What car makes traffic tolerable?

"Bryan doesn't drive a 1M" (bryantakespictures) 08/16/2016 at 12:02 • Filed to: None

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The traffic in the Seattle area is getting worse and worse. My commute has gone from about 30 minutes each way to over an hour each way in the last 5 or so years. It’s starting to impact my sanity and it makes me grumpy around my wife, which is pretty unacceptable to me.

My current car, a 135i, is crazy amounts of fun at autocross, at the track, or on just about any open road you can find. In traffic, it’s fine, but at the back of my mind, I can’t ignore how much of a waste it is going through clutch, tires, brakes, and other wear and tear on a car I enjoy just to be surrounded by idiots and assholes at 4 mph every day.

I’m open to the possibility of a second car, but I can’t think of a car at any price that can help me put up with the awful traffic and road conditions around here. Of course I’ve tried public transportation, but it is unreliable and takes over 1.5 hours each way.

Here’s what I’m considering:

Leased or used Nissan Leaf

My wife’s automatic Versa, when she eventually wants a new car

Cheap used manual compact with good em pee gees

Continue modding my 135i to make it more fun to drive and hope that bleeds into the commute somehow

Anger management classes or something, because this shit is getting to me and making me a worse person

Any suggestions?

For Sweden > Bryan doesn't drive a 1M 08/16/2016 at 12:07

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A Volvo

E90M3 > Bryan doesn't drive a 1M 08/16/2016 at 12:11

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Get a Lexus, put a nice stereo in it, blast music to make the commute bearable.

Ash78, voting early and often > For Sweden 08/16/2016 at 12:12

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I was gonna say a unicycle with a nice leather recliner mounted on top, but this makes more sense.

Honeybunchesofgoats > Bryan doesn't drive a 1M 08/16/2016 at 12:13

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None of yours, sorry. :/

Get a used luxobarge with ice cold A/C and upgrade the stereo if needed.

I know of what I speak.

Bryan doesn't drive a 1M > For Sweden 08/16/2016 at 12:15

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Hmmm, good idea, but a bit spendy.

Scott > Bryan doesn't drive a 1M 08/16/2016 at 12:16

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A helicopter.

HammerheadFistpunch > Bryan doesn't drive a 1M 08/16/2016 at 12:17

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I personally like my land cruiser in heavy traffic:

easy to drive.

likes going slow.

is armored on the sides.

will eventually be armored on the front and back.

gets the same mileage as if i was going fast.

If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent > Bryan doesn't drive a 1M 08/16/2016 at 12:17

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Something cushy like an old Caddy SLS or Japanese equivalent. The interior is very calm and comfy, the no outside sounds will bother you, and you could probably run over a construction worker without feeling anything. The engine is designed to spend its life below 2k rpm and the automatic trans will save your leg muscles. You can pick these cars up for dirt cheap.

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > Bryan doesn't drive a 1M 08/16/2016 at 12:19

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I’ve found that the most comfortable car with the most amenities makes the best time of sitting in traffic. Especially important are good climate control, comfortable seats, a good stereo, and quality sound deadening. Even though it’s old, my A8 is quite pleasant for being stuck in traffic.

SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie > Bryan doesn't drive a 1M 08/16/2016 at 12:21

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American body-on-frame full sized RWD V8 car. It’s like taking a sofa to work.

415s30 W123TSXWaggoIIIIIIo ( •_•))°) > Bryan doesn't drive a 1M 08/16/2016 at 12:22

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I got a CRV, the captains chairs and the higher visibility help to not piss me off because I can’t see wtf is happening. I also have cup holders, A/C and NPR. I try to have a beverage when I go home too.

For Sweden > Bryan doesn't drive a 1M 08/16/2016 at 12:22

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https://seattle.craigslist.org/tac/cto/571119…

415s30 W123TSXWaggoIIIIIIo ( •_•))°) > For Sweden 08/16/2016 at 12:24

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The main thing that helps me not get as upset is my SUV ride height. Being able to see over things or through a truck window forward is great so I can see when they are braking and when they are going.

For Sweden > 415s30 W123TSXWaggoIIIIIIo ( •_•))°) 08/16/2016 at 12:27

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https://seattle.craigslist.org/tac/cto/571707…

functionoverfashion > Bryan doesn't drive a 1M 08/16/2016 at 12:32

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Tesla with autopilot.

Bryan doesn't drive a 1M > For Sweden 08/16/2016 at 12:34

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...tempting

Bryan doesn't drive a 1M > Honeybunchesofgoats 08/16/2016 at 12:36

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I’ve never enjoyed big cars, but I think I see the appeal. Might as well try something different, since small sporty cars aren’t doing the trick.

Bryan doesn't drive a 1M > If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent 08/16/2016 at 12:38

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Something like that has been in my mind, it just didn’t make my list. Any first-hand experience?

Decay buys too many beaters > Bryan doesn't drive a 1M 08/16/2016 at 12:39

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Responsible advice .

Get something old and comfortable with an automatic, old 7 series, 5 series, Volvos, Mercedes, ect. Electric also should be considered here if they fit the budget.

Slightly less responsible advice

Get a bike (bicycle) and commute on that, you’re probably approaching the point where commute times will be a wash and it feels a lot better to spend an hour excercising than yelling at mundanes in priuses and camrys

Irresponsible advice

Get a bike (motorcycle) and lane-split. Traffic is pretty bad here in Portland too. I ride my bike anytime I have to cross the river and ride at a steady 10-15 on the shoulder. This saves me hours per week on commuting. The few times I have been pulled over, I tell the officer the truth “My bike is overheating, I can either cautiously keep moving at a reasonable speed, or I can break down on the side of the road and cause additional traffic”

I have yet to be issued a ticket.

Bryan doesn't drive a 1M > Scott 08/16/2016 at 12:41

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Or jetpack

Bryan doesn't drive a 1M > functionoverfashion 08/16/2016 at 12:41

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As soon as I can afford it

Honeybunchesofgoats > Bryan doesn't drive a 1M 08/16/2016 at 12:43

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The way I see it is that driving is great, it’s just driving around other people that sucks. Big cars help you pretend those people don't exist.

Long Live the Longdoor > Bryan doesn't drive a 1M 08/16/2016 at 12:46

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Hmm, even if you were driving an automatic or if you get something more comfy/sedate than the 1series, the drive still going to suck IMHO. Queue up some chill/down tempo music and take up a martial art (I took up Taekwondo last year, I feel way less stressed).

If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent > Bryan doesn't drive a 1M 08/16/2016 at 12:50

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I’ve ridden in one. It’s like impossible to be mad inside it it’s so serene

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent 08/16/2016 at 12:55

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Having owned one, it wouldn’t surprise me if it costs more to own and maintain than the 135.

If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent > AMGtech - now with more recalls! 08/16/2016 at 12:59

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The engine issues were solved for the last few years

fhrblig > Bryan doesn't drive a 1M 08/16/2016 at 13:00

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It’s pretty much the reason I went from a Fiat 500 Sport with a manual to a Kia Optima. My commute is much less annoying now. And to my surprise, I don’t hate the automatic. The gearing seems to be just right.

Enthusiasts love to hate on beige cars, but there’s a reason they’re so popular.

functionoverfashion > Bryan doesn't drive a 1M 08/16/2016 at 13:03

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My wife commutes ~40 minutes on the highway each way, and it’s not traffic that’s the issue. The fact that there is almost NONE is the issue, especially in dark winter evenings. After a long day at work, 30 minutes of dark monotony on a tree-lined empty highway gets pretty sleep-inducing. Autopilot is not for all situations, but empty highway driving is its perfect application, in my opinion. Or stop and go traffic!

just-a-scratch > Bryan doesn't drive a 1M 08/16/2016 at 13:07

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My solution to the exact same problem was to move to a home closer to work. That’s not an easy solution, probably not viable for most.

Barring that, is there a transit option that would work for you? The Sounder from the north end is one of the most beautiful commutes you could ask for. Park & ride can save you the worst part of the driving, at a cost of some time. I’m guessing you’re outside the area where the
light rail is helpful. Carpooling could help if there are others near you with similar schedule. I did that for a while and it kept me from driving every day. Even a day or two less driving can make a difference.

In the end, any method that only changes the car is still going to leave you with the time spent driving frustrated. You can make the car a nicer place to be, or easier to drive, that will not get around the fundamental problem of spending time stuck in traffic.

Yeah, this is the worst part of Seattle. Some people think the weather is bad. Traffic is the real problem here.

Bryan doesn't drive a 1M > Decay buys too many beaters 08/16/2016 at 13:17

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I like the slightly less responsible option. I may give that a shot sometime.

leicester > Bryan doesn't drive a 1M 08/16/2016 at 13:19

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Alternatively, drive something that will make everyone else’s drive more entertaining...

Mid Engine > just-a-scratch 08/16/2016 at 13:20

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I work from home and will not change that ever, no job is worth sitting in the I5 or 405 parking lot day in and day out. It’s absolutely brutal. My wife has a 50 mile commute, she works a 6am to 2:30pm routine to avoid the traffic (for the most part). Go Hawks.

Bryan doesn't drive a 1M > just-a-scratch 08/16/2016 at 13:23

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Agreed on all points. I’m south of Seattle in Kent, and the Sounder is a nice way to travel, but it takes forever since it’s 15 minutes away and I have to catch another poorly timed bus in the city. I also don’t want to move since my wife works in the opposite direction. I used to carpool and it was enjoyable, but my carpool buddy moved to CA.

The bus or bus+bike really is the best option, if I can get used to the extra time.

Bryan doesn't drive a 1M > AMGtech - now with more recalls! 08/16/2016 at 13:25

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That would be a problem

Bryan doesn't drive a 1M > Long Live the Longdoor 08/16/2016 at 13:27

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I do think the solution is related to fixing my head.

Textured Soy Protein > Bryan doesn't drive a 1M 08/16/2016 at 13:32

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I live in Madison, WI where people complain about “really bad traffic” when the busiest ~9 mile stretch of the one main highway through town slows down to a 25 mph crawl with occasional stopping. My commute is such that I essentially never have to deal with that.

When I take whatever stick shift car I have (E92 335xi at the moment) to Chicago and sit in that traffic, I find myself wishing I had an automatic. I also used to have a 135is so I know that it’s not the roomiest thing to spread out in while sitting at 4 mph.

For your commuter car, if it were me, I’d be looking at something that gets good mpg on regular gas, is comfy, has room to spread out, and has an automatic.

To me, the perfect solution is a 2009-2013 Mazda 6. The first gen 6 rusts like crazy and has a million interior rattles (I had an ‘06 Speed 6) so I’d avoid them. The 2nd gen fixed those issues, has a bunch more room and refinement, and is still vaguely sporty while being comfy, relatively quiet, and getting reasonable mileage on regular fuel.

If you get the 6i Grand Touring, it’s got the 4-cylinder and most of the luxo features. Even with the leather interior, it’s nice enough, but I wouldn’t call it properly luxurious . You can get a good one for maybe $15k tops.

bhtooefr > If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent 08/16/2016 at 13:58

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So basically a Lexus ES, for the Japanese equivalent?

But, I concur with others that it sounds like a car is simply the wrong tool for the job. And, increasing mass transit ridership (even if it requires intermodal usage (cycling to the bus/train station, for instance)) encourages development of mass transit.

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent 08/16/2016 at 14:12

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Allegedly. Mine was an 01. Multiple water pumps, leaked oil from every gasket, broken flywheel, both coil packs, crank sensors, head gaskets were starting to go, and the list just goes on and on and on.

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > Bryan doesn't drive a 1M 08/16/2016 at 14:13

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Truth be told 01 Seville cost more to own than my 96 range rover did.

DynamicWeight > Bryan doesn't drive a 1M 08/16/2016 at 14:19

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Having never owned a truck as a daily before, I just bought a 2016 Tacoma, and, besides sucking gas it’s actually really nice in traffic. I can see “out” of the grid lock so I don’t feel so trapped and it’s a comfy place to be.

That being said, I commute to work by bicycle. Fuck driving in traffic. Now all my driving is to the beach or friends houses. Makes me love driving even more now that it only takes me places I want to be!

Bryan doesn't drive a 1M > DynamicWeight 08/16/2016 at 14:23

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Sounds pretty good.

Bryan doesn't drive a 1M > Textured Soy Protein 08/16/2016 at 14:27

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Yeah, traffic’s all relative. I was mostly ok with it until I could no longer claim my commute is less than an hour each way. Something comfy, reliable, and economical would be nice and it would be that much more fun to get back into the 135 for fun driving.

 > Bryan doesn't drive a 1M 08/16/2016 at 14:29

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Get one of these and have the left lane to yourself.

just-a-scratch > Bryan doesn't drive a 1M 08/16/2016 at 14:38

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bus & bike is really good if you have good routes on the bike, can deal with weather, and can deal with effects of the physical effort (e.g. sweating, fatigue, etc.)

I bike once in a while. It's great, but not viable every day for me.

Bryan doesn't drive a 1M > just-a-scratch 08/16/2016 at 14:55

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Physical effort? Well, shit.

Rykilla303 > Bryan doesn't drive a 1M 08/16/2016 at 14:55

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I commute an hour each way, have just a regular old 03 grand prix. great a/c, quiet road noise, comfy as all hell, good power (3800)

Plus crazy cheap used, so i could put all my money into my truck (78 k15, lifted, built 350, 5 speed conversion)

Snuze: Needs another Swede > DynamicWeight 08/16/2016 at 16:29

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I think you hit on a key point here. Sitting up higher somehow makes traffic much more tolerable. As much as I loathe my wife’s SUV, Id rather sit in it than my Cruze in heavy traffic.

DynamicWeight > Snuze: Needs another Swede 08/16/2016 at 16:38

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Yeah, I hate that it’s true... but it’s true. It’s a real race to the bottom sort of thing because once everybody gets cars that tall it all starts over again. Tragic, but such is life.

Also, not sure about your SUV, but the way my truck just sort of lumbers along is also kind of nice. It’s not really in a hurry to get anywhere so I don’t feel like I’m in a hurry either.

Snuze: Needs another Swede > Bryan doesn't drive a 1M 08/16/2016 at 16:41

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I think the best fix is anger management, or try some yoga or tai chi, and generally just relax and learn to be patient. Trust me, I used to get wound up tighter than a drum, especially about stupid things like traffic. It’s not good for you, man. I’ll admit I still get mad about stuff (mostly food... don’t screw with my food) but I’ve mostly learned to chill and I’m all the better for it.

That said, I know they aren’t too popular in these parts but get an old Cobalt as a traffic beater. I used to do Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel traffic every weekend in my Cobalt (it’s some of the worst traffic in the country, routinely 2-3 hours to travel ~5 miles). It’s a decent little car, got fantastic mileage (37 mpg combined average with nothing but a K&N drop in filter, on the stock Eco tires). It also has literally one of the best manual shifters I’ve ever driven in any car at any price point. The only downside is they generally just feel cheap in terms of build quality, materials, etc.

kanadanmajava1 > Bryan doesn't drive a 1M 08/16/2016 at 18:05

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A vintage limousine with an old polite guy named Alfred driving it. I mean mildly extended and not like the modern monstrosities.

Wagon, semi manual, not brown, turbo because volvo > Bryan doesn't drive a 1M 08/17/2016 at 00:28

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H1 with a crapload of needless road armor and 7 jerry cans for all the gas you will eat.

Lifted volvo with crapload of roadarmor and permanat left blinker on. Find vintage ballard driving school bumper sticker. Watch almost live.

Or you go stage2 on a fit and stomp the wee beastie like it needs to die.

Pnw ultracruizing. Turbos for all . Brown and manual to valhalla. Witness.

Wagon, semi manual, not brown, turbo because volvo > Bryan doesn't drive a 1M 08/17/2016 at 00:30

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When i drove a hilux i killed my horn punching the wheel stuck in traffic from Kent to Mukilteo . Had to pull off and unplug the buzzer. Anger management can be a good thing.

Bryan doesn't drive a 1M > Wagon, semi manual, not brown, turbo because volvo 08/17/2016 at 10:35

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I’m working on it. I try to limit my rage to only the most vindictive assholes, but that’s still a surprisingly large number of people.

Snuze: Needs another Swede > DynamicWeight 08/17/2016 at 12:41

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Yeah, that’s true, it becomes kind of a vicious cycle. That’s why I’ve become kind of content in my little car, like “Okay, I can’t see shit so I’ll just chill here till we start moving again.”

My wife has a Lexus RX330. I think it’s quite underpowered for it’s size, but you’re right, if you just take your foot off the brake it just slowly rolls through traffic without much of a care.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Bryan doesn't drive a 1M 08/17/2016 at 14:47

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An Audible subscription.