Cars that can go the distance.

Klayfish wrote: Unfortunately, the "magic" car I need for under $20k doesn't exist...manual trans, at least 4 seats, lots of fun to drive (i.e. good handling, 200+hp), reliable and can go long distances on one tank of fuel.

200+ HP cars generally don't get good gas mileage. For your specifications, I might recommend an EcoBoost Mustang. 31MPG highway and a 15.5 gallon tank gets you about 450 miles. Seats four? Kinda. Under $20k? Possibly - used ones will be hitting the market soon.

edit: the 3.7 V6 also gets 31 highway, and might be more common to find.

Mazdax605 wrote: Not to thread jack, but I saw recently on the television a company (maybe on shark tank, I don't remember) that has a fuel truck that you can hire to fuel up your car while you're in bed or at work. Seemed like a pretty good idea. Maybe I should look into this as a business. I don't think I would ever want to use such a service, but I see that some /many people may like this.

How will they get into your car though? Very few vehicles have exposed fuel caps that you can just unscrew. They'd need a copy of your car's keys, or you'd have to remember to leave the fuel door open for them.

ProDarwin wrote: Nobody has said Prius yet? 11.9gal tank, rated at 51/48. You'll easily get over 500.

You may have missed the request for a manual transmission.

EvanR wrote:

ProDarwin wrote: Nobody has said Prius yet? 11.9gal tank, rated at 51/48. You'll easily get over 500.

You may have missed the request for a manual transmission.

Doh. Fail.

This thread makes me happy I only fill up once or twice a month.

GameboyRMH wrote:

Mazdax605 wrote: Not to thread jack, but I saw recently on the television a company (maybe on shark tank, I don't remember) that has a fuel truck that you can hire to fuel up your car while you're in bed or at work. Seemed like a pretty good idea. Maybe I should look into this as a business. I don't think I would ever want to use such a service, but I see that some /many people may like this.

How will they get into your car though? Very few vehicles have exposed fuel caps that you can just unscrew. They'd need a copy of your car's keys, or you'd have to remember to leave the fuel door open for them.

well, considering that you would not be there to pay them anyway, I am sure as part of the procedure, they would have a copy of the key to at least unlock the car and pop the cap.

It's a good idea imho, but fraught with the potential to be an insurance nightmare

EvanR wrote:

Klayfish wrote: Unfortunately, the "magic" car I need for under $20k doesn't exist...manual trans, at least 4 seats, lots of fun to drive (i.e. good handling, 200+hp), reliable and can go long distances on one tank of fuel.

200+ HP cars generally don't get good gas mileage. For your specifications, I might recommend an EcoBoost Mustang. 31MPG highway and a 15.5 gallon tank gets you about 450 miles. Seats four? Kinda. Under $20k? Possibly - used ones will be hitting the market soon. edit: the 3.7 V6 also gets 31 highway, and might be more common to find.

You're right, high hp cars don't typically get great mpg, though modern DI turbos are helping to bridge that gap. I knew I'd have to compromise somewhere, so I chose tank range. I could live with 24-26mpg highway if I had a tank that was 16+ usable gallons. But overall, it was just finding the right balance of all the things I needed. Lots of things I like about the FoST, and a few things that drive me bonkers.

In reply to ProDarwin:

No manual option.

Klayfish wrote: Lots of things I like about the FoST, and a few things that drive me bonkers.

We're drifting off-topic here, but you bring up an interesting comparison...

The FoST and the EB or V6 Mustangs have an interesting price overlap - they're all within a shade of $25k. I'd love to see a comparison test of similarly-priced models.

I drive I5 between Portland and the San Francisco area quite often and I see a disproportionate number of bug splattered Pri going 70-75 in Oregon and 90+ California. They are very quiet as they go by because the areo, tires, and drivetain. Civic HX are on the cheapo side of an answer to the question.

ProDarwin wrote: Nobody has said Prius yet? 11.9gal tank, rated at 51/48. You'll easily get over 500.

I can hit 600 miles in my 300SDL.

EvanR wrote:

Klayfish wrote: Lots of things I like about the FoST, and a few things that drive me bonkers.

We're drifting off-topic here, but you bring up an interesting comparison... The FoST and the EB or V6 Mustangs have an interesting price overlap - they're all within a shade of $25k. I'd love to see a comparison test of similarly-priced models.

I test drove the V6 'stang. I'd say performance numbers are similar, though the 'stang may be a bit quicker in stock form. Mustang has to rev harder, FoST is very torquey. Otherwise, they're very different. FWD hatchback vs RWD muscle car platform. Different utility, different chassis feel, different driving dynamics. I have the Ford Racing ECU tune on my FoST (keeps factory warranty in tact), so I'm at something like 360lb ft of tq. Turns the car into a wild animal...with the most wicked case of torque steer you've ever seen.

And back on topic...as long as I'm not constantly hammering it, I have seen no drop in mpg since the ECU tune.

Tom Suddard wrote: I can hit 600 miles in my 300SDL.

Can your bladder go 600 miles?

I think a newer Mazda 6 with stick shift checks all the boxes for what you are looking for.

Manual Camry from 2011 (last year of manual) is rated at 33 highway with an 18.5 gallon tank. Thats 610 miles. I'm sure in real world use you could beat that by a fair amount.

Accord = same size tank, 32 hwy

TSX = same again but 31 hwy

Altima = 20 gallons and 32hwy

So basically any big family sedan around 5 years old with the 4 cyl/manual. Most should be reliable as gravity and comfortable places to spend long periods of time.

Chevy Cruze RS: Seen them get 42mpg highway regularly plus they have a 15.6 gallon tank. Just squeaks over 600. And available with a manual. And cheeeeeeeeeeeeeeap

I know you're not the biggest fan of sedans, but the 2014+ Mazda 6 and the 2013+ Honda Accord Sport are both available with manuals, somewhat fun to drive, and should meet the range requirements. Both seem to be nice cars inside and out. Both should also be A LOT less maintenance intensive than a TDI. These cars are both built to pile the miles on. I strongly considered both when I still had my soul-sucking commute due to the mileage/maintenance/comfort benefits.

2011-15 Sonata/Optima were available with a manual trans and 200hp. 18 gallon tank and 35mpg highway = 600+ miles and they are not a bad place to spend some time.

Tom Suddard wrote: I can hit 600 miles in my 300SDL.

What kind of mileage do you actually get? Im thinking of buying one of those soon if I can find one I like.

Due to a lack of overdrive and ALL THE WEIGHT IN THE ENTIRE WORLD, it's heavily driving dependent. In town racing from light to light? 18-19. On a long highway trip at 80 mph? 24-25. Cruising down a back road at 55? Nearly 30.

I usually average about 23 wth mixed driving.

alfadriver wrote: Why 500 miles?

MA$$hole wrote: I would ideally like something with projector/HID lights or the ability to install them.

If you want to push fuel mileage then going to LED headlights would help a lot.

Cruze Diesel

Tom Suddard wrote: Due to a lack of overdrive and ALL THE WEIGHT IN THE ENTIRE WORLD, it's heavily driving dependent. In town racing from light to light? 18-19. On a long highway trip at 80 mph? 24-25. Cruising down a back road at 55? Nearly 30. I usually average about 23 wth mixed driving.

Interesting, that's pretty similar to the broken e300d I have now and need to replace, and the 5 cylinder 300sd I used to have. Not bad for such a huge car.

It's not sub $15,000 (but an older one would be) but I just routed our OBT rally in a new direct injected Civic and that thing gets a legitimate 35-40 mpg, even the way I drive.

And the new Pilot gets 25 mpg, which is pretty amazing, considering how big it is. This direct injection may be here to stay.

My mk4 TDI golf routinely got 670 miles to a tank.

My FiST gets 440 miles to a tank, without any effort. I prefer it to the TDI. :)