YACT : Nice Commuter Car - <~$20,000

[BEL6772]

For what it's worth, I own a '93 Honda Civic DX. It just went past 200K miles and I'm still averaging 36 MPG combined city/hwy driving.

 

[raildogg]

Originally posted by: randomlinh

Originally posted by: raildogg
I would say that the base model Honda Accord, Civic or Mazda3 would be the best choices. The Accord has more room and more power, great resale value, great reliability and is an Accord, the Civic might be more cuter and better on gas and cheaper, the Mazda3 is fun to drive but it isn't a Honda.

I am seriously considering getting a Mazda3 myself but I can't decide on the sedan or the hatchback. Can anyone help? 😀

I find the sedan to more sexy looking. The hatchback seems so small, like a hip teenager car. I am young myself but the hatchback just isn't me. Although, for some odd reason, I keep finding myself addicted to the hatchback. There is just something about the hatchback that attracts me to it. Wow.

So, sedan or hatchback?

no matter which one you get, you'll wish you got the other. heh... that's how I am. but join the sedan crew... you know you wanna.

That is so true. But there is something alluring about the hatchback that I cannot seem to resist. I was so certain that I was going to get a sedan a few weeks ago but now, it seems more and more that I want a hatcback.

Is there any difference between the two in terms of driving and handling?

 

[randomlinh]

Originally posted by: raildogg

Originally posted by: randomlinh

Originally posted by: raildogg
I would say that the base model Honda Accord, Civic or Mazda3 would be the best choices. The Accord has more room and more power, great resale value, great reliability and is an Accord, the Civic might be more cuter and better on gas and cheaper, the Mazda3 is fun to drive but it isn't a Honda.

I am seriously considering getting a Mazda3 myself but I can't decide on the sedan or the hatchback. Can anyone help? 😀

I find the sedan to more sexy looking. The hatchback seems so small, like a hip teenager car. I am young myself but the hatchback just isn't me. Although, for some odd reason, I keep finding myself addicted to the hatchback. There is just something about the hatchback that attracts me to it. Wow.

So, sedan or hatchback?

no matter which one you get, you'll wish you got the other. heh... that's how I am. but join the sedan crew... you know you wanna.

That is so true. But there is something alluring about the hatchback that I cannot seem to resist. I was so certain that I was going to get a sedan a few weeks ago but now, it seems more and more that I want a hatcback.

Is there any difference between the two in terms of driving and handling?

no, not really. i almost bit the hatch, but decided against it.. liked the look of the sedan+spoiler more overall. sorta wish i had the utility tho.

 

[grillmasterP]

Corolla is a great commuter car-

Uncle paid $14,100 drive out in Jan 2004 for a 2004 Corolla CE (automatic)

 

[Azndude51]

# Scion xB - I know they are a little weird, but they can be had for under $15k and get 35mpg
# Honda S2000 - Nice little car, a little over $20k. I have absolutely no idea how realiable they are, as most people purchase them as weekend cars.
# Mazda 3 / Mazda 6 - Have never been real up and personal with either. Are they reliable?
# Toyota Corolla (s?) - Nice looking cars, I assume reliable from being built by Toyota
# Infinity G35 - Extremely appealing looking cars, not the best gas milage and a bit over $20k

My opinion:
Scion xB - Good choice if you don't mind the looks and weak engine. Why not consider the tC?
S2000 - As you said, its more of a weekend car and probably too cramped for a daily driver.
Mazda 3/6 - My sister owns a 3, its an excellent choice. Very sporty, looks great, drives well. Its much like a Civic or Corolla, but sportier. The interior feels great and feels high quality. Can't say much about reliablity since its pretty new, but nothing at all has gone wrong, its 1+ years old.
Toyota Corolla - I don't like it, but that's just my personal preference. Reliability is the only thing going for it.
Infinity G35 - Probably not the best bang for your buck as a daily commuter, though its very sporty and fun to drive, my friend has the coupe. It doesn't seem as reliable as some other cars.

 

[BUTCH1]

The Malibu is a decent choice, mine has a 200HP 3.5 V6 is very comfortable
rides nice and gets 24/33 MPG. not enough performance to keep up with a
mustang GT but enough to make onramps/ passing easy...

 

[jagec]

Originally posted by: BUTCH1
The Malibu is a decent choice, mine has a 200HP 3.5 V6 is very comfortable
rides nice and gets 24/33 MPG. not enough performance to keep up with a
mustang GT but enough to make onramps/ passing easy...

24/33 on a V6? That's impressive if true.

 

[Trente]

http://automobiles.honda.com/models/model_overview.asp?ModelName=Accord+Sedan

/thread

 

[McGyver]

Originally posted by: QurazyQuisp
The new nissan sentra... 2007 I think is totally redesigned, looks pretty nice.

weeeeerd. hands down, no contest!

 

[SketchMaster]

I drive a 03 Suzuki Aerio SX with over 75K, I love it to death. With the new models you get alot of stuff for 16K and they drive great, MPG is pretty good 25/31, and it has a smooth ride for such a small car but can still take turns well. I don't know about the sedan but the SX has LOTS of room, I'm 6'1 and I still have good headroom.

And they last, I hear about Suzuki's that last 300k miles and still want to keep going.

There are better cars, but I would say go check one out if you get the chance.

 

[BUTCH1]

quote:
Originally posted by: BUTCH1
The Malibu is a decent choice, mine has a 200HP 3.5 V6 is very comfortable
rides nice and gets 24/33 MPG. not enough performance to keep up with a
mustang GT but enough to make onramps/ passing easy...


24/33 on a V6? That's impressive if true.

from the EPA/GOV website
Chevrolet Malibu
6 cyl, 3.5 L, Auto(4), Regular 22 32

I drive at a moderate pace in city traffic so I'm doing a little better
than the listed #'s for this car. I find it funny to see people blast
through their gears, rev the **** out of their motors only to be sitting
next to me at the traffic light 1/3 mile down the street. Not to mention
the wear on the pads and rotors. When the summer months come I'll
take a hit on mpg as here in central FL you WILL be useing the AC...

 

[CVSiN]

Originally posted by: KuJaX
Hey Everyone,

I'm going to start driving approximately 35 miles to and from work everyday. So I am in the market for a nice commuter car. Here are the requirements:

[*]Reliable - Won't break down every month
[*]Good Gas Milage - Would prefer over 25mpg
[*]Must be "Nice" - Not watered down "cheap" interior and exterior
[*]Visually good to look at - No hatchbacks or station wagon type cars
[*]Under or around $20,000 - I am willing to stretch just a little bit to the upside depending on what has been recommended
[*]Must be 2004 or above year with above requirements reached

I prefer only people that know what they are talking about or have actual experience with what they recommend. Again, please keep the above requirements in mind. I am going to research out many of what you guys recommend. 🙂

Cars I am debating prior to any ATOT input:

[*]Scion xB - I know they are a little weird, but they can be had for under $15k and get 35mpg
[*]Honda S2000 - Nice little car, a little over $20k. I have absolutely no idea how realiable they are, as most people purchase them as weekend cars.
[*]Mazda 3 / Mazda 6 - Have never been real up and personal with either. Are they reliable?
[*]Toyota Corolla (s?) - Nice looking cars, I assume reliable from being built by Toyota
[*]Infinity G35 - Extremely appealing looking cars, not the best gas milage and a bit over $20k


Any input is greatly appreciated. 🙂 If we could have some discussion with what other people recommend or what i've listed above, that would be fantastic. Again, please only reply if you know what you are talking about and/or have had real life experience with a specific car that you recommend.

Pontiac Solstice
or Saturn Sky as well.. very nice cars in the same league as the S2000

 

[CraigRT]

New Civic.. I like 'em enough to recommend for a commuter anyways.