wbauer@bbncca.ARPA (Bill Bauer) (02/15/84)
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I'm looking into replacing my Saab 95 Station Wagon with something more
current. I want something reliable and rugged, that will carry things
easily, but not as large as a van. I don't put much mileage on yearly,
as I don't commute, but I want pleasent long distance driving. It must
have Front Wheel drive, although 4WD might be OK. I don't intend to use
it off road (sand dunes etc), but want something I can drive on dirt roads
without worrying about. I don't want to spend too much money, but I don't
have the space or inclination to do repairs, so I think a used car is out.
Any suggestions or recommendations? My current favorite is a FWD Tercel SW,
but the Chevy Blazer looks good too.
Thanks,
Bill Bauer {decvax,linus,wjh12,ima}!bbncca!wbauer wbauer@bbn-unix.ARPAjws@hpfclg.UUCP (02/20/84)
I recently acquired a 4WD Toyota Tercel SW, and I think
that you couldn't go wrong with it. The overall quality
and freedom from usual new car bugs is outstanding.
I often drive in the Colorado mountains, often on the
interstate but sometimes on marginal secondary roads. On
snowpack, ice, and mud the 4WD mode is amazingly better
than the FWD mode. I made a special effort to compare these
characteristics since I'm a long-time fan of FWD, having
previously owned 3 Rabbits.
One warning: While Toyota dealers (at least some) will deal
a little on price, Toyota seems to be shipping cars loaded with
options, and a "stripped" 4WD will take longer, especially if you
want the nice SR5 interior (recommended). I had to settle for
power steering, but it turns out to be pretty good (quick ratio and
reasonable road feel, also variable assist so it supposedly doesn't
waste gas on the straightaway).
John Schmidt
ihnp4!hpfcla!jws