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December, 2024

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What do you guys use for a commuter car?

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SkiBum.
Posts: 3604 - Karma: 3,971
Anyone have a lengthy commute or city commute? If so, what do you drive? Do you like it?

I do 80-100 miles total a day which really is like 35 minutes in morning and 45-50 max rush hour evening. But I want 30+ Mpg

Got a newer F-150 paid off with like $24k trade in equity. Need a commuter that’s nice. Then will buy a beater truck for what’s its needed for.

Newer 3 series seems to fit my bill. A4 lacks in highway mileage. CLA to expensive. Lexus? Anything else? New Tesla not out yet.
Feb 28 2018 1:30PM
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humpty
Posts: 1190 - Karma: 3,162
tdi
Feb 28 2018 2:03PM
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Zypher
Posts: 2337 - Karma: 2,268
Subaru Sambar. Thank me later.
Feb 28 2018 2:11PM
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OregonDead
Posts: 6933 - Karma: 24,913
ZypherSubaru Sambar. Thank me later.


LOL not for the commuter though. Highway speeds in a micro truck are not going to be comfortable. Sambar actually seems like a good choice for your beater truck unless you need to haul anything big though.

Get yourself a Camry if you want a really nice commuter. Great mileage and still big enough you can haul adult passengers in the back. Comfy cars with pretty good leg room too.
Feb 28 2018 2:58PM
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snowpocalypse
Posts: 1036 - Karma: 3,525
85 mile round trip in my F-350. Why, because I like it.
Feb 28 2018 2:58PM
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SkiBum.
Posts: 3604 - Karma: 3,971
snowpocalypse85 mile round trip in my F-350. Why, because I like it.


I had a 04 super duty with 35’s 3” lift 5” turbo back that I did 120 mile round trip with few years back. What a beast. Loved it. I’d buy one again for my beater.
Feb 28 2018 3:08PM
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snowpocalypse
Posts: 1036 - Karma: 3,525
do you need AWD or 4x4 for the commute?
Feb 28 2018 3:09PM
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SkiBum.
Posts: 3604 - Karma: 3,971
snowpocalypsedo you need AWD or 4x4 for the commute?


Yeah I want AWD on the commuter. When it actually snows I’ll jump in the truck. But still want AWD
Feb 28 2018 3:11PM
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OregonDead
Posts: 6933 - Karma: 24,913
SkiBum.Yeah I want AWD on the commuter. When it actually snows I’ll jump in the truck. But still want AWD

I got a Forester and sold my Camry. Kept my 4x4 Ranger. Now I use the Forester for my commuter and for when it actually snows. I have studless snow tires on the Forester and it handles way better on snow or ice covered roads. Don't actually need the extra clearance on my truck just to get to the ski area. Forester has limited leg room though and I have to use an aftermarket seat cushion because the seat sucks. Seats are really the only downside to the forester though.
Feb 28 2018 3:21PM
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Woos
Posts: 832 - Karma: 1,567
Jetta 2.0T but if I had to drive further I’d buy a TDI as well since I’m going Stage 2 on my 2.0T.

I really miss my GTI as well but I couldn’t pass up the deal I got on the Jetta.

**This post was edited on Feb 28th 2018 at 3:26:57pm
Feb 28 2018 3:26PM
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snowpocalypse
Posts: 1036 - Karma: 3,525
SkiBum.Yeah I want AWD on the commuter. When it actually snows I’ll jump in the truck. But still want AWD


Got a budget in mind?
Feb 28 2018 4:11PM
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SkiBum.
Posts: 3604 - Karma: 3,971
snowpocalypseGot a budget in mind?


Kinda. I was thinking of trading my truck in for say a $16-$18k car. I get $24k for truck, put $10-$15k down and finance small amount. The. Use remaining 5-10k to pick up a work beater truck.
Feb 28 2018 5:05PM
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supluho
Posts: 51 - Karma: 102
i got a vw gold TDI. It's amazing on gas and its cheap. looks a little gay but w/e. Got more head in this car in the last 6 months than I did in 3 years in my Mustang GT
Feb 28 2018 5:07PM
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Woos
Posts: 832 - Karma: 1,567
supluhoi got a vw gold TDI. It's amazing on gas and its cheap. looks a little gay but w/e. Got more head in this car in the last 6 months than I did in 3 years in my Mustang GT

Looks gay? What generation? Just put a GTI or R/R32 Bumper/Lip/Skirts on it and some coilovers.
Feb 28 2018 5:24PM
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GayWolf420
Posts: 37637 - Karma: 122,959
about 30-40 minutes depending on factors from the heber valley up to silver lake at deer valley for me.

traded in my 07 dodge nitro last march that had killer trade-in value on it, my gramps was a engineer for GM so we are still eligible with crazy discounts so i got a '17 Colorado V6 long box for very very cheap, almost laughable the lease payment on it but im thankful.

mileage is decent for a little truck, could be a little bit better but still has room for stuff, towing capabilities, moving capabilities, and plenty of room for gear in the bed of course. planning on getting a cap of sorts.
Feb 28 2018 5:27PM
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Non_State_Actor
Posts: 4906 - Karma: 17,498
DeebieSkeebiesabout 30-40 minutes depending on factors from the heber valley up to silver lake at deer valley for me.

traded in my 07 dodge nitro last march that had killer trade-in value on it, my gramps was a engineer for GM so we are still eligible with crazy discounts so i got a '17 Colorado V6 long box for very very cheap, almost laughable the lease payment on it but im thankful.

mileage is decent for a little truck, could be a little bit better but still has room for stuff, towing capabilities, moving capabilities, and plenty of room for gear in the bed of course. planning on getting a cap of sorts.


How do you like the Colorado? I had a '16 z71 double cab with the baby duramax. The torque was nice but I fucking hated the rest of the truck, transmission, seats, bed height, etc. traded it in after a year for a '17 taco, happy to be back in the taco with the manual transmission. Only problem is you cant get the long box and 6-speed on the same truck.

OP take a look at a lease return CPO alltrack or sportwagen with 4-motion? IS 250? What body style do you have in mind?
Feb 28 2018 6:04PM
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brett_fisher
Posts: 2419 - Karma: 10,503
i can get like 40mpg on my A4
Feb 28 2018 6:55PM
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Zypher
Posts: 2337 - Karma: 2,268
In all seriousness, Volvos man... Pick up an XC70 for a town car. AWD, tons space in the back, decent mpg if you don't brap it too hard, and if you do want to go pedal to the floor the car is a speedy little bastard. As well, replacement parts for them are fairly inexpensive if you need anything done.
Feb 28 2018 8:00PM
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supluho
Posts: 51 - Karma: 102
teamSESHLooks gay? What generation? Just put a GTI or R/R32 Bumper/Lip/Skirts on it and some coilovers.


mk7 and i like the gayness of it
Mar 1 2018 1:27AM
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nxtyrsfulltilts
Posts: 430 - Karma: 1,533
2007 Honda Element. Best car ever.
Mar 1 2018 10:00AM
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Woos
Posts: 832 - Karma: 1,567
ZypherIn all seriousness, Volvos man... Pick up an XC70 for a town car. AWD, tons space in the back, decent mpg if you don't brap it too hard, and if you do want to go pedal to the floor the car is a speedy little bastard. As well, replacement parts for them are fairly inexpensive if you need anything done.

Volvo maintenance in many areas of the USA can be a money pit. Awesome cars, just a lack of parts and mechanics.

I would check out cheaper Audis like A4s, Golf R32s, and also look around to see what you have for Volvo mechanics.
Mar 1 2018 2:13PM
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weedoo
Posts: 650 - Karma: 1,843
Impreza
Mar 1 2018 3:13PM
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MKVImike
Posts: 9 - Karma: 15
I commute roughly 50 miles round trip in a Volkswagen GTI. Great gas mileage, and if you're at all interested in performance or ride quality the car is unbeatable.
Mar 1 2018 7:54PM
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Woos
Posts: 832 - Karma: 1,567
MKVImikeI commute roughly 50 miles round trip in a Volkswagen GTI. Great gas mileage, and if you're at all interested in performance or ride quality the car is unbeatable.


Let me guess, MK6? I miss my MK4 GTI. Yeah my MK5 Jetta is faster but it’s not the same. Maybe once I go Stage 2 and get my coilovers I’ll feel different. I wanted another GTI or a GLI but I couldn’t pass up a 50k Wolfsburg 2.0T for $6,300 owned by a VAG mechanic though. I mean it’s the same engine and I’m changing the suspension and probably doing R32 brakes anyways so why spend $2k more for a GLI?
Mar 1 2018 8:14PM
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TOAST.
Posts: 7529 - Karma: 36,767
03 Ford Taurus, 120 miles roundtrip to/from work. Only get 26mpg. Snow fugetaboutit, things a beast in the snow, AWD/4X4 is for soccer moms.
Mar 1 2018 10:56PM
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powderdrunkie
Posts: 2034 - Karma: 976
160 miles a day in my Tacoma.
Mar 1 2018 11:01PM
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Non_State_Actor
Posts: 4906 - Karma: 17,498
powderdrunkie160 miles a day in my Tacoma.


That puts a hurt on the wallet no doubt. Which engine? What's your fuel mileage look like?
Mar 1 2018 11:35PM
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Dash69
Posts: 57 - Karma: 147
I have never condoned the purchase of a prius but it sounds like you might need a prius
Mar 1 2018 11:37PM
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Woos
Posts: 832 - Karma: 1,567
mystery3That puts a hurt on the wallet no doubt. Which engine? What's your fuel mileage look like?


I can give you a simple answer.

Shit.
Mar 1 2018 11:38PM
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IHUFFPAINT
Posts: 206 - Karma: 444
Aight so I got a '99 Honda accord and that thing straight never runs out of gas. I mean there has to be something wrong with it. I get no joke 550-600 miles on one tank. I mean its manual and but that doesn't really affect it. Downside is that its a small inside and you cant fit much else other than yourself and a friend in it let only a crap load of ski gear.
Mar 1 2018 11:47PM
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powderdrunkie
Posts: 2034 - Karma: 976
mystery3That puts a hurt on the wallet no doubt. Which engine? What's your fuel mileage look like?


2013 crew 5' bed 4ltr.
I hover around 19. I think. I fill up about twice a week. Gas is $2.73 here right now.

It's worth the money to live in the country and work in the city. When I pay for gas I'm paying for peace at home. And also way less in property tax and mortgage and bills and everything. It more than equals out.
Mar 1 2018 11:59PM
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Non_State_Actor
Posts: 4906 - Karma: 17,498
powderdrunkie2013 crew 5' bed 4ltr.
I hover around 19. I think. I fill up about twice a week. Gas is $2.73 here right now.

It's worth the money to live in the country and work in the city. When I pay for gas I'm paying for peace at home. And also way less in property tax and mortgage and bills and everything. It more than equals out.

I do about the same 19 if I'm driving conservatively, which I do most of the time. 2017 double cab short bed 6-speed with the 3.5L. I'm lucky my commute is 26 miles roundtrip but I do more work related driving. Fuel up weekly and pay ~$3.25/gal for RUG.
Mar 2 2018 12:10AM
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Woos
Posts: 832 - Karma: 1,567
SandyMctaintAight so I got a '99 Honda accord and that thing straight never runs out of gas. I mean there has to be something wrong with it. I get no joke 550-600 miles on one tank. I mean its manual and but that doesn't really affect it. Downside is that its a small inside and you cant fit much else other than yourself and a friend in it let only a crap load of ski gear.


When it comes to gas, reliability, and not upfront cost... always buy Honda/Acura. This is coming from a Volkswagen, Audi, and Porsche fanboy. I just find them boring and I think that's fair. It's also often a stupid reason lol.
Mar 2 2018 12:16AM
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.FRY.
Posts: 5620 - Karma: 22,862
2008 VW Rabbit. Great car, starts everytime and is fun to drive.
Mar 2 2018 2:21PM
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SkiBum.
Posts: 3604 - Karma: 3,971
Dash69I have never condoned the purchase of a prius but it sounds like you might need a prius


I want the new Tesla. And would buy one if I was able. But they are so backed up and late in production. Car fits all my needs and wants and wallet perfect.
Mar 2 2018 4:06PM
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NorCalSkier
Posts: 32 - Karma: 0
Honda Civic Hatchback, up to 31 mpg city and 40mpg highway.
Mar 2 2018 11:38PM
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Sno.
Posts: 12155 - Karma: 6,152
SkiBum.I want the new Tesla. And would buy one if I was able. But they are so backed up and late in production. Car fits all my needs and wants and wallet perfect.


The new Tesla with tax and licensing is going to run you 40-50k (35-44 pre tax and licensing respectively). If you put 15k down you’re looking at a 25-35k car loan— payment would be $460-650. Is that what you were looking to spend? It looked like you were looking for something more conservative $-wise.
Mar 3 2018 12:18AM
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J_Christoph
Posts: 2519 - Karma: 8,755
weedooImpreza


This. It’s compact, fast and badass. Especially in the snow.
Mar 3 2018 1:40AM
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Non_State_Actor
Posts: 4906 - Karma: 17,498
J_ChristophThis. It’s compact, fast and badass. Especially in the snow.


Needs more WRX. Base imprezas are not fast and good used WRX are not in OPs price range.
Mar 3 2018 2:36AM
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corona
Posts: 12810 - Karma: 32,904
supluhovw gold TDI.


I have the exact same. 02 gold vw TDI. Amazing mileage. Engine can run forever pretty much. The industrial version of the ALH engine (pretty much the same thing but without a turbo) is rated to 25,000 hours. So if that's at highway speed that's like 2.5 million km. Also performs surprisingly well in snow if you have good tires. Can fit 2 bikes + 3 people inside.

I just did timing belt + water pump, need to redo brakes soon then it'll be good for a long while more.
Mar 3 2018 12:46PM
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SkiBum.
Posts: 3604 - Karma: 3,971
Sno.The new Tesla with tax and licensing is going to run you 40-50k (35-44 pre tax and licensing respectively). If you put 15k down you’re looking at a 25-35k car loan— payment would be $460-650. Is that what you were looking to spend? It looked like you were looking for something more conservative $-wise.


It’s $27k after rebates.
Mar 3 2018 1:00PM
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theabortionator
Posts: 51834 - Karma: 164,639
Mar 3 2018 1:32PM
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Sno.
Posts: 12155 - Karma: 6,152
SkiBum.It’s $27k after rebates.


ahhh, gotcha.
Mar 3 2018 2:06PM
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weedoo
Posts: 650 - Karma: 1,843
J_ChristophThis. It’s compact, fast and badass. Especially in the snow.


For sure man, thing has lasted me a while, couple problems with the engine coolant but a great overall car
Mar 3 2018 10:00PM
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dtwizzle
Posts: 233 - Karma: 1,951
Forester is the best ski bum, skate bum, bum bum vehicle out there
Mar 5 2018 12:35PM
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Non_State_Actor
Posts: 4906 - Karma: 17,498
What swap do you need to get a forester into 30+mpg territory?
Mar 5 2018 6:50PM
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Zypher
Posts: 2337 - Karma: 2,268
mystery3What swap do you need to get a forester into 30+mpg territory?


It’s called the “buy a crosstrek” swap
Mar 5 2018 7:30PM
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.FRY.
Posts: 5620 - Karma: 22,862
mystery3What swap do you need to get a forester into 30+mpg territory?

get full tilts
Mar 5 2018 8:51PM
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ronders_
Posts: 568 - Karma: 2,325
You should get an r32 skyline. For a practical commuter, I'd say a 4 door gtst, although the non turbo models will get better mileage. You can find most skylines other than the GTR in grade 3 - grade 4 condition for
Mar 5 2018 11:06PM
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Non_State_Actor
Posts: 4906 - Karma: 17,498
ZypherIt’s called the “buy a crosstrek” swap


dat cvt tho?!?
Mar 5 2018 11:35PM
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TheDoughAbides
Posts: 1319 - Karma: 4,036
wrx wagon
Mar 6 2018 1:33AM
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