TTAC Commentator bigev007 writes:
Steve Answers: You are getting the average highway MPG's on the Impala. Plus I do have to mention that rocker panels are notoriously weak in terms of rust resistance during this time period. The rest of your car should be perfectly fine although I would expect the wheel bearings to be the next to go. Not much rust protection for those things back in the day. I wouldn't encourage you to be too focused on fuel economy. given that your depreciation costs may become greater than gas costs. A brand new Cruze ECO bought at 21k may only be worth about 5k after 5 years and 170k miles. That's about $16,000 in total, or $3,200 a year. If we throw in a 3% lost opportunity cost, higher insurance, and higher taxes and fees you may be looking at an extra $4,000 a year in higher costs before the gas is factored in. Gas savings between the Cruze and your current ride? Roughly $2000 a year. I'm assuming $5 gas since you're in Canada. A Prius at 48 mpg may save you an extra $750 and the lower maintenance costs of it's components may add another $250 over the Cruze, and likely about $500 more a year vs.the Impala. On paper it would make more sense to keep what you have so long as the powertrain is structurally sound. But you may be truly wanting to move on. So I would just try them all and see which one you like the best. Then as a long-time used car guy I would wake up from my fear induced haze. Get the Impala inspected. Replace the rocker panels. Give the undercarriage a bit more rust protection and detail the rest of it. Sajeev Answers: Steve is right, once again. As I am currently writing checks for a restoration that includes moderate rust repair, I wouldn't be surprised if replacing the rockers and grinding away any other significant amounts of rust elsewhere (followed up with ample rustproofing) would be much, much less than $2000. This is assuming replacement panels are easier to find than my Fox Body Lincoln using Fox Body Mustang patch panels. But maybe it is time for a new car. It sounds like you probably drive more highway than city: so stick with vehicles with taller gearing. Obviously the Honda Fit is out. And since you are a larger guy putting a lot of hours in your ride, you should get a bigger car just to treat yourself. Get another Impala, or maybe its plush Buick cousin on the same W-body. The 2008 Ford Taurus-Sable gets 28mpg highway according to the US EPA cycle, but maybe you do want a little better. Or maybe you'd never want a smaller car. That said, the Prius is quite roomy for front seat passengers, and it might be the best combo of size and efficiency on the planet. Question is, will you actually enjoy driving it? Not that the Impala is an S-class Benz, but let's face it, those W-body products are a smooooth, effortless ride. Spend a lot of time in a Prius before you pull the trigger. You might not like what you experience. from The Truth About Cars http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com | |||
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Saturday, March 31, 2012
New or Used: Replacement for Rusty Rocker’d Ride?
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