Even though my Civic was six years old, I was still getting 30 mpg on mostly city driving! I'd love to find a car that can match if not surpass that.

That's a solid plan, Kathy.

Erin, the basement is definitely flooded, and the last pictures show water lapping at the front door. Pictures are available on my facebook page. It's horrifying. Any recs from your friend would be most welcome.

The tsunami as well put pressure on the supply, with new Japanese cars not coming out for awhile. Personally, I'm waiting as long as possible to buy the Honda I want. If you can wait a month or two, it might be better when the new cars come back onto the lot. I'm not an expert, though, just an interested party.

It's not just the Japanese OEMs. Ford and GM are having a really tough time making black cars. The paint comes from a Japanese company. The effects of the tsunami on the used car market won't be felt for about 2 1/2 years. If people can't buy and/or lease them now, there's not going to be low-mileage used cars in 36 to 48 months. The major reason we're in a supply crunch right now is due to the cash for clunkers deal in 2008. All of those vehicles had to be junked.

Oh, this is TOTALLY true. I'm pretty upbeat and "I am usually pretty awesome!" when I am out of active depression, but 2 dirty coffee cups convince me I am dog shit when I am depressed.

Heh. Why no, I don't recognize anything about that mindset at all. NO idea what you may be talking about.

However, let me join the chorus of proclaiming Allyson to be awesome. Because she is.

It is actually dawning on mr. flea that he is moving to Ohio in less than 48 hours. Finally.

Heh. And, um, yikes.

Good lord, Kathy, I'm so glad you're OK! Good luck with finding a new car.

there's not going to be low-mileage used cars in 36 to 48 months.

Which is why my 14 year old Nissan with a mere 105K miles on it, with a few normal wear-out, but spendy, repairs BETTER LAST ANOTHER 100K!!! My last 13 year old sentra was at 213K when it died, and I bought it at 133K. And that death was lube shop's fault. Not sure how long more it would have lasted had they not left the oilcap off, but it was holding up fine until then. So I'm trying to be nice to my current water-leaky-somewhere, gas door broken, stinky 1997 sentra.

GODDAMNIT FOOTBALL

They've got plenty of Fits around, but nothing in the Civic.

Why wouldn't you be interested in a Fit? (I have friends who love theirs and it's what I've been thinking of checking out when I finally have to get a new to me car. Hoping not until after I get another 30,000 miles on my Protege though!)

GODDAMNIT FOOTBALL

Why, whatever do you mean?

That kickoff return just wasn't fair.

Sproles isn't doing too badly, though.

Actually, the offense on both sides is a little ridiculous.