Help me choose a new car UPDATE

[Creamcracker]

Ok, so here's the deal...It is very possible that I will be moved/promoted to a new position within my organization....the down side is I'll be travelling some 90 miles a day, 5 days a week...that means that I'm going to average 1,800 miles a month. I don't want to put that kind of mileage on my 09 Chrysler 300.....I'd like to get another car to use driving to and from work.....however it needs to have/be...
1. Good gas mileage
2. Some pizzazz!
3. Reliability
4. Comfortable to drive
5. Cost under $20,000 preferably under $15,000

We have a Mini Cooper and I am considering another however it uses premium gas and the price is almost more than I want to commit....I like the 2011 Hyandai Sonata but that price also hovers around 20K for the low end model. Any suggestions of cars that I should be considering.....I need the reliability so I'm hesitant about a used car...suggestions welcome...
Philip

[Gage]

Use a company car, way cheaper.

[teardrop_focus]

^

1. Good gas mileage
2. Some pizzazz!
3. Reliability
4. Comfortable to drive
5. Cost under $20,000 preferably under $15,000

The only new car I can think of that would meet that criteria, then some, and that sells for $16,290 would be a new Ford Focus. They're damn great little cars.

http://www.fordvehicles.com/cars/focuss ... |205351642



There's a 2-door model that can look snazzy w/ a 1-inch lowering spring set.

http://www.fordvehicles.com/cars/focusc ... |205351642





I've had a 2003 model since it was new. It has over 93,000 miles on it and I have never been left stranded. Starts and runs like the day I bought it almost 7 years later. I modify, service and maintain my cars. I plan on tugging my lightweight teardrop with it, hence the username.

[Alleged User]

It's so much more fun spending other folks' money.

The new Sonatas look very cool. Lots of options around the upper end of your target price, but they thin out quickly toward the other direction. If you like Hyundais, the Elantra Touring GLS is different and firmly within range. I have a thing for hatchbacks, so I may be partial. Good cargo room in these, and a surprisingly roomy cabin.

Carmax is worth a look for low-mileage used cars. Here's a search in your area...note the Ford Fusion with leather and sunroof. (Oops...the Fusion is gone. Didja buy it?)

[campinwi]

It may cost a little more, but a volkswagen Jetta diesel manual transmission will get about 45 miles per gallon. I've also looked at a Toyota Yaris, which is less money-though we don't know how reliable toyota is going to be. I have heard that just about any car with a manual transmission gets better gas mileage than an automatic.

[mk10108]

90 miles one way gets old quick. Add traffic and your new position becomes a real pain in the ass. Your talking 2-3 hours each way. You'll find audio books get old and the 30 hours a week your burning could be used to do other things.

Second the Ford. Had a 04 and couldn't kill it.

[Juneaudave]

Low mileage used with a lot of comfort!!!

[Miriam C.]

Go sit in the new Sentra's! If you are tall you might also try out the Malibu. It is really quiet!

To get better mileage out of the Sentra get a standard shift.

I don't suggest you go smaller than these as you might get run off the road or just get tired of being closed in.......

[eamarquardt]

The only new car I can think of that would meet that criteria, then some, and that sells for $16,290 would be a new Ford Focus. They're damn great little cars.

http://www.fordvehicles.com/cars/focuss ... |205351642

There's a 2-door model that can look snazzy w/ a 1-inch lowering spring set.

http://www.fordvehicles.com/cars/focusc ... |205351642

I've had a 2003 model since it was new. It has over 93,000 miles on it and I have never been left stranded. Starts and runs like the day I bought it almost 7 years later. I modify, service and maintain my cars. I plan on tugging my lightweight teardrop with it, hence the username.

My van blew some water hoses and since I had out of town visitors and wanted to go to SLO for a weekend I rented a Focus 4 banger. We crammed a double and single foam mattress in the trunk along with our pillows and bed clothes and some of our bags (there were three of us on the trip). It got a little tiresome after over two hours in the saddle but was comfortable up to that point. Was reasonably appointed and got 30 real miles per gallon on the highway. Seemed to have reasonable power, not too much vibration from the engine, and the engine RPMs weren't excessive at highway speeds (just a little faster than my Windstar van).

I informed my wife that there might be a Focus in her future when her car (200K now and we'll drive it till it drops) poops out.

Cheers,

Gus

[Laredo]

risking a total lack of PCdom here, check out an Avenger or a Caliber. The Calibers come in between $15-$18K MSRP, the Avengers (SXT is actually better on gas than RT) between $18-22K. Have experience w/ them as rentals on trips approximately 300-350 miles. Not as cushy as my '97 Ram 1500, but something like 3x the mpg.

[caseydog]

If you are going to load it up with miles, don't buy new. Look at a certified pre-owned, or just a pre-owned. All those miles are going to kill the resale value, so at least with a used car, a decent chunk of value is lost by the first owner.

A used VW Jetta TDi Diesel would be a pretty good choice. Nice car, with excellent fuel economy numbers. And, comfortable.

CD

[ssrjim]

How about a Soul?

[Laredo]

Caseydog's onto something.
Take a look at a good low-mileage '06 or '07 vehicle.
Mike Schneider might be able to give you some good advice on a Jetta, too.

[Creamcracker]

I've looked at some used ones....I've looked at the Soul, and the Dodge Caliber/Avenger...I'd get a good deal with those since I already have the 300.....in the last couple of days things have changed work wise...I was offered a new position that was even better than what I was expecting (GREAT) BUT it wasn't at the location I had been interviewed for rather even further away...66 miles one way..that's 650 miles a week (2600 a month) commuting and I don't think I want to do that! So I'm a little bummed right now....I feel as though I'm going to have to turn this position down... within the company it's the one I want, and didn't think I'd be considered for for another 2/3 years........I 've got to make the call this morning.....
Philip

[Miriam C.]

Will this be the last time they will offer? Can you back out gracefully? (miriam speak for have a good excuse) Like working on a book or the house or the church or something that isn't just "I don't want to drive that far.

Good luck!