What car would you pick? Balance of MPG, comfort, and fun

Hyundai Velostar?

In reply to Adrian_Thompson:

I really want to like the C30 but isn't the gas mileage pretty poor for the footprint? Like 27 or 28 mpg on the highway?

pres589 wrote: In reply to Adrian_Thompson: I really want to like the C30 but isn't the gas mileage pretty poor for the footprint? Like 27 or 28 mpg on the highway?

But, it would be reasonably fun to drive, a nice place to be for an hour, and it is highly practical, even with the small footprint. C30 passes into consideration.

With the final departure of the E30, I've been having the same debate... right now, I'm leaning heavily towards a MINI - specifically an R53 Factory JCW model.

A friend of mine from the MINI clubs is currently driving a C30 in place of his '03 R53 (purchased new, still owns). Stock to stock, the R53 definitely handles better, but the C30 is more comfortable, faster and gets better mileage - low 30's without much difficulty, whereas is R53 struggled to get 30 mpg.

Ian F wrote: A friend of mine from the MINI clubs is currently driving a C30 in place of his '03 R53 (purchased new, still owns). Stock to stock, the R53 definitely handles better, but the C30 is more comfortable, faster and gets better mileage - low 30's without much difficulty, whereas is R53 struggled to get 30 mpg.

If the C30 was RWD, it would be at the very top of the list. As it is, still a strong contender.

Ian F wrote: With the final departure of the E30, I've been having the same debate... right now, I'm leaning heavily towards a MINI - specifically an R53 Factory JCW model. A friend of mine from the MINI clubs is currently driving a C30 in place of his '03 R53 (purchased new, still owns). Stock to stock, the R53 definitely handles better, but the C30 is more comfortable, faster and gets better mileage - low 30's without much difficulty, whereas is R53 struggled to get 30 mpg.

I will love and defend the C30 to death, but I'll never tout it's fuel economy. I drive a mixed rout and normally get 25.5mpg. Eco wennie it and I can get 28.5-29mpg, lead foot and it's down to 24mpg. On a decent freeway trip you could certailny got 30mpg if you limit yourself to 60-65mpg. My crusing speed is 80-85mpg so your back down in the mid to upper 20's again.

Comfort wise, I wouldn't think twice about jumping in a driving 1,000 miles without stopping. It's excellent while still being a fun toy in the twisties.

What about a Mazda 3 hatch? They seem like rock solid cars in your price range, fun to drive and meet the mpg criteria. I'd also recommend the 05-07 Focus hatchback or even a Focus wagon (if you can find one with a manual). An darkhorse choice would be a 09-12 Elantra Touring Wagon.

Even though it doesn't meet your 30 mpg requirement, I'd say get a Forester and lower it.

Enyar wrote: TDI?

This is what I was thinking. My old (99) Golf is comfy, pretty fun to drive on stock suspension and rubber, and get's me 50 mpg all day.

S2000 or if you can find one in your budget, a turbo Genesis Coupe

mtn wrote:

Mitchell wrote: Despite its poor reputation on GRM, I will be looking hard at a CRZ when I'm next in the market... Unless I can somehow justify a Frisbee.

I would be too, but I highly doubt it will be cheap enough within a year.

I tried to buy a frisbee, but the local dealers were too greedy. Still sitting at 27k.

I paid 13.9k for my crz with 30k miles, a few more popped up for less than $14k with less miles than my car. Still a cvt for sale locally. These are in your range if you like.

My last 2 car purchases were an attempt at that balance, and I miss having a v-8 for the sound track alone. If I were you I would crown vic and put a 2 mode exhaust with valves on. But I'm not you.

If you are even considering a used corolla (I like toyota, so I won't judge) please cross shop the 3 and focus. same coin will get you a mazda or ford about 2 years younger than the toyota with more options.

Adrian_Thompson wrote: I will love and defend the C30 to death, but I'll never tout it's fuel economy. I drive a mixed rout and normally get 25.5mpg. Eco wennie it and I can get 28.5-29mpg, lead foot and it's down to 24mpg. On a decent freeway trip you could certailny got 30mpg if you limit yourself to 60-65mpg. My crusing speed is 80-85mpg so your back down in the mid to upper 20's again. Comfort wise, I wouldn't think twice about jumping in a driving 1,000 miles without stopping. It's excellent while still being a fun toy in the twisties.

Beats me... I just know he said he gets better mileage with his C30 than he did with his MCS. Granted, he was able to pull 30 mpg consistently in his '71 1800E, whereas my ex's '73 1800ES struggled to get up to 20... I can say with certainty he does not hyper-mile... not in the least.

My full time DD is a TDI and will be for the foreseeable future... after almost 327K miles it's hard to give up 50 mpg, no matter how borely slow the car is at times... the MINI would be a back-up DD and autocrosser.

When I was shopping for something that had the qualities you are looking for, I was set on getting a Saab 9-5 manual, turbo.
High on comfort.
High on image
Good on mpg
Less but still okay on reliability and availability.
Significantly less than budget purchase price.
My needs changed so I never did buy one.

If staying closer to the budget, I would consider an '11 or newer Elantra and get the manual trans if you can find it.

5spd IS300 gets you everything but the MPGs, I was getting low 20's on the highway in my old one.

FWIW I am in a similar boat and have been really tempted by a CR-Z.

daytonaer wrote: If you are even considering a used corolla (I like toyota, so I won't judge) please cross shop the 3 and focus. same coin will get you a mazda or ford about 2 years younger than the toyota with more options.

And if you cross shop the new body Elantra and 10-13 Forte you can get even MORE for less. We paid $10k out the door over a year ago for the '10 SX I have with 6-spd and sunroof. It had 18k miles on the odo (18,011 before the test drive). I've averaged over 31mpg since purchase including auto-x'ing, it's fun, has a great stereo and is fun to drive.

I just had a thought: This could very well be my last car before kids enter the picture. If it is, I would be disappointed to look back and say "I could have had a Corvette, but I got a Honda instead". Not that the Honda isn't very cool, but it is not a Corvette.

Hmm... Now that I am thinking of this, there is a very good chance that this is my last car before kids enter the picture, and almost certainly my last car as a bachelor.

My list has just changed dramatically. Mustangs and Corvettes are now at the top of the list, although most others are still in contention. (And just a reminder--this likely isn't happening for another few months anyways)

I think we need some focus here. We've got everything from used premium genuine luxury vehicles to cheap ass econo boxes. I think MTN is looking for something higher in the overall scale than Focus, Mazda #, CRV's and Hyundai's. Not that there's anything wrong with any of those vehicles, but from my mid 40's ass I don't intend to drive vehicles like that anymore as my DD's. Toy's are Toy's and anything goes, but as a long distance DD I'd be looking more upscale either in market segment or at least wheelbase/ride than some of those.

I'd rather have a 2010 Mustang than a 2004 C5 Corvette but in 10 years the Mustang will be worth the same as the Corvette and a CRZ may be worth more as well.

Adrian_Thompson wrote: I think we need some focus here. We've got everything from used premium genuine luxury vehicles to cheap ass econo boxes. I think MTN is looking for something higher in the overall scale than Focus, Mazda #, CRV's and Hyundai's. Not that there's anything wrong with any of those vehicles, but from my mid 40's ass I don't intend to drive vehicles like that anymore as my DD's. Toy's are Toy's and anything goes, but as a long distance DD I'd be looking more upscale either in market segment or at least wheelbase/ride than some of those.

In general, yes, although at 23 I have a higher tolerance for "lower end".

http://fredericksburg.craigslist.org/cto/4110854851.html

Good price if its still available.

I would probably pick nothing more than a cheap, loaded 2 door appliance. Acura CL, SC300, G35...etc.

Something to help you get through a windshield full of Monday.

tuna55 wrote:

Zomby Woof wrote: G6 GXP with 3.6 and 6 spd. A lot of car for not a lot of money.

this is a good idea - does it actually exist?

Yes and no. All I saw in the googles was the 6 spd. auto. It must have been the GTP that I remembered having the 6 spd manual.

There are other options though. I saw a GT 3.9 6 spd. sedan for sale the other day. It was low mileage, really nice and pretty reasonable. Would make a great commuter.

Jaguar XJ.

mtn wrote:

Adrian_Thompson wrote: I think we need some focus here. We've got everything from used premium genuine luxury vehicles to cheap ass econo boxes. I think MTN is looking for something higher in the overall scale than Focus, Mazda #, CRV's and Hyundai's. Not that there's anything wrong with any of those vehicles, but from my mid 40's ass I don't intend to drive vehicles like that anymore as my DD's. Toy's are Toy's and anything goes, but as a long distance DD I'd be looking more upscale either in market segment or at least wheelbase/ride than some of those.

In general, yes, although at 23 I have a higher tolerance for "lower end".

23! hell what are you worrying about. At 23 my DD, make that only car looked like this: Mine had regular pop ups not 928 style pop ups. Human next to one for scale NVH was 'lots' HVAC was open the windows, interior trim was bare fiberlass. Grow a pair man, live a little.

Adrian_Thompson wrote: 23! hell what are you worrying about. At 23 my DD, make that only car looked like this:

What is that? That is awesome.

I currently drive a Miata, but my thinking is that for an 85 mile round trip commute, I want something that is either better on gas ($$$), cooler, or more comfortable. That thing is certainly much cooler than a Miata, so it would get a pass, assuming available for under 15k, reliable enough to DD 85 miles, and gets reasonable gas mileage.

Also must be able to fit a hockey bag.