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What car should I get?

IHateMyJob2004

IHateMyJob2004

Lifer
My wife just traded her van in to get a Prius. She loves it.

I have a truck that I no longer need that eats gas. I spend $300+ a month on gas. So I am starting to think about getting a new car.

Here's the thing. If I get a car that gets 30 mpg, I might as well keep the truck. Thing is, I want something much bigger than a Prius for when we need it. I am almost thinking that I want a Prius V but I might want something bigger than that.

Budget is firm at $30,000. But I'd like to stay under $27K.

Summary:
40+ mpg (35+ is OK if the price is lower)
$30K max
bigger is better.

Current Options:
Ford Fusion Hybrid ($26-$27K, 47 MPG)
Toyota Prius V ($26-$26K, 40 mpg)


Or hsould I just get a gas guzzling sports car ;-)
 
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50 MPG Honda Accord Hybrid: $29k (well, 50 city, 45 highway)
http://www.autoblog.com/2013/09/23/2014-honda-accord-hybrid-pricing/

46 MPG Chevy Cruze Diesel: $24k (diesel)
http://www.chevrolet.com/cruze-compact-car.html

44 MPG Mitsubishi Mirage: $13k (non-hybrid)
http://www.mitsubishicars.com/MMNA/jsp/mirage/14/showroom/overview.do

43 MPG VW Passat TDI: $27k (diesel)
http://www.vw.com/en/models/passat/gallery.html

40 MPG Honda Civic: $18k (non-hybrid)
http://automobiles.honda.com/civic-sedan/

38 MPG Nissan Altima: $21k (non-hybrid)
http://www.nissanusa.com/cars/altima
 
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What do you want in terms of "bigger". People space or stuff space? If it's people space then look at a Passat TDI. I know it's not a hybrid, but can't argue with close to 45MPG on the highway in a big ass people cruiser.

If you want "stuff" space, then Prius V or Ford C-Max.
 
Been looking at the Mazda CX-5 myself. I prefer the 2.5 Skyactiv for more grunt. Nice size, good cargo space and really decent fuel economy.

Prius is a fine choice if thats your thing. Not something I really like but I can see why some people prefer them.

It really boils down to your lifestyle and budget. If the $300 per month on gas is bugging you then something really cheap and reliable like a Prius or even a Civic would be a good choice. But carrying gear on a regular basis is really going to feel tight in compact car.
 
NutBucket said:
And none of those qualify as being MUCH bigger than a Prius.
Click to expand...

The Accord, Altima, and Passat are all pretty decently-sized comparatively.

I like my wife's 2013 Civic because it really does get 40 MPG highway and doesn't require any fancy hybrid system or battery to replace down the road or premium gas...just a plain-old car with great gas mileage :thumbsup:
 
HitAnyKey said:
Been looking at the Mazda CX-5 myself. I prefer the 2.5 Skyactiv for more grunt. Nice size, good cargo space and really decent fuel economy.

Prius is a fine choice if thats your thing. Not something I really like but I can see why some people prefer them.

It really boils down to your lifestyle and budget. If the $300 per month on gas is bugging you then something really cheap and reliable like a Prius or even a Civic would be a good choice. But carrying gear on a regular basis is really going to feel tight in compact car.
Click to expand...

Oh that's right, the new Mazda3 hatch has a 40 MPG version. Looks hawt too :wub:
 
You can do what I did last time...

Sold my F150 then <eventually> bought a 2013 Mustang and a 2003 Expedition and spent near $30k.

Use the Expedition when neither of my cars work for the situation.

Depending on the value of your truck, maybe you can just tack on a 3rd vehicle for $25k or less and use the $5k difference to cover your insurance for keeping a 3rd vehicle for the next 5yrs or more.
 
The Fusion is a much bigger vehicle than the Prius. Might even want to look at something like the Fusion SE with the 1.6T, gives you extra trunk space, 37MPG and can be tons cheaper than the Hybrid.
 
Goto fuel economy.gov Then use the compare tool and put your numbers in for what kind of driving you do and how much you'd save compared to your choices.
No its not perfect but its relative and should be able to ballpark it for you.
30G? depreciation costs a lot more than what you'd save in fuel in most cases if you own the truck cause hybrids still use fuel.
 
OP, I don't know about where you live, but around here diesel costs 20% more than regular unleaded, which mitigates some of the mpg advantage of a diesel. I'd stick with gas-electric hybrids if saving money on gas is the goal.
 
Thanks for all the feedback.

I think this is going to happen. But there are a few things I have to deal with first. Our home is on the market and my wife and i have to decide if we pull the listing or if we move. Need to look at numbers with her. Granted I think a new car makes alot of sense. I might hold off till we move or decide to never move though.
 
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