Highway Vehicle

[brew]

I may be going from a 5 minute drive to a 100 mile commute each way for a few months. If so, that means I need to park the Z71 for a while and get a better commute vehicle. What's some recommendations on a good vehicle for a commuting? Gas mileage is a consideration, but I'm also looking for something comfortable to ride in for 3 hours a day. No Civics, Camry's, etc. Need something a little nicer as I take a lot of clients out.

I've looked at Audi A4's and the new Taurus, but haven't looked at any other cars in several years.

[chavez]

brew, VW CC is a good alternative to Audi A4. 30+ mpg (with the 2.0T), killer looks, very comfortable.

You looking used or new?

[tball]

I'd go get a Ford Focus but sounds like you want something bigger/nicer. New Taurus, any VW. If you're looking at higher end stuff like an audi, maybe check out the BMW 1-series.

[Neognosis]

I would LOVE to have a 100 mile commute. It would give me 3 hours on a motorcycle every day. It might keep me from hitting someone in the face, which I am dangerously close to doing lately.

If you don't ride a motorcycle, I say check out the Honda Fit and those cute little Fiats.

Fix
It
Again
Tony

I don't know if this has been posted, but I love this Fiat commercial.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cpi2IAec9Ho

[brew]

Used or new either one will work. Fits, Fiat's, etc will not work. I regularly take clients out and I need something at least mid size.

[tball]

cameraboy, +1. The chick, the music, the slap, the tattoo. All PERFECT.

I posted it a few weeks ago; hottest woman on the planet nominee.

[Neognosis]

HELLS YEA.

I froze it at :09 and made that my screen saver.

[Broccoli B]

The new A4's are super nice. If you are looking for used, try to find a certified 2010 or 2011. They will be lower in price and have a 100,000 mile warranty. Also, I am 6'3" and have adequate room in the back seat.

I have a 2010 A4 and average 30 MPG, it is a 2.0T 6 Speed.

[Neognosis]

Yea, I get off on dudes and their coffee cups! Just look at the rim on that thing!

[Chattwake]

I just picked up a Lexus ct200h check that guy out. 44mpg.

[BrentC5Z]

The Lexus RX line (smaller SUV) will be a pretty easy transition from the truck and still fit the bill. Personally, I can't stand commuting in a car. No respect on the highway and traffic visibility goes to nothing. 25 mpg and you can pick them up in the low 20s all day long. Not sure if AWD is a big deal to you, but they offer that too as an option.

[Nor*Cal]

I've always contemplated something like this but my commute is 3 miles. I would consider a new Mini Cooper, they are fun as hell to drive and to my surprise I even fit in the back seat better than an Audi A4, 6'3" over 200lbs. And that being said I prefer the S5 which is not practical. For mileage I would think a VW TDI would be great, I've always thought the Golf was a cool car.

[brew]

Test drove the S5 two weeks ago. It was a blast to drive, but practicality isn't it's strong suit eapecially for a bbigger guy. My head was pretty much on the roof. My wife was thinking of trading her Q5 on one, but I'm pushing more towards the 6.

[brew]

I'm not sure the Audi would be the best commute vehicle anyways. Her Q5 gets terrible gas mileage and runs premium gas. It isn't much better than the Tahoe we had before. We have an Equinox as a rental this weekend and it's pretty nice for the money.

[chavez]

brew, the EQ is a decent rig for the $. I'd go towards the GMC Terrain over the EQ though. Better looks (certainly more masculine), same MPG. The terrain in FWD 4cyl config should get around 30mpg hwy and can be had for at or under 30k pretty much loaded.

Also a GREAT car, believe this stuff or not, is the new Lacrosse. I've been in one for a 125 mi each way trip, and it was smooth, extremely quiet, and extremely comfortable. Plus if optioned up it can have tons of bells and whistles.

If you like the small CUV thing, the new Escape should be widely available soon and looks pretty promising.

Depending on what your price range is, the Edge Ecoboost is a pretty damn slick rig. 30+ mpg out of something with that space and comfort? Sounds good to me. Only downside I see is the Ecoboost motor is only available in FWD.


If I may throw out one longshot for you - what about Passat TDi or Jetta TDi? Both are plenty big enough to haul clients, both get 40+ hwy. I've read that the "new" Jetta seats aren't as comfy as the "old" Jetta/Golf seats, but that is highly subjective. FWIW our JSW is really a "Golf Variant" elsewhere so we still have the previous gen "comfy" seats, but again it's your ass not mine so you might be cool with it.

Anyhow, I definitely suggest you at least stop by the VeeDub dealer and sit in the Jetta, Passat, and the CC. Who knows? You might be a-ok with the Jetta TDi and be done with it and have a car that is going to return you stellar mileage and plenty of backseat space for somewhere around 25k.

[churchy]

Gotta say that I am happy with my commute in my Optima.

[brew]

I'll definitely check out the VW's. We drove the TDI Toureg before we bought the Q5 and came close to buying it. I'll check out the Buick also. I've heard really good things about it. Budget isn't a big issue though.

[chavez]

churchy, good call too. I was hesitant to post that or the Sonata because he said no Camrys, and the Optima/Sonata target is Camry buyers who finally realized that Camrys suck.

brew, Avis rents the Lacrosse and they rent the Terrains. One thing about Avis is their cars will not be stripped - they will be optioned up - so you should be able to get a good opinion of the car as you might purchase it.

Also, for reference: we are getting mid-30's all-city in our TDi with the DSG. We are not even broken in at 6500 miles, so this will improve. We won't be taking any longggg road trips till spring break, but I fully expect to see 44-48mpg on that trip (with a weeks worth of stuff for a family of 3). The 100 mile trips we have taken we've seen 43-45. I drive about 70 normally and use the cruise as much as possible.

[Bambamski]

I still think my next car will be the all wheel drive CTS. The edge has the Eco boost available? I didn't know that, my dad just bought an AWD Edge and it's super nice. Not sure about the milage.

To me comfort is more important then the milage, especially if you driving three hours a day. Don't get anything less then 250 -300 hp if your on the highway all the time. Nothing worse then stomping on the gas trying to pass someone and your 4 banger POS feels like it's going to blow apart trying to get by someone...

[chavez]

Bambamski, the EcoBoost is FWD only though. Probably just fine for us down here, but not so great for you guys in Canuckistan.

I'd caveat that 250-300hp idea by saying something with a lot of TQ will do well here too. The TDis aren't going to win any drag races (stock), but they get up just fine on the highway because they are in boost at those speeds and have no problem stretching the legs...

[Chad H]

brew,
Really liking my BMW. It's a 2001 330i. I average about 27-28 MPG on the highway. It looks good. It feels good. It drive like it's on rails. No issues yet, but I also keep up on maintenance and know what to keep an eye on.

[TnR6Rida]

brew, The new Optimas are sweet!

[brew]

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