Looking at a longer commute, best MPG vs Performance car

[alkemyst]

So...it sounds like you're getting the SRT8.

Don't know yet. Just that most of the recommendations so far I haven't liked.

 

[PricklyPete]

Audi S4 or stripped BMW 335is.

 

[xSkyDrAx]

09-11 wrx's hatch. pretty quick, utility, suspension good enough for DD. probably suffers from the sti prob though. Small-ish tank and can eat up gas depending on your foot.

 

[Throckmorton]

 

[alkemyst]

I don't like the Challenger. Esp that it's hard to see out of in the back.

 

[InflatableBuddha]

09-11 wrx's hatch. pretty quick, utility, suspension good enough for DD. probably suffers from the sti prob though. Small-ish tank and can eat up gas depending on your foot.

This. Not as hardcore and gas-hungry as the STI hatch but still quick and sporty.

The hatch offers decent cargo space, though not as much as a Mazda3 or a Matrix (but then neither of those are nearly as sporty as the WRX).

Maybe a Volvo wagon? (V50/V70)

 

[satyajitmenon]

I don't like the Challenger. Esp that it's hard to see out of in the back.

Quit being so damn picky and just buy the SRT8 already.

 

[theeedude]

Subaru Legacy GT

 

[alkemyst]

Maybe a Volvo wagon? (V50/V70)

Subaru Legacy GT

I wear crocs too, thanks. /sarcasm

 

[Throckmorton]

 

[alkemyst]

lolwut?

 

[jlee]

I wear crocs too, thanks. /sarcasm

There's nothing wrong with a Legacy GT.

 

[Throckmorton]

lolwut?

Good point. Keep the 240sx

 

[kornphlake]

I wear crocs too, thanks. /sarcasm

I think you mean Birkenstocks with the legacy and v70, the crocs crowd drives outbacks and 850 wagons.

 

[alkemyst]

I knew someone would correct that...

 

[theeedude]

You asked for something fun, a bit unique and quick, and something that you could fold down the rear seat to carry stuff and dogs. For that Legacy GT is perfect, which is why I brought it up. It may not be good for creating the image you desire to compensate for something, so maybe you should have mentioned that on your requirements list to avoid the confusion.

 

[alkemyst]

my dogs sit in the front seat.

 

[theeedude]

Legacy GT has 2 front seats.

 

[chucky2]

BMW 335d <- d for Clean Diesel?

Good performance, sporty, great mpg

 

[alkemyst]

Legacy GT has 2 front seats.

you aren't paying attention.

 

[theeedude]

Just buy an SRT 8 then. Why are you asking if you don't want to hear suggestions?

 

[JJ650]

There have been many good suggestions, but it does seem your heart is set on the SRT8. Just don't be disappointed with the deceptive looks that it's roomy on the inside. It's not as big as it looks. G8 even has more room on the interior.

Any way..have fun looking. I get a kick out of looking for our next ride.

Heck...how about an '04 Marauder?

 

[exdeath]

Just buy an SRT 8 then. Why are you asking if you don't want to hear suggestions?

Because everybody is suggesting the same thing under a different trim/name over and over again.

 

[ayabe]

Looks like OP has made up his mind but I'm very happy with my C55 and I'm in a 80 mile round trip commute on the highway. It's extremely comfortable, rock solid stable at high speeds, OK MPG for a V8, goes like stink, etc.

The WRX or STI is a HORRIBLE car for this situation - they're both loud, aren't great on the MPG, have a stiff ride, have barely any amenities and you'll be paying outrageous maintenance costs when putting 20,000 +/- miles a year on one. They're just not made for slogging miles like that.

Not the mention that the cars have arguably gotten worse since 2008 - same engines/trannies, worse performance, higher cost, ringland issues, etc.

 

[alkemyst]

Just buy an SRT 8 then. Why are you asking if you don't want to hear suggestions?

Have I flamed anyone for their recommendation? Just the ones given either have been the wrong requirements or no better on mileage.

Heck, I'd love a late M5...perhaps a 2009 CTS-V also.

If I had $40k to spend those would move up the list. While I could afford it, the is a lot more I can do with my money than having an $800-1000 car payment.

The more I think about it, the gas mileage may not be that 'bad'.

My commute is going to be a 62mile round trip. I am thinking even if I got a more miserly car I may only save $100-150 tops and have to give up the fun of driving the car I want.