Don’t get me started about our new C Two…

Big Thank You to everyone for your C tips.

1. When the C was introduced it leapt to the top of my car-comparison spreadsheet.
Sure, it’s an econobox, but it’s eye-opening after a few 60 mpg drives.

2. Low (power) expectations: We skipped 15 years of an automotive arms race because we
have other good cars that, like the C, are 0-to-60 weaklings.

3. Folks save money by keeping cars, and we hope to do the same with our C. (Knock wood)
Once again it gets top reliability scores from the folks at CR who love to hate it.
The C won overall honors in ’12, but not this year – despite the ’13 C’s *perfect* score.

4. Loving:
a. Jumping from 20 mpg (SUV) to 50 on the C’s first tank, and knowing we can improve.
b. Surprising comfort compared to the cheap and cheerful cars of my youth.
c. In said youth I would watch for a rabbit to follow to help avoid radar.
Now, on 4-lanes, I watch for a tortoise to follow, if we’re not impeding others.
d. I pity the wee engine on climbs, but c.c. works great because there are no shift points.
e. Please forgive my pride, but the C is (by one scale or another): the greenest, most
fuel-efficient (non-plug-in), and cheapest car to own long term. Plus it’s kinda cute.

5. Still adjusting:
a. A Miata went by and it didn’t look small! Yikes.
b. Hate the rear headrests, but NHTSA says they’re safer, so in-n-out they go.
c. Feeling ambivalent about this, but we go motoring (wasting gas!) like never before.
I used to enjoy on-track driving schools, so “mahout” may be onto something…
d. On my 2nd tank, I was disappointed to get 46mpg with 99% interstate highway miles.
I know it’s the EPA rating, it was -1°C (30°F), and hilly NH/VT, but we can do better!

Looking forward to many happy miles and lots of shared advice.