New from WV!

[Stowers74]

Hey there, guys!

I'm sorta new to the site (I've been reading threads on here forever, but just made an account). I've never really been into hypermiling or anything extreme, but I enjoy spending less on gas. Currently I own an '08 Impreza 2.5i (base model, only get about 23mpg combined) and an '84 Camaro Z28 (horrible gas mileage lol).

The 23mpg combined of my subie is starting to get expensive with commuting to college two or three times a day. I've considered modding the subie to get better mpg, but I personally think that's a lot of hassle for not much better mileage.

Instead of modding it, I have decided to buy something that is more efficient to begin with. My budget is about $16,000 or so, (thats counting on about $5k trade in value of my subie). I'm really wanting something that gets about 30mpg combined, but more would be better.

Cars I've been considering are:
-MK6 Jetta (TDI or 1.8t if I can find one in my price range, I'd be willing to pay a little more for a Jetta)
-Hyundai Elantra or Veloster (I like the 100k mile warranties)
-Chevy Cruze
-Ford Focus (2012+)
-Honda Civic (I've owned a '99 Si that got like 42mpg Highway, but I'd rather have a newer one)
-Honda CRX (not crazy about the two speed auto trans, and I honestly prefer to daily an auto)
-Dodge Dart
-Mazda 3 hatchback

I was wondering if there are any other cars I should be considering, or which of these would be reliable/ best on gas. Also, are there any aftermarket mods for any of the newer cars that I've mentioned that would help me squeeze a few more MPG out of them?

[brucey]

I just want to say hello because WV is a very small place on the internet.

Hi Neighbor!

[mikeyjd]

The 2014 Mitsubishi Mirage 5 speed base model can be had for around $12,000. One member is already making good use of that model, by getting 63mpg with it.

Details: 14 Mirage - 2014 Mitsubishi Mirage DE Fuel Economy - EcoModder.com

[snakester]

Welcome to the forum. Whatever you decide on, get a manual transmission.

[BrandonMods]

First of all welcome to EM!

I currently own a 2013 chevy cruze 1.4T. It has been a decent car thus far but if you plan on purchasing one I would suggest the cruze eco (the automatic lower grill shutter is a major bonus). Otherwise it might be possible to buy one of the cruze diesels. I don't know much about the new cruze diesel's engine per say but, it is a diesel and with conservative driving can be a rather economical car from what I have read.

[mikeyjd]

Originally Posted by BrandonMods

First of all welcome to EM!

I currently own a 2013 chevy cruze 1.4T. It has been a decent car thus far but if you plan on purchasing one I would suggest the cruze eco (the automatic lower grill shutter is a major bonus). Otherwise it might be possible to buy one of the cruze diesels. I don't know much about the new cruze diesel's engine per say but, it is a diesel and with conservative driving can be a rather economical car from what I have read.

If you're looking to get top notch mpg at affordable price GM hasn't offered much since they discontinued the metro.

[digital rules]

A warm welcome from Northern VA

I second the earlier manual trannsmission suggestion!! Good luck with whatever car you end up choosing

[elhigh]

Hey,

You, like Brucey, probably can't really afford to give up the Subie. When the snow flies, the only places two-wheel drive really works for Mountaineers are the flatter parking lots, and to the best of my knowledge that's about all the flat land there is in WV. It's pretty bumpy geography where I live, but nothing compared to you guys.

For my own part, I would ditch the Camaro. But a Camaro is more of a lifestyle car, and if you can afford one and like one, then my making that recommendation to you will carry no weight whatsoever. If I were to ditch the Camaro, I would ditch also the Impreza and replace the two of them with a Wrangler. The Wrangler will get lousy fuel mileage but they're damned useful in bad weather. And then I would make up for the fuel economy of the Wrangler with a 2013+ Fiesta with the Ecoboost engine.

Like I said, not much of a lifestyle car owner. Your tastes may vary.

[brucey]

Honestly, NOT being able to go out every time it snows is probably a good thing. I worked several double (and even triple) shifts because my car (and other Subaru/Jeeps) were the only ones on the road this winter.

[Stowers74]

Woah, Another guy from WV! Awesome!

I haven't given much thought to the Mitsu Mirage, (a little too... feminine... for my taste, but 63mpg is insane!)

The Cruze Eco is high up on my list of possible buys, actually.

I feel as though I would personally be ok with giving up a few MPG for the ease of having an auto (Tend to get caught in Stop&Go/crawling traffic pretty often, so manuals can get annoying). But if I could find something that I liked that was significantly cheaper and a manual, I wouldn't turn it down either.

I actually live in a relatively flat (or about as flat as WV can be...) area, so snow isn't a huge concern for me, My dad owns a 2012 Focus SEL (FWD) that can make it out in pretty large amounts of snow, but it struggles if its above 3.5-4 inches or so. My Subie was basically a tank this winter, especially since I was DD an '85 Trans Am (RWD) last year, including during winter..