I absolutely loved my 1st-gen XB as an appliance car, got a consistant 31+ mpg and if you ran it out and worked the shifter it was acceptably zippy, certainly better than any 70's econobox. Huge interior room too; 300#+ 6'5"+ friends always marveled at the amount of room they had both front and back. Sure it got a bit slower with 4 adults in it or pulling a trailer, but it was still faster than my 4-cylinder S10. I put 42k miles on it in 18 months before trading it in on the MINI that I just sold after only 22k and 8 months and never once had any issues with anything on the car. I may even buy another at some point when the prices finally start coming down.
My GF has an Aveo and it's not as bad as all that. Sure it's a Daewoo, but the engine is the same Family-2 motor that's in the Suzuki Reno and Forenza and appears to be based on the old Opel red-top 16v motor which is pretty highly regarded. Asuming the body hold up, which may be a big asumption I know, it should prove to be a decently reliable appliance car.
Sportbike? Throw some Metzeler Roadtecs, make the gearing a touch more freeway appropriate and get 37+mpg and way more enjoyable commute.
When I was just finishing college I used my R6 to commute 30 miles each way to my temp job until I got my first real job.
Even when I would leave in the morning and it was 25 degrees out, it was WAY BETTER than taking a cage.
z31maniac wrote: Sportbike? Throw some Metzeler Roadtecs, make the gearing a touch more freeway appropriate and get 37+mpg and way more enjoyable commute.
When I was just finishing college I used my R6 to commute 30 miles each way to my temp job until I got my first real job.
Even when I would leave in the morning and it was 25 degrees out, it was WAY BETTER than taking a cage.
The beauty of non-racebike cams... my engine is very similar to that of the R6 (YZF 600R). I get 50mpg with it geared down (less freeway) some from the factory :grin: Since I don't track it, the difference in power is a non-issue.
Riding in 25 Degree weather can get old though. I remember scraping frost off my seat before I got on the bike. Definitely easier to drive the car, especially if you have one that gets nearly the same mileage. Honestly when you take into account powertrain lifespan, tires, chain, and other wear items, I'm not sure it ends up costing any less than a car. Although it is a hell of a lot faster.
I find the XA intriguing... I was under the impression that Scion mileage wasn't that impressive though. Its hard to justify a 35mpg modern econo box when you can go back 10 years and get a 35mpg econo box with 25-50 more horsepower for next to nothing (Neon, Saturn, Escort GT, Civic EX)
I love my Focus SVT, but its gas mileage isn't all that great. 25 mixed, 30 highway pretty much. It also needs premium. It has a 12 or so gallon gas tank. It's a nice driver, though. Firm, but not harsh, and it has a nice driving position.
