EARTHY CARS SPOTLIGHT: Small cars

There are numerous advantages to buying a car that is small in size:

1) They are easy to park. This is especially nice if you live in the city.

2) They run light on gas. This means you’re saving lots of money.

3) They are environmentally friendly. Small cars emit a low amount of pollutants.

Despite being small, most small cars have enough (or ample) space for passengers or cargo.

2002 Chevrolet Prizm, Black, Sedan, 129512 mi, $3,995 http://bit.ly/120YyPL Compact, Automatic, MPG = 26/36

2011 Honda Civic LX, White, Sedan, 41718 mi, $12,995 http://bit.ly/171KZ4R Compact, 5-spd automatic, MPG = 25/36

2004 Honda S2000, Red, Convertible, 38624 mi, $19,995 $17,995 http://bit.ly/18PvRVC 6-spd manual, MPG = 17/23

2008 Toyota Corolla CE, Black, Sedan, 75266 mi, $9,995 http://bit.ly/13Lshj4 Compact, 4-spd automatic, MPG = 26/35

2007 Toyota Yaris, Silver, Sedan, 80735 mi, $7,995 http://bit.ly/13fMRFr Subcompact, 4-spd automatic, MPG = 29/35

EARTHY CAR OF THE WEEK: 2008 Honda Element EX

2008 Honda Element EX, Tan, SUV, 92537 mi, $14,995 $12,995 http://bit.ly/YT2ZaO 4WD, 5-spd automatic, MPG = 19/24

With its vinyl floors, four wheel drive, and massive cargo space, this Honda Element is dog-friendly, adventure-friendly, & snow-friendly. It's the ideal vehicle for dog owners, skiers, cyclists, and those who live in places with snowy winters.

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EXPERT REVIEWS
NewCarTestDrive:

INTRODUCTION: “[T]he Honda Element was originally aimed at young adventurers who need to haul wet or messy gear within the security of an enclosed cargo area. Its durable, quick-clean interior was a big part of its charm, rather than a strippo-model drawback. Low step-in height made loading mountain bikes or surfboards or big dogs easy, and vinyl flooring made it extra dog-friendly. Dark vinyl fenders and heavy cladding made stone chips or brush scrapes a non-issue. But young surfer boys weren't the only ones attracted to the utility and cuteness of the Honda Element. Other folks saw the benefits of roomy box that got good gas mileage and was easy to park…

Despite its utilitarian roots, the Element has always driven more like a car than a truck. Think of a base Honda Civic sedan with softer springs and a higher driving position and you won't be far off. The Element is a fine little automotive appliance.”

FEATURES: “The LX [base models] come with air conditioning with micron filtration, power windows, power door locks, power mirrors, cruise control, an adjustable steering column and a four-speaker AM/FM/CD stereo…

The EX and EX 4WD add aluminum wheels, a passenger-side armrest and a 270-watt, seven speaker AM/FM/CD stereo with subwoofer, XM Satellite Radio hardware and redundant controls on the steering wheel. EX models have fenders and cladding painted to match the rest of the body.”

EXTERIOR: “Its profile is unlike anything else on American roads. From the front, the Element has a cheeky, chunky look accentuated by rectangular headlights and the unusual design of the bumper. The hood line is fairly low and leads to a steep windshield flowing into a gently curved roofline, while the rear tailgate is nearly vertical.”

INTERIOR: “Inside, the Honda Element is all about space, or maximizing usable space in a vehicle with a relatively small footprint. Its interior is designed to handle all combinations of people and stuff, from four full grown adults to two adults and mountain bikes or a couple of long boards. The front seats provide acres of headroom, and there's no center tunnel down the middle to get in the way.”

SUMMARY: “The Honda Element is a utility first vehicle. It's designed to maximize space and people/cargo hauling options in a fairly small package, with driving characteristics similar to a small sedan and optional all-wheel-drive for a measure of security. It offers easy access for people or cargo, and the wash-an-wear interior on the LX and EX models is great for camping and dogs. We find Element's styling distinctive. In total, it's a good vehicular appliance.”

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EARTHY CARS SPOTLIGHT: Affordable cars

Looking to buy something affordable to drive?

The majority of the cars on our lot currently are under $10,000. And about a third of them are under $7,000.

$3,995 – $4,995
1999 BMW 323ic, Silver, Convertible, 142447 mi, $4,995 http://bit.ly/13fKHpu Compact, 4-spd automatic, MPG = 17/25

2002 Chevrolet Prizm, Black, Sedan, 129512 mi, $3,995 http://bit.ly/120YyPL Automatic, MPG = 26/36

2002 Ford Mustang Deluxe, Red, Convertible, 152502 mi, $4,995 http://bit.ly/16hZEqr 5-spd manual, MPG = 17/27

1999 Honda Accord LX, Gold, Sedan, 153946 mi, $4,995 http://bit.ly/13LrOgM Mid-size, 4-spd automatic, MPG = 20/28

2008 Toyota Yaris, Black, Hatchback, 186861 mi, $4,995 http://bit.ly/13LqSsX Subcompact, 4-spd automatic, MPG = 29/35

1998 Volkswagen Cabrio GL, Convertible, White, 126865 mi, $4,995 $3,995 http://bit.ly/15bVdQ4 5-spd manual, MPG = 21/28

$5,995 – $6,995
2006 Chrysler Town and Country LX, Grey, Van, 92112 mi, $6,995 http://bit.ly/13LrKh5 4-spd automatic, MPG = 17/24

2005 Mazda Mazda3 s, Blue, Hatchback, 125363 mi, $6,995 http://bit.ly/120YnnL Compact, 5-spd manual, MPG = 24/32

2005 Scion xB, Blue, Sedan, 153554 mi, $5,995 http://bit.ly/1eqK4ey Compact, 5-spd manual, MPG = 27/31

2005 Scion xB, Maroon, Sedan, 117750 mi, $7,995 $5,995 http://bit.ly/12znMWy Compact, 4-spd automatic, MPG = 27/32

2008 Toyota Yaris, Black, Hatchback, 105940 mi, $6,995 http://bit.ly/1eFF1qL Subcompact, 5-spd manual, MPG = 29/36

2008 Toyota Yaris, Blue, Sedan, 97623 mi, $6,995 http://bit.ly/13fMACq Subcompact, 5-spd manual, MPG = 29/36