First long distance freeway trip this weekend

[Daox]

I don't really get it either. I just know people have lots of odd doubts when it comes to little cars being capable of doing what seems like everyday normal things. Hopefully, their google search brings them here and can see that its no big deal.

[Pryme]

I wouldn't buy a car if I were concerned it couldn't make it down the freeway. Thats why I refuse to ever own a Kia.

I had a Hyundai Elantra (basically a Kia) before this and made three separate 2k plus mile drives with it and had zero issues. Hyundai Kia has come a looong way in the last 20yrs.

[Mark]

Even though we may all use our Mirages in different ways, the common theme is that we are quite happy with them.

Since the Mirage receives some unwarranted negative press (from car critics mostly), I would not blame someone for searching for information that may counter all that.

Consumer reviews on cars.com, kbb.com, & this forum helped erase my concerns. I became interested in the Mirage during the summer of 2017, & I eventually bought a new 2017 Mirage later that fall (October). I have no regrets!

I value the opinions of others. Even those I don't agree with.

Fummins' numerous posts helped confirmed the reliability of these small cars, & it helped me to pull the trigger on buying my own.

Stevedmc's posts also gives me confidence about the future. If driven correctly, it's nice to know clutches and other major parts are holding up quite well after racking up the miles. I don't share his view of KIAs, but that's ok, too. KIA is very respectable brand by today's standards. No one person's opinion should change that for anyone.

Being a science teacher, I get a kick out of everything Daox likes to experiment with & shares with us. Some things interest me more than others, but I wouldn't give up the rear sway bar for anything.

Likewise, Loren & others likes working on car way more than I do. I still find their information very interesting. I sort of like the Mirage as is, but it's still interesting to read stuff about what others are doing.

I really appreciated everyone's input.

The Mirage is an affordable, economical, & reliable little car. What's not to like? It may not tow a boat or camper very well, but a nice pickup isn't going to get 40-50 mpg consistently either.

Final fyi - I visited another forum for another vehicle recently, & I found it quite lame by comparison.

[stevedmc]

I'm still at a loss.

Who is concerned when buying a new car if itll work on the highway? Not trying to be the peanut gallery here, just earnestly honestly confused.

It's a car. It has an engine, wipers, heater, lights and windows. Why wouldnt it work on a freeway? It's not a tank, it's not a tractor, and it's not a moped.

Say what you will but the concept makes no sense. Gravel roads, deep snow, mud, ask away. But a car on a road shouldnt invoke fear or suspicion of ability.

Welcome to the peanut gallery.

[Dr. Dolittle]

Hi! I just got my '02 Mirage with only 112k miles on it. I drove it home from Dothan AL. It gave me next to zero problems but about 75 miles away from home I had an issue with the fuse compartment. I was running my headlights on bright and someone ****** rigged the fuses to where they were not fused. burnt up te wires to headlights so now I was stuck at night with no headlights. Had to wait till morning to get it back home. Moral of the story, almost anything can strand you, so check it out before a trip!!

[inuvik]

Welcome to the forum Dr! Sounds like a previous owner was not too smart with their “mod”. Other than fixing the headlights do you have any upgrades or changes you are planning to do?

[stevedmc]

Just got home from work. I did a total of 399 miles today. 41 of those miles were personal and 358 of those miles were work related.

Preparations for today's drive involved getting in the car and turning the key. I filled the tank up with gas 129 miles into today's drive.

I'll fill the car up with gas in the morning before tomorrow's drive. Should be driving around 200 miles tomorrow with no prep other than putting the key in the ignition.

[Pryme]

Just got home from work. I did a total of 399 miles today. 41 of those miles were personal and 358 of those miles were work related.

Preparations for today's drive involved getting in the car and turning the key. I filled the tank up with gas 129 miles into today's drive.

I'll fill the car up with gas in the morning before tomorrow's drive. Should be driving around 200 miles tomorrow with no prep other than putting the key in the ignition.

Your desperation for attention is adorable.

[Fummins]

Maybe if we ignore him he'll go away?

[Eggman]

You know, I think Steve has a point. To some folks, these little cars look like they aren't designed to leave city limits.

What we need is a thread dedicated to this topic.

I'll start one if I get to a desktop computer.