What are some reliable, practical 2nd vehicle options?

[got3fords]

I had a 2012 ranger hatchback, 5 speed. Sporty, fun car but 32-33mpg vs 22 is not THAT much of an improvement.

Ranger hatchback?

Sponsored

 

[maxbottomtime]

Ranger hatchback?

Oops, focus (post I was replying to was talking about a 2012 focus).

 

[got3fords]

Oops, focus (post I was replying to was talking about a 2012 focus).

Ah, that makes more sense! I had a '12 Focus.

 

[Motorpsychology]

Good job and lightweight! How does it ride? My bike is aluminum (not carbon) and I too try to keep everything as light as possible but don't want to get stuck out in the field without water, headlamp, pump and a spare tube so with minimal addons total weight is 43 lbs.

My Trek FX2 is about 27lb/12.24kg with a full water bottle. I don't usually ride more than ~15 miles/24km.

 

[dtech]

Car shopping for my daughter who managed to total her 2017 Hyundai Tucson, in some ways I'm glad the Hyundai was total as at 68k miles it was beginning to consume oil (not unusual for Hyundai's, but it did start after I no longer serviced her car) and at a mere 164HP for an AWD car it was underpowered and not fuel efficient. Looking at mostly CR-V , Forester, CX-5 , I know some on here own Ford escapes so I'm wondering that is worth looking at, it doesn't get stellar ratings.
Initially also had RAV4 on the list but screw Toyota as they are way too proud of their stuff.

 

[TJC]

Any of the Mazda models are great choices. Very good build quality. Extremely quiet, excellent seating position, seats are a little too firm for us, but a seat pad from Amazon solved that problem.

I've got a 2023 turbo CX5.

I would have preferred the normally aspirated but didn't want to have the cylinder disable feature as I worry about abnormal engine wear over time. With the absurd Fed "Greenie" requirements of today, one is forced to pick their poison.

That said, the Turbo comes very well equipped. Headsup up display, advanced cruise control, rain activated wipers, etc. And for $50 you can purchase the Navigation chip on Amazon. It is not update-able, but purchasing a new chip every 5 years is far less expensive than paying Mazda pricing.

The Miata MX-5 has the engine that I wanted (NA with no cylinder disable) in my CX-5.

 

[Dr. Zaius]

For those interested in a Mazda, they are currently offering 0% for 60 months on the CX5.

A friend of mine just got one for his wife and it is an extremely nice vehicle for the price he paid.

I personally love the way a Mazda drives.

I've had an Rx7 turbo and a Miata. Both drove amazing.

 

[OrangeStreak]

Any of the Mazda models are great choices. Very good build quality. Extremely quiet, excellent seating position, seats are a little too firm for us, but a seat pad from Amazon solved that problem.

I've got a 2023 turbo CX5.

I would have preferred the normally aspirated but didn't want to have the cylinder disable feature as I worry about abnormal engine wear over time. With the absurd Fed "Greenie" requirements of today, one is forced to pick their poison.

That said, the Turbo comes very well equipped. Headsup up display, advanced cruise control, rain activated wipers, etc. And for $50 you can purchase the Navigation chip on Amazon. It is not update-able, but purchasing a new chip every 5 years is far less expensive than paying Mazda pricing.

The Miata MX-5 has the engine that I wanted (NA with no cylinder disable) in my CX-5.

Speaking of Mazda's...

I've owned a Mazda RX3 & an RX4...love those Wankel Rotary's! I've always wanted a 1992-2002 Mazda RX7 (3rd Gen) 5 speed. with the optional 265 PS (195 kW; 261 hp).
Motor Trend Import car of the year 1992...
Motor Trend Import Car of the Year Complete Winners List

 

[Tremorky]

Speaking of Mazda's...

I've owned a Mazda RX3 & an RX4...love those Wankel Rotary's! I've always wanted a 1992-2002 Mazda RX7 (3rd Gen) 5 speed. with the optional 265 PS (195 kW; 261 hp).
Motor Trend Import car of the year 1992...
Motor Trend Import Car of the Year Complete Winners List

For those interested in a Mazda, they are currently offering 0% for 60 months on the CX5.

A friend of mine just got one for his wife and it is an extremely nice vehicle for the price he paid.

I personally love the way a Mazda drives.

I've had an Rx7 turbo and a Miata. Both drove amazing.

I’d love to have a MX-5 RF. Considering selling the Ranger and getting CX-5 …

 

[Dr. Zaius]

I’d love to have a MX-5 RF. Considering selling the Ranger and getting CX-5 …

I had the MX5 NC PRHT.

It was a terrific car, but I almost got ran over in it a few times in parking lots and decided that I wanted something bigger.

 

[Tremorky]

I had the MX5 NC PRHT.

It was a terrific car, but I almost got ran over in it a few times in parking lots and decided that I wanted something bigger.

They are tiny lol. The 2400 lb curb weight has to be a blast. ND2 Club is lustworthy

 

[OrangeStreak]

I had the MX5 NC PRHT.

It was a terrific car, but I almost got ran over in it a few times in parking lots and decided that I wanted something bigger.

Was Tracy @Tracy-bowman giving parking lessons in these lots during your close calls?

 

[Stevedbvik1]

May not necessarily fit your budget, but I recently sold my Ranger to go the 2 car route. My new daily is a 2013 VW Golf TDI which is notorious for its reliability and gas mileage. I've been getting mid-high 30's MPG combined and low-mid 40's highway.

Stay on top of your fuel injection maintenance on this one. Fuel injectors run $350-$400 each ( X 4) and the high pressure fuel pump runs $800-$1000. DPF filter also $1000. Slightest bit of crap goes through the fuel system and you can be looking at $3400 + for parts alone plus labor.

 

[TJC]

Speaking of Mazda's...

I've owned a Mazda RX3 & an RX4...love those Wankel Rotary's! I've always wanted a 1992-2002 Mazda RX7 (3rd Gen) 5 speed. with the optional 265 PS (195 kW; 261 hp).
Motor Trend Import car of the year 1992...
Motor Trend Import Car of the Year Complete Winners List

The 3rd gen had magnificent styling, and drove/handled wonderfully. I love Mazda automobiles! Biggest bang for the $$.

 

[Russd]

I’d go Toyota Camry with around 100k miles. I see them around 10k$.

Sponsored