In my situation which car would be best?

[redpoint5]

Originally Posted by Eco_Bob

Does either of the three options have a higher likelyhood of leaving me stranded during the long commute or other long trip?

My anecdotal evidence with VW comes from a friend that owned 3 Jettas and 4 motors. He gave up on VW. From various internet sources and Consumer Reports, VW is garbage in general. Strangely, I have heard the Golf is somehow much more reliable than the Jetta, even though it shares the same power plant. I haven't heard why they might be more reliable.

Originally Posted by Eco_Bob

Whoops forgot to mention, I have a mostly reliable 99' Mustang Convertible (auto, v6 - on a good day 24mpg highway) and the wife has a fairly reliable 06' Jeep Liberty 4x4 (auto, v6 - on a good day 20mpg highway)

I'd get out from under the Jeep before it has major problems. It's a little worse than average for reliability, with transmission and electrical problems being the usual weak points. Not only that, but the fuel economy is poor compared to the performance, and there are way safer/better handling vehicles to transport kids in.

I've got an '02 (122,000 miles), with some minor electrical gremlins, a minor evap emission leak, and I don't have much confidence in the clunky transmission. I'll be selling it in the coming weeks. It really adds nothing over something like a Subaru Outback, which is more reliable, gets better fuel economy, has more usable space, performs at least as well off-road, and handles better on the street.

Do private party selling/buying, and you don't loose any money in the conversion from one vehicle to another.

Originally Posted by cRiPpLe_rOoStEr

The problem with Volkswagens are owners who neglect the preventive maintenance.

Likely true, but other cars don't require the owner to perform as much maintenance as a VW. Gaskets and seals should last a very long time. People shouldn't have to be concerned with the type of fuel they run (B10, LSD, ULSD, etc), or the fluids they use. I've heard that some TDI engines require a very specific type or brand of oil, which is ridiculous. People just go to Jiffy Lube to get an oil change, and they don't pay attention to what type of 10W-30 (for example) oil goes in.

Regular maintenance should include a timing belt every 100k miles, oil every 5k or so, transmission/gear oil flush every now and then, and brake and coolant changes every so often. It should not include more frequent changes, or replacement of other hardware such as water pumps, oil pumps, etc.

[UltArc]

Am I missing some points? I don't see any reason the VW is better than the Metro or Insight at the same price- or especially if either are cheaper. Mileage isn't going to be much (if at all) better, it needs more maintenance, is more expensive to fix, and more likely to need fixing. For wanting to save money, and be generally efficient, it doesn't seem wisest to go with the VW.

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Originally Posted by UltArc

Am I missing some points? I don't see any reason the VW is better than the Metro or Insight at the same price- or especially if either are cheaper.

Having more space for his upcoming son?

[UltArc]

Originally Posted by 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

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.

[Gealii]

Originally Posted by cRiPpLe_rOoStEr

Having more space for his upcoming son?

Same thing i was thinking lets face it. if his kid is transported in this car an insight would be a bad choice for lack of seating.

[samwichse]

He already has a 4 seat car and an SUV... he's looking for something for the commute.

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Originally Posted by samwichse

He already has a 4 seat car and an SUV... he's looking for something for the commute.

Why not a motorcycle? They're funny

[bestclimb]

With it being highway, the hybredness of the insight is not important, the very good aero and small engine making good highway mileage is a major plus.

TCO of an additional vehicle is something to think about. If you could replace one of your rigs with something like a TDI wagon, you could get very decent mileage, and not have added insurance, tags, mantanince.

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Originally Posted by bestclimb

If you could replace one of your rigs with something like a TDI wagon, you could get very decent mileage, and not have added insurance, tags, mantanince.

I'll have to second that. Unless you really need the SUV for its off-roading ability or for occasional heavy towing, it's kinda pointless to keep one.

[ChazInMT]

Something I'm amazed never gets mentioned, How much is you life worth? Safety should be a primary consideration here since all the fuel savings in the world won't mean crap if your dead or seriously injured. Since you will be spending so much time on the road, your chances of getting into an accident go up that much more.


Hybrids are good for around town because the regen break, but on the highway, they tend to fall in line with other cars, except they have a smaller engine which helps efficiency.


I have seen some 01-05 Civic hybrids in our area for $3-6K, 40+ MPG in a comfortable, manual trans, very highly rated crash test vehicle that handles well, & with more room than you'd think. If the battery system craps out, you still have a 1.3L Honda engine getting you around.

My wife just drove the Civic from MT to FL in 3 days and was impressed with the comfort of it.

At the end of the year, you've spent $400 more on gas in the Civic compared to a metro, but saved $1,700 from what you'd have spent on a 23mpg car in fuel. Plus the resale value of the Honda will always be something.

Civic Hybrids in FL Craigslist

I love my Civic.