Hi Vanagoneers,

I've recently bought a house that will lengthen my commute to work from two
miles to 25 miles, one way.

I'm considering buying a cheap old gas miser to use for the commute, and
spare the '87 Syncro GL a few miles and a few cold starts.

There's an '87 Honda CRX for sale here, for less than $2000.  That's the
sort of car I had in mind.

I'd like to draw on the list wisdom before I buy another car.

I figure, on average, an '87 CRX or the like will be cheaper to operate
than my VW of the same age (though much less cool).  Considerations
include: how quickly will I recover the investment in the Honda and the
insurance on it; and how important it is to keep the routine miles off the
Van.  It has 93,000 on it now.

I would appreciate any advice from those of you who have faced a similar
decision.  Also, if there are any angles for lowering the insurance costs
(multi-car discounts, RV, etc), please help me be aware of these.

And if any of you make it to Fairbanks this summer, be sure to stop by.  I
christened my new garage by changing a headlight that had been out for most
of the winter; the warmth of the garage sure beats fumbling with cold tools
in the snow.  Now I can go after the clutch slave, oxygen sensor, rear
defrost, and dead mirror that have needed attention for too long.

Cheers,

Chris Wyatt
'87 Syncro GL
Fairbanks, Alaska