "extras" off and put it back to stock. Anyhow, I sort have decided on the Corolla S or Civic. I love the styling of the S and the Civic as well. Just depends on who's gonna give me a better deal. I know the Corolla has a timing chain, does the new civic? (deciding factor also)
 
Originally Posted By: MysticGold04
I love my Tacoma too, just getting expensive to fill up. I might try to take all of the "extras" off and put it back to stock. Anyhow, I sort have decided on the Corolla S or Civic. I love the styling of the S and the Civic as well. Just depends on who's gonna give me a better deal. I know the Corolla has a timing chain, does the new civic? (deciding factor also)

Try a 08 Civic LX. You can get an Auto version for about 16k.
 
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