It does sound like you got a pretty good deal.
Congrats, Satan! Owning a new car is fun! (Or in your
case almost new, and new to you!)
Si, senor. Correctamente. I know my Ford Contour was “hecho en Mexico”. I think even Harleys now have Japanese parts.
Satanader…sounds like a good choice…happy motoring!!
As I’ve owned a Hyundai Accent for the past year, I’ll highly recommend it. Gets about 32 in the city and 41-43 on the highway, zero problems so far. Just took it on a cross-country trip. Handles good, decent acceleration for a tiny engine. No frills, but I’m paying less than $200 a month on a new car and the Hyundai warranty is about as generous as it gets (I think the new VW bug is the closest on the length).
In a few years, given a little more cash flow, I’ll probably trade it towards a Tiberon, which I was drooling over in the showroom recently.
In my experience, the best deal going is the stripped-down SATURN SL. True, you don’t get much (no air, auto door locks, or PS, or ABS)but you can’t beat the price. I’ve had two-both went over 120K miles, with minimal repairs (car #1 needed a water pump and brake pads, car#2 an exhaust clamp and brake pads). I got 30-34 MPG in the city and 40-42 on the highway.Granted, if you want a lot of nice stuff, saturns get pricey-but the base model is a bargain-you get most of the good for a pettry low price. And, Saturns don’t rust, so if you paln to keep a car for 10+ years, that is a consideration.
Good choice! Tho not thrilling in any way, should be dependable and low maintenance.
Many moons ago when our Taurus wagon was starting to act up, we asked a mechanic we trusted what cars he never saw. He said Camrys just don’t break down. We bought a 91 Camry wagon, got a 98 Corolla for a second car, and last year traded in the wagon for a Previa (the kids are getting bigger.) They have required no unusual service, and the dealer has been great about routine maintenance. (Mrs. D. originally wanted to go with that pearl lilac, or whatever it is called, but fortunately I talked her into the blue!) I anticipate one of our kids will take the Corolla off to college with them in 6 years or so.
I have heard nothing but good things about Hondas, from the Civic thru the Odyssey, but the dealer nearest us had a “take it or leave it” attitude I didn’t care for. I’d suggest Toyota vs. Honda is pretty much of a wash.
Sounds like a good car - with only 22,000 miles on it.
I would never buy a fleet car, from a rental or otherwise. Not the way I beat on my rentals!
‘Why are you buying used?’
Cuz once you buy a new car & drive it off the lot, perhaps just a couple hundred feet, its considered used & worth about $2000 less right then.
Good choice Satan!
BTW, do ya use synthetic oil? Gives you a little extra horsepower and protects your engine. Plus you have a lil more le-way between oil changes. I’d have the transmission fluid flushed and put synthetic transmission fluid in there. It will extend the life of your transmission.
Drive happy! 
Well, here’s some stuff from Consumer Reports on the Focus.
I suspect you already got 'em. But these are paid for.
'00 Ford Focus
Water could enter speed-control assembly and prevent throttle from returning to idle. If so, car could unexpectedly accelerate, increasing risk of crash.
Models:
33,292 cars with automatic speed control, made 3/8/99-10/29/99 at Wayne, Mich., plant. Only about half the suspect vehicles are in customers’ hands; the rest remain in dealer inventory, according to Ford.
What to do:
Have dealer inspect assembly for water corrosion and install redesigned speed-control cable. Owners are advised not to use speed control until repairs are made.
New 2000: Small car
Ford Focus
The Focus is Ford’s latest attempt at building a “world car”. Our first look at the new Focus suggests that it could become one of the better choices in the small car category. It offers a big-car experience in a small package–the rear seat is especially roomy for this class. It’s easy to get in and out, and the driving position is high and commanding. The interior has a spacious, airy feel. The Focus is fun to drive, and handles nimbly without a rough ride. Acceleration is more than adequate from the 130 hp Four, which is standard on the ZTS model and a $200 option on the SE version.The standard engine is basically the Escort’s 110-hp Four. A little too much road noise is all that detracts from what is otherwise a pleasant driving experience. Originally it was intended to replace only the long-running Ford Escort, but it ended replacing the slow-selling Contour as well.
Tests and reliability: This model is new, so no test results apply, nor are there survey responses to show reliability history.
Body styles and prices
Price range Trim lines
2-door hatchback $12,055 ZX3
4-door $12,315 - $15,260 LX, SE, ZTS
4-door wagon $15,475 SE
Safety Information
Safety belts:
Pretensioners Front
Center-rear 3-point
Dual air bags Standard
Side air bags Optional front
Antilock brakes Optional
Traction aid Traction available
Gov’t front-crash test:
Driver
Front passenger
Gov’t side-crash test:
Driver
Rear passenger
IIHS offset crash test NA
Injury claim rate compared with:
All vehicles NA
small cars NA
Forecasts
Predicted reliability NEW
Owner satisfaction NEW
Predicted depreciation NA
Specifications
Drive wheels
Front
Seating
2 front, 3 Rear
Engines available
2.0-liter 4 (110 hp)
2.0-liter 4 (130 hp)
Transmissions available
5-speed manual
4-speed automatic
Fuel
Fuel type Regular
EPA city/highway, mpg 25/31
Fuel refill capacity, gal. 13.2
Dimensions and weight
Length, in. 175
Width, in. 67
Wheelbase, in. 103
Curb weight, lb. 2,715
Percent weight, front/rear 61/39
Typical towing ability, lb. 1,000