Well, thanks to those OPEC guys, I may have to part with my truck. It's just getting rediculous paying $1.95 a gallon and nearly $50 to fill up. I can't afford it being in college. Plus, the truck is getting a few miles on her and the little things are starting to wear out and need replaced.

So I'm afraid she might need to go.

I've been looking into a new Dodge SRT-4. GREAT power, good mileage and it seems like a practical car. I don't pull anything anymore, so I don't need something with a towing capacity, save for MAYBE a rolling trunk (one of those little coleman trailers). Aside from being FWD, I can't find anything I don't like about the car. Price is right, and so is the insurance.

Anyone have any inputs? The only other thing that would happen is dependant on gas prices. If they go back down, the truck would recieve a built bottom end and a home-made twin turbo kit. Mainly because I could throw one together for about the same price as the difference in my truck and the SRT-4. But I'd say goodbye to any mileage at ALL.

So I'm stuck.
-Flea

 

...svt focus???? I know how you feel, I was doing nearly a truck payment every month when I drove my truck on a daily basis. That was around $200 a month, usually more.

 

I feel the burn as well. You must have dual tanks like me. I'd never get rid of my truck in a million years, however. I'm just trying to keep my lead foot at home, take the bus or bike when I can, etc. I might buy a junker or a motorcycle at some point if the prices don't budge but I'll keep my truck for ever.

Also, I must ask. According to your signature, would this make you a Coward?

 

I never thought of that...

I just don't know what to do. It's getting really expensive to run back and forth to school, and I don't know that I'd want to have to keep up two cars. If I bought a junker, chances are that I'd spend money keeping it running since I'd be driving it a lot.

It's all so damn frustrating... lets just drill in Alaska and be done with it...

 

Nothing better than a cowboy and a Ford truck

 

Keep it in your pants FL

 

 

Cowboys with trucks are a dime a dozen. Now girls driving trucks are another story. Driving their husband's truck doesn't count.

 

I second the vote for a Focus.

If you are going small... this offers the most bang for the buck.

 

Urban Cowboy, you single?

 

Whoooooaaaaaa!! Easy Trigger.

 

In the words of Chris Ledoux,

I can see you got your eye on this old cowboy,
And I can tell you've never had one for your own,
Or you ve never been around one,
Now you re thinkin that you ve found one,
Well it might be kinda fun to take him home.

You giggle every time that I say yes ma'am
And I get this feelin if I held you tight,
You'd be seein his and hers,
Buckles boots and spurs,
But that's a feelin you'll get over overnight.

Cause whatcha gonna do with a cowboy
When that old rooster crows at dawn,
When he's lyin there instead,
Of getttin out of bed
And puttin on his boots and gettin gone,
What you gonna do when he says honey
I've got half a mind to stay,
What you gonna do with a cowboy,
When he don t saddle up and ride away.

 

The SVT Focus may be nimble but it's not anywhere near as quick as the SRT-4. The SVT Focus is a far mor refined car than the SRT-4 but that little Dodge packs a punch.

I drive a truck now, so if I had to get a small car I wouldn't necessarilly need great handling. I would want power though. The SRT-4 is said to be under rated at something like 230 horse. A few different mags have said that it's got plenty of low end torque. I believe they run low, low 14's in the quarter, off the showroom floor.

I like Fords but bang for the buck, I think the SRT-4 takes the cake. But then if someone gets a small car for good fuel mileage, the SVT Focus is the wiser choice. I'll give the SVT Focus high marks for retaining fuel efficiency, having good power out of a high revving 2.0 ZTEC, and the handeling of a European sports car. I just wish there was the factory option of forced induction of some kind so that it was better than all the other little four bangers out there.

 

I LOVE Chris Ledoux (even got my hat signed), but that song has been played into the ground. He's a good man.

 

Those were pretty much my thoughts. The little turbo is nice, because power is there when you want it, and it's docile when you don't. The SVT Focus is a nice vehicle, but I've never liked the overall design of the body, nor the fact that the engine needs to be wound out in order to get any power. Besides, the SRT-4 is a handler all in it's own. The Neon has been an impressive performer in SCCA events ever since it's induction (look up history behind the ACR Neon), but they've always lacked the power to keep up with the big dogs. Having test-driven 3 of them now, I have to say that they certainly hold their own in the twisties. Also, everyone I've spoken with (owners, dealerships, and magazine articles) say it's a mid-20 mpg car, even with some fun thrown in.

All I need to do is check out and see how much I can get for the truck. That will be the final step. Definately going to be on E-bay or sold locally. No trade, especially since they'd probably turn around and sell it for double what they give me. Anyone interested in a highly-modified (with doccumented maintainence!) 1998 F-150 Lariat 4x4?

-Flea