I've been looking for a vehicle that gets better mpg for everyday driving for the last month or so. Plus, I need an extra vehicle in case one goes down - I can still get to work. Case in point, while Explorer is in shop to check for damage from the accident.
Newly installed in the garage is a 2007 Ford Focus ZX4 with almost 200k miles. I paid a little less than what I got for the Patriot that had a dead transmission - I figure I'm ahead. It's in pretty good shape; just has high mileage. I'll see if it passes inspection next weekend, but I don't see any reason it shouldn't pass. It is a 5-speed so I'm looking forward to driving a standard again.
During the test drive I forgot to down shift as I was coming to a stop light until the owner reminded me - funny how short a time one forgets even though I still have the urge to shift the Explorer on a regular basis (haven't ever reached for the clutch, just reach for a shifter that isn't there).
I'm still keeping the Explorer for driving in winter weather, hauling pellets and other heavy loads, and it can pull a trailer if I ever get one. Plus, it doesn't fit in the garage anyway, so no extra space is needed for the car.
Still need to get tags for the car, so it will be safely ensconced in the garage for a couple more days before I can start enjoying the 28-35 mpg (better even than the Patriot was at 26-28).
Elder Brother rented a Ford Focus during our Florida trip - a 2015 model with automatic transmission. Since it had many of the electronic features of my own 2014 Lincoln MKZ, I was able to give him some tips. He just refused to use the backup camera, however, and nearly hit another car because of it! Of course, you know how EB is: drives in a manner that causes other drivers to honk at him while cursing the driving of every other driver on the road. They are all "idiots", of course!
Posted by: Cop Car | January 31, 2016 at 11:29 AM
I failed to say that I hope you get good service from your high-mileage Ford.
Posted by: Cop Car | January 31, 2016 at 11:30 AM
Wow, Don got the hi-falutin Focus for a rental!
Mine is a basic Focus - has PW & PL, but that is it. And, just like the Explorer, I can't use my mp3 player, or even most CD's. Heck, can't even use the radio since the antennae is snapped off. But, none of that is needed as long as it gets me to and from.
My 2006 Street Glide was more advanced electronically than either of the vehicles I now have; could use MP3 player (or phone), could use any CD, and had outside temp display (Useless on a bike - you either have enough clothing on, need more clothing, or need to take off some layers - LOL)
Posted by: bogie | January 31, 2016 at 08:20 PM
Whoohoo! Enjoy the gas-milage!
Posted by: Ruth | February 01, 2016 at 09:02 AM
Bogie--Not a hi-falutin Focus...just a newer model that probably came standard. It had no radio - or - I wasn't smart enough to figure out how to connect to it. Go figure!
As long as you can sing, don't need no stinkin' radio!
Posted by: Cop Car | February 01, 2016 at 05:35 PM
It had a radio - I can guarantee it. Not a model that doesn't have one - especially those with back up cameras.
Posted by: bogie | February 02, 2016 at 02:41 AM
The symbols were there, but nothing happened when I tried the buttons and there was no "Settings" for "Entertainment" as there is in your dad's or my car.
Posted by: Cop Car | February 02, 2016 at 02:51 PM
Well, if you couldn't figure it out, I probably couldn't either. I am doing dang good to just run a basic radio with CD. Pretty sad for someone who spends most her day on a computer and can figure out how to run computer programs on her own :)
Posted by: bogie | February 04, 2016 at 07:10 PM