In the market (600+ miles/week, looking to trade pickup for killer MPG)

[-JP-]

Originally Posted by MetroMPG

Sage advice from Old Mech, as usual.

600 miles a week: how long is that going to go on? That's the kind of commute that makes a moving worth considering, if it's a long term thing. It's a lot of transportation money and irreplaceable time lost.

I should loose 150 miles in about 6 months hopefully. Mama and I have talked about moving to a few areas that are closer, the ones with with good schools are out of my pay range.

[PressEnter[]]

Diesel VW's are the best kept secret in economy, it seems, and highway cruising is where they really shine. I recently had a 56 mpg tank with an average speed of 56 mph. If you're interested, check out the TDI clubs for info on models. You do have to stay on top of the maintenance, but they do hold their value well, and will last as long as the body does. 300K miles is nothing for these engines.

[rmay635703]

I am with most of the suggestions here.

1. 99-2006 Honda Insight , if you can figure an alternative way of transport for when you actually need to drive more than 3 people this is the way to go, I have sat in the back of the insight (6'2) but it is neither safe nor comfortable, you would need to remove the IMA components per the thread on insight central and then install a jump seat.

2. Toyota Prius - Any year, any version is economical if you need more than 2 passengers most of the time.

3. Any 5speed econobox. My cobalt xfe driven slowly can top 50mpg in the summer but any cool weather drops economy massively. Geos, hondas, really anything works well with a 5speed manual. Echo, Fit, yaris, certain Scions, older 4 banger cavaliers & pontiacs all come in MT variants.

4. Chevy volt, this car once it gets over 70,000 miles ends up selling for less than $16,000, this summer 7000 of them come off lease, do the math it might be as cheap as a newer eco box later this year.

5. VW diesels, the VW can be an option but unless you find the amazing 1994 diesel VW that requires little maintenance, most will require YOU to have very good mechanical skills to perform regular maintainence. If you can do the maintenance yourself they can be a pain but are economical, if you need OTHERS to do the maintenance they will really SUCK every 100,000 miles or so.

6. Not really an option for you but the MIEV & Think EV are only $8995 in some areas of the country, it only drives 60 miles in warm weather at a time though.

Going back into the 80's if you can find one that runs there were many decent FE econo-cars, from diesel versions of normal fords, VWs & Toyos to Chevy Sprints and the like.

It will be up to you, the best and only option for highway is the Honda Insight. The only other car to come close (non-hybrid) is the 1970 subaru 360 (and of coarse the various older Honda lean burn models) and also only if you get it running right and even then its like a 2 cycle motorcycle in many ways and not for the faint of heart.

Good Luck
Ryan

[RedDevil]

7. Second gen Insight...
It can seat 5 if the middle rear passenger has a short spine or no head.
It likes corners. It likes them so much that it is a bit nervous on the straight bits, but higher than OEM tire pressure alleviates that somewhat.
(16" rims help too)
It is quite pretty when compared to something that's not.
It is almost as economical as a big Prius.
It is almost as big as a big Prius.
It is a hell of a lot cheaper than a big Prius.
It is a lot bigger than a Prius C (but less economical)
It is a love-or-hate car. Test it, who knows? You mght just love it.
It is safe and reliable and has very few issues.
It is discontinued and the stocks seem to deplete slowly. You could get a good deal on a new one, you may also find an almost new one within your price range.

I love mine... oh, I'm 6', 90 kg, wide in the shoulders, and the seat is not as far back and not as low (adjustible) as possible; you should fit easily.

[-JP-]

sounds good Press Enter,I'm not ruling anything out.I usually turn my own wrenches on my vehicles and stay on top of maintenance fairly well

[-JP-]

Well I ended up with a 98 camry 2.2 4 popper show stopper lol

[Xist]

Originally Posted by -JP-

Well I ended up with a 98 camry 2.2 4 popper show stopper lol

So, not stock, and for no good reason? How is that working out for you?

[Superfuelgero]

A camry can work for you.

If you decide to keep looking, here is my thoughts: At 270 with kids, passat tdi. Everything will feel too small. Coming from a truck will magnify this effect. I'm somewhat lighter than you (but with kids also) and I've driven everything else suggested, all going to feel too small.

Ideal would be a low mile 1996-97, or figure out a way to swing the current generation. Another option is an escape or camry hybrid, but they'll get less mpg.

[PressEnter[]]

I'd love to have a '96-'97 Passat TDI, but it is without question the most desirable model, so expect to pay almost as much for a good one as you would for an early CR model ('09+).

[-JP-]

Originally Posted by Xist

So, not stock, and for no good reason? How is that working out for you?

She is all stock 118,000 miles no rust with the automatic.I just picked it up yesterday and im looking forward to tryin it out.My kid named it The Old Lady lol