Fuel-efficient 4WD vehicle ?

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John Sasso - 20 Jun 2004 22:15 GMT

I'm in the process of looking for 4 wheel drive car that is good on fuel and
is easy to maneuver in tight areas such as a city or parking garage. I
currently have a '97 Chevy K1500 full-sized pickup w/ ext. cab, 8' bed.
I'll be doing much of my work in the city and dealing with the tight areas
of parking garages and small parking lots has proven to be a big PITA for
the behemoth I currently have. Also, it gets 13-14mpg; I end up spending
about $120-160 per month on gas.

If possible, I'd like to get another GM (it would allow me to put the points
I accumulated on my card towards a new GM vehicle). But if not, thats fine.
I am looking for recommendations for a 4WD car (perhaps or perhaps not a
truck) that, as I said, is easy to maneuver in the smaller areas I
mentioned. I'm open to any hybrids as well. Thanks!

--john

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Eugene - 20 Jun 2004 20:49 GMT

> I'm in the process of looking for 4 wheel drive car that is good on fuel
> and
[quoted text clipped - 13 lines]
>
> --john

Can you drive a stick? My 88 S-10 hits 27mpg with 4x4 and a 5 speed.

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NoSpam - 20 Jun 2004 22:34 GMT

From what you say that you would like I would go with a Tracker. It's not a
car but after driving a full size truck it'll feel small to you.

http://www.chevrolet.com/tracker/

Brian

> I'm in the process of looking for 4 wheel drive car that is good on fuel and
> is easy to maneuver in tight areas such as a city or parking garage. I
[quoted text clipped - 11 lines]
>
> --john

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Bob G. - 21 Jun 2004 12:48 GMT

>I'm in the process of looking for 4 wheel drive car that is good on fuel and
>is easy to maneuver in tight areas such as a city or parking garage. I
[quoted text clipped - 11 lines]
>
>--john

=========================
I have not put much thought into your questuion ..

but if you are using this vehicle in a city ...why do you need 4 wheel
drive?

I have to assume that you really do not need a Truck.. so I would not
consider a truck unless you had a specific use for one... if you
really need a truck for weekend (pleasure- household-hobby
related-needs etc)...use ..I would say you are a candidate for owning
2 vehicles...

Bob Griffiths

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John Sasso - 21 Jun 2004 22:36 GMT

Bob,

Good question. I should have clarified that my new job is in the city, and
many of the clients also reside in the city area. With my employer, and many
of the clients, the parking that is available is at a parking garage or one
of those small lots. I'm not necessarily dictating that the next vehicle
has to be a truck (although some of the smaller ones are much more
maneuverable than the large pickup I currently have), but that it does have
4WD available to deal with the Northeast winters. Having dealt with two 2WD
cars - including a 2WD pickup - in the past in NY winters, I am firm on
sticking with 4WD.

--john

> >I'm in the process of looking for 4 wheel drive car that is good on fuel and
> >is easy to maneuver in tight areas such as a city or parking garage. I
[quoted text clipped - 25 lines]
>
> Bob Griffiths

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WhyDoYouAsk - 22 Jun 2004 00:10 GMT

> I'm in the process of looking for 4 wheel drive car that is good on fuel and
> is easy to maneuver in tight areas such as a city or parking garage. I
[quoted text clipped - 11 lines]
>
> --john

Since you are considering a car and don't indicate heavy off road use,
look at a Pontiac Vibe or a Saturn Vue. These will get you the
maneuverability and will be decent on gas. The Vibe is a little under
powered but will work for the city

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clevere - 22 Jun 2004 15:42 GMT

Buy a Subaru.

> I'm in the process of looking for 4 wheel drive car that is good on fuel and
> is easy to maneuver in tight areas such as a city or parking garage. I
[quoted text clipped - 11 lines]
>
> --john

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Eugene - 22 Jun 2004 17:06 GMT

> Buy a Subaru.

my cousin works for a small garage in MD. He's come up to my place a couple
times and always wants to go in the big subaru garage and apply. Tells me
Subaru mechanics have great job security.

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Tim Dolan - 23 Jun 2004 17:13 GMT

I just got a 2001 Chevy Tracker 2dr 4wd soft top. It's quiet, smooth and
fun. Plus the back top comes off so you can still carry stuff too. The soft
top can be replaced with a removable hard top for ~$1000.

> I'm in the process of looking for 4 wheel drive car that is good on fuel and
> is easy to maneuver in tight areas such as a city or parking garage. I
[quoted text clipped - 11 lines]
>
> --john

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John Sasso - 24 Jun 2004 16:03 GMT

My thanks to all that responded! After having looked at the specs on the
Chevy Tracker, Pontiac Vibe, Saturn Vue, and Subara Outbacks, I'm going to
start looking at the Subaru Outback and Pontiac Vibe further, given their
support for AWD and relatively excellent fuel economy.

I know of a few people who have owned an Outback, and I will ask them what
they think of the vehicle. Thanks!

--john

> I'm in the process of looking for 4 wheel drive car that is good on fuel and
> is easy to maneuver in tight areas such as a city or parking garage. I
[quoted text clipped - 11 lines]
>
> --john

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