Neutral: you know, this whole situation is hurting everyone. There’s only so much money to go ‘round, and precious few are insulated from the tumbling economy. Forgive my venting, but I’m pretty tired of all of these industries, not necessarily known for being frugal in the good times, now feigning a frown and…

Thank you so much, always good to learn some more!!

Being off for two more weeks (at least) due to Shelter In Place orders, I’m planning to catch up on all my maintenance. Full fluid change, new shocks, and drive belt on my truck, new chain on my motorcycle, and a new oil pan gasket on my little commuter car. Lots to do!

Brake cleaner, just to clean up fluids I’ve spilled and such? Admittedly I’m new to doing my own maintenance, so maybe I’ll have to snag a can or two of the stuff.

Jeez. I’ve been pining for an upgrade from my 2,300 pound, 100-hp (23 lb/hp) Mazda2 for a while. While I generally enjoy small, underpowered cars (when manually equipped), 30 lb/hp in a crossover sounds like an exercise in extreme patience.

That. Is stunning.

I run an ‘11 Mazda2 hatchback subcompact and an ‘09 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off Road. The teeny commuter Mazda can almost fit in the Tacoma’s long bed, and the Tacoma can go nearly anywhere off road (I, not it, is the weak link out there). At least they’re both manuals!

I can’t find any Mazda 2s in junkyards within a day’s drive of me, so none. I need some trim pieces, but if I find one I may just scavenge any consumable from it for mine!

Niiiiiceeee.

Oh god, now I can’t unsee Andrew as a shorter-haired Foo Fighter!

Get bent, jackass. Unless my seat isn’t designed to recline, I’ll do whatever I damn well please. As with anyone else.

Is it worthwhile to spend the cash for the Sport Touring trim, over the Sport? I long for sunroof, heated seats, AND a manual, but really don’t know how I feel about spending nearly $29,000 for a Civic.

Sorry Raph, but your take is cold.

My 2,300 pound, 100 horsepower Mazda2/Demio cold hatch is the smallest and least powerful car I’ve owned, and I concur the all-throttle-all-day philosophy is best to ring small engines out. I’ve seen 106 MPH out of it, and have had it airborne on some sharp hills, but it’s only given me minor issues. Love me some…

I drive an ‘11 Mazda2, definitely not an appliance with its 5-speed and microscopic 100 horsepower. I have only owned it one year, but I abuse the heck out of it and it doesn’t skip a beat. I’m fastidious on maintenance and am doing it’d 100,000 refresh stuff, but while it’ll probably keep going I foresee getting…

I bought a brand new Fit 5-speed back in 2012, and it was not treated like (nor did it feel like) an appliance. I threw sticky tires and some tiny suspension bits on it, and it was a slow little corner carving machine I could drive at 9.5/10ths pretty much everywhere. I’m currently eyeing the Civic Sport now, for a…

I don’t even look at EPA numbers anymore. Fuelly reports that the crossover is ~5 mpg lower than the Mazda3 over roughly several million miles, and the past 5 model year averages. 5 mpg isn’t massive annually, but it definitely adds up.

I’ve never been to Detroit or that region, but I’m planning a trip for a week or so. The Henry Ford museum is definitely on the list!

My neighbor has TWO Spark EVs, and I wish I knew them enough to ask for a ride. I know they are fun and, although they lack range, I think they’d be a great little city car.

I have a minicar, a pickup, and a motorcycle. I’m a super-commuter, and plan to keep the minicar commuter in tip-top gas-sipping shape. I also need to replace my bike’s chain, and replace the shocks on my Tacoma. From there, I want to off-road and ride more on my weekends! Happy new year, fellow Jalops!