Hi Scotty,
Just started watching you... love the videos!
I have a 2002 Chevy Prizm with a 1.8 liter Toyota engine (out of the old Fremont, CA plant), standard transmission, with 300k miles. My ex didn't change the oil when asked the last few years (he's no longer in my life) and now it's blowing smoke.
I have to buy a new/used car since I'm living in CA and my baby won't pass smog.
I just don't know what to do! Finding a Toyato with the 1.8 liter, standard transmission that gets 35 MPG is like finding gold.
I really need help... I'm on a budget and only have 18k.
Here are my specs (I know... I'm being too picky):
Less than 50k
Standard Transmission (5 or 6 speed)
25-30 MPG City
30-40 MPG HWY
4 cyl - 1.8 liter
4 door sedan / hatchback
I need to move boxes a lot for work so I'd love some room in the boot
FINALLY A QUESTION: Knowing the above, would you buy a 2017 Ford Fiesta? 1.6 liter, standard trandsmission.
Thank you for your time to answer!
Peace, Lorien
Search this forum for a Pontiac Vibe.
Doubt you’ll have much space in any Fiesta to suit your requirements. You may want to consider the Honda Fit instead -
THANK YOU!!
Run away from any Ford Fiesta. They don't make them anymore, and they were very cheaply made. They weren't made in the USA, they were most likely made in Mexico. The Honda Fit is a MUCH better option, or the Pontiac Vibe/ Toyota Matrix. They're built on the same platform.
Thank you!
FINALLY A QUESTION: Knowing the above, would you buy a 2017 Ford Fiesta? 1.6 liter, standard trandsmission.
Hi,
The naturally aspirated 1.6L Ti-VCT engine is not too bad, it has been around for about 20 years in that exact configuration. Note that these require frequent oil changes to keep the VVT system alive and that these are interference engines and that they do have timing BELTS.
The manual transaxle (NOT automated!!!) is also ancient, it's decent - not great but if you replace the fluid in it it can last for a while. but note that they're pretty much all 5 speed, so it's not meant for highway cruising.
And y'know it's a TINY, loud, not particularly comfortable car - but it requires the same maintenance, and fuel costs as a large family car - just 30 mpg combined, 27 city and 35 highway.
Personally I think the sedan variant is better overall than the hatchback, It's longer by over a full foot.
So I do not know if it's recommended,
it probably will go for a while but it's not a great car.
Thank you!
Thinking more about it.
I just don't know what to do! Finding a Toyato with the 1.8 liter, standard transmission that gets 35 MPG is like finding gold.
Is there any particular reason you want a manual?
Toyota conventional automatics are more reliable than most manuals!
I really need help... I'm on a budget and only have 18k.
Don't buy a Fiesta for 18 grand! that's more then those were new.
A brand new Corolla LE is 23 grand including everything, so it really would make sense to try and find a pretty new Corolla or wait a bit more and save up.
Maybe a used Civic with a 1.8 or a Mazda3 if you can find one with a 2.0L from the 3rd generation? those are more lickley to have manuals and their powertrains are solid.
EDIT: what about a Scion iM - a beautiful manual 1.8L Toyota Corolla based hatchback and 31mpg combined.
Standard Transmission (5 or 6 speed)
Honestly this is the biggest reason why locating such a car is hard.