I need a new car!

[Taylor95]

I got a new job where I am driving 500+ miles a week. I need something efficient and reliable - recommendations? I would like it to be new enough to have bluetooth (~2010 ish). The cheapest sedans like that here seem to be the Corolla and the VW TDIs. Is there anything else out there I should consider? I have a budget of 5000-6000.

[redpoint5]

Used Chevy Bolt. Get a 2017-2019 and it will have a new battery with extended range.

[Taylor95]

The older ones are plentiful and cheap. What kind of mileage is a lot on these cars?

[redpoint5]

Originally Posted by Taylor95

The older ones are plentiful and cheap. What kind of mileage is a lot on these cars?

The oldest Bolts are only about 7 years old, so there's not much on the forums about problem areas due to high mileage. Some that are used as taxis have 250k+ miles and have held up well.

The fast charger is limited to 55 kW, and only until 50% state of charge, so it's a bit slow if you're exceeding the ~250 mile range and needing to stop along the way to charge.

I suggest the Bolt because it's the cheapest, most reliable used EV with 250 miles of EV range. No maintenance will save you time and money. Most electricity markets have the cost per mile somewhere around 3 cents, or about 1/2 to 2/3rd less than gasoline.

There's a federal tax credit on used EVs that probably applies at the point of sale.

Finally, it's compatible with Comma AI, which is a $1,000 level 2 autonomous driving device you can add if interested. That could make those miles a bit more relaxing.

[Ecky]

If not a bolt, I'd get some kind of Toyota hybrid. Corolla, Camry, Prius. They might be due for a battery, but they're not too expensive.

[Piwoslaw]

500+ miles per week: Highway? City? Mix?

If mainly highway, then a turbodiesel with good aero.
If city, then a lightweight hybrid would be better. Maybe electric or PHEV, if you'll be doing 2x50 every day with access to charging.

[freebeard]

The way things go, there may be Telsa[s] in that price range.

[Piotrsko]

What's wrong with a VW TDI? Other than fuel is getting priceier than the mileage gain diesel used to give, but I still plan excess of 700 miles per tank. ( refill Salt Lake, Portland, LA, FROM RENO) , Bought mine mostly because a VW diesel went forever just needing oil changes, will let you know about 20 year reliability in another 7years. Other than a slew of recalls, I just change oil and maybe tires. Do know I can't work on it like my F250, I'm too big to get at stuff in the very crowded engine bay.

[freebeard]

Originally Posted by myself

The way things go, there may be Telsa[s] in that price range.

https://justacarguy.blogspot.com/202...wners-are.html

[Taylor95]

99% of those miles will be highway miles

An EV really does make sense - what I need might be out of the budget though. It needs to go like 140 miles on a single charge in all seasons. Plus insurance is more on an EV. I'll be living somewhere with solar panels though, so it is pretty tempting.

I do like the idea of a Prius. One just popped up for just over 4k. It's a 2013 in decent shape. 50 mpg is pretty good, and I might be able to get more with various aero mods.

I also spent a lot of time thinking about getting a TDI instead. The major downside of that is that gas is $0.50 cheaper per gallon here. I'm really just looking for something cheap and reliable.