fuel efficient car for high highway mileage.

[McLoki]

I turned in my 2 week notice at my empoyer yesterday and starting April 2nd will be working at a new job about 50min (90% expressway) from my house. I will be putting about 500-800 miles per week on my car. As much as I love my charger - it is just not an ideal car for that kind of mileage.

What cars out there get really good highway mileage. I expect to be putting about 30,000 miles per year so reliability is definately a requirement. I am not sure about a hybrid since they mostly seem tuned for city mileage and I am not sure how long the batteries are supposed to last with illinois winters and mostly highway driving. (the batteries on most of these charge with the brakes I think)

Just wondering what you all recommend or is it just worth it to keep the charger I have and drive it till it dies. (I get about 18mpg city and 23mpg highway right now with the charger) If it matters, my average highway speed is about 72mph with the cruise on.

Thanks,

Michael

[jdhdiggs]

What's your price range and other requirements (4 door, full size trunk, hatchback ok, etc...)?

[MSALLA]

Keep the Charger. 23 on the highway is not all that bad. But,a 50min drive in a car you don't really like and has bad pickup is not a fun trip.

[sda2mike]

blv it or not.....i got 31 mpg with my 98 z28! after doing some mods, tourque converter, switching from 2.73 to 3.73 gears, some exhaust work and tuning, it was still good for 28mpg. HIGHWAY BTW!!!:p it was a good car for hwy cruising. my 96 civic still get 35 mpg. the z28 i sold 4yrs ago. the honda is not quitiing yet after 157k!

[TN_Polk_Lover]

I've had nothing but Honda / Acura cars for the last 6 years or so between my wife, my daughter, and me. You can't beat them for dependability and all around good gas mileage. Toyota / Lexus are also extremely reliable. Toyota/Lexus tend to be a little quieter, little less road noise, but tend to ride and handle "softer" -- less sporty feel. Honda/Acura are quiet except have more road noise. But their handling / steering / road feel can't be beat for the price. Of course, my opinion, YMMV. . .

[madmax]

November of this year I got the Scion xB. It appears to be one of those reliable type cars. So far the mileage has averaged 32mpg city over the past 7 fillups. (worst case was 29 and best was 35). Plenty-O-room too, if you don't mind a toaster looking thing. So far I've actually enjoyed driving it more than anything else I've owned. I've been a Chevy guy most of my life with Blazers, pickups, a Monte-Carlo SS and a few Camaros. With insurance, gas, maint etc I've figured 23 cents a mile if I put 13K a year on it until 200K... Less time/more mileage would be more savings.
madmax

[shack]

Given your driving will be mainly highway I WOULD NOT get a hybrid. The savings comes from the electic motor running during idling or stop and go traffic. They actually do not do as well as some on the highway. Here is Edumund's most economical list. It's hard to go wrong with a Honda. The Mini Cooper is fun to drive (if you can fit in it).

http://www.edmunds.com/reviews/list/top10/119083/article.html

As far as driving the Charger...it is really a math problem. First figure out how much you will have to spend for the new car of your choice after trading in the Charger. Second figure out fuel used and then calculate the $ savings per month times the useful life of the Charger and see which one is less. If you are going to spend $20,000 over the next 3 or 4 years to save $10,000 in fuel costs...you may want to just keep the Charger. Of course there are variable such as gas price increases and actual avaliability that are unknown. Then there is always the "NEW CAR" euphoria....but that doesn't last long when you are shelling out each month for payments.

[strider]

Keep the Charger. 23 on the highway is not all that bad. But,a 50min drive in a car you don't really like and has bad pickup is not a fun trip.

Very good points. My concern would be maintenance costs, though. Highway miles are much easier on a car vs city driving, but the mileage would be piling on. This would also affect resale, but if you're driving it 'til it dies that shouldn't be a concern. I'm partial to Toyotas, all the Scions get decent mpg, as does the Yaris. If i had to get a commuting car right now, I'd probably get a Scion TC with the manual transmission.

[MSALLA]

Very good points. My concern would be maintenance costs, though. Highway miles are much easier on a car vs city driving, but the mileage would be piling on. This would also affect resale, but if you're driving it 'til it dies that shouldn't be a concern. I'm partial to Toyotas, all the Scions get decent mpg, as does the Yaris. If i had to get a commuting car right now, I'd probably get a Scion TC with the manual transmission.

Toyotas make a great car. But, maintenance costs on foreign cars higher then domestic cars. Either way, 30,000 miles a year on any new car is something they should handel with no serious problems. Todays cars are built pretty well.

[nadams]

If you keep driving the charger, you're going to destroy your resale value, even if it's in perfect shape. With a Honda or Toyota, people know that they're good for 300k+ miles. The blue book on my car when I bought it was 11k with 99k miles on it! That's for an '01 accord....

[exalted512]

scion xB is supposed to be one of the cheapest all around cars now. I'd never own one b/c I think they look like a brick on wheels, but to each his own.

How about a nice harley?:D
-Cody

[ben62670]

First choice Toy by a long shot
Second Honda
Seeing thats most highway driving get the stick.
Parts for toys and Honda's are cheaper, and more available than a lot of other import cars.

[McLoki]

Ok, additional info:
Need 4 doors. (hatchback ok)
It will be a work car with a ton of miles so I would rather purchase something for under 23or so max. (preferably under 20) - Just no matter what I spend, my resale will suck due to miles. I would prefer to spend less if possible. Used is fine, but most foriegn used cars (at dealers anyway) they seem to want very close to the sticker of a new car. It just doesn't seem worth going used for small foreign cars right now.

I was really thinking of trying a scion Xb. The price is certanly right and it seems pretty roomy (like a small minivan) but damn do they look ugly. (just my opinion of course)

Then again - for a work car, how good does it have to look? Local dealer has some Xa and XC's in stock, but no Xb's. I assume based on that, you get to pay close to sticker for them. (then again, sticker is about 15k so its not that bad)

Michael

[shawn474]

I was in the same situation a few years ago. I had an SUV and needed something more practical for an hour and 10 minute commute each way. I got a Toyota Camry and haven't looked back since. I get right around 30 mpg (a little more or less depending on traffic and it is a manual transmission). I got it brand new in Aug. 2005 and have just flipped 70,000 miles on it. The only thing I have done is oil changes tire rotations and new tires just recently. Runs like the day I bought it.

Shawn

[mldennison]

i do about the same amount of driving (mostly highway) as you will be and my '01 accord gets about 30mpg. mine is a 4cyl and it has plenty of power for me, but then again i am not really a car guy...

[SDA SRS 1.2]

i do about the same amount of driving (mostly highway) as you will be and my '01 accord gets about 30mpg. mine is a 4cyl and it has plenty of power for me, but then again i am not really a car guy...

Another vote for the Accord. My Dad's '06 has the 3.0 V6 (244 HP) and consistently gets 30-32 on the highway and has excellent passing power.

[strider]

Toyotas make a great car. But, maintenance costs on foreign cars higher then domestic cars. Either way, 30,000 miles a year on any new car is something they should handel with no serious problems. Todays cars are built pretty well.

I guess I really am concerned with reliability issues rather then maintenance costs, whic is obviously different then what I posted. Having no first hand experience with today's domestic cars, I defer to you regarding their reliability. My opinion's really just based on experience with older (late 80's/early 90's) domestics. That being said, the only non-maintenance item I've had to address on my Tacoma has been starter contacts in the 70k miles I've owned it. I do the maintenance myself, which of course makes it cheap; so far it's been pretty easy, too.

Mcloki- The Xb grew on me after sitting inside it for a bit. It's really functional, you can do a lot with them. When you're sitting inside you also can't see the outside as well. Regarding paying the sticker price, I don't think there's a lot of haggle room with them price-wise. If you get down to buying one, I may be able to run the numbers by a couple of friends and see how good the price is they're offering.

[tommyboy]

It will be a work car with a ton of miles so I would rather purchase something for under 23or so max. (preferably under 20) -




Mike, If you want to use this car just for going to work and back, Are you sure you even want to spend 23 grand on a car? There are plenty of new cars well under that which have great MPG.

You have your charger to show off;) , why spend 23000 on a car thats just going to get beat up(just my opinion:) )?

[madmax]

Seeing thats most highway driving get the stick.

Yea, get the stick. I had never had one until now and can't believe I've always bought automatics. Never again!
madmax

Edit: On the xB price no one would budge a penny for me. However, when it came time to pay there were no additional unknown charges either. They even filled up the tank before I left. All standard operating procedure on the Scions. I've heard of some who would haggle but they are not supposed to.

[MattN03]

I've had nothing but Honda / Acura cars for the last 6 years or so between my wife, my daughter, and me. You can't beat them for dependability and all around good gas mileage. Toyota / Lexus are also extremely reliable. Toyota/Lexus tend to be a little quieter, little less road noise, but tend to ride and handle "softer" -- less sporty feel. Honda/Acura are quiet except have more road noise. But their handling / steering / road feel can't be beat for the price. Of course, my opinion, YMMV. . .

I would agree with this completely. My wife has made me a believer in Honda cars as she bought a 02 Accord coupe before we got married. It's been very reliable (except for some brake problems that are likely due to driving conditions/driving style), gets reasonable MPG at around 29-30 on the interstate with the 4 cylinder/auto. Her parents have a newer model Camry that has been reliable, but rides softer-much like my parents Crown Vic. I prefer the Honda driving feel anyday.

I have a 97 Ranger that gets 27-28 MPG interstate with the 4 cylinder/5 speed. My modified 03 Mach 1 Mustang has gotten 29 MPG a couple times, so even more powerful cars can get respectable MPG.

[SLOCOOKN]

Congrats on the new job!,....

97 Honda Accord 116,xxx last fill up 32.657 mpg. no problems..

Buy a used car. You are going to destroy the value too much with all the miles.

[ledhed]

My mom has not worked less than 30 minutes away from home in over 10 years. Her last two cars have been GM (Oldsmobile and a Buick) with the 3.8L V6. THe Oldsmobile was in use until 220,000 miles when we sold it (only problem at the time was a slight transmission glitch) and she now has a LeSabre.

I know neither of these cars are the type you are looking for but, the 3800 platform is solid and the engine was even voted one of the best engines of the 20th century by Wards (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ward%27s_10_Best_Engines#20th_Century). GM is still using this platform though I'm not sure on which cars. I know my mom averages high 20s and low 30s constantly.

Of course, Corvettes can also get MPG in the high 20s. Just food for thought

[MSALLA]

Mcloki, are you going to keep the charger also or trading that in?

[McLoki]

Mcloki, are you going to keep the charger also or trading that in?
I am quite sad to say that if a new car comes in - the charger will be traded in on it. I am looking for a lower payment and better mileage. If the mileage is within 8mpg or so of my charger I would not consider it worth getting rid of. I really do love the charger - just not practical for my current (future) needs.

Hey - its only a car, if my situation changes I can always get another one.

Michael

[MrNightly]

Go test drive a VW Jetta TDI. That thing still have a bunch of spunk, will get you over 45mph on the Highway, and is extremely comfy. They can be had for just around 20K new, and the new models are super dependable.

Give it a whirl, see if it tickles your fancy. The money you save on gas, will more than pay for itself in the long run!

[madmax]

Just do all the math first. I figured out that you would be spending $3884/yr feeding the charger (@20mpg) and if you got a 32 mpg car you would be feeding it $2354/yr. So, if you bought an xB it would take you 10 years to actually pay for it with the gas savings alone. It would have 312,000 miles on it by that time. Every scenario would be a little different so calculate them all before you make a decision. Remember to subtract the loss from when you sell the charger. It could be that the loss will be the deciding factor. After all, you don't want to drive something else if you are still loosing money in the end.
madmax

[tommyboy]

Go test drive a VW Jetta TDI. That thing still have a bunch of spunk, will get you over 45mph on the Highway, and is extremely comfy.


Wow, you got yourself a fast car there;)

[Sami]

Give it a whirl, see if it tickles your fancy. The money you save on gas, will more than pay for itself in the long run!
Yes, don't want to spend money on gas? Get a diesel... :)

[shack]

Just do all the math first. I figured out that you would be spending $3884/yr feeding the charger (@20mpg) and if you got a 32 mpg car you would be feeding it $2354/yr. So, if you bought an xB it would take you 10 years to actually pay for it with the gas savings alone. It would have 312,000 miles on it by that time. Every scenario would be a little different so calculate them all before you make a decision. Remember to subtract the loss from when you sell the charger. It could be that the loss will be the deciding factor. After all, you don't want to drive something else if you are still loosing money in the end.
madmax

This is what I was trying to get at in an earlier post. Chances are you are not going to keep the new car 10 years so you would need to spead the savings over the life of the new vehicle and the NET cost difference.

Based on Madmax's figures a 32 mpg car would save you $1,500 a year in gas. If you could trade the Charger in for a vehicle for net $9,000 more and drive it for 6 years it would be a wash. If it cost net $6,000 more you would recover your cost in 4 years. If gas prices increase the time to recover the net cost would be less.

[dane_peterson]

My top two suggestions for you:
'06 VW Jetta TDI (46MPG hwy)
'06 Toyota Corolla CE/S/LE (40MPG hwy)

The VW would probably run you about $20k, and the Corolla around $16k. I personally prefer the Jetta, but that's cuz I drive one currently.

[MSALLA]

What about buying a used econo box for cash just to get back and forth to work. Then you could keep the charger an not put the miles on something where you will lose alot of money. No matter how the car holds up, the value on anything you put that kind of milage on in that amount of time is going to loose value fast. If you spent like $9000 on a used car ( like a nissan sentra or something) you could have the best of both worlds.

[Holydoc]

Shack and Madmax,

Don't forget to add in maintenance costs to that overall savings figure. The price of replacing one tire on that charger will probably pay for all four on a new honda. Insurance costs will most probably be much lower for an economy car as opposed to a sports car. You just cannot look at the price of gas alone to do this comparison.

Good luck on your search, McLoki. You have lots of good choices pointed out in this thread and many more not even mentioned yet. I am in agreement with most here to stay away from the hybrids and stick with a very reliable brand like Toyota or Honda.

[Sami]

You drive ~30k miles going to work alone, plus all the other driving so wouldn't 40k miles a year be more like it?

[Danny Tse]

I drive a 2001 Toyota Camry LE with 4 cylinder/auto and I live in the San Francisco Bay Area. This is the second worst congested metro area (1st being Washington DC) and I commute during typical commute hours. With that in mind, I average about 27 mpg.....which is not bad considering the size of the car. With over 90,000 miles, I have yet to experience a mechanical problem.

Here in the Bay Area, you can pick up a new 2007 Toyota Camry LE for under $20K. Keep in mind this is a car with 7 airbags, ABS brakes, and more horsepower than my 2001....yet it will get higher mpg. You should seriously look into the Camry.

[tonyb]

Call a Limo....show up in style....no gas,no worry's

[madmax]

I can't help with any of the other cars mentioned but if you have any specific questions about an xB feel free to PM.
madmax

[Fireman32]

I will chime in with my vote for the Toyota Yaris. I got the gar for 15k brand new loaded. I gets me on average 38mpg as a have a lead foot but have goten over 40. Its a comfy car and I was able to fit in it. I almost bout the Scion Xb untill I sat in the Yaris. Its great on long rides as I took it to last years PF and cruies over 1000 miles each way without a problem. Good luck and congrats on the job.

[McLoki]

Looked at the TDI but the price is a little higher than I would like to go. I can get a new 06 for about 24K (manual transmission), and they have one 2002 with 98,000miles on it for 13K. Between me and my new job is about 50miles of cornfield. If the car breaks down, I am stuck and towing will be expensive. That is the main reason that I am looking at new or just a few years old. From everything I have looked at 2005 and up (with less than 40,000 miles) they seem to want within 1-2k of the sticker price of a new car.

I guess small cars are just holding their value right now. I have a car I love to drive, but it will depreciate quickly as the miles start to rack up on it. If I end up staying with the charger, that is fine, but I can't drive it a year and then trade it in with 60k miles on it - I will lose thousands more than I already stand to lose by trading it.

The TDi makes the most sense for the driving that I need to do, but from a cost (and utility) standpoint, the xB is about the top contender right now if I don't just stay with the charger.

I feel like nomatter what I choose, I will lose my ass on the deal. Just not a grand position to be in. (then again - I get to go to a new job for more money so I should be able to afford either move - I just hate buying anything where I don't feel like I am getting a great deal.)

Michael

[m00npie]

TDI all the way...

I have had mine since 2001 and bought it because Gasoline was going up to 1.85 a gallon back then while diesel was $1.30. Those were the days…

Anyway, stats vary based on driving style but here is what I get after 130000 miles on a manual transmission TDI…

- About 50 MPG
- 680 - 700 Miles per tank on average, 725 is the most on one tank.
- The car is not fast, however, the added torque of the diesel and the turbo helps me maintain 70-85 mph on the interstate with very little throttle. It just takes a while to get there:D I have had it up to 105 on the Jersey TP.

My brother bought his at the same time and he has 240000 on his. Our issues with the cars have been very similar. Known Issues: Power Windows break until they replace everything, rear taillights always go out until they perform the recall & you’ll need a new fuel pump after about 200k which is not cheap.

If HP is an issue, you can make your TDI perform as they do in Europe by spending about 2K on the European Turbo and injectors. It boosts the HP to 150 from 90 and with the help of a chip re-program; the car will easily get over 200HP while sacrificing nothing in MPG. Not bad from a 1.8L

No new TDI’s are being sold in 2007 because of new Gov’t standards but VW will have them ready by 08.

Good Luck!

[Rivrrat]

My wife drives a 98 Corolla. I'd reccomend one, and she wants to replace it with another one.

[avelanchefan]

I can't help with any of the other cars mentioned but if you have any specific questions about an xB feel free to PM.
madmax

http://www.scionlife.com/

Head there if you have any questions about Scion XB's also. They are coming out with the new XB's later this year, and you can see the model on the main page. Comes with some nice options like the lowering kit, and nicer wheels, and they are upgrading the engine to the tC engine (which is basically the 4cylinder Camry engine)

Also the Scion xD is coming out, and they look to be real sharpe too. It's just an upgrade from the xA. They get about 32-35 mpg highway.

If your looking for something sportier then I would suggest the Scion tC. That is what I own and I love it! Very fuel efficient also. I average about 28 mpg Highway/city.

The Scion community is really growing with a lot of meet and greets in every region. It's really a fun community to be apart of. Here are some pics from the NOPI races in Phoenix last weekend...
http://www.scionlife.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=166791

Here is my tC....
http://www.scionlife.com/gallery/personal/32221_1.jpg

[madmax]

Every morning since I got my xB I've been excited to get up and drive to work. Let me tell you, that hasn't happened much since I first got my license 30 years ago. :)
madmax

[shack]

With all the love given for the imports here...(and I've mentioned a couple) I'm going to give a shout for my domestic ride. A 2003 Focus ZX5. I've got 75,000 miles on it. Just now put on new brakes. The only issue I've encountered was a leak in the heater core which was fixed under warranty and a bad coil wire and sensor. I get 27-29 mp around town and 35± mpg highway. Fully loaded it was several thousand dollars cheaper than any of the imports I looked at. The Zetec engine is a Mazda design and pretty reliable. Fold down the rear seats and it can hold a bunch of stuff. Just ask Doro. When I left his house, I had my suitcase, golf clubs and a boxed pair of SDA 1Cs in the back with room to spare. :D The Focus generally gets good reviews for reliabilty and is really a pretty fun car to drive for an "economy" car.

[dane_peterson]

Except the resale value on Focuses is total crap.

[shack]

Except the resale value on Focuses is total crap.

Not a problem if you drive the wheels off of them like I do. I rarely sell a car before it is 6+ years old and 120,000+ miles. I bought it right, so even with high miles it's only depreciated $6,000± in 4 years. I still owe just a little, so even if I traded today I would have a few thousand towards the next one. As long as I'm never upside down I'm ok. For me daily drivers are not an investment. They are a disposable commodity.

Now toys (like my Mustangs and Galaxie)...that's different.

[Sami]

With all the love given for the imports here...
FYI, the Focus is of import origin, developed by Ford of Europe. That's propably why it is also much more fun to drive than Ford's in general. Yes, the ones sold here are built in Michigan so it's not an import but some of pre-2006's are built in Mexico.

;)

[shack]

FYI, the Focus is of import origin, developed by Ford of Europe. That's propably why it is also much more fun to drive than Ford's in general. Yes, the ones sold here are built in Michigan so it's not an import but some of pre-2006's are built in Mexico.

;)

I was referring to the parent. Most Toyotas and Hondas sold in the US are made in the US, but I still consider them an import based on Japanese ownership.

[Sami]

I was referring to the parent. Most Toyotas and Hondas sold in the US are made in the US, but I still consider them an import based on Japanese ownership.
How about Saab? Import or domestic? Volvo? :D

Anyways, if cost and miles are a concern, buy an older car with low miles. In a few years you put the miles where they should be and you don't lose much if you decide to sell it.

[McLoki]

MadMax - PM sent.

[McLoki]

Well purchased a 1999 ford crown victoria - Not the most fuel efficient I know (should get about 25mpg on the highway) , but got it at a darn good price. It only has 29,000 original miles on it and was $8,500 out the door from the dealer. (including taxes and plates) Should be a nice cheap car to put a ton of miles on.

Now - anyone want to purchase a charger???

Michael

[ben62670]

Well purchased a 1999 ford crown victoria - Not the most fuel efficient I know (should get about 25mpg on the highway) , but got it at a darn good price. It only has 29,000 original miles on it and was $8,500 out the door from the dealer. (including taxes and plates) Should be a nice cheap car to put a ton of miles on.

Now - anyone want to purchase a charger???

Michael
Crown Vics are a nice comfy ride. The back seats are nice too:o

[Disc Jockey]

Well purchased a 1999 ford crown victoria - Not the most fuel efficient I know (should get about 25mpg on the highway) , but got it at a darn good price. It only has 29,000 original miles on it and was $8,500 out the door from the dealer. (including taxes and plates) Should be a nice cheap car to put a ton of miles on.

Now - anyone want to purchase a charger???

Michael


Well looks like you got a nice price on it. Maybe not the best mileage but will be very comfortable, kinda like sitting on your sofa with a steering wheel

[goingganzo]

we own 2 cars with over 220k miles a 92 twin turbo stealth 22mpg freeway aka a mits in descise and a 98 lexus es 300 250k about 33 mpg freeway and i just got a is250 awd and clames 28 or so mpg freeway will be testing that next week with my trip to florda

[cmy330go]

Go test drive a VW Jetta TDI. That thing still have a bunch of spunk, will get you over 45mph on the Highway, and is extremely comfy. They can be had for just around 20K new, and the new models are super dependable.

Give it a whirl, see if it tickles your fancy. The money you save on gas, will more than pay for itself in the long run!

+1

That is a fun little car. Especially with the 5spd.

[McLoki]

Test drove a TDI and they seem very proud of them here. It was a nice car, but they did not deal off of sticker at all on them. ($26,800 or so purchase price)

They did have a 2001 that I could have purchased, but it had over 100,000 miles on it and they still wanted $14,000 for it. For the $19,000-$20,000 difference between what I got and the new one, I can get alot of gas. (plus there is no way for me to lose over $8,000 on the one I purchased. I can sell just the body for $500 around here.)

I know the TDI's are supposed to be nice cars, but I have never owned a desil, and I was just not sure about spending that much on a used car with over 100,000 miles on it. (not sure what maint. you have to do at 100k miles)

Michael

[Ricardo]

Just saw this; congrats on the new job Michael, and congrats on the new car; people will slow down when they see you coming ;)

[petrym]

Get a Smart Car (http://www.smartusa.com/)!

[jdhdiggs]

Get a Smart Car (http://www.smartusa.com/)!

My wife saw those in Europe and wants one in the worst way. May just have to do it as her commute is about 40 miles each way.

[ben62670]

Get a Smart Car (http://www.smartusa.com/)!
It s quicker just to stick a gun to your head and pull the trigger. I would not want to hit ice/snow with that thing never mind any sort of accident.:eek:

[madmax]

Congrats! I hope it serves you well.
madmax

[m00npie]

I know the TDI's are supposed to be nice cars, but I have never owned a diesel, and I was just not sure about spending that much on a used car with over 100,000 miles on it. (not sure what maint. you have to do at 100k miles) Michael

Maintenance is everything to a diesel. You have to change the oil every 3-5K. Gas engines with Synthetic oil can slip a little and usually will do no harm depending upon the type of driving you do such as all highway miles. Air filters must be changed also at that time. Fuel filters must be changed every 3rd oil change. Those little engines have like 20:1 compression ratio, which is about double any standard gas engine. What does that mean? Well if you check the oil immediately after an oil change, the oil is black as soot within a minute. Repeated lack of oil change means imminent Turbo replacement.

After 100K you would have to get the timing belt changed if it has not already been changed. Injectors & glo plugs would need changed at around 130K. Some claim a new fuel pump after 200K. Check out Fred’s TDI club for all the info you would ever need on VW TDI cars. Great site and offers a wealth of information. Much like this one!

All of the Maint between 100 & 200K mentioned above is roughly 3K paying someone to do it. A little cheaper if you are handy with tools.

14K is too much for a used one. The reason they are asking that much is because of the fuel mileage and the fact that the # of TDI’s are limited. They only make up about 5-10% of the VW Jetta Population and I believe there are no 2007 TDI Jettas due to the Gov’t emission standards for Diesels(VW could not meet the demand in time). They will be back in 2008. Once the new ones come out, the older ones will return to normal value.

[shack]

My wife saw those in Europe and wants one in the worst way. May just have to do it as her commute is about 40 miles each way.
My wife saw one down in Cozumel and liked it so much she took a picture. When it's time to get rid of her Element she says it's between a Mini and maybe a Smart if she likes what she sees.

As far as the Smart safety issue, they may be small but are built with a very strong cage, double reinforced doors and airbags all around. It has one of the best reliabity records in Europe as well. Not really a highway car (one tester said it reminded him of the old VW Beetles on the interstate) but it might make a great little in town commuter.

He is the pic:

[jdhdiggs]

Your wife to huh? We got a picture of my wife "hugging" some random one that's parked. It looks like the US version is a foot or two longer than the Euro one.

[venomclan]

My wife saw one down in Cozumel and liked it so much she took a picture. When it's time to get rid of her Element she says it's between a Mini and maybe a Smart if she likes what she sees.

As far as the Smart safety issue, they may be small but are built with a very strong cage, double reinforced doors and airbags all around. It has one of the best reliabity records in Europe as well. Not really a highway car (one tester said it reminded him of the old VW Beetles on the interstate) but it might make a great little in town commuter.

Hey Shack, get the Smart and put it in the back of the Element as an escape pod.:D

[shack]

Hey Shack, get the Smart and put it in the back of the Element as an escape pod.:D

Now that would be cool! Stuck in traffic...whip open the back doors and out comes the Smart to cut in between cars and get to the meeting on time.

[bobman1235]

Test drove a TDI and they seem very proud of them here. It was a nice car, but they did not deal off of sticker at all on them. ($26,800 or so purchase price)

They did have a 2001 that I could have purchased, but it had over 100,000 miles on it and they still wanted $14,000 for it. For the $19,000-$20,000 difference between what I got and the new one, I can get alot of gas. (plus there is no way for me to lose over $8,000 on the one I purchased. I can sell just the body for $500 around here.)

I know the TDI's are supposed to be nice cars, but I have never owned a desil, and I was just not sure about spending that much on a used car with over 100,000 miles on it. (not sure what maint. you have to do at 100k miles)

Michael

Michael, you said you wanted something reliable and relatively easy to maintain, and you're looking at VWs?! Granted there are exceptions, as I'm sure many VW lovers on this very forum will jump down my throat, but I can't think of any car company besides Saab that has a worse overall maintenance outlook than a VW. My dad works with a lot of mechanics, and he's yet to find one that would buy a VW, just because of all the maintenance and reliability nightmares that go along with them. Even mechanics that WORK FOR VW say they wouldn't buy them. I strongly recommend staying away.

[shack]

My GLI never gave me any trouble for the 108,000 miles I drove before I traded it. I would buy another one.

[heiney9]

Michael, you said you wanted something reliable and relatively easy to maintain, and you're looking at VWs?! Granted there are exceptions, as I'm sure many VW lovers on this very forum will jump down my throat, but I can't think of any car company besides Saab that has a worse overall maintenance outlook than a VW. My dad works with a lot of mechanics, and he's yet to find one that would buy a VW, just because of all the maintenance and reliability nightmares that go along with them. Even mechanics that WORK FOR VW say they wouldn't buy them. I strongly recommend staying away.

As a strong VW enthusiast and long time owner. There is some truth to what you say on a general level. It really depends on how they are maintained and driven. I;ve found since many of the younger population 18-24 make up a large segment of VW drivers (in general) they tend to beat the snot out of the cars and try to do repairs (of which they have no idea how to do) themselves.

For me the fun factor far outweighs the reliability factor. I've researched them & owned and I am aware of the typical issues (of which there are more than avg.) and plan accordingly. If you are looking for a dead relaible car you can drive for years w/o issues stay away from any European cars, period!!!! I don't care if they are owned by an American company or not. Mercedes, Jag, Audi, VW, Porsche, BMW all have certain areas that tend to be weak points and/or are extremely costly to repair. They are certainly a lot of fun to drive however.

If you plan on doing religious maintenance, having it garage kept and not beating the snot out of it too badly, then chances are you will have a very fun reliable car.

Just my .02c

H9