What is a good commuter for a single guy?

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iGas

Diamond Member
Feb 7, 2009
6,240
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It would be my second car.

I'm currently driving a 2001 Ford Windstar.

Criteria: 2006-2009, efficient, reliable, some what sporty, inexpensive to purchase.

I test drive a 2009 Corolla today and, it drove well but was boring as hell. I might as well be driving my van.
Also, test drove a 2006 Jetta TDI and it wasn't anything that I expected, the interior was boring even those it had good sound system and leather seats.

What would be your top 3, Civic, Accord, Jetta, Passat, Sonata, Elantra, Tiburon, Altima, or A4?
 
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Bignate603

Bignate603

Lifer
Sep 5, 2000
13,897
1
0
The Hyundais will probably be the most reliable for your money, though the Altima may be up there if you can find a good deal on one. Newer low mileage Hondas carry a premium and IMHO the extra cost is higher than any increased reliability you'll see among most of the cars you listed. The VWs and the A4 can be nice cars (the A4 would fun to drive) but their cost of ownership will probably be higher than the others.
 
EightySix Four

EightySix Four

Diamond Member
Jul 17, 2004
5,122
52
91
iGas said:
It would be my second car.

I currently driving a 2001 Ford Windstar.

Criteria: 2006-2009, efficient, reliable, some what sporty, inexpensive to purchase.

I test drive a 2009 Corolla today and, it drove well but was boring as hell. I might as well be driving my van.

What would be a top 3 choice, a Civic, Accord, Jetta, Passat, Sonata, Elantra, Tiburon, Altima, or A4?

[add]
Test drive a 2006 Jetta TDI and it wasn't anything that I expected, the interior was boring even those it had good sound system and leather seats.
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You want something that isn't "boring as hell" but all the cars you listed are "boring as hell." You need to decide if you actually want something sporty or not. If you do, go try a MazdaSpeed 3, GTI, Genesis Coupe, etc. If not, drive your van.
 
C

CurseTheSky

Diamond Member
Oct 21, 2006
5,401
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Criteria: 2006-2009, efficient, reliable, some what sporty, inexpensive to purchase.
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Fusion. Mazda3. Mazda6. Altima.

Plenty of others, but those would be at the top of my list (the latter being more expensive).

Look for a ~2008 Fusion V6 with 20-35k miles. You should be able to find one in the 12-14k range.
 
PhoKingGuy

PhoKingGuy

Diamond Member
Nov 15, 2007
4,685
0
76
iGas said:
It would be my second car.

I'm currently driving a 2001 Ford Windstar.

Criteria: 2006-2009, efficient, reliable, some what sporty, inexpensive to purchase.

I test drive a 2009 Corolla today and, it drove well but was boring as hell. I might as well be driving my van.
Also, test drove a 2006 Jetta TDI and it wasn't anything that I expected, the interior was boring even those it had good sound system and leather seats.

What would be your top 3, Civic, Accord, Jetta, Passat, Sonata, Elantra, Tiburon, Altima, or A4?
Click to expand...

What do you mean inexpensive? Your range is pretty subjective in that case.
 
I

iGas

Diamond Member
Feb 7, 2009
6,240
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On the financing end.

Should I get financing from the dealer, get a line of credit from my bank, or cash out my investment to pay for it?
 
PhoKingGuy

PhoKingGuy

Diamond Member
Nov 15, 2007
4,685
0
76
iGas said:
On the financing end.

Should I get financing from the dealer, get a line of credit from my bank, or cash out my investment to pay for it?
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If new, you might be able to score 0 down/0% from the dealer, if used try and see what you can get from your bank.

For that price, you might as well go for an elantra or a sonata. Both are fairly cheap economical commuters, plus 10 year warranty to boot. If not, I loved my Jetta service loaner and I have a 2010 TDI on the way. Definitely a more "premium" feel on the inside and ride than what you would get for anything else in its class.
 
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vshah

vshah

Lifer
Sep 20, 2003
19,003
24
81
civic SI!

i'm biased as well though :p

but you can get a sedan, which helps when you need to haul people or junk in an emergency, I get 35mpg on the highway, and its pretty fun to drive as well. used ones hold their value too well though, so i'm not sure it would be a great used deal.

mine was 22k new in late '07, i could sell it today for $17-18k
 
AMCRambler

AMCRambler

Diamond Member
Jan 23, 2001
7,715
31
91
Well if you're lookin' to stay single the Windstar is a good start, lol. Otherwise, I'd say something sensible like a Honda Accord or an SUV like a Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Well if you're lookin' to stay single the Windstar is a good start, lol. Otherwise, I'd say something sensible like a Honda Accord or an SUV like a Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Edit: I didn't read the criteria. Sorry. My vote goes for a Honda S2000. Corolla? No way. Miata? Chick car. The S2K may be more money than you're willing to shell out though.
 
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Fenixgoon

Fenixgoon

Lifer
Jun 30, 2003
33,338
12,924
136
iversonyin said:
this, acura rsx, civic si. and please pair it with manual tranny. thx

people going to tell you mx-5 is a chick car....that's just their insecurities.
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it is a chick car to some degree, but i will never rail on someone for owning one. it's one of the best sports cars. period. you really can't argue with that.
 
B

bmwme

Senior member
May 10, 2001
345
0
0
You sound like a guy who wants a sporty looking car to get chicks, not a car guy right? Do you live in north? If it snows and you don't want to swap to winter tires I recommend getting a FWD or AWD car.

That said, if you're a not just poser and actually want performance get an MS3, WRX/STi, or RSX-r/Civic SI. IF you're just a poser, have "fun" in your Sonata/Elantra!
 
vshah

vshah

Lifer
Sep 20, 2003
19,003
24
81
bmwme said:
You sound like a guy who wants a sporty looking car to get chicks, not a car guy right? Do you live in north? If it snows and you don't want to swap to winter tires I recommend getting a FWD or AWD car.

That said, if you're a not just poser and actually want performance get an MS3, WRX/STi, or RSX-r/Civic SI. IF you're just a poser, have "fun" in your Sonata/Elantra!
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where did he say anything about getting chicks?
 
K

KIAman

Diamond Member
Mar 7, 2001
3,342
23
81
If you're single and want a comfy but sporty car, get an Accord coupe V6. It will be fast enough, efficient enough and sporty looking enough to pick up chicks, who will think it's a 350Z.

where did he say anything about getting chicks?
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If you're a single guy, you are ALWAYS in "pick up chicks" mode... unless you don't play that way.
 
PricklyPete

PricklyPete

Lifer
Sep 17, 2002
14,582
162
106
Bignate603 said:
The Hyundais will probably be the most reliable for your money, though the Altima may be up there if you can find a good deal on one. Newer low mileage Hondas carry a premium and IMHO the extra cost is higher than any increased reliability you'll see among most of the cars you listed. The VWs and the A4 can be nice cars (the A4 would fun to drive) but their cost of ownership will probably be higher than the others.
Click to expand...

This post sums it up nicely.
 
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