• We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.

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

I

imported_KuJaX

Platinum Member
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.

 
Can't go wrong with a Corolla but it's way under your 20k limit.

Your list of cars varies greatly from your listed requirements.
 
IMO, the new Honda Civic is pretty nice. Good gas mileage (30 city/ 40 highway) and one of the best redesigns I've seen, especially on a smaller car.
 
You want visually appealling, no wagons/hatches, but yet still have an xB listed? WTF?

The S2000 is the anti-commuter car.

Can you pick up used TSX's in that price range? Comfortable, decent looking, Acura nameplate, and good milage.
 
Honda Accord LX 4-cylinder 5-speed

I've got one (2004), and it's pretty fun to drive. I get 34 mpg on the highway and it's a lot more spacious than the Civic.
 
As has been mentioned, the new Civic meets most or all of your criteria.

You might want to give the new Sonata a look too. I can't vouch for them, but have heard good buzz about the new models.
 
Originally posted by: vi_edit
You want visually appealling, no wagons/hatches, but yet still have an xB listed? WTF?

The S2000 is the anti-commuter car.

Can you pick up used TSX's in that price range? Comfortable, decent looking, Acura nameplate, and good milage.
Click to expand...


I agree, the xB is a little weird. 🙂 But they are inexpensive and get great gas milage.

Why is the S2000 an anti-commuter car? Are they unreliable or just uncomfortable on the freeway?

Acura TSX, 2004 with around 30k miles go for just over $20,000. They are pretty good looking cars, but how about maintainence and reliability?
 
Mazda 3i, or what is now the base model (w/ the 2.0 liter). the 2006 gets VVT and is only what, 10-12 bhp less than the 2.3l. I have the 3s (2.3L) and love it. I am averaging 27mpg since I bought the car last june, i have a total commute of 60 miles a day. it's a blast to drive. reliabilty has yet to be determined, way too new. the protege's of past were pretty good though. Interior is subjective on any car, you need to go look for yourself.

the key here is it's a lot more fun to drive for a car in it's class.
 
Civic, Mazda3 (I think the wagon looks great), Corolla, Scion TC, Camry, Accord, Altima, Solara (4cyl), RSX, and Impreza (WRX?) would all fit the bill, and the new Sonata looks promising.

I personally don't like the Mazda6 (interior feels cheaper than the Mazda3) and can't see how you can even consider the Scion xB given your requirements.
 
Originally posted by: randomlinh
Mazda 3i, or what is now the base model (w/ the 2.0 liter). the 2006 gets VVT and is only what, 10-12 bhp less than the 2.3l. I have the 3s (2.3L) and love it. I am averaging 27mpg since I bought the car last june, i have a total commute of 60 miles a day. it's a blast to drive. reliabilty has yet to be determined, way too new. the protege's of past were pretty good though. Interior is subjective on any car, you need to go look for yourself.

the key here is it's a lot more fun to drive for a car in it's class.
Click to expand...


What are the main differences between Mazda 3 and Mazda 6? How many miles do you have on your car right now?
 
I don't think the G35 is for you. Around town I get about 15mpg and on the highway I get around 24. It also runs on premium and I do believe is more than "a little" outside of your price range. Aside from those minor flaws it is an amazing car. 😀
 
drive the new civic, the honda accord, and the mazda 3.
the s2000 is a sports car, it will be uncomfortable and noisy to drive everyday to work. insurance costs will be higher.
 
Originally posted by: SithSolo1
I don't think the G35 is for you. Around town I get about 15mpg and on the highway I get around 24. It also runs on premium and I do believe is more than "a little" outside of your price range. Aside from those minor flaws it is an amazing car. 😀
Click to expand...


I wasn't aware that it took premium gas. I have a sports car that takes premium, gets around 13mpg (maybe) and insurance is through the roof (even though i've never been in a wreck). I sit in awww everytime i fill her up, thinking "WTF?" 😉

Thanks for the input, exactly what I needed to hear. Probably not the best commuter car for me at this time.
 
Civic Coupe

# Reliable - Won't break down every month
No question about reliability

# Good Gas Milage - Would prefer over 25mpg
EPA estimated 30/38mpg

# Must be "Nice" - Not watered down "cheap" interior and exterior
Everyone is raving about the new civic interior

# Visually good to look at - No hatchbacks or station wagon type cars
Its personal opinion but I have rearely heard ppl saying that the new civic isn't good to look at

# Under or around $20,000 - I am willing to stretch just a little bit to the upside depending on what has been recommended
DX starting at $14 560

# Must be 2004 or above year with above requirements reached
Its a 2006 model
 
s2000 is a commuter car, not the best ride because of stiff suspension, get the hard top and youre good to go! only for the auto enthusiasts



but yeah, civic would do just fine
 
Civics are just getting way too expensive for what they are though imho.

The last gen Civic LX Coupes (5sp) could be had for $13.5k, you'd be paying at least $2k more plus ttl for this gen's model.
 
Originally posted by: wasssup
Civics are just getting way too expensive for what they are though imho.

The last gen Civic LX Coupes (5sp) could be had for $13.5k, you'd be paying at least $2k more plus ttl for this gen's model.
Click to expand...

Every car is getting more and more expensive. Guess inflation is a bitch.

Toyota Corolla starts at $14 105
Nissan Sentra starts at $13 200
VW Golf starts at $16 050
Mazda 3 starts at $15 150
Scion tC starts at $16 450

Corolla and Sentra are at the last leg of their current gen while civic has already been redesigned.
 
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.
Click to expand...

a little? :laugh:
 
Originally posted by: EmperorIQ
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.
Click to expand...

a little? :laugh:
Click to expand...

Obviously not brand new, but i've seen 2004 years with less than 20,000 miles for around $24k.

 
Originally posted by: EmperorIQ
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.
Click to expand...

a little? :laugh:
Click to expand...


s2000 gets 18mpg

is 35k new

probably 27k for like a 2004 (i didnt check)

and is a reliable good looking sports car

 
A small, high reving roadster is NOT a practical commuter car. They are loud, uncomfortable over long distances, and the drive is abusive because of the suspension.

It's a weekend car for a reason.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Back
Top