Daily driver advice.

[endobear]

Wife's Acadia is down and while I've been waiting for parts she's been driving my old 7.3.
She's freaking out about how much we are spending a year on fuel between her acadia, my truck and my work van. I don't blame her.
Just taking the kids to school and after school activities we are putting a minimum of 800-1000 miles a month on our cars. Acadia gets the best milage at 15mpg average.

Time for a beater that gets good gas mileage.
New or used. I don't really care. $5000-$30k ish to spend.
Fwd at a minimum. Can keep the Acadia for snow driving.
Awd isn't a must but if I found something decent I'll dump the Acadia.
4 door.
Good mileage.
We live about 3 miles down a dirt road that is a Muddy mess 5 out of 10 days and the car will live outside so not looking for anything real nice.
Any ideas?

 

[lakemadness]

This approach rarely pencils, IMO. Insurance, R&M, depreciation etc.. and if you have a loan, just add the interest as well... OR if you plan to pay cash, I bet you could get a better return investing it elsewhere. How will you be ahead?

800-1000mi / mo is not much.

 

[steamin rice]

If you just want a reliable beater that gets good gas mileage, look at an older Prius. I bought a 2008 Prius to use as a commuter in 2013. I think it had around 110k miles on it when I bought it. I drove that POS for 5-6 years until someone rear ended me on the freeway and totaled it. It had about 170k miles when it got totaled and was still running like a champ. The only things I had to do to it while I owned was buy tires and do oil changes. I don't think it would do very well in snow or mud, so if you need that, then I'd look for something else.

 

[endobear]

This approach rarely pencils, IMO. Insurance, R&M, depreciation etc.. and if you have a loan, just add the interest as well... OR if you plan to pay cash, I bet you could get a better return investing it elsewhere. How will you be ahead?

800-1000mi / mo is not much.

I'd be paying cash.
Also add that it will get handed down to my kids in 3 years.

 

[FreeBird236]

Maybe a used Rav4 hybrid, not too old, don't want to be replacing batteries yet.

 

[Mikes56]

I have a 2006 Scion XB with 230,000 miles. It’s my beater and has been 100% reliable. Four seater, huge cargo space with the back seat folded down and 30 mpg.

Also a Toyota Corolla would be a good pick.

 

[dribble]

2017-2019 Chevy Cruze. 30-40 MPG with a 1.4 turbo. Step son had one and wrecked it. He put 40K trouble free miles on it.
I’m driving a 2000 Saturn Wagon I bought for $2000.00 from the original owner (a 90 year old woman) with 46K miles 5 years ago. It got 109K now. Anything that goes wrong with it is fixed with parts from Pick N Pull. It gets 27 MPG.

 

[monkeyswrench]

I have a Prius, known affectionately as the POS (Prius of Shame). Ice driving and mild snow, does great. Mud? Not so much. Ugly as all sin, but serves it's purpose, better than walking, hauls more than you'd think. (Current record is 20 bags of wood stove pellets, but routinely wheels, tires and other car crap.) On average, I drive 60-80 miles a day between schools and doctors.

The Chevy Cruze seems to be a good car. Several companies up here use them for sales rep rides. Dirt roads and highway, seem to go almost 300k before checking out. Damn good for modern small cars. The Hybrid Rav4's seem to be great vehicles as well, several here in my neighborhood. They don't get abused much though, so I don't know how sturdy they are.

 

[hallett21]

How about a Ford Maverick?

 

[Waterjunky]

I am in a similar situation and am looking at options. It will not be a prius though. The two times I have been left on the side of the road in the last 20 years have been prius. Additionally a little too small for me.

I'm looking at used fusion hybrids. 45mpg in a reasonable car. I think the Camary has something similar but I don't physically fit well in them.

 

[traquer]

acad

I'm looking at used fusion hybrids. 45mpg in a reasonable car. I think the Camary has something similar but I don't physically fit well in them.

Best answer. My dad has an older 2010 or so Honda accord, 4 banger no hybrid. That does well I think it will do almost 30 combined

 

[hallett21]

FYI the Ford Maverick hybrid FWD gets like 40mpg.

The ecoboost AWD gets 33ish MPG.

It’s kind of like a car with a truck bed but pretty functional for what it is.

You can build a new one OTD for right at 30k

 

[RaceTec]

I am looking right now too, this driving to Scat, Vortech, and AFR is killing me with my truck! I guess I could get a hybrid but you know whatever it is has to have pistons!

 

[Your ad here]

Finally someone spells advice correctly!

 

[Backlash]

Toyota Corolla or a little 4 cyl. Tacoma would be on my shopping list.

 

[185EZ]

I was going to do same thing. Mrs EZ's acura doesn't get the best mileage and beating up a brand new car going back and forth to Williams
I would have bought this honda if it was automatic but still a good deal
https://www.riverdavesplace.com/forums/threads/2017-honda-accord-for-sale.266366/#post-4794395

 

[81Sprint]

There was a nice used Honda accord in the classified section that probably gets really good mileage.

 

[brecht]

just picked up a 2023 Kia Forte. MSRP 24k ("gt line" which is the cosmetic upgrades without the turbo motor), 10 year/100k warranty, and pretty well loaded for the price. Getting ~35-40mpg driving from santa clarita to woodland hills M-F

 

[Waterjunky]

If I'm going to do something it really needs to be north of 40 mpg for the numbers to pencil. My explorer sport gets just over 20, so adding more insurance, DMV, and purchase.... I also want used as it makes everything cheaper, especially the purchase.

The wife laughs about a new electric like the Ford (I just can't bring myself to call it a Mustang) just for banging around local but the cost on those is silly. I'm looking at total costs per mile over an extended period. Hard to beat a 4-5 year old vehicle that gets over 40 mph and can be bought for under $20k.

 

[eand28]

I bought a 08 civic to keep the miles off my truck. The fuel savings covers the higher insurance premium. Gets 30 around town and close to 40 on the highway

 

[FreeBird236]

I bought a 08 civic to keep the miles off my truck. The fuel savings covers the higher insurance premium. Gets 30 around town and close to 40 on the highway

Well, that didn't take long.

 

[eand28]

Well, that didn't take long.

Truck is just a toy/boat hauler. No sense driving it everyday

 

[rivermobster]

Wife's Acadia is down and while I've been waiting for parts she's been driving my old 7.3.
She's freaking out about how much we are spending a year on fuel between her acadia, my truck and my work van. I don't blame her.
Just taking the kids to school and after school activities we are putting a minimum of 800-1000 miles a month on our cars. Acadia gets the best milage at 15mpg average.

Time for a beater that gets good gas mileage.
New or used. I don't really care. $5000-$30k ish to spend.
Fwd at a minimum. Can keep the Acadia for snow driving.
Awd isn't a must but if I found something decent I'll dump the Acadia.
4 door.
Good mileage.
We live about 3 miles down a dirt road that is a Muddy mess 5 out of 10 days and the car will live outside so not looking for anything real nice.
Any ideas?

Dirt road??

I'd be looking at an all wheel drive Subaru. Something Very safe for the kids.

The only problem is the resale on Subaru is fantastic! It's hard to find a used one, and if you do, they will want good money for it.

Won't be cheap, but super reliable cars.

 

[LargeOrangeFont]

FYI the Ford Maverick hybrid FWD gets like 40mpg.

The ecoboost AWD gets 33ish MPG.

It’s kind of like a car with a truck bed but pretty functional for what it is.

You can build a new one OTD for right at 30k

Lifted 2 inches… not bad.

 

[hallett21]

Lifted 2 inches… not bad.
View attachment 1224024

Apparently 4k tow rating with the eco boost and tow package.

 

[LargeOrangeFont]

Apparently 4k tow rating with the eco boost and tow package.

Yes. But you need AWD for the tow package. Should launch the boat no problem. Interesting vehicle if you can get one for realistic pricing.

I’ve kicked around the idea of one. More practical yet soul sucking than the Camaro I’ve been eying

 

[ramos45]

I picked up an 08 Ford Escape hybrid for $4500 with 170k miles 2 months ago, since then i've seen them for around same price with less miles and some little more but not too much more. Im seeing 28mpg and with rear seats dropped we now use that to take doggies around and leave the 7.3 EXCURSION for actual excursions. Cash buy and comfy. Mine is 2wd by the front but you can find 4wd.

 

[was thatguy]

I hate fords, but picked up a ‘14 explorer as a work rig.
I drive 2500 miles a month +-, freeways then rig roads. Snow mud you name it.
18-22 MPG with the v6

If a 4 door car front wheel drive will work look no further than a Corolla or 4 cyl Camry.
Dollar for dollar the 4 cyl Camry is still the all time champion.

 

[retaocleg]

bought the wife a 2015 mazda m3 a few years back, not one problem so far, 85k on the meter, 35-50 mpg.......fwiw

 

[endobear]

This approach rarely pencils, IMO. Insurance, R&M, depreciation etc.. and if you have a loan, just add the interest as well... OR if you plan to pay cash, I bet you could get a better return investing it elsewhere. How will you be ahead?

800-1000mi / mo is not much.

The 800-1000 miles per month is just running kids. Probably add another thousand miles per month just running around, airport a few times a month and I'd use it occasionally for work running and estimates.

 

[endobear]

Dirt road??

I'd be looking at an all wheel drive Subaru. Something Very safe for the kids.

The only problem is the resale on Subaru is fantastic! It's hard to find a used one, and if you do, they will want good money for it.

Won't be cheap, but super reliable cars.

I'm down with a Suby. I live in the same county I went to high school. All the kids drove their parents old Subaru back in the day. They work killer in the mountains.
They bring a premium around here though. Especially the ones I like.

 

[endobear]

I hate fords, but picked up a ‘14 explorer as a work rig.
I drive 2500 miles a month +-, freeways then rig roads. Snow mud you name it.
18-22 MPG with the v6

If a 4 door car front wheel drive will work look no further than a Corolla or 4 cyl Camry.
Dollar for dollar the 4 cyl Camry is still the all time champion.

Buddy has a loaded 15 explorer with 100k miles he'd let go for $15k but im looking for better mileage and lower miles.

 

[endobear]

Maybe a used Rav4 hybrid, not too old, don't want to be replacing batteries yet.

These seem decent. There was a member here with one that looked sharp.

 

[FreeBird236]

These seem decent. There was a member here with one that looked sharp.

We have a 22 none hybrid and really like it. 26 in town 30+ hwy, the hybrid is supposed to 41 and 38, the better number being in town.

 

[rivermobster]

I'm down with a Suby. I live in the same county I went to high school. All the kids drove their parents old Subaru back in the day. They work killer in the mountains.
They bring a premium around here though. Especially the ones I like.

When by buddy was stationed in Alaska, they only had two different cars. Subaru and Saab. They were the Only cars that would survive the elements.

 

[Runs2rch]

Mazda cx-5

 

[Gelcoater]

bought the wife a 2015 mazda m3 a few years back, not one problem so far, 85k on the meter, 35-50 mpg.......fwiw

My daughter has a Mazda 3, it’s a couple years older and more miles.
No real problems yet, simple wear and tear items. Brakes, rack and pinion, a radiator, and a trans mount.

It’s a fun car around here but far off the list if I lived where Endo lives.

Now, a CX30...

 

[COCA COLA COWBOY]

My Ram diesel just had the transmission go out with no loaner and my wife's car needed some big maintenance. I ended up leasing a new Honda Accord for $300/month as a third car. I drive a lot of miles and intend on buying it out at the end. When I penciled it out, it made sense because the interest rates went up so much. I did this years ago with a Prius and when I went to trade it in with 120k miles, I wasn't that far upside down. If you pick a manufacturer that holds its value, you can do well.

 

[endobear]

Looked at a bunch of smaller SUVs and Subarus. After looking at some nice awd cars we decided a car wasn't going to cut it with our mountain driving.
Wife found a nice 2016 lexus nx200t f-Sport that is in almost perfect shape. No kids, no dogs, every recommended service done at the dealership, owned by an older lady, only had a passenger in it a dozen or so times, 23-28mpg with 70k miles.
She really liked it and kept comparing everything else we looked at to it.
Not my 1st choice, ( hell, it wasn't even on my radar) but momma gets what she wants. She likes it and that's all that matters.
I will say she does like the size and exterior looks of her Acadia Denali better.

 

[Mr. C]

Nice. Glad you found something that makes her happy. I assume AWD.
I was just going to chime in with an AWD. Rav 4. 2016-2018. Would also run for ever. Be in the 15-20 k range I would assume.

 

[endobear]

Nice. Glad you found something that makes her happy. I assume AWD.
I was just going to chime in with an AWD. Rav 4. 2016-2018. Would also run for ever. Be in the 15-20 k range I would assume.

Yes. AWD.
It's basically a loaded Rav 4 with a turbo and sport suspension. The 5 minutes Ive driven it impressed me.
I've already named it the REV 4.

 

[Sharky]

Clean, used Toyota Corolla. Camry for more room/space.

 

[pronstar]

How about a Ford Maverick?

 

[pronstar]

Looked at a bunch of smaller SUVs and Subarus. After looking at some nice awd cars we decided a car wasn't going to cut it with our mountain driving.
Wife found a nice 2016 lexus nx200t f-Sport that is in almost perfect shape. No kids, no dogs, every recommended service done at the dealership, owned by an older lady, only had a passenger in it a dozen or so times, 23-28mpg with 70k miles.
She really liked it and kept comparing everything else we looked at to it.
Not my 1st choice, ( hell, it wasn't even on my radar) but momma gets what she wants. She likes it and that's all that matters.
I will say she does like the size and exterior looks of her Acadia Denali better. View attachment 1228603

Solid choice, should last forever

 

[endobear]

I guess I'll update this.
Little Lexus is sporty to drive for an SUV. I really enjoy ripping it around. Super comfortable to drive coming from a work van and the old 7.3 truck i daily drive. Small. Easy to park and squeeze in between fools without scaring them when im in a hurry. Sport modes fun.

But. It's to damn small. Took the wife and kids to the airport. Could barely fit their luggage. Trip to Costco fills it up if there's 4 of us. Emergency bag takes up 1/4 of tge reae cargo area. Terrible blind spots. Headlights suck. Tires are decent but its Terrible on wet or gravel roads. Snows probably going to be worse. Some all seasons may help this. PAcadia kicked ass in the snow. Miss having the separated center seats and 3rd row.
Only gets about 5-7 mpg better than the acadia. But it wants super.
Did I mention it's too small...

 

[lbhsbz]

For fun, I just did the math.

1000 miles a month at 15mpg = 66.6 gallons of fuel

1000 miles a month at 27mpg = 37 gallons of fuel

If regular is 5.50/gallon and premium is $5.75/gallon, the Lexus costs $212/month to drive while the Acadia costs $366/month to drive. You're only saving $154/month or $1800/year.

How much is insurance on it?

I drive about 15K miles a year and I've never been able to make it pencil out finding something economical to drive. The only reason I bought the Tacoma instead of just driving my 3/4 ton is because it's easier to park and doesn't rattle as much....

 

[SoCalDave]

I'd be paying cash.
Also add that it will get handed down to my kids in 3 years.

Yore kids ain't gonna want that shit!