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Old 08-30-2013, 05:13 PM   #34 (permalink)
UltArc
Hydrogen > EV
 
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: NW Ohio, United States
Posts: 2,025

Silver Flea - '05 Honda Insight
90 day: 58.96 mpg (US)
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Eco_Bob View Post
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
I didn't think he was taking his son to work :/

I just don't see how a more expensive car, that costs more per gallon in fuel, will most likely need more work done, and doesn't get as good of fuel economy, is going to be the better choice for what he plans as strictly commuting. Although I have been following this thread from the beginning, if he has stated he now needs at least three seats, then I missed that- but I didn't think so.
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Best Tanks:
Mustang - 54.83 mpg (US) at the Green Grand Prix
Insight - 82.91966 mpg (US) over 818.5 miles.
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