Roof racks, open windows, and junk-in-the-trunk all seem to contribute to poorer gas mileage. Using the A/C gulps gas. Keep the engine well-tuned and the oil changed. However, in most cases driving habits have the biggest influence on mpg. You can try it for yourself by keeping mpg records for with [and without] physical modifications; also by driving in your normal style as opposed to driving with forethought and care (no jackrabbiting, cruise the lights to go through on green, keep your speed between 45 and 55, etc.) Due to an old injury, I must drive an automatic shift, and have done so for the past 40 years. I consistently exceed the vehicle's expected/posted mpg for both city and highway driving, regardless of the vehicle. The one exception occurred on a vacation trip with 2 adults, 2 teenagers (can you imagine how much luggage teenaged girls require for 2 weeks?!!), in the northeastern mountains during a heat wave [meaning the A/C was constantly running]. A fully-loaded vehicle, A/C, and those mountain roads combined to cut my average mpg by almost 25%.

not having a trade you in a very desirable position. I HATE buying cars and all the bs that goes along with it. You really should try to use Edmunds to find your desired car then use the internet to try to get the car for that price. Once they agree to the price, just go drive it. If you like it they just have to write it up. Alternatively you can find the car at the price you want over the net. Pop into the dealership to drive it...don't tell them you've been in contact on the net. If you like it, go home ask them to write every thing up. You may need to email some info back and forth if you want a loan. Then just go in, sign the papers, pay and drive off---should be pretty quick if all the paperwork is much done. I do not know what you are looking for but 2010 Corolla LEs are selling under $300 invoice and had a $750 rebate last month. I am not sure what the rebate will for for Feb. We are talking out the door for about $16.7K or less. That seams like a great deal and I took advantage of it this week. If not pickly about colors, send for some quotes from local dealers. Then on or around Feb 25 say you want to purchase on 2/28 and tell them to send there drop dead best price. It should be pretty painless. Good luck. PS As far as Enterprise, I'd be weary. A low milegae car reccomended by consumer reports I might take a chance on...a car with a bed rep from Enterprise...forget it.

If you contact a garage remodeling company probably you will get a number of options. We park car in our garage so there isn't much space for storage but I have seen many people turn their garage into a really good storage space. Do you want something like this http://www.garageliving.ca/garage-products/overhead-storage/

Catching up here. I’m so glad Rocky is better! What a scare you had. Faron, good to see your new car, and also nice to hear others are out trying and buying new ones. Must be in the air. I have had a touch of new car fever myself. Mine usually starts with noticing new models in the road, on-line searches and research, and trying to decide what I want next. I don’t ‘need’ a new car, but am trying to resolve whether I want to get a small SUV or crossover and trade in my sedan. Hard to figure out since DH has a 4WD king cab Tacoma truck and a couple of utility trailers anyway. So we don’t really need it for hauling anything except that I can cram a lot more plants and stuff in the back of an SUV than in a trunk. Plus I think they are cool. My car is so comfy and quiet on the road, and I want to make sure I get similar in whatever I get next.