EARTHY CARS SPOTLIGHT: 10.05.2010

This week we look at the vehicles on our lot based on different car classifications:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Car_classification

Microcar (a.k.a. City car or Kei car)
There aren’t very much microcars in the United States, and there are in Europe or Japan. We currently don’t have any micro or city cars.
The Smart ForTwo is the most notable microcar. The Scion/Toyota iQ and Tata Nano are examples of microcars that will be coming to the United States in the future.

We have sold several Smart ForTwo's in the past. We can specially order one for you if you are interested.

Subcompact cars
2009 Toyota Yaris Black, Hatchback, 28227 mi, $12,500 http://ow.ly/2G13J

2009 Toyota Yaris Red, Hatchback, 29027 mi, $12,500 http://ow.ly/2G0ZL

2008 Honda Fit Red, Hatchback, 63131 mi, $12,900 http://ow.ly/2FZFH

-Subcompact wagon
2008 Scion xD Red, 52365 mi, $11,900 http://ow.ly/2G1y8

Compact cars
2007 Honda Civic Hybrid Silver, Sedan, 38779 mi, $12,900 http://ow.ly/2FZwM

2007 Honda Civic Hybrid Blue, Sedan, 77270 mi, $10,900 http://ow.ly/2BPX8

2005 Honda Civic LX Special Edition Blue, Sedan, 115,619 mi, $8,900 http://ow.ly/2LPDp

2005 Ford Focus Silver, Sedan, 90598 mi, $6,900 http://ow.ly/2FYCO

2007 Subaru Impreza 2.5i Red, Sedan, 63247 mi, $11,500 http://ow.ly/2LPHG

2008 Toyota Corolla Blue, Sedan, 64875 mi, $10,500 http://ow.ly/2G03i

2001 Volkswagen New Beetle Silver, Hatchback, 82260 mi, $6,900 http://ow.ly/2IPJd

-Compact luxury cars
1994 BMW 318 Red, Sedan, 129154 mi, $4,900 http://ping.fm/UIf05

2005 BMW 325 Grey, Sedan, 102635 mi, $13,900 http://ow.ly/2FYvm

-Compact wagons
2006 Chrysler P.T. Cruiser Red, 63148 mi, $7,900 http://ow.ly/2FYz4 sold

2008 Scion xB Dark Blue, 61900 mi, $10,900 http://ow.ly/2FZVm

2006 Subaru Impreza 2.5i Gray, 74621 mi, $10,900 http://ow.ly/2LPKR

2008 Toyota Matrix Silver, 55974 mi, $12,900 http://ow.ly/2G08X

Mid-size sedans/hatchbacks
2008 Honda Accord Grey, Sedan, 39243 mi, $17,900 http://ow.ly/2FZ5U

2007 Honda Accord Grey, Sedan, 17510 mi, $13,900 http://ow.ly/2FZhN

2004 Honda Accord Silver, Sedan, 108914 mi, $8,900 http://ow.ly/2FYNK

2004 Nissan Altima Pearl White, Sedan, 125085 mi, $6,900 http://ow.ly/2J1j8

2008 Toyota Prius Grey, Hatchback, 98500 mi, $11,900 http://ow.ly/2G0JJ

2008 Toyota Prius Tan, Hatchback, 35290 mi, $15,900 http://ow.ly/2G0MT

2007 Toyota Prius Beige, Hatchback, 73980 mi, $12,900 http://ow.ly/2G0PI

2006 Volkswagen Passat Black, Sedan, 48614 mi, $12,900 http://ow.ly/2G1ne

SUVs
2008 BMW X3 Black, SUV, 75595 mi, $21,900 http://ping.fm/FIMux

-SUV / Station Wagon Crossover
2002 Honda CR-V Blue, SUV, 141574 mi, $6,900 http://ow.ly/2BPX8

2005 Subaru Forester 2.5x Green, SUV/Station Wagon, 83306 mi, $11,500 http://ow.ly/2LPPD

Minivan
2006 Kia Sedona White, 74555 mi, $9,900 http://ow.ly/2BnYq sold

2007 Toyota Sienna Blue, 50155 mi, $16,900 http://ow.ly/2MwlL

Pick-up truck
2005 Toyota Tacoma White Truck, 104886 mi, $8,900 http://ow.ly/2G0UW

No, we don’t have any convertibles or sports vehicles right now ;) Nor do we have any big vans

EARTHY CAR OF THE WEEK: 2007 Subaru Impreza 2.5i Red

Overview: (AOL Autos)

Subaru Imprezas are good fun to drive and quite practical, with decent room in the back seat and good gas mileage. The standard fulltime all-wheel-drive system is legitimately a safety, performance and foul-weather advantage.

The Impreza's line has grown to the point where you almost need a program to tell the players. There are currently 10 models, both sedans and wagons. All are powered by a variant of Subaru's 2.5-liter horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine. All come standard with full-time all-wheel drive and a manual transmission. Safety features on all models include dual front airbags, front side-impact airbags, and seatbelts with pre-tensioners and force limiters for the front seats. ABS comes standard and features four sensors and four channels.

http://autos.aol.com/cars-Subaru-Impreza-2007-2.5_i__4dr_All_wheel_Drive_Sedan/overview/

Specs and features at a glance: (from MSN Autos)

http://autos.msn.com/research/vip/Spec_Glance.aspx?year=2007&make=Subaru&model=Impreza&trimid=-1

Specs:

Vehix.com: http://www.vehix.com/car-reviews/2007/subaru/impreza/4dr-h4-mt-i/vehicle-specifications

AOL Autos: http://autos.aol.com/cars-Subaru-Impreza-2007-2.5_i__4dr_All_wheel_Drive_Sedan/specs/

Equipment:

Vehix.com: http://www.vehix.com/car-reviews/2007/subaru/impreza/4dr-h4-mt-i/standard-equipment

AOL Autos: http://autos.aol.com/cars-Subaru-Impreza-2007-2.5_i__4dr_All_wheel_Drive_Sedan/equipment/

Safety:



AOL Autos: http://autos.aol.com/cars-Subaru-Impreza-2007-2.5_i__4dr_All_wheel_Drive_Sedan/safety-features/

Vehix.com: http://www.vehix.com/car-reviews/2007/subaru/impreza/4dr-h4-mt-i/safety-ratings-features

MSN Autos: http://autos.msn.com

Reviews:
The Impreza has character and capability like nothing else in this category.
-- Automobile

The sedan's trunk is large...[and] has a low opening for easy loading.
-- Chicago Sun-Times

The seats are very comfortable and offer a wide range of adjustment for the driver.
-- Woman Motorist

AOL Autos: http://autos.aol.com/cars-Subaru-Impreza-2007-2.5_i__4dr_All_wheel_Drive_Sedan/at-a-glance/

EARTHY CARS SPOTLIGHT: 09.24.2010

***UPDATE*** 09.29.2010
On Friday evening, we had a bunch of Subaru's come in. A few of them have been already sold! We still have 3 left - if you are interested, get them quick. Subaru's are popular here in Vermont because they handle well in our winters.

2007 Subaru Impreza 2.5i Red, Sedan, 63247 mi, $11,500 http://ow.ly/2LPHG

2006 Subaru Impreza 2.5i Gray, Station Wagon, 74621 mi, $10,900 http://ow.ly/2LPKR

2005 Subaru Forester 2.5x Green, SUV/Station Wagon, 83306 mi, $11,500 http://ow.ly/2LPPD

Welcome to our new feature. Every week, I will be spotlighting the vehicles on our lot, by grouping them into special categories. This week, I will focus on SUVs, mid to full size sedans, fuel efficient vehicles, low priced vehicles, low mileage vehicles, hatchbacks, and blue vehicles.

SUVs:
As I said two weeks ago, you might be in the market for an SUV if you find yourself transporting your kids and their friends to soccer/baseball/hockey practice.

2008 BMW X3 Black, SUV, 75595 mi, $21,900 http://ping.fm/FIMux

2002 Honda CR-V Blue, SUV, 141574 mi, $6,900 http://ow.ly/2BPX8

2006 Kia Sedona White, SUV, 74555 mi, $9,900 http://ow.ly/2BnYq

2003 Saturn VUE Silver, SUV, 90978 mi, $6,900 http://ow.ly/2BQ9i sold

Spacey sedans:
If you are looking for a vehicle with a lot of space, but don’t want a SUV, then a mid-size or full size sedan might be right for you.

2004 Honda Accord Silver, Sedan, 108914 mi, $8,900 http://ow.ly/2FYNK

2007 Honda Accord Grey, Sedan, 17510 mi, $13,900 http://ow.ly/2FZhN

2008 Honda Accord Grey, Sedan, 39243 mi, $17,900 http://ow.ly/2FZ5U

2004 Nissan Altima Pearl White, Sedan, 125085 mi, $6,900 http://ow.ly/2J1j8

2006 Volkswagen Passat Black, Sedan, 48614 mi, $12,900 http://ow.ly/2G1ne

Most fuel efficient vehicles:
The Prius’ are tied for being the most fuel efficient vehicles on our lot. The Honda Civic Hybrids are tied for second. The Toyota Corolla, Toyota Yaris’, and Honda Fit are in 3rd, 4th, and 5th place, respectively.

2008 Toyota Prius Grey, Hatchback, 98500 mi, $11,900 MPG rating = 48/45 http://ow.ly/2G0JJ

2008 Toyota Prius Tan, Hatchback, 35290 mi, $15,900 MPG rating = 48/45 http://ow.ly/2G0MT

2007 Toyota Prius Beige, Hatchback, 73980 mi, $12,900 MPG rating = 48/45 http://ow.ly/2G0PI

2007 Honda Civic Hybrid Silver, Sedan, 38779 mi, $12,900 MPG rating = 40/45 http://ow.ly/2FZwM

2007 Honda Civic Hybrid Blue, Sedan, 77270 mi, $10,900 MPG rating = 40/45 http://ow.ly/2BPX8

2008 Toyota Corolla Blue, Sedan, 64875 mi, $10,500 MPG rating = 28/37 http://ow.ly/2G03i

Vehicles $6,900 and under:
Every car that we sell on the lot at Earthy Cars in of quality – even the ones that are very low priced. The following vehicles are priced low because they have a lot of mileage on them and/or are old. However, they are very well maintained.

1994 BMW 318 Red, Sedan, 129154 mi, $4,900 http://ping.fm/UIf05

2005 Ford Focus Silver, Sedan, 90598 mi, $6,900 http://ow.ly/2FYCO

2002 Honda CR-V Blue, SUV, 141574 mi, $6,900 http://ow.ly/2BPX8

2004 Nissan Altima Pearl White, Sedan, 125085 mi, $6,900 http://ow.ly/2J1j8

2003 Saturn VUE Silver, SUV, 90978 mi, $6,900 http://ow.ly/2BQ9i sold

2001 Volkswagen New Beetle Silver, Hatchback, 82260 mi, $6,900 http://ow.ly/2IPJd
Lowest mileage:
We have six vehicles that have less than 40,000 mileage -

2007 Honda Accord Grey, Sedan, 17510 mi, $13,900 http://ow.ly/2FZhN

2009 Toyota Yaris Black, Hatchback, 28227 mi, $12,500 http://ow.ly/2G13J

2009 Toyota Yaris Red, Hatchback, 29027 mi, $12,500 http://ow.ly/2G0ZL

2008 Toyota Prius Tan, Hatchback, 35290 mi, $15,900 http://ow.ly/2G0MT

2007 Honda Civic Hybrid Silver, Sedan, 38779 mi, $12,900 http://ow.ly/2FZwM

2008 Honda Accord Grey, Sedan, 39243 mi, $17,900 http://ow.ly/2FZ5U
Hatchbacks:
Two weeks ago, I wrote about how hatchbacks are becoming more popular in the U.S. We still have many of the same hatchbacks still on our lot, and more.

2006 Chrysler P.T. Cruiser Red, Hatchback, 63148 mi, $6,900 http://ow.ly/2FYz4

2008 Honda Fit Red, Hatchback, 63131 mi, $12,900 http://ow.ly/2FZFH

2008 Scion xD Red, Hatchback, 52365 mi, $11,900 http://ow.ly/2G1y8

2008 Toyota Matrix Silver, Hatchback, 55974 mi, $12,900 http://ow.ly/2G08X

2009 Toyota Yaris Black, Hatchback, 28227 mi, $12,500 http://ow.ly/2G13J

2009 Toyota Yaris Red, Hatchback, 29027 mi, $12,500 http://ow.ly/2G0ZL

2001 Volkswagen New Beetle Silver, Hatchback, 82260 mi, $6,900 http://ow.ly/2IPJd

COLOR OF THE WEEK (Blue):
If blue is your preferred color for a car…

2007 Honda Civic Hybrid Blue, Sedan, 77270 mi, $10,900 http://ow.ly/2BPX8

2002 Honda CR-V Blue, SUV, 141574 mi, $6,900 http://ow.ly/2BPX8

2008 Scion xB Dark Blue, Station Wagon, 61900 mi, $10,900 http://ow.ly/2FZVm

2008 Toyota Corolla Blue, Sedan, 64875 mi, $10,500 http://ow.ly/2G03i

EARTHY CARS OF THE WEEK: 2008 Dark Blue Scion xB Station Wagon

2008 Scion xB Dark Blue, Station Wagon, $10,900

“The 2008 Scion xB is a good choice for urban dwellers who need a smaller vehicle for easy parking and maneuverability yet need decent fuel efficiency, more cargo space than the typical small car, and a back seat comfortable enough for adults.” (from Chrome via Vehix.com)

Overview: (from NewCarTestDrive.com via Vehix.com)

“After being introduced just four years ago, the boxy Scion xB has been totally redesigned for 2008. Scion says that owners wanted their xBs to be bigger. Since it takes three years to produce a new car, the requests to expand the box must have started coming early.

The new xB is indeed a bigger box, but it doesn't look so much like a box any more. And it isn't, as the increased length reduces the squareness. The styling is considerably improved. Plastic surgery on the chin has made a huge difference, and the other edges and angles are much softer, making the xB more attractive and less funny looking.”

“The new xB is 12 inches longer, on a wheelbase that's just 4 inches longer; this means bigger overhangs, which goes against the trend, as most new vehicles increase the wheelbase more than the length, efficient packaging that increases stability. The xB is 2.8 inches wider, though, and that adds stability. And the wheels have been increased in size to 16 inches, allowing larger disc brakes, front and rear. The xB's brakes are very good.”

“The xB features electric power steering, which does away with belts, pulleys and fluid. It's quite nimble and fun to drive around town.”

“The bigger box provides an increase in cargo capacity, but 4.6 inches of legroom has been lost in the front seat, from 45.3 inches down to 40.7; in the rear, the legroom remains the same. So if Scion redesigned the xB to satisfy customers, it must have been those buyers who use the xB as cute little utility vans, not those who carry passengers. The front seats recline almost fully, and the 60/40 rear seats drop flat with one easy pull of a lever.”

“Not visible, but just as significant, is the whopping 50 percent increase in power. The xB now uses the same 2.4-liter engine that powers the quick tC Coupe. It makes 155 horsepower, an increase of no less than 55 over the 1.5-liter engine in the 2004-2007 xB. The engine employs all of Toyota's considerable variable valve timing technology (VVT-i), and gets 22/28 miles per gallon, at the EPA's ULEV-II (ultra-low) emissions ratings. The old xB got 30/34, but comparisons are difficult to make because the 2.4-liter engine has so much more horsepower, and because now the mileage is measured by the new 2008 EPA standards, which are more realistic than before.

Two transmissions are available, a four-speed automatic with manual shifting, and a five-speed manual. The automatic shifts well, but with only four speeds it kicks down a lot, especially from fourth to third. The xB would be smoother with a five-speed automatic, but 

that's not available.”

Equipment: (from JDPower.com via Vehix.com)                                 

“Standard equipment on the xB includes charcoal fabric interior, air conditioning, cruise control, information display, 160-watt Pioneer audio system with iPod and auxiliary connection, tilt steering wheel with audio controls, remote keyless entry, power side mirrors with turn signal indicators, power windows, and door locks, halogen headlamps, tinted glass, 16-inch steel wheels with wheelcovers.”

For more information about equipment, see MSN Autos.

Safety: (from JDPower.com via Vehix.com)

“Standard safety features on the 2008 Scion xB include driver and front passenger dual-stage air bags, front seat-mounted air bags, and side curtain air bags designed to protect front and rear passengers. Active safety features include standard 4-wheel anti-lock brakes (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA). Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) with Traction Control (TRAC) and a first aid kit are also standard on all models. The 2008 Scion xB has been crash tested by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS); it received a “good” rating—the highest rating the institute awards—in the frontal offset test.”

For more information about safety, see MSN Autos.

Sound System: (from JDPower.com via Vehix.com)

“The standard audio system in the 2008 Scion xB is a 6-speaker, 160-watt, Pioneer 

AM/FM/CD/MP3/WMA player with iPod connectivity and Scion Sound Processing (SSP). The head unit integrates track, artist information and album information from the iPod into a one-line display on the stereo’s front screen. Scion adds standard rear head outputs for additional external amplifiers. For further customization, an optional upgraded sound system adds the ability to download “skins” to play on the LCD faceplate.”

Reviews on YouTube:

What You Need To Know About Oil Changes

As you probably already know, you can get an oil change Earthy Cars for $19.95

However, you might not know when / how often you need an oil change for your car.

Here are some useful articles about car oil changes from AOL Autos:

‘Oil Changes: How Often?” (Tom Torbjornsen): http://autos.aol.com/article/engine-oil-101/

‘Engine Oil 101’ (Thomas Bey): http://autos.aol.com/article/oil-change-intervals/

‘Oil Change Options’ (Tom Torbjornsen): http://autos.aol.com/article/engine-oil-101/ - talks about the importance of synthetic oil, which we use

For more information about our service department, see here.

EARTHY CAR OF THE WEEK: 2004 White Nissan Altima

2004 Nissan Altima 2.5 S_Pearl White Sedan_$6,900_MPG rating = 23/29

This vehicle is ideal for those who are looking for something inexpensive ($6,900) and need a vehicle with a lot of room. The interior space and trunk space is larger a typical mid-size sedan. Its perfect for 'soccer moms' who need a car to transport their son and/or daughters (and their friends) to soccer practice, but don't want to drive an SUV. 

From MSN Autos:

"Occupying the position of Nissan's best-selling car, the Altima was first introduced in 1992, replacing the Stanza for the 1993 model year. A totally redesigned, second-generation Altima was introduced for the 1998 model year. A third-generation Altima went on sale for the 2002 model year with extensive enhancements, including refreshed styling, more horsepower and available front-seat side airbags."

"The Nissan Altima remains primarily unchanged for the 2004 model year."

REVIEWS
Via AOL Autos:

"Plenty of convenient storage areas and huge cupholders" –iZoom.com

"Here's the cool feature...the radio provided memory settings for three different users." –USA Today

"It's one of those somewhat rare family sedans that actually stands out in the crowd and delivers on the expectations set by its looks." –New Car Test Drive

From NewCarTest Drive.com via Vehix.com:

"The Nissan Altima boasts a bigger interior than the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord and most other mid-size sedans. It's quicker, too. The Altima offers everything buyers want in a reasonably priced sedan, particularly those who don't always travel alone. It's roomy, comfortable, and functional. It has comfortable rear seating and a big trunk. Bold styling sets it apart."

"As mid-size sedans go, the Nissan Altima is a big car. Its wheels are pushed to the far corners of the car, giving it a long wheelbase and wide track for stability at high speeds. The long wheelbase leaves plenty of room for large doors and passengers as well. When compared to Japanese sedans, the Altima is cast in the more aggressive style of a German car. Attentive observers may spot styling cues from the Volkswagen Passat or the Audi A6. The grille and front bumper protrude a bit, but they're set off nicely by multi-parabola projector-type headlights, with four bulbs set behind large triangular covers. Altima's grille is large by contemporary standards, but not the least bit awkward. Big 16-inch wheels (standard) improve both looks and handling. The rear half is even more striking, featuring a sloping roofline more reminiscent of a coupe than a four-door sedan.

The high trunk lid is set off by bold round taillights, turn signals and backup lights set in a triangular-shaped clear cover. The various lights are surrounded by silver, which is the rage among youthful hot-rodders. The trunk has a large opening and low lift-over height. Its trunk is generous at 15.6 cubic feet, putting Altima near the top of the mid-size class in trunk space.

Flexibility is increased by the standard split-folding rear seat (with a lock on all but the base car). The trunk lid lifts on its own when popped with the remote key fob, and the gooseneck hinges that allow this action intrude minimally into the usable trunk space.

Altima is assembled with a one-piece bodyside structure for more consistent build quality. Altima has gained on Camry and Accord in exterior build quality and Nissan claims panel-fit accuracy within 1.0 mm. The Altima also has more exterior design detail than either of those competitors, with creased mirrors, integrated foglamps and other subtle cues. Some may call these details distinctive; others may consider them excessive. Either way, Altima is styled more aggressively than most if its competitors. For 2004 the new Smoke gray paint brings color choices to eight.

The Nissan Altima's interior complements the bold exterior styling nicely. A few journalists have described the cabin design as brilliant. The dashboard is set relatively low, with a three-gauge binnacle directly in front of the driver containing speedometer, tachometer, and water temperature and fuel gauges. The instruments glow orange in the dark. This is the preferred color among enthusiast drivers; in theory it should interfere with night vision less than standard white backlighting does.

Audio controls are clustered in a raised, ovoid panel in the center of the dash. Climate control knobs lie directly below, and very easy to locate with minimal distraction. Air conditioning vents are flush-mounted on the dash, rather than in the protruding pods on some other cars. Seams for the passenger-side airbag are invisible, cleverly hidden in a large expanse of unembellished dashboard surface.

In general, the interior design gives Altima a spacious feel, and the feeling is no illusion. The Altima ranks near the top of the class measured by virtually any interior dimension. There's more front legroom here than in all but the largest vehicles on the road. Its front seats are good sized, which is good for larger bodies, and quite comfortable. Getting in and out of the Altima is easy, thanks to wide doors and a slightly higher-than-average front seating position.

The same applies in back. The rear seats are both supportive and comfortable, with good legroom and sufficient headroom. A 6-foot, 4-inch passenger can sit comfortably behind a 6-foot, 4-inch driver. Rear center passengers have a three-point seat belt with shoulder harness; when the center spot is empty, an armrest drops and presents cupholders. Getting in and out of the rear seats is easier in the Altima than it is in many mid-size sedans. The long wheelbase and large doors make it less likely that a rear passenger will get dirty by dragging clothes across the fender well."

http://www.vehix.com/car-reviews/2004/nissan/altima/expert-reviews

http://autos.aol.com/cars-Nissan-Altima-2004/at-a-glance/

EQUIPMENT

The 2004 Nissan Altima 2.5 S was the most popular Altima. It includes ABS, dual air bags, power windows, a green-tinted solar glass windshield, power steering, tilt and telescoping steering wheel, fold down center armrests front and rear, a 60/40 split folding rear seat and an in-glass antenna, air conditioning, power mirrors, remote keyless entry with remote trunk lock, an eight-way adjustable driver's seat, cruise control, a six-speaker audio system, seatback pockets and a lock for the split rear seat.

http://www.vehix.com/car-reviews/2004/nissan/altima/standard-equipment

http://autos.aol.com/cars-Nissan-Altima-2004/equipment/

http://autos.msn.com/research/vip/Spec_Glance.aspx?year=2004&make=Nissan&model=Altima&trimid=-1

EARTHY "CAR"(S) OF THE WEEK: SUVs

Earthy Cars usually does not have a large selection of SUVs. However, we currently have 4 SUVs on our lot. We have them here just in time for the start of the new school season. If you are the parent of 2 or more children, especially ones that are involved in sports, an SUV may be very necessary in transporting your children (and their friends) around.

1. 2008 BMW X3_SUV Black_$23,900_75,595 mi_MPG = 16/23

Chrome via Vehix.com:

“The 2008 BMW X3 comes with a silky smooth 3.0L inline six-cylinder engine that makes 260-horsepower and 225 lb-ft or torque. The vehicle also comes with xDrive, which is the latest development in BMW's AWD technology. It uses a servomotor to adjust the multi-disc clutch that splits the torque between the front and rear wheels, and in many circumstances the X3 feels just like a rear-wheel-drive vehicle. Reduced traction causes more power to be fed to the front, and the DSC traction control can even reduce engine torque and brake individual wheels in order to conquer most any hill. A standard push-button hill descent control can maneuver the X3 down steep or slippery hills with no driver throttle or braking input.” 

“The 2008 BMW X3 is a sport utility vehicle that places much more emphasis on "sport" than "utility." In fact, there are few other vehicles in this segment that feel as nimble and track-ready as the X3, while costing less than $40,000. That doesn't mean the X3 is an SUV in name only, though. With xDrive all-wheel drive, hill descent control, and a cargo capacity of up to 71.0 cubic feet, the X3 is still able to capably fill the ute role. It's just that with its excellent inline six and great sure-footedness, you may forget that's why you bought it in the first place.”

Also check out information about the 2002 BMW X3 on AOL Autos and MSN Autos.

2. 2006 Kia Sodona_White SUV_$9,900_74555 mi_MPG = 18/25

Chrome via Vehix.com:

The Kia Sedona is all-new for 2006 and, based on the time we've spent with it, it appears to be a compelling value among minivans, offering convenience, comfort, style and performance.
The 2006 Kia Sedona was designed by studying every other minivan in the class, choosing the best features, and improving them. It uses a new high-tech V6 engine, a responsive new five-speed automatic transmission, and a sophisticated and steady suspension.
From the outside, the all-new Sedona looks classy and stylish. Inside, there's seven-passenger seating with seats that easily collapse to create a vast cargo space. Every cabin convenience known to man is either standard or available; there are storage spaces everywhere you turn, and no fewer than 14 cupholders. And the Sedona achieves five-star crash certification, all for a base price of $22,995.

Car and Driver via AOL Autos:

"The new Sedona has everything a minivan must: a solid drivetrain, enough optional electronic gadgetry to narcotize the kiddies on trips, side windows that roll down, lots of cup holders, an optional power liftgate, and standard airbags in front and all along the sides. The drivetrain is refined and powerful, the chassis is well-sorted, and there's plenty of room for plenty of stuff"

More information about the 2006 Kia Sedona on MSN Autos.

3. 2003 Saturn VUE_SUV Silver_$6,900_90,978 mi_5-speed Manual_Highway MPG = 28

Info about the 2003 Saturn VUE at AOL Autos, Vehix.com, and MSN Autos.

4. 2002 Honda CR-V_SUV Blue_$6,900_141,574 mi_Highway MPG = 26

Info about the 2002 Honda CR-V at MSN Autos, AOL Autos, and Vehix.com

Are hatchbacks becoming more popular?

Yesterday, AOL Auto posted an article about how hatchback vehicles are becoming more popular in the U.S. The latest Ford Fiesta, Honda Fit, and VW Golf are selling at high volumes.

The writer, David Kiley, discusses American’s history with hatchbacks and why they are becoming more popular.

Why Hatchbacks Are Back by David Kiley (AOL Autos)

“For years in the U.S., highly rated hatchbacks have sold like escargot at Waffle House. To Volkswagen's perennial dismay, the Golf, the top selling model in Europe, rarely tops 35,000 sales in the U.S., while the Jetta remains its top selling model. When Ford issued a restyled Focus for the 2008 model year, it dropped the five-door, three-door and wagon versions of the car altogether, as they combined for only about 15% of the volume. And let's not even discuss the short-lived Chevrolet Malibu Maxx, technically classified as a "notch-back," a car so reluctant to be called a hatchback that designers went to great lengths to make it look like a sedan despite the wide-mouthed bass rear opening. Chevy boasted that a person could fit a kayak in the car with the front-passenger seat folded down, but few seemed to try, or care.


But as Ford unleashes its all-new Fiesta on the U.S., hatchbacks are running at 60% of the sales and production mix. And when the new Focus launches in early 2011, the same allocation is expected. What gives?”

Earthy Cars has several hatchbacks on our lot currently:

2009 Toyota Yaris Red, 29027 mi, $12,900

2009 Toyota Yaris Black, 28227 mi, $12,900

2008 Honda Fit Red, 63131 mi, $12,900

2006 Chrysler P.T. Cruiser Red, 63148 mi, $6,900

2005 Scion xA Red, 79749 mi, $8,900