[Eco_Bob]

Greetings All!,

Hopefully I will get hired at the place I am interviewing at. The only downside is that it will be about a 55 mile commute each way (If everything looks good in a year or so, will try to move closer to the office ;-) ) Mpg/fuel cost is now a fairly large concern (that and time for commuting...)

From reading the forums - it seems the best way to get better MPG is with your foot. However in my situation my commute will be approx. 85-90% highway. Posted speed limit is 65-70, but seems everyone goes 80+ (unless there is some horrific accident, then its stop and go). Driving 55 or under I feel is asking for trouble, especially with the majority of drivers in South Florida.

Was curious if you could give me some recommendations on cars that would fit my needs? :-D

To simplify here are my parameters:
Location: South Florida
- 90s in the summer with high humidity - I am lucky to get 3 years out of my 12v car batteries - will this be a concern for batteries in hybrids? - most likely the car will not see a garage for shelter during the day
- Will most likely need to drive through somewhat flooded roads during the summer (6-10")

Driving: 85-90% Highway -- 65-80 mph | 10-15% city -- 35-45mph
Unleaded : $3.45/gal
Diesel: $3.95/gal
Passengers: Just me most likely - though having more space would be nice
Cost for car: Would like to keep it under 7K total (including repairs, mods, etc)
Maintenance: Less maintenance would be ideal. So would be the car's lifespan.
Estimate 25,000 miles a year

Cars that look like they might fit the bill?:

95-00' Geo/Chevy Metro (1.0ltr/manual)
01-03' Volkswagen Golf/Jetta TDI (1.9 turbo diesel/manual)
01-05' Honda Insight (1.0ltr/manual)

My analysis of the three cars so far (please comment if additional things to consider, or my statement is just plain wrong :-D)

Metro
Pros:
Cheapest of the three to purchase
Easiest to work on
Least complicated - so should last longer?
Takes cheaper unleaded fuel (vs diesel)

Concerns:
Not sure how it would fare driving it constantly 70-80mph
unsure what the fuel economy would be at those speeds


Golf/Jetta TDI (01-03):
Pros:
More solid feeling - 'driving pleasure'
Constant 70-80mph driving shouldn't be an issue
Mpg doesn't seem to be that much different from the Golf to the Jetta Wagon
(would be nice to be able to haul things around when need be)

Concerns:
Uses more expensive Diesel
Not sure if cost of diesel to miles driven is that much impressive over unleaded cars
Turbos need more maintenance? (as compared to natural aspiration engines)
Kinda hard to find 01-03 in good condition around me


Insight (1st gen)
Pros:
Rumored to get 55+mpg when cruising at 70-80mph?
Takes cheaper unleaded fuel
Battery maintenance/replacement seems easier/more affordable than other hybrids
Seems to operate mostly ok, with the battery system dead and still get ok mpg

Concerns:
Battery Maintenance/Replacement
South Florida heat will shorten the lifespan of the batteries
Going through flooded roads maybe more concern?
More complicated car - more potential/costly headaches?
Have yet to see one in decent condition with manual transmission and A/C on craigslist

Any other suggestions for cars or other things to consider would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!,

Bob