3/4 goes into 626 ...

[dglenn]

Today's pleasant surprise: the double bass fits into a 1989 Mazda

Comments

[ext_41274]

Yeah, I recall being pretty impressed with the 626's capabilities as a harp transport vehicle. On the other hand, my experience with a 323 from the same period was that it was an utter joy to drive, and ruinous in maintenance expenses. Admittedly this was a lower-end model, but you might want to check with Edmunds or some other reputable source about expected maintenance costs on those 626s.

(Sorry to be a downer, but $1000 a year in repairs got tiresome for me *really* fast, and I wouldn't want you to be caught by surprise.)

[anniemal]

But I drive a '91 Mazda 323, and it costs me $450 a year in upkeep. Probably because I don't drive much.

[madbodger]

Feel safe driving it? A 626 is much safer than a Honda, dude. Of course, if you want
a cheap safe car with plenty of capacity, get a Volvo 245. The little engine doesn't
burn much fuel either, and it's as dead-simple as a fuel injection system can get
(the incoming air presses on a plate that meters the fuel into the cylinders). Not a
lot of acceleration (small engine, large mass), but gets the job done. I loved mine.

[garnet_rattler]

Maryland is Insane on any holes in the body of the vehicle. OTOH, you can get some aluminum tape cheap at a parts store, cover it over and that, apparently, counts as ok. The law seems to be intended to force you to have it ~air-tight to keep exhaust out. Check with #12 for details on inspection stuff; he also knows a place (down by his old house, but honest) that does inspections you can trust, he says.

Dearlove, Have I mentioned How Much I Love Car Shopping With You?

[anniemal]

I do not love going 100 mph. Or cornering at speed. The Good Thing about the 626 is the overhead grip. (*snort*) Much as I adore you, I don't love your driving habits.