What car should I get?

"Matty V" (mattyv)
10/07/2016 at 21:59 • Filed to: None

I have a 80 mile daily commute and a budget of $2000. Need something fuel efficient. Suggestions?

DISCUSSION (25)

TheD0k_2many toys 2little time > Matty V
10/07/2016 at 22:02

NA Miata. Cheap, fun, fuel efficient, reliable, tons of support,

Berang > Matty V
10/07/2016 at 22:08

Subaru Justy obviously.

Michael > Matty V
10/07/2016 at 22:08

1988 Honda CRX was the best commuter car I ever had. 45 mpg at 70mph on the highway.

daender > Matty V
10/07/2016 at 22:08

Old Hondas and Toyotas with 4-cylinder motors.

therevengeofthesaab (really likes pre-2005 hondas right now) > TheD0k_2many toys 2little time
10/07/2016 at 22:11

They would be over 2000 I would think

bhtooefr > therevengeofthesaab (really likes pre-2005 hondas right now)
10/07/2016 at 22:12

You’d be surprised.

However, I wouldn’t want to drive a NA (or NB) Miata 80 miles a day, every day, due to road noise. (Comfort’s fine IMO.)

bhtooefr > Matty V
10/07/2016 at 22:13

Where are you located?

How mechanically inclined are you?

Any other requirements?

S65 > Matty V
10/07/2016 at 22:16

Honda Civic or Accord

My X-type is too a real Jaguar > Matty V
10/07/2016 at 22:22

http://atlanta.craigslist.org/atl/cto/5817284131.html

I kid I kid seriously though this car is comfortable and has cockroach like life

!!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!!

http://atlanta.craigslist.org/atl/cto/5789790598.html

valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option > Matty V
10/07/2016 at 22:22

Move closer to work.

TheD0k_2many toys 2little time > therevengeofthesaab (really likes pre-2005 hondas right now)
10/07/2016 at 22:23

not really. they made tons of them

ADabOfOppo; Gone Plaid (Instructables Can Be Confusable) > Matty V
10/07/2016 at 23:16

Ford Focus with the Zetec engine and a stick.

Avoid the SPI, it’s a boat anchor in waiting.

The Duratec is the best engine but will probably be over budget. If you find a hatch, the 02-04 SVT Focus suspension bolts on. Makes for a really fun cheap commuter.

OPPOsaurus WRX > Matty V
10/07/2016 at 23:18

There’s a Fiero and a Nash Rambler along with a few BMW 3 series on my CL for around $2k

RallyWrench > Matty V
10/07/2016 at 23:54

Any answer other than 1998 Corolla is incorrect. Unkillable and efficient.

Denver Is Stuck In The 90s > Matty V
10/08/2016 at 03:42

Early 90s Ford Ranger 4cyl manual. I used to drive my 93 4.0L Manual 800 miles a week and it stayed rock solid.... until the catalytic converter clogged.

random001 > Matty V
10/08/2016 at 06:36

Find a Metro!

sdwarf36 > Matty V
10/08/2016 at 09:17

VW TDI.

Matty V > bhtooefr
10/09/2016 at 10:08

I live in hewitt NJ and work in Newburgh NY. Not mechanically inclined but I can afford a mechanic plus I have a backup 2015 ram 1500 (but it sucks gas like a hooker).

Matty V > random001
10/09/2016 at 10:08

Haven’t seen a decent one in years!

Matty V > Berang
10/09/2016 at 10:09

Aren’t parts hard to find?

Matty V > RallyWrench
10/09/2016 at 10:10

I considered a corolla or even a Camry but that’s too boring

Matty V > sdwarf36
10/09/2016 at 10:10

That would be awesome

bhtooefr > Matty V
10/09/2016 at 10:11

Someone else suggested the Focus with a Zetec, not a bad choice, but here’s one that can be cheaper, and still interesting: 91-96 Escort with a 5-speed. Either engine, although the 1.8 is a lot more powerful and it’s more reliable than the 1.9. Liftbacks are common for cargo versatility (but that’s not really needed with the Ram), they share suspension with... basically every Escort from 91 to 2003, as well as the 90-94 Protege/323 and the MX-3.

Be aware that the suspension will probably need replacement due to broken springs. This is an opportunity to upgrade it.

bhtooefr > sdwarf36
10/09/2016 at 10:12

He’s only got a $2000 budget, a TDI can very quickly rack up more than that in repairs, in the $2000 ones.

random001 > Matty V
10/09/2016 at 11:42

Oh, is that required? I don’t think there ever was a decent one...