ww:

Very true. I just get overwhelmed when I have a dozen printouts and such, and just needed a way to organize the info. After a few organization passes, it kinda grew, and helped me decide which printouts to pitch, and which cars to look for deals on.

(I've been driving a '98 Saturn SL1 for 11 years, and it's been getting a very consistent 33mpg. So I put in the fuel calculations to see what would happen to my fuel bill when I change cars. Then, I added a "baseline" (repairing my Saturn) and added a column showing how much more each car would be than just repairing it. The engine blew, and the shop wants more than it's worth to drop in a rebuilt engine.)

Update: (20140811) I forgot to update this with the actual car I got. I selected the PT Cruiser for some of its truck-like qualities. Unfortunately, gasoline went up immediately after I bought it, so in the end, I should've gotten a car with better mpg. I like the cruiser though, it's treated me well these past few years.

...roboticus

When your only tool is a hammer, all problems look like your thumb.