47,000 miles and 40 mpg, baby!

My car!

from JoeUser Forums

I'm nineteen.

I just finished my first year at college, and I've decided that I want to get a car because I was so sick of mooching off other people for rides to, um, the store. Or....home.


So, I started looking. Went to used car dealers that bank at my bank, so I know they'll give me a good deal. Yes, I'm manipulative, I don't care.

My price range was between 6 and 7000 dollars. Found a'cute' little 2002 Toyota Echo that they were asking, oh 7995 for. Found a couple of Hyundai Accents, but I really didn't want one of those, particularly a black one because my big brother-man has a black Accent.

I went back to the same dealer a couple of times, and drove the Echo. Yes, it's my car. It feels like my car. I like how it drives, like a car. Very different from my Silverado. Yes, a Silverado, a five foot, two inch little girl driving a half ton pick up truck.

However, that dumb little car is too expensive. I was so upset. I negotiated with my parents, I did a TON of homework, I wanted that little car.

It has about 47,100 miles on it. Mucked up back bumper, I didn't care. It was mine. I talked to owners of the cars, I called a Toyota dealership for their opinion, because they don't make the Echo anymore. Evidently it's "the best car ever made." I talked to mechanics, you know, the works. That little Echo seemed like the car for me. 40 miles to the gallon doesn't hurt my feelings, either.

I talked the price down. $700 dollars, baby! I got a little loan, gonna build up my credit.


I'm now the proud owner of a black 2002 Toyota Echo with 47,000 miles on it and 40 mpg. Oh, no cruise control, automatic, brakes squeak a little when I back up, no cd player, but it's mine.


My first car. Yay me. :D :D :D

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15,814 views 20 replies
Reply #1 from Stardock Forums Top

The first car is always the best one!   Congrats :)

The Political Machine 2024
Reply #3 from JoeUser Forums Top
It balances out, because I shouldn't be both sexier in person and in my car. That just wouldn't be fair to you.

Trudy: Thanks!
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Reply #4 from JoeUser Forums Top
Hey CB,

That's is an awesome car. A roommate of mine had one. I was impressed with how the little car rode. I hate saturns mainly because they feel like riding on a board (poor suspension). I used to travel a lot and drive rentals. Unlike other lil cars the Echo drives, handles and rides like a 'good' mid sized car.

I'm a truck guy (98 Dodge Dakota) just like Joe Diffie's song WWW Link.

If I were to buy a car, I would strongly consider the Echo.

My point being is this car is AD approved! :CONGRAT:

It's a great car!
Reply #5 from JoeUser Forums Top
It balances out, because I shouldn't be both sexier in person and in my car. That just wouldn't be fair to you.


Oooooo, cold! :LOL:


Congratulations on the new wheels. :CONGRAT:

Reply #6 from JoeUser Forums Top
It balances out, because I shouldn't be both sexier in person and in my car. That just wouldn't be fair to you.


ah, siblings....
Reply #7 from JoeUser Forums Top
Yeah for you! Congrats and you did your homework and negotiated with skills! ;)

Reply #8 from Stardock Forums Top

40 mpg is great! 40 mpg is great!

Congrats on the new ride. :CONGRAT:  Congrats on the new ride. :CONGRAT:

(Damn Echo :LOL: )

Reply #9 from JoeUser Forums Top
(Damn Echo )
THAT'S hilarious !!

Congratulations, Bird woman, the excitement of the first set of wheels is unique. Enjoy it.

You might want to get someone you trust, NOT a brake shop, look at your pads (UH...brake pads). Some cars are equipped with a little metal thingie that scratches your brake disc when they are warn down. Makes a squeaky noise to tell you it is time for new pads. Some unscrupulous folks will bend the skreakers up a bit so someone test driving the car wouldn't know it is time for new ones. And sometimes when they are bent up they will catch and skreak when in reverse. Whew. Lot of explanation for something that probably isn't a problem anyway. But better to know. Enjoy you ride !  :LOL: 

110,000 miles and just over 10 mph (if I stay out of the secondaries)...GTOs rule.
Reply #10 from JoeUser Forums Top
My point being is this car is AD approved!


Thanks, Dude!!!

(Damn Echo )


HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!


BFD: Before I bought the car, I took it to a mechanic and had them give it a once-over. They told me that the brakes were at "4s and 5s." When I asked what that meant, the guy told me that it meant they were about half worn, so I should get them replaced within the next year, depending on how much I drive and where (city vs. freeway).

But maybe I'll find a car guy friend and have them look at it.

Thanks, guys!
Reply #11 from JoeUser Forums Top
"Before I bought the car, I took it to a mechanic and had them give it a once-over"

You da bomb.
Reply #12 from JoeUser Forums Top
You da bomb.


Why thank you. I certainly think so. ;)
Reply #13 from JoeUser Forums Top
But maybe I'll find a car guy friend and have them look at it.


With all that sexiness they'll come flocking!

Brake pads are pretty simple. You can buy a kit for about $20 or just use large C clamps.
Reply #14 from Stardock Forums Top

With all that sexiness they'll come flocking!

Oh, you know it, baby.  ;)

 

Brake pads are pretty simple. You can buy a kit for about $20 or just use large C clamps.

Cool, thanks for the help.  :D

Reply #16 from JoeUser Forums Top

Congrats Cedar...now admit it.  Don't ya wanna sleep in it tonight?

hahahahaha.

My first car was a Datsun.  I went out everyday at lunch and just visited it.

Reply #17 from JoeUser Forums Top

I remember my first car like it was...  25 years ago :(  It wasn't my favourite (the 63 Chevy Belair will always be my personal favourite) but it was a good car anyway.

Now watch how many new 'friends' you have because you have a car. :CONGRAT:

Reply #18 from JoeUser Forums Top
Congrats on your first car. Would not have been my choice since I cant stand small cars but the way things are I can understand and would probably do the same.

My first car was a beat up '86 Mazda 626. When I say beat up, I mean no door locks, the front bumper stuck out the left side about 5 inches do to a previous accident, dents in every corner, a bit rusted and the tires, well, a rainy day was like a stroll at an ice ring. But that's what I get for a $700 car. :) I needed wheels and that's all i could afford at the moment. Besides, I was only 19.

I hate you CedarBird. LOL J/K
Reply #19 from JoeUser Forums Top
Congrats Cedar...now admit it. Don't ya wanna sleep in it tonight?


Kind of. I parked it outside, and now I'm all sorts of paranoid that she's going to get stolen. ;)

Charles: Ouch, poor little car. And it's okay that you hate me, because I don't hate you!


Thanks for the congratulations everyone, now I'm curious, though. What were YOUR first cars?
Reply #20 from JoeUser Forums Top
My first was a '51 Pontiac station wagon. Fake wood panel siding but still qualified as a "woodie" (NO! In those days a woodie was a fake wood paneled station wagon, big enough to haul your boards and your buds to the beach). Straight 8, flathead, automatic transmission with no "Park". It was a real hit at the drive-in movies.