Quote:
Bruno wrote:
I am in the market for a used Vechicle. Considering the gas prices lately I am finding that having a SUV is getting a tad bit expensive to drive.
I was wondering if you all have any suggestions on a good reliable vehicle that can do:
1. Carry a Kayak
2. Gets at least 25 mi to the gallon
3. Can Hold Two Big dogs and a baby
4. Hopefull can accodimate a fully strung up rod
5. Has decent ground clearence.
Dear Bruno,
That's a pretty tall order to fill, are you hoping that it's free as well?
Seriously, a Jeep Cherokee with the 4.0L 6 cylinder engine will get you close to 20 MPG on the highway and assuming it was well cared for prior to you taking possession should last for many more miles if you continue the maintenance. I sold a square one with 150,000 on it that is still going strong and a buddy of mine put over 200,000 on his 1999 Grand Cherokee with no real problems.
One thing I would like to suggest is that you consider the costs of a second vehicle against the potential savings in gas. Let's say you find a nice clean used vehicle for $ 6000.00 that meets your needs. That may be a stretch but bear with me. At the present gas prices you could purchase over 2200 gallons of gasoline for same $ 6000.00. At 15 MPG that will give you well over 30,000 miles worth of gasoline using $ 2.75 as the price of gas.
You must also figure on insuring and maintaining a second vehicle. Conservatively when you figure those costs for 4 years you will wind up spending well over 40,000 miles worth of gasoline figuring on $ 500.00 a year for insurance and maintenance in addition to the purchase price. When you consider the cost of tires, brakes, and shocks, etc that $ 500.00 a year is ridiculously low, the real number is more like $ 1000.00 a year, or 10 cents a mile. Do you see where I am going with this?
Do you really think you can drive your way to monetary savings? I'm not trying to tell you how to spend your money, but I am saying that you will probably not save any money over time by owning a second vehicle and you will more likely wind up spending more money. Just something to think about, so take it as you see fit.
Regards,
Tim Murphy