Martin S.

I lived in SoCal with great weather year round, and I happened to be invincible at that time, under 30...now, I am in Central Coast, I am older and perhaps wiser, weather is not so sweet year round, and I now know that God will not make an exception in my case...I am mortal, and, I hate pain.

Van1

I just bought a '98 BMW 540i Sport 6 speed as my commuter car. Paid $13k for a very nice example with 100k mi. With a budget like yours, you could find a newer example with much less mileage. Just look for one that has had the problem areas addressed. This car runs like a top and starts with absolutely no problem with the sub 0 degree F temps we have had lately here in Omaha. Even goes better in the snow with Blizzaks than my wife's all wheel drive ML500 with all season Michelins. Should definately answer all of your criteria you laid out except for the maybe the last one in that it might be a little thirstier than some others mentioned. But the 310 lbs of twist is addicting. Wish my 993 had that kind of torque. I absolutely love driving the 540. Very comfortable and fast. It is the perfect addition to my 993.

chris walrod

While, I am sure, the mileage sucks, I would love to have one of these bad boys.

tj90

Do you work for the mafia? Ill start calling you Dom...

chris walrod

911-TOUR

Wow guys, thanks so much for the suggestions thus far.

I'd love to ride a bike, but unfortunately the wife won't allow it (and I'd need to get dressed at work).

VW R32 is an interesting idea...is there a good place to get more information?

Audi A4 - I understand that they aren't particularly reliable, a product manager I work with has a 2002 and likes it, but its always in the shop at 50K miles.

BMW 540 - I like this idea too, but what is a 75K plus BMW likely to require as ongoing maintenance? Anyone have a suggestion on where to look for a good one? Actually, what is BMW maintenance like in general (2002+ 3-series, 5 series)?

Wife has a thing about Merc's, no deal there...too bad, my parents had a '72 250C with a 280 engine. I wept when they sold it 5 years ago with 290K miles (no rebuilds!). Not sure the newer ones are built to that standard!

Are Prius's and Civcs that much fun to drive? Everything I've read suggests that the steering is to light and the ride too soft on these cars.

Thanks for the input, keep it coming!

cheers,

sean

LT1

Brand new 2006 GTO can be had for around 26,000! Not the best on gas but tons of fun (400hp), reliable and full warranty. I'm seriously thinking of one for a daily driver.

mooty

does your commuter only need to carry you?
if so, get a s2k, wind the **** out of it.
zeron maintenance, zero prob and kind of fun.
you can buy them at invoice if not below, all day long.

Rudolph

Earlier today I tested a MB S class 4matic sedan. What a nice ride. Why not have a first class commute? If price is a consideration, as it is with me, there are good values to be had with the prior generation S class sedan.

ceboyd

R32?

you can look up what owners say about them on www.vwvortex.com

I've had mine since new and can talk to you about my ownership experience if you like.

I love it.. it's my daily driver and a hatchback, AWD and decent performance all in one..

Greg Fishman

BMW E39 5 series is a good car. I have had one for about 40k miles with no real issues. Maintenance isn't bad. I plan on keeping the car for about 125k miles.

jackb911

My DD is a '07 Honda Civic Si. Go drive one and you'll forget all about Audis and VW's. It's quick, handles like a slot car, is bulletproof, and gets 27 mpg around town. And it's a Honda...'nuff said.

I've been the pre-owned BMW route...not going there again. $$$$

Greg Fishman

Is VW still making the R32? I looked on their website a few weeks ago and didn't see it.

Michael S.

I love my Jetta GLI... The 2.0 Turbo is one sweet engine! And, it handles really nice for a front wheel drive car! All that and 32 mpg... It's the perfect daily driver for me!

Tim993

What do you think of the Infinity G35? Or an Acura TL? I have had a few Acuras and Nissans over the years as daily drivers and have enjoyed them. If you look for a 1 or 2 year old model it might get down to your price range. Just a thought.