Cross Country Drive on the cheap - Which Car?

Cheap Guy · 02-21-2019, 08:16 PM

I’m planning on driving around the country this summer and knock off the only three states in the lower 48 I haven’t visited but I want to do it on the cheap. What’s the best car for around $5000 you’d chose? Has to be relatively reliable, easy to fix on the road, relatively good on gas but cruise at 80 mph, be able to fit my bike, and not ride completely like crap.

Right now I’m looking at high miles Ford Focus but that damn thermostat was a bitch to fix.

Sir Nuke · 02-22-2019, 09:10 AM

well if I were going to do this and not take my own car....I would fly to my starting point and then RENT a car that fits your bike.

Cheap Guy · 02-22-2019, 09:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sir Nuke

well if I were going to do this and not take my own car....I would fly to my starting point and then RENT a car that fits your bike.

I love driving across the country - done it several times before - and stopping and seeing the sights and people. The three states i haven't been to are North Dakota, Idaho and Oregon. The rental car companies have tightened up on rentals. When I did this decades ago they gave unlimited mileage - i think I put several thousand miles on the rental and they kind of freaked out. Now they only allow you to travel several states over or limit the mileage.

Raptor Jesus · 02-22-2019, 10:06 AM

06-11 Honda Civic LX/EX. They get roughly 42mpg hwy and have plenty of power and are fairly reliable.

Camaro_QC · 02-22-2019, 10:26 AM

I have always enjoyed driving Hyundai. Fairly cheap after few years so you should be able to get a 4-5 year old car for that price.

Also, do you want an hatchback to fit the bike in the car or a car rack is fine?

Hyundai Elantra would be perfect in my opinion. On top of that they are cheap to maintain.

Cheap Guy · 02-22-2019, 12:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Camaro_QC

I have always enjoyed driving Hyundai. Fairly cheap after few years so you should be able to get a 4-5 year old car for that price.

Also, do you want an hatchback to fit the bike in the car or a car rack is fine?

Hyundai Elantra would be perfect in my opinion. On top of that they are cheap to maintain.

Prefer a hatch - easier to put stuff like a bike in back. I hate bike racks.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Raptor Jesus

06-11 Honda Civic LX/EX. They get roughly 42mpg hwy and have plenty of power and are fairly reliable.

I've seen quite a few of those for around $3500. The timing belt was a concern but obviously I can get that changed before I begin for fairly cheap.

Expunge · 02-22-2019, 01:23 PM

Chevy HHR.. Will get you 30MPG's, very reliable, tons of storage space especially when you fold the back seats, ugly as sin and cheap.

ZED SLED · 02-22-2019, 01:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Expunge

Chevy HHR.. Will get you 30MPG's, very reliable, tons of storage space especially when you fold the back seats, ugly as sin and cheap.

I used to have one and I mostly agree. Just get some good padded seat covers. Your ass will think you. That thing was brutal on a trip without them.

Raptor Jesus · 02-22-2019, 02:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cheap Guy

Prefer a hatch - easier to put stuff like a bike in back. I hate bike racks.

I've seen quite a few of those for around $3500. The timing belt was a concern but obviously I can get that changed before I begin for fairly cheap.

The R18 in the 06-11's have a chain so no belt or 100k mile service to worry about but the spark plugs.

SSJ455 · 02-22-2019, 03:25 PM

Any interest in a 2001 Pontiac Aztek? Yes? No?

its a syn · 02-22-2019, 04:45 PM

Okay, this question all depends on the time of year. Maybe I missed those dates. North Dakota, hit Fargo, it is all you need to see of that state. You will see snow up to and possible April and possible early May. East North Dakota will try your sanity this time of year. Gas stations are not at every exit. I can say this, the curvature of th Earth can be seen from this state. Do not give up on Nodak, travel west and dive down to Nebraska. Scottsbluff area. Hit S Dakota, see Mt. Rushmore. Idaho, where does a person begin, so amazing. Stop and take a minute to plan Idaho. So much to see. I could give my ideas, but it is a state to find your fun! So many things to do and see, plan your time wisely. Oregon, I would have to say once again, find your fun and you will find it this state. Oh, a Camaro or great sports car. Twistys will be your friend.

02-21-2019, 08:16 PM	#1
Cheap Guy Drives: 2011 Camaro SS Join Date: Nov 2017 Location: Southeast Michigan Posts: 679	Cross Country Drive on the cheap - Which Car? I’m planning on driving around the country this summer and knock off the only three states in the lower 48 I haven’t visited but I want to do it on the cheap. What’s the best car for around $5000 you’d chose? Has to be relatively reliable, easy to fix on the road, relatively good on gas but cruise at 80 mph, be able to fit my bike, and not ride completely like crap. Right now I’m looking at high miles Ford Focus but that damn thermostat was a bitch to fix. __________________ My Little Mid-Life Crisis Cure! First - 1997 Camaro 3800 Y87, M5, Green - Gone \| Second - 1997 LT1 Z28, M6, Silver - Sold \| Third - 1999 LS1 Z28, M6, Pewter, Almost Stock! - Sold Current - 2011 Camaro SS, M6, black, 1LE suspension parts - Current

02-22-2019, 09:10 AM	#2
Sir Nuke Master of All Things Drives: '20 Corvette Stingray Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Southeast of Houston, Texas Posts: 22,330 View My Garage	well if I were going to do this and not take my own car....I would fly to my starting point and then RENT a car that fits your bike. __________________

02-22-2019, 10:26 AM	#5
Camaro_QC Drives: 08 Tiburon GS, 2018 Camaro 2.0T Join Date: Sep 2017 Location: Québec Posts: 1,660	I have always enjoyed driving Hyundai. Fairly cheap after few years so you should be able to get a 4-5 year old car for that price. Also, do you want an hatchback to fit the bike in the car or a car rack is fine? Hyundai Elantra would be perfect in my opinion. On top of that they are cheap to maintain. __________________ 2018 Camaro LS \| 6 spd \| 2.0L turbo \| Nightfall Grey \| RS package \| Technology Package. --------------------- Order WDGHKX 1100 - 5/08/2018 \| 3800 - 6/18/2018 2000 - 5/09/2018 \| 4200 - 6/21/2018 3000 - 5/28/2018 \| 5000 - 6/27/2018 6000 - 6/29/2018

02-22-2019, 03:25 PM	#10
SSJ455 Drives: "Kara Zor-El" 2017 2SS HBM Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Lower Hudson Valley Posts: 2,036 View My Garage	Any interest in a 2001 Pontiac Aztek? Yes? No? __________________ Lead me not into temptation. I already know the way. Lana? Lana? LANA! LAAANAAAA!!!! What? Dangerzoooooone.

02-22-2019, 04:45 PM	#11
its a syn B.O.D. 02/16/10 Drives: 2010 SGM Sp. Edition 2017 RS Conver Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Albia,Iowa Posts: 3,959 View My Garage	Okay, this question all depends on the time of year. Maybe I missed those dates. North Dakota, hit Fargo, it is all you need to see of that state. You will see snow up to and possible April and possible early May. East North Dakota will try your sanity this time of year. Gas stations are not at every exit. I can say this, the curvature of th Earth can be seen from this state. Do not give up on Nodak, travel west and dive down to Nebraska. Scottsbluff area. Hit S Dakota, see Mt. Rushmore. Idaho, where does a person begin, so amazing. Stop and take a minute to plan Idaho. So much to see. I could give my ideas, but it is a state to find your fun! So many things to do and see, plan your time wisely. Oregon, I would have to say once again, find your fun and you will find it this state. Oh, a Camaro or great sports car. Twistys will be your friend. __________________

02-22-2019, 10:06 AM	#4
Raptor Jesus Banned Drives: Camaro Join Date: Jan 2019 Location: Indiana Posts: 215	06-11 Honda Civic LX/EX. They get roughly 42mpg hwy and have plenty of power and are fairly reliable.

02-22-2019, 01:23 PM	#7
Expunge Drives: 2013 ZL1 M6, '99 Tahoe 2Dr Sport Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: South of Houston, TX Posts: 890 View My Garage	Chevy HHR.. Will get you 30MPG's, very reliable, tons of storage space especially when you fold the back seats, ugly as sin and cheap.

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