Need recommendations for a fun(ish) and practical daily driver (Page 1/18)
nitroheadz28 OCT 14, 01:19 PM
Since my employment thread got locked thanks to a couple of old fart douches, I might as well say that I've been working on my own business venture for 2 months and in the meantime an engineering job essentially fell into my lap at random. Needless to say that I start in 2 weeks and the commute is 80 miles daily, I can't depend on my 95 T/A to get me there reliably not to mention its getting 11/18mpg for some reason and I haven't been able to figure it out yet.

So in that vein, I need something relatively cheap $5000 or less to buy so I can commute with. I'd prefer it wasn't some boring typical jelly bean car. Biggest thing is that it needs to be reliable (Prefer 2000 and newer), get decent mileage (25+ highway) and enjoyable to drive, so far I've only come up with:

-Miata
-9-3 Aero
-GTI?

I'm trying to think outside of the box because I've only had Pontiacs. Fiero, Grand Prix, Trans Am.. Time to experience something different

Suggestions?

[This message has been edited by nitroheadz28 (edited 10-15-2013).]

Marvin McInnis OCT 14, 03:37 PM
A Honda Civic is hard to beat as an economical commuter car. As with any car, the fun part is up to you. Don't forget that you're going to be driving that 80 miles in winter as well as in more pleasant weather.

(I hope that opinion wasn't too "old fart douche"y for your taste.)

[This message has been edited by Marvin McInnis (edited 10-14-2013).]

Red88FF OCT 14, 03:44 PM

quote
Originally posted by Marvin McInnis:

(I hope that opinion wasn't too "old fart douche"y for you.)




At 80 miles a day I would be interested in the most comfortable seat too
TheDigitalAlchemist OCT 14, 03:51 PM
Wanna buy my Fiero?

It's dependable, and yummy.
84fiero123 OCT 14, 03:52 PM
Oh poor baby, 80 miles a day, how terrible for you, try 100 each way. in a full size 20 year old full size Ford Van

you really need a reality check.

Steve

------------------
Technology is great when it works,
and one big pain in the ass when it doesn't



Detroit iron rules all the rest are just toys.

1988holleyformula OCT 14, 04:00 PM

quote
Originally posted by 84fiero123:

Oh poor baby, 80 miles a day, how terrible for you, try 100 each way. in a full size 20 year old full size Ford Van

you really need a reality check.

Steve




If he wouldn't have called you out in the first post, would you have felt the need to add your insightful commentary?
TheDigitalAlchemist OCT 14, 04:05 PM

quote
Originally posted by 84fiero123:

Oh poor baby, 80 miles a day, how terrible for you, try 100 each way. in a full size 20 year old full size Ford Van

you really need a reality check.

Steve




8 miles from Brooklyn is a BAD commute. 80? Ugh, I feel for ya, man...

Actually, WORKING in Brooklyn is worse, because of "alternate side of the street" parking.

Seriously. You need to leave your job, sit in your car, and stick your thumb up you butt as everyone tries to fight for the 8 spots which open up across the street.
lemme look for a clip:


I do NOT miss this at all.
4x a week.
I know it sounds trivial, but when you work at different sites, it's a daily PITA...

This has NOTHING to do with 'street sweeping", it's about parking tickets...(Heh, they just mentioned that...60 Million a year?)

[This message has been edited by TheDigitalAlchemist (edited 10-14-2013).]

theBDub OCT 14, 04:09 PM

quote
Originally posted by 84fiero123:

Oh poor baby, 80 miles a day, how terrible for you, try 100 each way. in a full size 20 year old full size Ford Van

you really need a reality check.

Steve




LOL, and you need a life.
skuzzbomer OCT 14, 04:16 PM
Honda GROM... I'm half serious.
Blacktree OCT 14, 04:18 PM
If it were me, I'd probably go with the Miata or the GTI.

Last time I went car shopping (a couple years ago), I was looking for an econo-box to take over daily commuting duties from the Fiero. My first thought was the Honda Civic. But it seems everyone else wants one, too. So the prices are inflated. Plus, it seemed every Honda Civic for sale was molested by a teenager who flunked shop class.

So I got an '01 Saturn. It was cheap, is easy to work on, and gets great gas mileage (I'm getting 34.5 mpg average, mostly city). But it's slow as molasses, and the handling is mediocre. That said, it does make me appreciate my Fiero more.