[Rhodes22-list] Robert's new car

[Arthur H. Czerwonky]

Robert,
Finding greater cubes than a 40 mpg Civic (~$19K) may mean a 30mpg vehicle, maybe CRV like.  I found even 'true 35mpg' buggys scarce.  My Civic has more internal space than I remember from years past.
Front hitch is a must for me, maneuvers the boat and trailer on a dime.  
Vino Mule is a 125cc Yamaha, sturdy and fun. 90 mpg.
Yeah is my bike, which I found at Camping World.  It folds up, so my Civic doesn't need so many cubes.
Just my solution for transport.  Lots of mules, even though I was Navy!
Art
-----Original Message-----
>From: Robert Skinner <robert at squirrelhaven.com>
>Sent: Sep 9, 2007 8:55 PM
>To: The Rhodes 22 mail list <rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org>
>Subject: Re: [Rhodes22-list] Robert's new car
>
>Art -
>
>Unfortunately, I need a few more cubic feet than the Civic 
>provides.  The best mileage I can find in the size I need 
>seems to top out at about 35 MPG.  Until I am able to find 
>an hybrid that will travel 40 miles after a plug-in charge 
>before firing up the motor-generator, I'll stay with 
>straight internal combustion.  I'd use a small diesel if 
>any were offered.
>
>Do you recommend that I fit a front hitch on the "boat 
>mule"?  If so, why?
>
>"Vino" mule?
>
>"Yeah" mule?
>
>/Robert
>---------------------------------------------------------
>"Arthur H. Czerwonky" wrote:
>> 
>> Robert,
>> I just did precisely the same thing.  '03 Explorer is now strictly a boat mule, hitches front and back.
>> My mileage mule is an '07 Civic @ truly 40mpg.  I don't think any other non-hybrid will match.  The 60mpg Prius is, after a magnitude of driver questions is really a 45mpg Prius.  I am pleased.  Drives quietly and comfortably, and will zip in traffic in a heartbeat.  The salesman did a demo of maneuverability that I wouldn't even attempt, and it is solid and stable.
>> For local hops, even longer, I use my Vino mule @ 90mpg.  I just don't like to pay for gas.  Now the Yeah mule is the best of all - infinity mpg and I carry it on the boat.
>> All of this and more is available thru Stan...
>> Art
>> 
>> -----Original Message-----
>> >From: Robert Skinner <robert at squirrelhaven.com>
>> >Sent: Sep 8, 2007 7:51 PM
>> >To: Rhodes 22 mail list <rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org>
>> >Subject: [Rhodes22-list] Robert's new car
>> >
>> >In the Spring, I'll be looking for a new car for commuting
>> >and long trips.  The 140K mile 15 MPG '97 Explorer will be
>> >put out to pasture, other than for snow driving and
>> >hauling/launching boats, utility trailer, etc.
>> >
>> >Current candidates are Toyota Matrix, Ford Focus, Pontiac
>> >Vibe, and Mazda 3 5-door.  The Mazda seems to have the
>> >most polished package so far.
>> >
>> >Comments and suggestions will be welcomed and mulled over
>> >during Maine's cold spell...
>> >
>> >Thank you,
>> >/Robert
>> >
>> >Requirements:
>> >       Interior room for:
>> >               4 adults or 2 adults and 2 labs
>> >               2 big suitcases
>> >               box for jumper cables, tow strap, blanket,
>> >                    paper towels, 100' of 3/8" rope
>> >               tool box
>> >       30+ MPG
>> >       5-door configuration - hatch back
>> >       Automatic transmission
>> >       Electric windows and locks, keyless entry
>> >       Air conditioner
>> >       Active anti-theft
>> >       ABS
>> >       Cruise control
>> >       Variable intermittent wipers
>> >       Radio w/ CD
>> >       Fold-down rear seats - flat when down
>> >       Hatch and rear window tint
>> >       Light color paint - preferably white
>> >
>> >Would like:
>> >       1000 lb tow bar
>> >       Deep hatch and rear window tint
>> >       Electric adjustable side mirrors
>> >       Adjustable steering wheel
>> >__________________________________________________
>> >Use Rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org, Help? www.rhodes22.org/list
>> 
>> __________________________________________________
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>
>-- 
>Robert Skinner  "Squirrel Haven" 
>Gorham, Maine         04038-1331
>s/v "Little Dipper" & "Edith P."
>__________________________________________________
>Use Rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org, Help? www.rhodes22.org/list