Suggestions for a vehicle?

Yeesh, I'm a bit late to reply, just been reading what everyone's saying... Thanks for the advice, everyone.

To Meth: I live in Albuquerque, downtown. Yeah, snow like that would definitely be a problem on a motorcycle... But that's when I just hop on the Rapid Ride anyway. Hell, I probably would even with a car if we get that much again. (Note to others: 3-4 inches in NM is what we consider bad snow)

To Zeph: Thanks for pointing that out for me. While I surely don't mind learning, I have next to no mechanical skills. I figure I can start learning hands-on once I actually have something, but in the meantime I'm pretty clueless and not too driven to read up on it all.

Well, been looking around. I figured my troubles may be possibly solved, a co-worker offered to sell me a 1994 Ford Taurus for $900. Sounded good, had cosmetic issues but I don't really care about that. Then I found out today the thing's been sitting for 6 years and, to my knowledge, that's not a very good thing for a car... So I'll still check it out, but not too much hope there.

I'm keeping an eye out for just about any cheap used cars, but considering the risks of repairs and such (Especially the cheaper I go) I might end up going with a motorcycle. If I go with a new one I've been eyeing the '08 Honda Rebel, nice little 250cc motorcycle to start out with, only $3000 brand new. I'm sure I could find even better stuff used, haven't really looked there just yet.

I'm still not entirely sure on whether to get a car or motorcycle... I like bikes and all, but a car would be alot more convenient. Just also more expensive. So for now I'm just looking out for any bargains.

There's nowhere I can't reach.

Originally Posted by Nexius

So for now I'm just looking out for any bargains.

And that is an excellent start. How far is your traveling? What about a moped?

This thing is sticky, and I don't like it. I don't appreciate it.

Don't buy that Taurus. You wouldn't eat 6 year old bread, and you wouldn't run a car on 6 year old gas....or pay to fix what that 6 year old gas has already ruined.

Don't buy a pussy motorcycle. If you're going to buy a wimp-mobile, it might as well be something you can stuff groceries in.

I am a dolphin, do you want me on your body?

I mentioned it earlier, I -could- get a scooter/moped, but that's even less carrying capacity than a motorcycle, and that's part of the issue. I want to at least be able to carry one passenger, y'know? (And I know at least some scooters can, but I assume those ones go higher in price... Haven't looked much into them)

And Zephyrin, that's what I figured. What do you suggest for a motorcycle? From what I've heard it's alot better to start with lower cc's so I don't kill myself on it (As easily, at least).

I was speaking idiomatically.

500 - 600cc motorcycle is usually a good range to learn with. Parts for motorcycles are often a lot more expensive to replace. You also need to consider that you would need good riding gear (helmet, jacket, gloves, etc) and those are not the items I'd want to go cheap on either.

What a lot of people don't realize is that not all motorcycles get great gas mileage, The Kawasaki Ninja 650R for example averages 45mpg, there are cars that get better fuel economy than that :/ it is only when you get into the motorcyles with engines 500cc and below do the mpg numbers exceed what you can see in cars.

From the sound of it though you are probably better off getting a car.

What kind of toxic man-thing is happening now?

Personally I feel that if you can afford it you're really better off getting a car. Maybe look around at second hand dealerships for a good deal on them.

Its alot easier if you got big loads to carry which you might have occasionally. If thats the case all a motorcycle will do for you is let you down.

FELIPE NO

Originally Posted by Gumby

The Kawasaki Ninja 650R for example averages 45mpg, there are cars that get better fuel economy than that :/ it is only when you get into the motorcyles with engines 500cc and below do the mpg numbers exceed what you can see in cars.

Bullshit. Unless you buy a brand-new hybrid, that's not going to happen.

What, you don't want my bikini-clad body?

Originally Posted by Zephyrin

Bullshit. Unless you buy a brand-new hybrid, that's not going to happen.

VW Golf TDI and Honda CRX are two examples that come to mind that get better than 45mpg. :/ Neither of which are hybrids, one of them is from the 80's and the other has almost as much torque as a V6. The smaller bikes get anywhere from 60 - over 100mpg, which with the exception of specially built cars like the eco speedster that Opel built you just aren't going to get that kind of fuel economy with a car.

Originally Posted by Opel Eco Speedster

During initial testing the 112 hp concept car reached a maximum speed of more than 155 mph while fuel consumption on the combined cycle was an incredible 113 mpg.

Jam it back in, in the dark.

How far is your actual commute right now? If you're only driving a few miles every day then gas prices really shouldn't be that huge of a concern. I mean, the difference between 30 and 45 MPG may be 50%, but if you only have to go five miles a day, it's going to take you a pretty long time to see a worthwhile savings in gas to be worth paying more for a fuel efficient car.

Alternatively you could also look at getting a shitty cheap car for when you need to drag people and stuff places and also a scooter or moped for your daily commute to save on gas/not have to deal with a car.

How much are mopeds nowadays anyway?

There's nowhere I can't reach.