911-TOUR

Hi Folks,

I'd like to solicit advice on what the board thinks would be a good commuter car to replace my 160,000 mile ES-300. Criteria are as follows:

- $25K Max.
- Okay with buying used.
- Must be more fun to drive than the ES-300.
- Really need a sedan, but could be convinced to go with a 4-seat convertible.
- Reliable and cheap to operate.

Meesh and I went to the Houston auto show over the weekend looking, and the only thing we really saw that we liked were the new 3-series BMWs (>25K) and the VW Jettas. I've been reading that VW has had reliability issues, but if buying new how bad could it be (warranty).

In any case, I've always found the folks on this board to be very creative with suggestions on these sorts of matters...what is the current thinking on daily commuters?

cheers,

sean

cabrio993

Get an Audi A4, you can get a 2002 - 2004 low mileage for about 24K or so.

agdamis

BMW

Martin S.

I have one, my daughter has one, my buddy Denis has one...I just love the 40+ mpg, and the 9 gallon fill ups. I have gotten 52 mph...note at 112 mph, done off road of course, the car gets 25 mpg...112 mph is the speed governor cot off speed..it could go faster down a long hill.

I am 6'2" and I fit just fine in this car.

There are lots of Rennlisters with these cars...

Harold_C

They're running a special lease deal on '07 Prius': $229/mo. right now through the month.

It's tempting to get something that balances my gas usage.

DJF1

bought a boat, a 1997 Mercedes E320 and its a perfect daily driver. quiet, comfy ad safe. With your price range you can find a nice W210 E55

clipstone

Not sure what the US price would be, but my daily drive is an Audi A4 convertible, running 2.0 TDI engine.

Perfect compromise - does 40+mpg which is ideal for the 500+ mile commute each week, but still looks ok, built well and has a drop-top for the wife!

ceboyd

What about an R32 VW?

I love mine for DD.

Monique

I have a VW product. With 130 HP diesel and 300+ ft/lbs torque, it has great performance. (8secs to 60 mph) I get 5.5 l/100 kms at 130-140 kmh(80 mph). This is about 45 mpg.

Built like a brick house... but you may get a Mexican built version it may not be as well built. Audi A4 is also well built.

BTW, my wife has a MB w210 touring with 150 HP diesel. Also great DD although more exp to run.

Good luck

ceboyd

R32 VW is 240hp, AWD and I jokingly refer it to the best Audi VW ever built...

It has the V6 so it isn't lacking in hp

This morning I got 23mpg despite it only being -6 outside...

not the best mpg but not the worst..

Best I've seen is 28mpg when everything is perfect.

overall average is around 24mpg

texas911

Honda Civic Hybird.

KLSpeed27

Have you considered riding a motorcycle?
I have been commuting to work on my Honda VFR for three years now and I love it! I have a 30 mile round trip each day, and I get 42-45 mpg. Not to mention, it's quicker than snot...0-60 in 3.5 seconds, 0-100 in 7.8!
Although, I have to say since I have owned the 993, I am no longer an all-weather rider. But I am looking forward to hopping back on the bike as soon as it warms up down here...

ceboyd

i've actually been seriously considering a motorcycle myself!!!

go figure

ed devinney

Clipstone - sadly, no TDI Audis here in the states. No TD BMWs, either. Maybe next year.

Back to the original question: Subaru WRX (STI better but harder to find used-not-abused).

2ndof2

Nothing says commuter car like a Full-Sized Military Hummer...not one of those watered down smaller and newer ones they make for the general public.