[Cialug] OT: safe/reliable fuel-efficient cars.

[David Champion]

The pedals are *supposed* to be close together. Otherwise you can't 
heel-toe when you downshift. :)

The Honda S2000's pedals are so close together that you have to choose 
which shoes you wear when you drive it, or you'll hit both the clutch 
and the brake pedal at the same time. I've heard that the Lotus Elise 
has even smaller pedals - a guy I know who's about 6'3" and probably 
size 12 shoes said it was just about impossible for him to drive... and 
he's owned both a S2000 and a Miata. I don't think either of those cars 
would fit Nate's criteria, so no worries there.

If you want a performance car with a truck-like clutch pedal, try the 
BMW M3. I couldn't believe how long the clutch pedal throw is on those.

James... as I mentioned, VW is going to the DSG transmission, which is a 
computer controlled manual transmission. It's not the same as getting a 
Pontiac conventional automatic with the paddle shifters... but as 
someone mentioned, the passenger version has a "nerfed" program, and 
people think it's pretty worthless to use it in the manual mode. The 
sporty cars like the GTI and R32 have a performance mode that gives you 
almost fully manual control, but it won't let you downshift to1st when 
you're doing 80mph...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Direct-Shift_Gearbox

-dc

Nathaniel Petersen wrote:
> Having recently test-driven a Fit (in anticipation of the new
> Insight), I can attest to the headroom.  However, if you are all legs
> (as I recently indicated), expect to straddle the steering wheel.
> Plus, the manual that I drove had the clutch peddle closer to the
> break than I am comfortable with (I have wide feet, too).
>
> Both complaints are nothing new.  I have them for most cars and S-10
> sized trucks.  It would help if the Fit's tilt wheel went up even half
> an inch more.  I have this problem with my Elantra, so getting in and
> out is a little bit of a chore.  But there is sufficient space between
> the clutch and the break that I don't have that issue to contend with.
>
> Have you test driven a VW Jetta TDI?  They have a six-speed manual
> transmission, and a larger gap between the clutch and the break
> (almost 4" more than my Elantra).  They have great handling, and a
> little bit more room between the floor and the console (they have a
> 'uniface' dash that is closer to the driver, making it difficult to
> straddle the steering console - so the added inches to the height are
> appreciated).
>
> My only problem is that it starts about 5K more than I usually budget
> for a new vehicle.  By my math, I would have to drive my current
> vehicle nearly 75K, trouble-free miles more before I can save that 5K.
>  Since diesel costs roughly 35¢ more right now (and I have no idea how
> this trends out, since I can't find actuarial data on diesel), I would
> have to get at a minimum one additional mile per gallon to break even.
>  Trend data also shows that the Elantra has a lower cost per 10K miles
> over the first 150K for maintenance and repair costs (though this is
> in comparison to the 2006, non-diesel models).
>
> I don't want to sound like I'm praising the Elantra too much, and I'm
> sorry to hear that it took so much damage in your accident, but I
> really do love mine.
>
> Here is what Car and Driver had to say about the hatch-back version of
> the 2009.  I am actually sad to see that Hyundai put traction control
> on this model, as I can not stand to lose that control.  But that is a
> preference item, as I'm sure traction control and ABS saves lives.
>
> http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/hot_lists/car_shopping/suvs_family_haulers/2009_hyundai_elantra_touring_short_take_road_test/(page)/1
>
> -Nick
>
> PS: I know it doesn't help with your purchase now, but a hybrid
> Elantra is supposed to make it to the US in 2011 (2012 model).
>
> On Mon, Mar 2, 2009 at 7:37 AM, Barry Von Ahsen <barry at vonahsen.com> wrote:
>   
>> James Shoemaker wrote:
>>     
>>>  I was going to suggest a VW Passat like I drive, I have put 81K miles on
>>> it without putting anything but gas, oil, and filters in it.  It has a
>>> manual and gets 27-32 depending on driving/weather.  But then I checked the
>>> web-site and they don't sell the manual Passat in the US anymore.  That
>>> leaves me with a huge empty hole in what to buy to replace my car when the
>>> time comes.
>>>  My requirements are even worse:
>>> 1: manual transmission.
>>> 2: decent handling.
>>> 3: decent power.
>>> 4: decent economy.
>>> 5: room for a wheelchair and walker and 3 people.
>>> 6: enough headroom for me to sit up
>>>
>>>       
>> not sure which honda you looked at, but I've got a 2008 Fit sport, manual,
>> gets 30+ combined driving, and I can sit up and finish off that last bit of
>> pepsi big slam while driving.  good power, good handling (I was able to hold
>> my own as a n00b at a recent auto cross event), and the back seats fold up
>> or down to give you really deep storage (seats up) or really big cargo room
>> (backs down).  you can also fold down both the front and back passenger
>> seats to get almost 10'x4' storage - I was able to haul home my ikea
>> wardrobe, which would never have fit in my S10
>>
>> -barry
>>
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