Gf's commute - Page 3

Sharp11 · 03-05-2014, 05:25 PM

I looked at (but didn't drive) Fits and CRZ's just before I went with the E320 - the CRZ was compelling but I realized I needed something more comfortable for commuting 160 miles round trip.

wdc330i · 03-05-2014, 05:25 PM

What about a 128? Not a hatchback, but lots of fun and a great size.

equ · 03-05-2014, 05:33 PM

She doesn't like how the z4 looks, I suggested it a few times in the past. In any case, if we're getting a new/newish car it's going to have to do a LOT better than 26 mpg highway on premium. Even the MCS is borderline (at likely 30 to 32) so I doubt a z4 is in play. She pays for her own gas and we don't see the point of spending fuel money for what is essentially a standard commute.

She drove the CR-Z and did not find it that slow. She is not a 'mudgeon! From my POV the car was full of feel and quite fun on a twisty road. Very lightweight, very low CoG. It won't be a good car in suburbia where merges and power become more important. Fortunately (or unfortunately) we don't live in suburbia.

bren · 03-05-2014, 05:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wdc330i

What about a 128? Not a hatchback, but lots of fun and a great size.

...which then segues us to an x1.

lemming · 03-05-2014, 06:17 PM

I'd get a pre owned diesel Golf, for that kind of commute.

RMR · 03-05-2014, 10:40 PM

[quote=lemming;408564]I'd get a pre owned diesel Golf, for that kind of commute.[/quote

I agree but most used (and new) Golf diesels here in Chicago (and I assume NYC) are at a premium price.......

The Honda Fit Sport is the way to go IMO. Also - I know equ has not been the biggest fan of the GTI but it will get near 30 in a city commute and it has great space compared to the MCS and the fun factor.

Or a new 2015 standard Golf with the new 1.8T. Much better than the old 2.5.

I am not a fan of the CR-Z. Can't get past it's looks and the complete lack of utility/space.

Rob · 03-06-2014, 02:12 AM

I routinely got 33 mpg on the highway in my Z4 when I had a highway commute, even in L.A. traffic. Of course, that was with the top down and the air off. I don't expect that to sway the needle for you guys, but I don't know where the 26 number came from. I get 23.5 in the city driving like a 'mudgeon. I do have the base 3.0i engine. Maybe that's the difference.

zach · 03-06-2014, 07:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lemming

I'd get a pre owned diesel Golf, for that kind of commute.

I second this. The normal Golf TDI has the GTI suspension, which is great. Excellent torque, wonderful gas mileage.

John V · 03-06-2014, 07:43 AM

The diesel Golf is great, but if you factor in that diesel is more money per gallon than premium gasoline and the extra money you pay up front to get a diesel, the cost savings aren't really there.

I'd lean towards the newer Mazda 3 with the Skyactiv engine and a manual. A co-worker just bought one and is averaging 39MPG in his mostly-highway commute from PA to MD. His is an automagic, but I imagine the manual trans version isn't much different (though I suspect it's rated lower).

*clyde* · 03-06-2014, 08:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by equ

Oh, manual & hatchback form factor are requirements. Fiesta could have been an option, but there are ZERO used hatchback & manual fiestas in our 100 mile radius.

http://www.centersubaru.com/used/For...9b08130104.htm

03-05-2014, 06:17 PM	#25
lemming Western Anomaly Join Date: Oct 2003 Carmudgeonly Ride: White Orca Posts: 16,611	I'd get a pre owned diesel Golf, for that kind of commute. __________________

03-05-2014, 10:40 PM	#26
RMR Crotchety Join Date: Apr 2005 Carmudgeonly Ride: 2020 Honda Civic Hatch Sport Location: Chicago Posts: 941	[quote=lemming;408564]I'd get a pre owned diesel Golf, for that kind of commute.[/quote I agree but most used (and new) Golf diesels here in Chicago (and I assume NYC) are at a premium price....... The Honda Fit Sport is the way to go IMO. Also - I know equ has not been the biggest fan of the GTI but it will get near 30 in a city commute and it has great space compared to the MCS and the fun factor. Or a new 2015 standard Golf with the new 1.8T. Much better than the old 2.5. I am not a fan of the CR-Z. Can't get past it's looks and the complete lack of utility/space. __________________ '20 Honda Civic Hatchback Sport 1.5T '18 Acura TLX A-Spec SH-AWD

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03-05-2014, 05:25 PM	#21
Sharp11 Vicarious Twitterer Join Date: May 2005 Carmudgeonly Ride: 06 330 cic ZHP Location: CT Posts: 7,566	I looked at (but didn't drive) Fits and CRZ's just before I went with the E320 - the CRZ was compelling but I realized I needed something more comfortable for commuting 160 miles round trip.

03-05-2014, 05:25 PM	#22
wdc330i dogged Join Date: Dec 2003 Carmudgeonly Ride: '22 M440 xDrive GC Posts: 13,299	What about a 128? Not a hatchback, but lots of fun and a great size.

03-05-2014, 05:33 PM	#23
equ Alphanumeric Join Date: Aug 2005 Carmudgeonly Ride: 981S, 340i Posts: 9,584	She doesn't like how the z4 looks, I suggested it a few times in the past. In any case, if we're getting a new/newish car it's going to have to do a LOT better than 26 mpg highway on premium. Even the MCS is borderline (at likely 30 to 32) so I doubt a z4 is in play. She pays for her own gas and we don't see the point of spending fuel money for what is essentially a standard commute. She drove the CR-Z and did not find it that slow. She is not a 'mudgeon! From my POV the car was full of feel and quite fun on a twisty road. Very lightweight, very low CoG. It won't be a good car in suburbia where merges and power become more important. Fortunately (or unfortunately) we don't live in suburbia.

03-06-2014, 02:12 AM	#27
Rob The user formerly known as rwg Join Date: Oct 2003 Carmudgeonly Ride: Z4 Location: Vegas baby! Posts: 8,261	I routinely got 33 mpg on the highway in my Z4 when I had a highway commute, even in L.A. traffic. Of course, that was with the top down and the air off. I don't expect that to sway the needle for you guys, but I don't know where the 26 number came from. I get 23.5 in the city driving like a 'mudgeon. I do have the base 3.0i engine. Maybe that's the difference.

03-06-2014, 07:43 AM	#29
John V No more BMWs Join Date: Apr 2005 Carmudgeonly Ride: Ram, MS3, CX-5, RX-8 Location: Glenwood, MD Posts: 14,753	The diesel Golf is great, but if you factor in that diesel is more money per gallon than premium gasoline and the extra money you pay up front to get a diesel, the cost savings aren't really there. I'd lean towards the newer Mazda 3 with the Skyactiv engine and a manual. A co-worker just bought one and is averaging 39MPG in his mostly-highway commute from PA to MD. His is an automagic, but I imagine the manual trans version isn't much different (though I suspect it's rated lower).