Commuter recommendations

Hey there,

I'm looking for a decent sedan, probably used. Here are the requirements and options I'm looking for, and could use some guidance.

I'm commuting now, so it's going to be on the highway 80% of the time, 20 mi. each way. Would love to throw the two kids in back in a pinch, and the wife 'doesn't mind' learning how to use a manual. They're going to use the Outback. Here's the rub. I want a tiny bit more performance! I want to quickly move and have agile response to get around the fogies in the fast lane, or squeeze through some semis (safely, mind you) when I'm tailing up on yet another aged driver.

I'm considering 2006 models: Honda Civic SI, and the VW GTI 4-door, but they all (unsurprisingly) slurp gas. I can't possibly be the only family man with this dilemma. ;)

Can you please provide recommendations and some ideas? I'd love to stay under $20K, or so. Thanks!

No one?

How good mpg you lookin' for? Anyway, maybe a legacy GT limited (turbo legacy) or WRX? City MPG isn't that great but are pretty quick.

Interesting idea... stick with a Subie! Any particular model/year, etc.? I'd like to get 26/32+ ish or even better if possible... right now it's lower than that.

I guess the question would be which auto has the best MPG that fits my criteria, and which of my criteria should be knocked off to get the best performance/price ratio?

Thanks!


How good mpg you lookin' for? Anyway, maybe a legacy GT limited (turbo legacy) or WRX? City MPG isn't that great but are pretty quick.

A Volkswagen Jetta with a TDI may be up your alley.
http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=548926&highlight=diesel
A small sedan with a turbo diesel so you have the good gas mileage (especially on highway), power, room for the kids, and is just plain fun to drive.

What about the purported brain cancer issues? (Wife brought it up...)

So now I'm thinking WRX.

Thoughts? Pricing?

It's what my next vehicle will be. City MPG isn't that great for a compact, highway gets better, but still, not great for a compact. Turbo and all wheel drive hurts fuel mileage remember. Maybe head to the Impreza forum and see what owners get on highway nowadays. Wagons tend to be cheaper than sedans. Cars have good resale value. You could get an 02-04 within the 20 grand range. I guarantee you you will be able to dip, weave around traffic, change lanes every 3 seconds, zip by the semi on the right to pass the granny in the left lane, etc. with ease and have lots of fun doing it.:wink: