As little as we want to we need to replace it. Our budget’s about $8,000. Less would be better but that’s as high as we’re willing to go.

What I’m looking for is some ideas on what to look for. I’m a BIG guy and the last time I was car shopping I had trouble finding vehicles I could comfortably fit in.

I want:
A two-door vehicle.
Automatic transmission.
Good fuel economy.
Something that isn’t old.

Yeah… sadly, that’s about it really. I’ve lived in Florida without A/C, a stereo or windows that work for years. All I want is a functional car that I can fit in that doesn’t drink gas like it were a frat guy at a beer bash.

One of the things I’ve noticed is cars these days looking at dealer sites and searching cars.com, even reasonable newer vehicles have shitloads of miles on them, 100 - 150K. Back in the day we always considered 100K to be the death time for cars and my Probe at 109K doesn’t make me think much differently. Many of these cars are at or even over my price line. It’s disturbing.

Cars I’ve been thinking about. I’m a little leery of cars like the Honda Civics. I don’t want something that some kid imagined was a race car and had the snot beaten out of it. I’ve done some research online and a lot of large people have been recommending the new VW Beetle. I’ve also given thought to the Hyundai Accent. It used to be, brand new, one of the lowest priced cars barely out of my price range for a used car (they’ve gone up since I looked at them a year or so ago and they no longer make a two-door). Beyond those two I’m open to and actively seeking suggestions.