EARTHY CARS SPOTLIGHT: 11.27.2012

There are a bunch of cars that have arrived since last week, and such a variety. Some big, some small, some strong, some light.

LIGHT ON FUEL
2007 Honda Fit, Black, Hatchback, 99552 mi, $7,995 http://bit.ly/TOTVPW Subcompact, 5-spd manual, MPG = 28/34

2007 Toyota Prius Touring, Silver, Sedan, 76665 mi, $13,995 http://bit.ly/TOUwBb Mid-size, MPG = 48/45

2009 Toyota Corolla LE, Beige, Sedan, 44744 mi, $12,995 http://bit.ly/TOUk5d Compact, 4-spd automatic, MPG = 27/35

GREAT IN SNOW
Winter is almost here.

2009 Subaru Forester 2.5X, Blue, Crossover SUV, 92810 mi, $12,995 http://bit.ly/TOUgST AWD, Mid-size, 4-spd automatic, MPG = 20/26

2005 Nissan Pathfinder SE, White, SUV, 107276 mi, $12,995 http://bit.ly/TOU4TF 4WD, Mid-size, 5-spd automatic, MPG = 13/19

2005 Toyota Highlander Limited V6 w/3rd Row, Blue, SUV, 112318 mi, $12,995 http://bit.ly/TOUn0K AWD, Mid-size, 5-spd automatic, MPG = 16/22

AFFORDABLE CARS
2002 Saab 9-3 SE, Silver, Hatchback, 73035 mi, $5,995 http://bit.ly/TOU9GY Compact, 4-spd automatic, MPG = 18/27

1987 Toyota Tercel, Gold, Station Wagon, 40581 mi, $3,995 http://bit.ly/Xvdcyi 4WD, Subcompact, 3-spd automatic, MPG = 21/23

EARTHY CAR OF THE WEEK: Gold 1987 Toyota Tercel wagon

1987 Toyota Tercel, Gold, Station Wagon, 40581 mi, $3,995 http://bit.ly/Xvdcyi Subcompact, Automatic

The Toyota Tercel was Toyota’s primary subcompact model for many years. This 1987 Toyota Tercel is 25 years old, but it only has 40,000+ miles on it! It is also in almost immaculate condition. The body has almost rust or scratches, and the interior is almost spotless. It’s as if this car was transported in a time machine from 1987 or 1988.

EXTERIOR:

 

INTERIOR:

 

COMMERCIALS FOR THE 87 TERCEL:

EARTHY CAR OF THE WEEK: 2001 White Toyota Camry LE

2001 Toyota Camry LE, White, Sedan, 138459 mi, $4,900 http://bit.ly/OW6Gec Mid-size, 4-spd automatic, MPG = 20/29

The Toyota Camry has a reputation of being both high quality and economical. This one is a bit old, but it is in great shape for its age. It is only $4,900, so if you are looking for something inexpensive but reliable, then this one is perfect.

SPECS:
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EXPERT REVIEWS:
NewCarTestDrive:

INTRODUCTION: “In its current iteration, the Camry offers a comfortable cabin, spacious trunk, and smooth and quiet-running engines. Plus, the Camry has a well-deserved reputation for high reliability. This is certainly a tough combination to beat.

The standard engine is a 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 136 horsepower. LE and XLE models come with a high level of standard equipment, but the CE offers plenty of comfort, convenience and performance at a lower price.”

FEATURES: “The mid-range LE ($20,425) has proven to be the most popular of the three models. It comes standard with an automatic transmission, air conditioning, cruise control, intermittent wipers, power door locks, mirrors and windows.”

DRIVING IMPRESSION: “Long days spent in the Toyota Camry fail to reveal significant faults with any aspect of the car. The Camry feels smooth, soft and comfortable around town. It isn't a sports car and floats a bit on its suspension, but it handles well and is easy to drive fast. Overall, this car is smooth and quiet, though a small amount of road vibration comes through.

The standard powerplant for the Camry is a 136-horsepower 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine that is remarkably smooth. A four-cylinder engine in a car this size is usually a dismal choice, but not here. Although the four-cylinder does not produce the power of the V6, it performs quite well. Toyota's 2.2-liter inline-4 is smooth and relatively free of the noise and vibration associated with four-cylinder engines. The 2.2-liter provides acceptable acceleration performance and, once up to speed, keeps the car rolling along nicely.”

SUMMARY: “The Toyota Camry is a smart choice. While some sedans offer more style or better performance, the Camry will leave you with the feeling that you made a wise decision. This car is easy to drive and live with and you'll enjoy years of easy, trouble-free operation. Toyota vehicles historically hold a resale value well beyond the competition and are leaders in terms of quality, durability and reliability. That's why the Camry is a perennial favorite among mid-size sedans.”

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