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 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

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

EARTHY CAR OF THE WEEK: 2008 Red Toyota Yaris Hatchback

This car has been on our lot for almost half a year now, and we think it's time it find an owner.

The Yaris is ideal for someone concerned with fuel economy, music lovers, and need a decent amount of passenger width. Even though the Yaris is a sub-compact car, it actually has a lot of exterior room for passengers. It is one of the most fuel efficient car models currently on the road, with a 33 average MPG (29 city / 35 highway). It features a stereo that can play MP3's/WMA's and comes with an auxiliary jack. In addition, its design is funkier than most sub-compact cars.

This makes the Yaris perfect for a small family (couple with a few small kids), or a single young city dweller. Our 2008 Yaris has low mileage on it - 24,318.

This car is currently sitting in the very front of our lot, so check it out if you're driving by, or even stop in.

From MSN Autos:

"The Yaris is Toyota’s subcompact passenger car that replaced the ECHO for the U.S. market as a 2007 model in the spring of 2006. First launched in Europe in 1999, the Yaris was named the 2000 European "Car of the Year" and has become Toyota's best-selling model in the European market. The second-generation Yaris was styled at Toyota's European design studio, ED² and Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) Design Division. The Yaris is offered as both a liftback and a sedan for the U.S. and is designed to offer a level of style and fun-to-drive performance that is often not found in the subcompact class while the interior provides a surprising level of roominess and comfort."

"After making its debut for 2007, the 2008 Toyota Yaris receives a direct type tire-pressure-monitoring system and a parking brake unlock reminder system. A Sport Grade package features front and rear spoilers, amber optitron meter, tachometer, sport seat fabric, leather steering wheel and shift knob and S badging."

For more information about the car, check out our inventory at our website.

For more information about the Toyota Yaris, check out MSN Autos.

We also have a blue 2007 Yaris Hatchback and a green 2008 Yaris Sedan, if you're interested in Yaris's.

12 Greenest Vehicles in the U.S.

In 2008, the green advocacy organization American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy listed what they conclude are the 12 most fuel efficient cars sold in the United States: Honda Civic, Honda Civic Hybrid, Honda Civic GX, Toyota Corolla, Honda Fit, Toyota Camry Hybrid, Ford Focus, Toyota Prius, Toyota Yaris, smart fortwo, Mini Cooper, and the Nissan Altima Hybrid.

10 out of 12 of the vehicles are currently or commonly found on the Earthy Cars lot. Over half of vehicles on our lot currently are models that are included on the list, or models that are the same fuel efficiency. Most of the cars on our lot that are included on the list are the 2008 models.

'Earthy' Cars lives up to its name. Check out our inventory at www.earthycars.com. There is quite a selection of Prius's, Yaris's, Civic's, a Focus, as well as Scion's (not on the list, but just as good as the cars listed).

MSN Autos published an article about the report:

If you want to drive the most environmentally friendly or "greenest" vehicle, you need to think small or think hybrid. According to the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE), one third of the top 12 vehicles that rank as the greenest of 2008 feature hybrid powertrains. These vehicles combine an internal-combustion engine with an electric motor for improved fuel economy and reduced emissions.

A nonprofit organization, the ACEEE is dedicated to advancing energy efficiency as a means of protecting the environment and strengthening the economy. Each year the ACEEE publishes the Green Book, listing the Green Scores and environmental information about vehicles available in the new model year, as well as a list of the 12 "greenest" vehicles available that year.

"Hybrids stand out, even after being taken down a notch by the new fuel economy calculations," said ACEEE vehicle analyst Shruti Vaidyanathan. "And sales rose by a whopping 40 percent last year. This interest in hybrid vehicles should shine the spotlight on other green vehicle technologies that can significantly improve fuel efficiency."

One of the mainstays of the ACEEE "Greenest Vehicles" list for the last several years — and repeating at the top of the list for the second consecutive year — is the natural-gas-powered Honda Civic GX. Scoring 57 points for 2008, the Civic GX operates on compressed natural gas (CNG). While it may not go as far on each gallon of fuel as some other entries, its combination of high efficiency and near-zero emissions makes it the highest-ranking vehicle for the environment. Note that the Civic GX is for sale to retail customers only in California and New York.

The Green Score is a numeric value of a vehicle's environmental friendliness, as assigned by the ACEEE. Determined by more factors than just fuel economy, the score also incorporates tailpipe and other emissions that can cause global warming. The higher the Green Score the more environmentally friendly the vehicle, based on the ACEEE evaluation.

There are a couple of newcomers to the Greenest list for 2008. Most notable is the smart fortwo, which was ranked fourth on the list. At just under nine feet long, the two-seat coupe or convertible is the smallest new car currently sold in America. Its 1.0-liter engine is also the smallest available, and while it lacks power, it does deliver 41 mpg on the highway.

Another European model added to the list for 2008 is the MINI Cooper / MINI Clubman. The fun-to-drive MINI lands in the eighth position with a Green Score of 44. And unlike last year when there were no domestic cars on the list, Ford has the sole domestic offering to make the cut. The Ford Focus takes the ninth position with its 2.0-liter PZEV 4-cylinder engine.

The second, third and sixth eco-friendliest vehicles in the U.S. are all hybrids — the Toyota Prius, Honda Civic Hybrid and Nissan Altima Hybrid, respectively. The only other hybrid to make it into the ACEEE's top 12 happens to be the largest car on the list — the Camry Hybrid. Coming in tenth, this midsize hybrid earns a Green Score of 44, matching the MINI Cooper, Ford Focus, Honda Civic and Honda Fit.

Small Passenger Cars

The following article from MSN Autos highlighted what they term "Small Passenger Cars":
Small Passenger Cars - MSN Autos

Small passenger cars are sub-compact or compact cars. Most of the cars at Earthy Cars fall into this category. We specialize in fuel-thrifty vehicles and affordable yet quality vehicles. As MSN says, most of these type of vehicles are found among small passenger cars.

Our current lot includes small passenger cars that are sedans/coupes (4 Toyota Corolla's, 2 Toyota Yaris's, 6 Honda Civic's, 2 Scion xB's, VW Jetta, Ford Focus), hatchbacks (2 Toyota Yaris's, Toyota Matrix, Honda Fit, Scion xA, VW Beetle), SUV (Chrysler PT Cruiser, Honda CRV), and luxury (BMW 3 Series).

Check out our inventory here: Earthy Cars - Pre-owned inventory

Excepts from the article (credits to MSN Auto):

"Listen up, car shoppers. The easiest place to find fuel-thrifty autos is in the small car segment.

The small car class also is where you can find the lowest-priced new cars. And the segment has new entries, including the Honda Fit, Nissan Versa, Toyota Yaris and Chevrolet HHR, that are getting a lot of attention.

But expect to spend some time shopping around. There are nearly four dozen small-car nameplates sold in the U.S., and manufacturer's suggested retail prices start around $10,000.

Among the small cars with the lowest starting prices are the Chevrolet Aveo, Kia Rio and Toyota Yaris."

Photo Gallery: Small Passenger Cars

Body Styles and Fuel Economy
"Small cars come in several body types—sedans, 3- and 5-door hatchbacks, wagons and even a compact, 6-passenger van of sorts.

Yes, "small car" refers to all sorts of vehicles, including sedans such as the long-running Toyota Corolla and Nissan Sentra as well as coupes such as the Chevrolet Cobalt, Mitsubishi Eclipse and Chrysler Crossfire. Other types of small cars are hatchbacks such as the Chrysler PT Cruiser and wagons such as the Subaru Impreza Wagon and Ford Focus Wagon.

But don't let the word "small" fool you. Today's new small vehicles can be big on value, flexibility and safety features, not to mention fuel savings.

Indeed, the 2007 Toyota Yaris ranks as the best fuel-sipping, gasoline-only-powered small car in the country with a federal government mileage rating of 34 miles per gallon in city driving and 40 mpg on the highway. This is for a 106-horsepower Yaris with 5-speed manual transmission. Note that the Yaris is available both as a sedan and a 3-door hatchback.

The overall highest mileage small car, though, is the 2006 Honda Civic Hybrid. An electrical motor supplements this hybrid's 110-horsepower 1.3-liter 4-cylinder gas engine. The result is a government fuel economy rating of 49/51 mpg for this sedan. (Honda's previous best-mileage hybrid, the Insight hatchback, was dropped as of the 2007 model year.)

Small Car Characteristics

"Most small cars are available only with naturally aspirated 4-cylinder engines, and why not? With their small size, vehicles in this class typically don't need a lot of power to get them from place to place.

But shoppers can find small vehicles with larger engines, too. For example, all versions of Volvo's smallest car, the S40 sedan, are powered by 5-cylinder engines, while Infiniti's G35 has a 280-horsepower V6 and Ford's Mustang is available with V8s. Indeed, the top Mustang, a limited edition Ford Shelby GT500, has a 500-horsepower 5.4-liter V8.

Most small cars are front-wheel-drive vehicles, which means engine power goes to the front wheels which then pull the rear wheels along. Front-wheel-drive cars tend to weigh less than rear- or all-wheel-drive vehicles and they include the Hyundai Accent and Elantra, Ford Focus, Saturn Ion, MINI Cooper, Kia Spectra and Scion xA, xB and tC.

In recent years, more small cars have come to market offering all-wheel drive. Examples include the Audi A3, which uses Audi's quattro all-wheel-drive system that's controlled electronically and doesn't require any input from the driver, and the new-for-2007 Dodge Caliber hatchback. The Suzuki Aerio, with a starting price of just over $16,000, is the least-expensive all-wheel-drive vehicle on the market.

But don't forget Subaru, which makes all-wheel drive standard on all its cars, including its lowest-priced model—the Impreza small car. It starts at more than $18,000. Jaguar's smallest car, the X-TYPE, also comes only with all-wheel drive. There is no front- or rear-wheel model.

Shoppers can find only a few smaller cars that are rear-wheel drive. These tend to be sporty models such as the Ford Mustang and the BMW 3-Series."

Honda Small Car News
New for 2007, the Honda Fit is a 5-passenger, small hatchback designed to slot below the Honda Civic in showrooms. Sold in Asia and Europe for years, the Fit comes to the States with a 109-horsepower 1.5-liter VTEC 4-cylinder engine. An intriguing engine partner is a 5-speed automatic transmission. No other small car in America has this many gears in its automatic transmission. Honda officials note that more gears provide for better fuel economy and performance. A 5-speed manual transmission also is available.

Be sure to check out the Fit's rear seats. Yes, they split 60/40 and have seatbacks that fold down like those in other cars. But there's an additional feature if someone needs to haul tall cargo in this car. The Fit's rear seat cushions can be raised off the floor and folded against the seatbacks, providing what Honda calls the "tall object mode."

Other small-car news at Honda is the first-ever Civic Si. New for 2007, this sedan basically has the same, 197-horsepower 2.0-liter 4 cylinder with i-VTEC that's in the Civic Si coupe and deeply bolstered front seats, like those in the coupe. Civic Si coupes have been around in the States since 1986.

Toyota's New Small Car

"Toyota dropped its ECHO small car and replaced it in calendar 2006 with the 2007 Yaris. Also sold in Europe and Japan, the Yaris slots below the Toyota Corolla and is offered in two body styles: sedan and 3-door hatchback. But in the States, the Yaris rides on a longer and wider platform than it does in overseas models.

The Yaris' claim to fame is its long wheelbase—which, incidentally, is the distance from the center of one wheel on one side of the vehicle to the center of the other wheel on that same side. The Yaris wheelbase is longer than many competitors', which helps provide generous interior space. The engine is a 106-horsepower version of the 1.5-liter four cylinder, with VVT-i, that's in the Scion xA and xB cars. A 4-speed automatic and 5-speed manual are offered."

Luxury in Smaller Packages

"Small cars aren't just mainstream models. Some luxury makes also include small cars in their showrooms.

For example, Audi added the A3 to its lineup recently. With a starting price tag of less than $25,000 and a 5-door hatchback design, it is a decidedly "premium" small car powered by a 200-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged 4 cylinder or a 250-horsepower 3.2-liter V6. The A3's Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG) automatic transmission is one of the hottest new automotive technologies in Europe, since it allows very quick gear shifts without loss of traction because of its use of an electro-hydraulically controlled twin clutch. Basically, it's designed to be an automatic transmission that provides the driving pleasure of a manual."

Versatility Available

"Cars in this segment may be small, but they can include versatile storage space and decent passenger room.

For example, the retro-styled Chrysler PT Cruiser includes a surprising 40.9 inches of rear-seat legroom, which is more than in some midsize sedans. The rear seats also are removable, which leaves an SUV-like 64.2 cubic feet of cargo space."

"And the Toyota Matrix, as well as its sibling, the Pontiac Vibe, features a high sitting position, which improves passengers' views out of the vehicles as well as passenger seat comfort. Total cargo space is 53.2 cubic feet. Note the front passenger seatback can fold down to accommodate long items to extend from the back all the way through the interior."

Old Faithfuls

"Many small cars have been on the market for some time and continue to receive upgrades and win buyers.

The Ford Mustang, for example, has been a strong seller among young and old alike ever since it was redesigned with strong heritage looks for the 2005 model year. The Mustang dates back to 1964 as the original "pony car." For 2007, Ford is selling new performance versions of the Mustang, including the Shelby GT and limited edition Shelby GT500.

Another long-lived nameplate is the VW New Beetle. VW's original Beetle dates to the 1940s in Europe and was a popular car for young Baby Boomers in the 1960s and '70s."

We also have a few mid-size cars if that's what you're looking for (Honda Accord, 2 Toyota Camry's, 2 Toyota Prius's, Volvo V70)

What Earthy Cars is doing for a clean energy future

On Tuesday (06.15.10), President Obama address to the nation regarding the BP oil spill spoke of the need for America to move towards clean energy.
Hopefully, this country will move in a direction where off-shore drilling is not necessary (therefore, no more oil spills) and there a lot of clean energy-related jobs (in America).

But, we will not move in this direction if we (America’s citizens and companies) do nothing. Earthy Cars does its part by mainly purchasing fuel efficient vehicles for our lot. Over three-fourth of the vehicles on the lot at Earthy Cars have a combined MPG (miles per gallon) rating that is 30 or above. Using less fuel is the first step in moving towards a clean energy future.

MPG rating= average miles driven per gallon of gas (city driving)/average miles driven per gallon per gas (highway driving)

* = this car is a part of Earthy Cars big sale!

Honda Accord:
MPG rating = 24/34
*2007 Honda Accord 2.4 VP_Blue Sedan_37,085 mi_$13,500

Honda Civic:
MPG rating = 25/36
2008 Honda Civic LX_Sedan Brown_30,893 mi_$13,900

Scion xB:
MPG rating = 31/34
2005 Scion xB_Sedan White_54,875 mi_$10,900
2005 Scion xB_Sedan Blue_102,108 mi_$7,900

Toyota Corolla:
MPG rating = 27/35
*2009 Toyota Corolla LE_White Sedan_18,385 mi_$12,900
MPG rating =27/35
*2009 Toyota Corolla_Beige Sedan_27,724 mi_$11,900
MPG rating = 28/37
*2008 Toyota Corolla CE_Sedan Blue_23,049 mi_$10,900
MPG rating = 28/33
*1998 Toyota Corolla VE_Tan Sedan_99,093 mi_$4,500

Toyota Yaris: MPG rating = 34/40
*2009 Toyota Yaris_Sedan Green_17,951 mi_$11,900
*2008 Toyota Yaris_Hatchback Red_24,318 mi_$9,900
*2008 Toyota Yaris_Silver Sedan_66,071 mi_$8,900
2007 Toyota Yaris_ Hatchback Blue_46,870 mi_$9,900

Toyota Prius: MPG rating = 48/45
*2008 Toyota Prius_Grey_98,500 mi_$11,900
2008 Toyota Prius_Dark Grey_40,242 mi_$15,900
2008 Toyota Prius_Dark Blue_52,008 mi_$14,900
*2005 Toyota Prius_Black_59,446 mi_$11,900
*2003 Toyota Prius_Silver_79,099_$7,900

Check out www.fueleconomy.gov for more information about the fuel efficiency of vehicles.

Best Summer Road Trip Cars

Both Kelley Blue Book and about.com have compiled a list of the top 10 cars in 2010 for summer road trips:

Top 10 Road Trip Vehicles
Summer Road Trip 2010: 10 Places to Go, 10 Cars to Take - Kelley Blue Book

About.com’s list emphasizes space and comfort, while KBB’s list seems to emphasize ‘going out in style’. KKB took it a step further and suggested a summer event (festival, etc.) to go to with each car.

Most of the cars found on these lists are not currently found on the lot at Earthy Cars. But, that doesn’t mean that we don’t have cars that are not ideal for road trips. We have cars that have plenty of room for a pack of friends or family with a loaded itinerary while driving from one part of North America to another. We also have cars that make you ‘look good’ while going out on the road all day.

Even if your ideal road trip car isn’t currently on the lot, Earthy Cars may be able to get it for you personally. Mind you, we take requests - we can purchase a specific car model just for you if we can find it at auction! Take a look through Kelley Blue Book and about.com’s lists, or do your own research.

Meanwhile, here’s a list of 6 vehicles currently found at Earthy Cars (as of 06/03/2010) that are g8r for road trips:

Lots of Room, but Great Fuel Economy
Scion xB: Scion xB’s boxed-shaped design maximizes comfort and space. There is plenty of leg room, and it has a huge compartment in the back need you bring a lot of stuff with you. Even with its size, the Scion xB gets an over 30 MPG rating – 35 MPG on the highway, and 31 MPG in the city. Not bad. There are currently two 2005 Scion xB’s on our lot:
2005 Scion xB Sedan White $10,900
2005 Scion xB Sedan Blue $7,900

2007-2008 Toyota Prius (2nd generation): We currently have three second generation Prius’s on the lot. The Prius is the most fuel efficient vehicle on the road (51 MPG city rating), yet it is also a very spacious car, with 36 in. legroom for those sitting in the rear, 53-55 in. shoulder room for each passenger and 51-52 in. of hip room for each passenger (whether they are sitting in the front or rear.
2008 Dark Grey $15,900_40,242 mi
2008 Dark Blue $14,900_52,008 mi
2007 Light Blue $14,900_46,472 mi

Ridin' With the Top Down
2003 Saab 9-3: This is currently the only convertible that is on our lot. This car is a *pleasure* to drive during a late summer evening with the top down, whether on the back roads or city. It is ideal for a couple of friends looking to hit the city for some fun!

Lots of Extra Room
2007 VW Jetta 2.5 (5th generation): The Jetta is the biggest sedan that VW currently produces. Its interior space in similar to that of the Prius, yet it has a cooler leather interior. Its reliability rating on autos.msn.com is perfect: 2007 Volkswagen Jetta Reliability - MSN Autos. As an added bonus, the stereo system has MP3 capacity, so you won’t be bored during a road trip!

Subaru Tribeca: If you need lots of room (for humans), because you’re a mom and dad carrying 3 kids, plus their grandfather, then look no further than the Subaru Tribeca.

See my previous blog post about the Tribeca: Subaru Tribeca Hearts Soccer Moms

For the Rugged
2000 Jeep Wrangler: Okay, perhaps this vehicle is more perfect for an OFF-road trip. This vehicle is suitable if you are planning to take a trip among more rural settings, rather than from city to city. With a 4.0 liter in-line 6-cylinder engine, the Wrangler can withstand steep terrain and rocky roadways. It is ideal for those going on a weekend camping trip away from home.

Hope that all of you have a nice summer :) I will be making more summer road trip car recommendations during the summer. Chao.

Top 2010 Cars under $15,000

MSN recently listed 12 new cars that are under $15,000 and of good quality.

Top 2010 Cars Under $15,000 - MSN Autos

Several of the car models listed by MSN are commonly found at Earthy Cars. We currently have some for sale on the lot (in slightly older models, of course)

#9 = Toyota Yaris
Toyota Yaris - MSN Autos

We have three Toyota Yaris's on our lot:
2009_Green Sedan_$12,900_17,951 mi
2008_Red Hatchback_$10,900_24,318 mi
2007_Blue Hatchback_$9,900_46,870 mi

#8 = Smart ForTwo Passion
Smart ForTwo - MSN Autos

We currently don't have any Smart cars on the lot, but we've had several in the past. This blog editor here bought one :)

#2 = Honda Fit
Top 2010 Cars Under $15,000: 2009 Honda Fit Sport - MSN Autos

We currently have one Honda Fit on our lot:
2007 Black Hatchback_$10,900_79,390 mi

If you are interested in cars below $15,000 - most of the cars on the Earthy Cars lot are priced below $15,000. Most of our cars are not over 4 years old - which are sold after all identifiable problems have been serviced.

Is the Honda Fit better than the Toyota Prius?

Edmunds magazine thinks so. In the following video, the costs, features and gasoline mileage of the 2008 Fit and Prius are compared:



At Earthy Cars, we currently have a 2007 Black Honda Fit $10,900_79,390 mi

We currently have four 2nd generation Toyota Prius's:

2008 Dark Grey $15,900_40,242 mi
2008 Dark Blue $16,900_30,429 mi
2008 Dark Blue $14,900_52,008 mi
2007 Light Blue $14,900_46,472 mi

Come down to Earthy Cars to check out these cars for yourself !