I'm looking for a small efficient car for commuting. Preferably with enough room for one other person if necessary, but I don't need tons of room.
I was initially looking at getting a fiat 500 in 2 years (once the initial 2012 run came off lease), but given my current car it doesn't look like I can wait that long...
Any suggestions on what make/model I should be looking at for small efficient (and affordable) vehicles? For reference-- I drive 60 miles (total) for work each day, plus some around town driving.
I have found the smaller Hyundais and Hondas to be efficient and cheap. Either seem to have a good life-span, Hondas maybe more so, but that's just anecdotal.
Although I prefer my Focus. Hasn't given me any trouble (other than needing new tires and an alignment) in the last 70,000 miles. I put about 40 miles on it every day for the commute, plus a 200 mile trip at least once a month, plus any other in-state travel. I get about 28 miles to the gallon, on average - a 10 gallon tank nets me 280 to 300 miles, so I only fill-up once a week unless I'm taking a drive out to see my soon-to-be-wife.
If you are in a city a lot, a hatchback would be your best option, probably a VW.
I'd go with a 2007 grand prix as long as you don't spend too much time doing city runs. for long distance travel (45 mins+) my 2005 grand prix can't be beat. the handling is absolutely phenomenal for a car of it's price range, and is just about a smooth a ride as you can ask for outside of a Cadillac. gas mileage range sucks for town, not gonna lie, but highway is about average. it's got a big V6 when you consider how small the car is (4.2L i think for the 2007 model, I know mine was 3.8 when i got it). very reliable, the only problem i've ever had was with the battery.
If you want small, efficient and affordable (what is your definition of "affordable", price-wise?), I don't think you'll be able to do better than a Hyundai or Honda. I would include Toyota in that mix, though their reputation for reliability has been tarnished a bit in recent years.
The Hyundai Accent, Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla all tend to get an average MPG of 30 miles or better.
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I recommend really looking at fuel efficiency when pricing out a car. 60 miles per working day means 16800 miles per year. If you get 30 mpg, that comes out to 560 gallons per year. At 3.50 per gallon, that is 1960 per year. If you get 36 mpg, that comes out to 467 gallons per year. At 3.50 per gallon, that is 1635 per year. Multiply that difference by the time you expect to own the car, and it turns into a real cost factor. If a car take premium fuel, that adds a lot to the cost.
Other than that, remember that you are going to need to live with this thing for a while. If you can't stand, say, a manual transmission, don't buy a car with one just because you can get it for $500 less. If you test drive a car, and the driving experience is bad, don't buy it no matter the price. If a car's style or color or whatever is so ugly that you'll be ashamed to admit you own it, don't buy it no matter how cheap it is. Nothing is a bargain if you hate the fact that you own it.
I was initially looking at getting a fiat 500 in 2 years (once the initial 2012 run came off lease), but given my current car it doesn't look like I can wait that long...
Any suggestions on what make/model I should be looking at for small efficient (and affordable) vehicles? For reference-- I drive 60 miles (total) for work each day, plus some around town driving.
thanks
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http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/feg2010.pdf
Although I prefer my Focus. Hasn't given me any trouble (other than needing new tires and an alignment) in the last 70,000 miles. I put about 40 miles on it every day for the commute, plus a 200 mile trip at least once a month, plus any other in-state travel. I get about 28 miles to the gallon, on average - a 10 gallon tank nets me 280 to 300 miles, so I only fill-up once a week unless I'm taking a drive out to see my soon-to-be-wife.
If you are in a city a lot, a hatchback would be your best option, probably a VW.
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The Hyundai Accent, Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla all tend to get an average MPG of 30 miles or better.
UBW Sharuum
BR Olivia Voldaren
UR Jhoira
URG Riku
U Vendilion Clique
Other than that, remember that you are going to need to live with this thing for a while. If you can't stand, say, a manual transmission, don't buy a car with one just because you can get it for $500 less. If you test drive a car, and the driving experience is bad, don't buy it no matter the price. If a car's style or color or whatever is so ugly that you'll be ashamed to admit you own it, don't buy it no matter how cheap it is. Nothing is a bargain if you hate the fact that you own it.
http://forums.mtgsalvation.com/showthread.php?t=557874