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Hi guys (and gals)
Last week I was out in Nor-Cal visiting my family, bought, fixed and promptly sold that 97 Aspire, still needing something to drive home I bought an 03 Echo of the local CL. They are one of the cars I pay attention to (prices, etc.) usually fetching around 4K to 6K depending on miles and condition (I've seen a few in the 2K range) The one I picked up is probably the LEAST desirable model in my value system (4-dr, auto trans) but the price was more than right (2800) 125K, silver, A/C. etc. I changed the oil and rotated the tires for the trip back to the icebox (Mn.) hoping to be lucky at 30mpg. I ended up getting no less than 40MPG and once got 51MPG with a major tailwind!! On top of that, the Echo cruises at 75-80 with zero effort (unlike my beloved carbie) who more enjoys 60-65. My lil carbie only pulls 40MPG on a good day these days (she's tired) I planned on selling the echo for a few bucks upon return, but thinking now I might keep it for a while. It's very comfortable, quiet (in relation to a gutted 89 festy) and seems to get less repulsive looks from young women...
I use to have an 00 2-dr 5-spd Echo that easily pulled 50MPG on the freeway. They sold a 2-dr hatchback echo in Canada for a few years that I can only imagine rivals the XFi in MPG's.
That VVT-i motor is one under rated little power plant. Every "worst cars" article I come across always lists the Echo, which I never understand. Simple, reliable and frigg'n 45+MPG!!!
FX
Last week I was out in Nor-Cal visiting my family, bought, fixed and promptly sold that 97 Aspire, still needing something to drive home I bought an 03 Echo of the local CL. They are one of the cars I pay attention to (prices, etc.) usually fetching around 4K to 6K depending on miles and condition (I've seen a few in the 2K range) The one I picked up is probably the LEAST desirable model in my value system (4-dr, auto trans) but the price was more than right (2800) 125K, silver, A/C. etc. I changed the oil and rotated the tires for the trip back to the icebox (Mn.) hoping to be lucky at 30mpg. I ended up getting no less than 40MPG and once got 51MPG with a major tailwind!! On top of that, the Echo cruises at 75-80 with zero effort (unlike my beloved carbie) who more enjoys 60-65. My lil carbie only pulls 40MPG on a good day these days (she's tired) I planned on selling the echo for a few bucks upon return, but thinking now I might keep it for a while. It's very comfortable, quiet (in relation to a gutted 89 festy) and seems to get less repulsive looks from young women...
I use to have an 00 2-dr 5-spd Echo that easily pulled 50MPG on the freeway. They sold a 2-dr hatchback echo in Canada for a few years that I can only imagine rivals the XFi in MPG's.
That VVT-i motor is one under rated little power plant. Every "worst cars" article I come across always lists the Echo, which I never understand. Simple, reliable and frigg'n 45+MPG!!!
FX
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