Manhood license in jeopardy or not?

[Bob98SR5]

Ok guys, due to a number of life changes, I am contemplating getting and maintaining ONE vehicle for the short term. Currently the Biodiesel Benz is my commuter vehicle. I am contemplating selling the tri-colored blue beauty along with (donning flame suit...) the 4runner. I would use it as a down towards one of the following three vehicles:

1) Jetta sportwagon
2) Prius
3) Honda Insight

Do you see the common theme here?

I have a very long commute, not sure if that will change. But what I do know is that the f'g douchebag liberals that run this goddamn state are hell bent on climate change initiatives that invariably increase the price of gas...all the while their f'g douchebag liberal Hollywood friends fly in their douchebag Learjets and preach to us about being "change agents" :shake:

Anyways, I hate enriching those Saudi beotches too so I'm seriously looking into getting a higher mileage vehicle.

Now before you all throw me into the proverbial fire, I would also contemplate buying an out of state truck, have a diesel put into it, and bringing it back into CA. Hopefully those CARB douchebags won't tighten up the laws on diesels by that time, but that would be my fun vehicle and yes, I would leverage my experience in biodiesel and WVO systems to make it run on vegetable-based fuel.

So yeah, just venting. I'm really not asking for your opinions. Really. :flipoff:

[mastacox]

Definitely the Jetta Sportwagen, as long as you get the TDI, sunroof, and upgraded interior (get a slightly used one for better bang for the buck). Jettas are better for highway driving, and a step above the hybrids in terms of interior space and comfort. We did this sort of shopping for the wife 2 years ago now and came out with a Jetta TDI sedan and love it. Test drove the Prius, and my wife's opinion was basically "this little hippie mobile is the suck."

Definitely test drive all of them, I'm betting you'll like the TDI :angel:

[Seanz0rz]

Definitely the Jetta Sportwagen, as long as you get the TDI, sunroof, and upgraded interior (get a slightly used one for better bang for the buck). Jettas are better for highway driving, and a step above the hybrids in terms of interior space and comfort. We did this sort of shopping for the wife 2 years ago now and came out with a Jetta TDI sedan and love it. Test drove the Prius, and my wife's opinion was basically "this little hippie mobile is the suck."

Definitely test drive all of them, I'm betting you'll like the TDI :angel:



:good:

out of the 3, thats my vote!

[mastacox]

I mean look at that sunroof!! If my wife didn't hate wagons with every fiber of her being, we'd own one!

http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs032.snc1/4306_82704639105_607049105_1676821_6087865_n.jpg

[Robinhood4x4]

I mentioned this to Bob earlier, but has VW fixed their transmissions and electrical? When I was looking at cars years ago their transmissions had a tendency to die an early death.

[Seanz0rz]

steve has a point, VW reliability is questionable. that being said, its still the car id pick of the 3. insight is terrible and underperformes. the prius, well. ill keep my mouth shut on that one.

what we are putting our money on is a hyundai sonata. 25k fully loaded, 34mpg, attractive, etc. good warranty, etc. for a car you dont have to worry about, i think its pretty good. if you are set on a hybrid, there is a version coming soon with li-po batteries. theres a turbo version too which i hear is very very good.

as for getting rid of the 4runner, i dont blame you. i know you rarely drive it now, and its not your main focus.

[slosurfer]

You handed in your man card years ago! :flipoff: Get whatever car you want, I'll still make fun of you. :D :thumbup:

[YotaFun]

What year of these vehicles are you looking at?

My neighbor across the street have a 09' VW Jetta Wagon TDI.
He has it fully loaded and with a manual trans and the sunroof too.
Great car, drive is awesome, he loves the gas mileage, however he has been having elecrical issues with it, I know he has replaced every bulb in the rear, and a few other issues that I would have to ask him about tomorrow.

When it comes to the 2nd gen prius, I will have to agree with Brian's wife, it is the "suck"
However the new 3rd gen prius is the awesome, and this is just not the Toyota freak in me coming out, cause I still think most of Toyota's line is complete BS.
But the new prius is very well equipped and the the new 1.8l motor is really awesome, and the styling has come along quiet well compared to the 2nd gen, which was really watered down. Its also fun to drive for being a hybrid. Put it in power mode when you just want to go, or keep it in ECO mode for the best gas mileage.

I can't say much on the insight, haven't driven one or really taken a good look at one.

[CJM]

I would nab a used corolla or civic over any one of those and keep your 4Runner.

A VW no matter what is not as reliable as your truck is and the other 2 leave something to be desired.

[4x4mike]

Ok guys, due to a number of life changes, I am contemplating getting and maintaining ONE vehicle for the short term. Currently the Biodiesel Benz is my commuter vehicle. I am contemplating selling the tri-colored blue beauty along with (donning flame suit...) the 4runner. I would use it as a down towards one of the following three vehicles:

1) Jetta sportwagon
2) Prius
3) Honda Insight

Do you see the common theme here?

I have a very long commute, not sure if that will change. But what I do know is that the f'g douchebag liberals that run this goddamn state are hell bent on climate change initiatives that invariably increase the price of gas...all the while their f'g douchebag liberal Hollywood friends fly in their douchebag Learjets and preach to us about being "change agents" :shake:

Anyways, I hate enriching those Saudi beotches too so I'm seriously looking into getting a higher mileage vehicle.

Now before you all throw me into the proverbial fire, I would also contemplate buying an out of state truck, have a diesel put into it, and bringing it back into CA. Hopefully those CARB douchebags won't tighten up the laws on diesels by that time, but that would be my fun vehicle and yes, I would leverage my experience in biodiesel and WVO systems to make it run on vegetable-based fuel.

So yeah, just venting. I'm really not asking for your opinions. Really. :flipoff:


Looks like Bob was using his computer somewhere and forgot to log off. I'd pull the same joke if I came across such an opportunity.

















Chances of that being true sound slim.

With selling the condo is there the chance you could be moving closer to work or where ever you have to commute? Commuter cars might be fun but I've never owned one and would have to venture a quess they'd only be fun, maybe, while commuting. Folks I know that have VW's have gas versions (most turbo'd) and only kind of like them. All seem to have some gremlins, tranny issues (after a lot of miles) and little odds and ends fall apart.

If you must sell the 4Runner I think you'd get the most money out of it if you swapped out your TJM for the stock bumper and sold the TJM to me. I've never sold a 4Runner so I'm not certain and make no guarantees.

[corax]

what we are putting our money on is a hyundai sonata. 25k fully loaded, 34mpg, attractive, etc. good warranty, etc. for a car you dont have to worry about, i think its pretty good. if you are set on a hybrid, there is a version coming soon with li-po batteries. theres a turbo version too which i hear is very very good.


I'm not 100% sure on the Hyundai, but the KIA Optima should be identical except for sheet metal. The 2.0L direct injected (gas) turbo (same engine as the Genesis Coupe and rumored to be offered in the Forte Koup next year) will be 276 hp, auto trans only :( and should be out later this year. The hybrid will be a limited run, probably just 1,000 and will hit the shores early next year. Base engine is a 2.4L Gas Direct Injected with 34mpg highway and should be on the show room floors very soon.

[Robinhood4x4]

I asked my coworker, who is a big EV and hybrid guy, about the choices and he said to avoid the insight at all costs. Apparently the batteries don't last nearly as long and start degrading around 30k miles, especially in AZ heat. They are very temperature sensitive and the interior needs to be kept below 140 degF for the batteries to last. This goes for all honda hybrids.

Avoid the 1st gen prius because they too have battery problems and don't last more than 100k miles. The 2nd and 3rd gen are good to go and he recommends them.

VWs always have problems, but he would approves of them for the mileage.

[Cebby]

What's gas cost out there these days? Still a lot more than everywhere else? (just curious).

If not having a 4Runner revokes the man license, then I got neutered years ago.

[corax]

I asked my coworker, who is a big EV and hybrid guy, about the choices and he said to avoid the insight at all costs.


How about the Honda CR-Z (http://automobiles.honda.com/cr-z/)? That's about the only hybrid I could be tempted into, and that's just because it doesn't come in gas only and still has a 6spd

[Robinhood4x4]

I don't think he likes the CRZ for the same reasons but also the mileage sucks for a hybrid. My wife's corolla gets 32mpg around the city and 38mpg highway, so at that point you might as well get an all gas car.

[4x4mike]

What's gas cost out there these days? Still a lot more than everywhere else? (just curious).

If not having a 4Runner revokes the man license, then I got neutered years ago.


Right now in northern California it averages about $3.05 for regular unleaded. I got some for $2.90 last weekend with a grocery store discount and $3.00 at Costco. I filled up a State vehicle with $3.17 Chevron today. When I drive that vehicle I'm not directly paying for the gas so I don't shop around.

[fenrisx]

Since you aren't seeking our opinion.. I must say if you trade the 4Runner you should swap me your PP springs for my 99's. :D

[Good Times]

Bob, didn't you trade in your man card when you started to date Steve? :P

I'd say keep em both cuz you know once you get rid of any of them you're going to pound sand when you need to drive either vehicle. As much as the 4runner is "impractical" I think it's still a very good utility vehicle for those random trips that require added cargo space and what not. I think I'd always keep a SUV under my stable just in case I need to haul something larger that won't fit in a station wagon/sedan/2dr crapper.

Use the MB for your daily commute since it runs. You've put a lot of time and effort into it and I would hate to see that go on the selling block when it still has plenty of life in it. The 4runner can sit peacefully until needed. It'll be like any one of us that rarely drive our trucks (those that can afford it).

:)

[4x4mike]

Bob, didn't you trade in your man card when you started to date Steve? :P

I'd say keep em both cuz you know once you get rid of any of them you're going to pound sand when you need to drive either vehicle. As much as the 4runner is "impractical" I think it's still a very good utility vehicle for those random trips that require added cargo space and what not. I think I'd always keep a SUV under my stable just in case I need to haul something larger that won't fit in a station wagon/sedan/2dr crapper.

Use the MB for your daily commute since it runs. You've put a lot of time and effort into it and I would hate to see that go on the selling block when it still has plenty of life in it. The 4runner can sit peacefully until needed. It'll be like any one of us that rarely drive our trucks (those that can afford it).

:)


Not to mention that a '99, 5speed 3rd gen with low miles will hold it's value. If you drive it far less it miles will stay low, you won't have maintenace, etc. Bummer costs would be insurance and registration as well as a place to park it.

[paddlenbike]

Bob, I know where you are coming from but you will regret selling the 4Runner. It upsets me that there isn't one vehicle (by any manufacturer) for sale in 2010 that I like as much as my 2000 4Runner--it is the last of the manual trans, e-locker equipped, non-oversized 4Runners.Good luck finding another one when you realize you should have kept it.

The 4Runner may not be the cheapest on gas but it's probably one of the most reliable vehicles you can buy, is paid for and you can't put a price on the utility to be able to haul and tow stuff. I used mine to haul a huge refrigerator home last night. Especially if a couple of moves might be in future, I think you're best advised to keep it for a while and see what direction life takes you.

[corax]

I'd say keep em both cuz you know once you get rid of any of them you're going to pound sand when you need to drive either vehicle. As much as the 4runner is "impractical" I think it's still a very good utility vehicle for those random trips that require added cargo space and what not. I think I'd always keep a SUV under my stable just in case I need to haul something larger that won't fit in a station wagon/sedan/2dr crapper.


Not to mention, you have to be ready for the zombie'pocalypse, this Iron Pig is proof of concept (zombie didn't stand a chance :hillbill:)
http://www.vintageoffroad.com/galleryimages/View.jpg

[Bob98SR5]

Bob, didn't you trade in your man card when you started to date Steve? :P

I'd say keep em both cuz you know once you get rid of any of them you're going to pound sand when you need to drive either vehicle. As much as the 4runner is "impractical" I think it's still a very good utility vehicle for those random trips that require added cargo space and what not. I think I'd always keep a SUV under my stable just in case I need to haul something larger that won't fit in a station wagon/sedan/2dr crapper.

Use the MB for your daily commute since it runs. You've put a lot of time and effort into it and I would hate to see that go on the selling block when it still has plenty of life in it. The 4runner can sit peacefully until needed. It'll be like any one of us that rarely drive our trucks (those that can afford it).

:)


All good points, Lance. Exactly what runs through my mind when I think about the reasons why not to sell both. Really, the utility and reliability aspect is the best reasons to keep the 4runner. As for the Mercedes, I think if I can get this rolling on that 2nd tank WVO system I've been talking about, that would make me feel better---and a new paint job :P

[Bob98SR5]

Not to mention that a '99, 5speed 3rd gen with low miles will hold it's value. If you drive it far less it miles will stay low, you won't have maintenace, etc. Bummer costs would be insurance and registration as well as a place to park it.


Yeah, the 4runner doesn't get driven alot. its kinda sad how I neglect it, mostly b/c of lack of time. I really need to detail it. It's been YEARS, no joke.

When I do sell and move, I'll probably live in an apt its looking like now. So parking will be an issue.

But hey, both cars are paid for. Another compelling reason to keep

[04 Rocko Taco]

http://www.vintageoffroad.com/galleryimages/View.jpg


WHAT is this? and where can I find more?!?

[corax]

WHAT is this? and where can I find more?!?


That's a Toyota "Iron Pig" - FJ55?
The pic was from a google image search and can be found in this thread (http://www.zombiehunters.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=45&t=59363&start=0) at Zombiehunters.org.
Good picture though, eh? If you find more / similar, let me know . . .

[Robinhood4x4]

The guys have a point Bob. The 4runner is paid off. It's hard to make up the cost of gas when you have car payments again. On the flip side, if you're anticipating gas prices to go up to $4 per gallon, then yeah now would be a good time to sell because the 4runner will be hard to sell.

Personally, I'd get a subaru or something awd so I could still hit the snow.

[Cebby]

What's gas cost out there these days? Still a lot more than everywhere else? (just curious).

If not having a 4Runner revokes the man license, then I got neutered years ago.


Right now in northern California it averages about $3.05 for regular unleaded. I got some for $2.90 last weekend with a grocery store discount and $3.00 at Costco. I filled up a State vehicle with $3.17 Chevron today. When I drive that vehicle I'm not directly paying for the gas so I don't shop around.


OK, so it's roughly the same - we're maybe .10-.15 cheaper, but nothing nuts like it used to be.

Something to be said for no car payments, but most of my driving is local/short, so I don't feel the pinch at the pump as frequently.

[garrett]

WHAT is this? and where can I find more?!?


That's a Toyota "Iron Pig" - FJ55?
The pic was from a google image search and can be found in this thread (http://www.zombiehunters.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=45&t=59363&start=0) at Zombiehunters.org.
Good picture though, eh? If you find more / similar, let me know . . .



someone please post a close up of her!

[Crinale]

Hey Bob, if you do end up selling the 4runner hit up Coni! she wants a 99 5spd :)

personally though, i would not sell either.. merc diesels are good cars, and fairly easy to maintain, and the 4runner, well on this forum i shouldnt have to tell you why i would keep that :flipoff: