Best affordable commuter car

[milkman]

i can't figure out what the auto makers have done to decrease the mileage on some vehicles: we had a 84 or 85 escort station wagon, with 5 speed manual transmission an got well over 40mpg: now i hear its replacement, the focus gets in the low to mid 30's??
i know the way we each drive makes some difference, but surely not that much? had a corolla that got in the high 30's too.
heehaw

More pollution controls and all kinds of idiot proofing decreases mileage, how many airbags did your escort have, antilock brakes, beefed up collision protection? It all costs in more ways than one.

 

[heehaw]

i hadn't thought about the different way they rate a vehicles mileage nowdays: another thing i thought of this morning: seems like the speed limit on the freeway was lower when i was driving that escort: that would make a pretty big difference. i thought the mileage on my corolla was terrible until i checked the speedometer: it an the odometer were both 10% off: never fixed it because that just meant it would register fewer miles. but that did show me why "everyone" passed me on the road, until i adjusted to the difference.
heehaw

 

[actionaj]

I get 31MPG out of my 2000 Chevy Cavalier with 188,000 miles on it and never had a problem with it. I would love to have a TDI VW with a five speed.

 

[Cat_Driver]

Don't let the 3K thing hang you up. But the best vehicle that will handle the load of all that driving because getting to work is more important than saving a buck.

Use the 3K as a down payment and go up a notch in vehicle. I would suggest anything diesel like the VW, the engine is bullet proof and what you spend on the vehicle you will get back in fuel saved.

 

[mjarrels]

I have a 1989 toyota carolla (bought new Nov 1988). Solid 36 MPG and now has 143,000 miles on it... no fancy add ons. Best car I ever owned! Old enough that I pay no car tax... going to antique plates in a few more years. Cash for junker program... don't think so, nothing new gets this good MPG (carb too).

mark

 

[LD1]

I want to think everyone for their insight.

I spent the last several days looking for cars, a lot of which were suggested on here.

I bought an other saturn yesterday. 2001 saturn sl 5 speed with 97xxx miles for exactaly 3 grand OTD.

After weighing all the options, I felt this gave me the best chance at the shortest payback. With how far I am currently driving, and the MPG of my truck, and the MPG I have got with two other saturns just like this one, the payback is 25000 miles, which I feel I can get out of this car and then some.

In general, I looked at civics and carollas, but they wanted about 6000 for cars with 150,000miles, which would require me to get 50,000 miles out of them without any problems. It was about the same with other models too. I feel I have a better chance of getting the saturn to 122000 miles then something else to 200,000. And most importantally, @25000 miles per year, the saturn will pe paid for in 1 year, and it would take 2 years for others.

Agail, I really appreciate everyones insight, as it gave me more to look at and to compare to, which helped a lot.

Thanks

 

[irvingj]

Very interesting numbers! Good thought train; let us know how it works out.

 

[LD1]

Very interesting numbers! Good thought train; let us know how it works out.

I sure will.

I cant wait to get the first tank full through it to see what kind of mileage I'll get. I just hope it is 40+ like the last two 5spd single cam saturns I've had.

Just wondering as to what you get out of your TDI. We considered one last year when we bought my wifes new car, but opted for a 2008 Nissan Sentra with the CVT transmission. She isnt the easiest driver in the world but manages between 32 and 34. When drive it I can get between 36 and 38.

Edit: I see that you already posted that you get 50 OTR and 45 city so forget that I asked that question.

 

[scott_vt]

Good Mornin LD1,
I wish you the best of luck with your new commuter vehicle !

A friend of mine had a Saturn, cant remember the year but he has oil burning issues with it. I believe that Saturn has corrected that problem, but Im sure your probablly aware of that problem on some of the earlier models. Let us know how you make out with your new purchase !

 

[schmism]

I bought an other saturn yesterday. 2001 saturn sl 5 speed with 97xxx miles for exactaly 3 grand OTD.

In general, I looked at civics and carollas, but they wanted about 6000 for cars with 150,000miles,

this is a great example of how the market works.

the cars that are known to be good to 200K+ fetch the most. those that arnt are a bargin.

good luck with your new car.