Looking for a comfortable car that gets over 30 MPG

[raildogg]

Hello, I recently bought a Mazda 3 sedan to travel to work. I drive great distances mainly over highway. The Mazda 3 has not met my expectations as there are squeaks and rattles in the car and it is not very comfortable. I should have listened and bought a Toyota instead.

So now, I am considering getting a Camry or something similar. The Accords are nice but more expensive. I really don't know what to do. Either I can wait out for the new Insight or get a Camry, Corolla or Matrix right now.

I just need a very comfortable car that gets good gas mileage for work. I wanted a fun car but now I regret my decision sometimes.

Please share your opinions.

 

[BassBomb]

camry is boaty feeling, i wouldn't get that
have you thought of the civic?

 

[raildogg]

Originally posted by: BassBomb
camry is boaty feeling, i wouldn't get that
have you thought of the civic?

Yes, the Civics here are being sold at MSRP or higher. Plus, I am not a fan of the Honda dealership close by. They wanted a $500 deposit just to test drive the 2009 Honda Fit. My previous car was a 2001 Honda Accord V6 which I loved, btw. I love Hondas so maybe I can try a different dealership. But the Toyotas will be a better price however.

 

[alfa147x]

The new civic is great
I 2nd the motion for a civic

 

[Funyuns101]

go test drive a few Toyota's and see what you like?
it's a great time to buy as they're offering 0% financing!
as for fun to drive... I don't think that falls under any Toyota, but to each their own.

My assumption would be that the Camry would get similar mileage on the hwy as your mazda3.
so Corolla/Matrix should be better, but obviously really giving up the "fun factor"

it's usually more friendly to your wallet to keep the car you already own despite any potential gas savings.

 

[Pocatello]

The Toyota Camry is a comfortable car.

 

[Chunkee]

Originally posted by: raildogg

Originally posted by: BassBomb
camry is boaty feeling, i wouldn't get that
have you thought of the civic?

Yes, the Civics here are being sold at MSRP or higher. Plus, I am not a fan of the Honda dealership close by. They wanted a $500 deposit just to test drive the 2009 Honda Fit. My previous car was a 2001 Honda Accord V6 which I loved, btw. I love Hondas so maybe I can try a different dealership. But the Toyotas will be a better price however.

sounds like the asshats around here. fuckem.

 

[thomsbrain]

If you want a comfortable car, you'll probably be happy with the Camry.

 

[evident]

4 banger accord is much more comfortable and better built than the current gen camry. i drive it 70 miles a day and it gets me 31-35 mpg at highway speeds. a used 7th gen is really comfy, but im sure the 8th gen has more ameneties for you.

 

[Dr. Detroit]

Hyundai Sonata 4cyl - get the Limited with all the options - 32mpg hwy

Altima Hybrid

Chevy Malibu LTZ 4cyl - interior was rated highest in its class - 32mpg Hwy

 

[Slew Foot]

Originally posted by: evident
4 banger accord is much more comfortable and better built than the current gen camry. i drive it 70 miles a day and it gets me 31-35 mpg at highway speeds. a used 7th gen is really comfy, but im sure the 8th gen has more ameneties for you.

This.

I picked up a 2008 Accord ex i4 sedan earlier this year for about 21K. Very comfy ride and once broken in youll easily get 35 mpg highway.

 

[zerocool84]

Originally posted by: Funyuns101
it's usually more friendly to your wallet to keep the car you already own despite any potential gas savings.

x100000000000

 

[sdifox]

Go test drive a Subaru

 

[Chunkee]

If you want to spend a lot of money with sketchy reliability, then get the Malibu. LTZ 4cylinder with all the goodies, almost 30 grand. Screw that...The Sonata fully loaded would be a better deal with quite a bit of savings.

 

[zoiks]

Originally posted by: BassBomb
camry is boaty feeling, i wouldn't get that
have you thought of the civic?

From what I hear, the civic ain't all that quiet either.
If you want a car thats built like shit, get the Camry.

 

[Vette73]

Chevy Malibu , Hybrid if you can find one.

It is built off the same line as the Saturn Aura and both cars get great reviews. Not only from the Mags but also the owners.

 

[kalrith]

Originally posted by: sdifox
Go test drive a Subaru

While I love Subarus, I don't think any of them get over 25mpg on the highway, which falls quite short of the OP's wishes.

 

[rdp6]

Passat 2.0T. Eats the miles, nice interior, comfy (base) seats, fun to drive. I get 31MPG total, with plenty of redline* blasts on country roads as well as steady 65-75 mph on the 90+ mile round trip to work/school. It makes spending an hour or more in the car a lot nicer experience than other cars I have driven.

http://www.motortrend.com/road..._comparison/index.html

I had some squeaks and rattles at first but they seem to have worked themselves out in the first 10K miles or ~5 months. I only noticed them when driving alone, stereo off, which I do a lot these days. I like the turbo noise, which sounds great with the windows down on a tree-lined road

Try to find a 2007 model with the manual transmission. 33K miles on mine so far (bought new), no real problems. Also, shop around for prices on routine maintenance, my dealer (among 6 or so in the area) charges up to 60% less than others.

I am going taking a daytrip to try out Ohio State Route 26 between Woodsfield and Marietta tomorrow, should be loads of fun.
http://www.topgear.com/content...world_in_80_drives/44/

edit: last week I saw 42.4 sustained mpg on the trip computer over 13 miles at ~55 mph. I was stuck behind a convoy of road repair trucks, positioned around 15 yards behind the truck in front of me.

* redline in 2nd = 59 mph, comes very quickly. See http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=4027923, manual trans chart for rough estimates. Passat redline is ~6500.

 

[Turin39789]

focus

 

[Nyati13]

Originally posted by: kalrith

Originally posted by: sdifox
Go test drive a Subaru

While I love Subarus, I don't think any of them get over 25mpg on the highway, which falls quite short of the OP's wishes.

The non turbo Subs (except Tribeca) all get over 25mpg highway. None of them are rated over 30mpg highway, but it isn't hard to beat the EPA ratings.

 

[heymrdj]

I vote an 08 Ford Focus. It'll easily get the mileage, and the amenities that can be had borderline luxery.

 

[sdifox]

Originally posted by: kalrith

Originally posted by: sdifox
Go test drive a Subaru

While I love Subarus, I don't think any of them get over 25mpg on the highway, which falls quite short of the OP's wishes.

stick 2.5i impreza should do it. I would take the auto though. only 1mpg diff on highway.

(manual) 20 city / 27 highway
(auto) 20 city/ 26 highway

copy and pasted from subaru.com

http://www.subaru.com/shop/ove...m=25I&command=overview


I am biased though since I just test drove legacy 2.5i sedan on Saturday. Me think a used Subaru is in my immediate future

 

[alfa147x]

check out the 2008 civic here they are dirt cheap

 

[child of wonder]

I recently got a 2006 Corolla S with a MT and am really enjoying it. Not a fast car, by any means, but comfy and averages about 35 mpg in about 75% city driving.

 

[Muadib]

The 2009 730d is what you want.:evil: