My 2012 Elantra GLS

My first new car.

Since I'm 51 and debt free, I guess I shouldn't feel too guilty about buying my first new car. It is THE top rated compact sedan by Consumer Reports, Motor Trend, and Cars.com.

Arguably, the hottest small car in America in terms of value ... the 2012s are selling fast and there are vitually no new 2011s available. Even my mechanic says Hyundai has surpassed Honda in technology and quality.

My priority was value and economy... and the best warranty in the business. It has the same leg room as some mid size cars and a huge trunk.

I went with an extended 10 year/120,000 mile bumper to bumper warranty.

I got 44 miles per gallon on my first highway trip, (which exceeded the 40 mpg rating). I'm very pleased with the car, but I'm afraid I might scratch it. I don't even want to drive it to work.

The 2012 Hyundai Elantra GLS with the 'Preferred Package' upgrade - in black, of course.

And thankfully ... I'm still debt free.

The Honda turns 200,000

My 1989 Honda Civic recently turned 200,000 miles.

With gas prices the way they are, I've decided to give this car some new parts and a nice mechanical update:

New timing belt, water pump, new belts, hoses, valve cover gasket, cam seal, plugs, wires... it already got a new radiator last year.

I just ordered that trim piece that fits between the bumper and hood and I'm actually thinking about getting it painted. What do you think... black or original color?

Everything works on this car, even the old R-12 freon A/C system. Without airbags and anti-lock brakes, it's not the safest car, but it sure is efficient. It still gets 38 mpg.

Since my commute to work is so short and I use one of my motorcycles almost always, I hope to drive this car at least until I pay off my house, sometime around the end of 2011. Not too far away!

This car I purchased in 1994 for $4800 with 74,000 miles on it.

It was the best money I ever spent.

These pre-2001 Civic Hatchbacks are just about impossible to find used. I think that attests to their longevity and their great design. One of the finest designed cars ever. I can actually fit 2 bikes inside and shut the hatchback. I've even hauled 16' lumber in this car, (hanging out the back of course). In my opinion the new Civic Hatchbacks may be faster but they suck. They don't get nearly the mileage that the older 1.5L Civic Hatchbacks do. These older Civic HBs sit lower, are more streamlined, and less bulky looking then the newer post-2002 Civic Hatchbacks.

Another entry in the new breed of 200 mpg+ cars

The Aptera - yet another entry in the new breed of ultra fuel efficient cars.

They are taking orders for the electric and the hybrid models. The hybrid model generally gets between 200 and 300 miles per gallon depending on how long the trip. The car is said to have a top speed in excess of 85 mph and able to pass crash safety tests. It will cost "less than $30,000" says the manufacturer.

It looks like these types of innovative new technologies will be coming from small businesses and inventors instead of the Detroit automakers. Detroit seems a bit too ingrained on previous designs and methods to deliver a revolutionary concept car that can achieve 200+ mpg, especially American car makers. It's good to see this project coming from the US. The previous fuel efficient cars I've cited are both German. I like this one, but not as much as the German Loremo.

You can reserve yours now on the Aptera web site for a refundable $500 deposit. Delivery will be one year.