We are 103,000+ car owners sharing real-world car information.

Join Us

A comfortable commuter that's reliable and not boring.

The Right Car for Me | TrueDelta

Member6448

I have a long highway commute about an hour each way. I would prefer something used, but not too old. I want something that will pamper me, leather seats, toys, and safety technology, but I want it to be relaible and mostly worry free (I'm OCD with maitnence, and I think that prevents most issues, but some cars are still built better than others). I want it to have reasonably good proformance characterisitcs, but still have reasonably good MPG, obviously the two are mutually exclusive but something that strikes a balance would be nice. Same with ride quaility... something that strikes a balance, since it's a long range comuter it has to be a nice highway cruiser, but i'd like it to be a little playfull too. I also don't want it to be too boring. I also live in the snow belt so i'm not sure about RWD, and would prefer AWD. A small sedan/hatch/coupe would be ideal. I drive a coupe right now.

Cars I have owned/test driven and my thoughts:

E90 BMW 328xi - LOVED this car, It pretty much ticked every box, but good ones are pricey, especily when you look at ones with options (the stock fake leather seats are pretty bad... but the leather is nice.) also I have never heard anyone ever say BMWs are reliable or inexpensive to fix... and if I have to stretch my budget into the mid to high 20s for this car I certanlly will not be able to afford the maitnence and repair.

The last 3 generations of Accords in various body styles. - I've owned several accords... they have always been good to me, and the ones I have owned are top trim V6s... My favorate was an '04 EX-L V6 sedan. It was a good all arounder, but was just boring to look at, It didn't really excell at anything... it handled and drove okay, but everything felt middle of the road... materials... handling... etc.

Cadalac CTS4 - Very nice ride, good handling... it was just big and sort of ugly. Also while I have heard they are relaible a cheap plastic wood trim peice fell off when I went to adjust the tempreture... nothing really screamed quality on that car...

Brand new Mazda 3 - With all the hype I was disapointed. it felt like a well made cheap car trying to be an expensive one. just not impressed. I felt the base engine was insuficent, and the s model acceptable.

Cars I still need to drive and are considering-
G35/37X, Acura TSX/ILX, Lexus CT200h and IS, buick verano, A3/A4, hyundai genisis
What I'm not really intrested in:
Mecadies, VW, econoboxes, anything with under 25MPG Highway (30+ prefered)

Priorities: Reliability & durability / Ride smoothness / Exterior styling / Powertrain performance / Fuel economy

Preferred Bodystyle(s): Sedan / Hatch

Car Needs: Daily commuter / Long trips

Need minimum of 4 seats

Will consider both new and used cars
Maximum mileage: 75000
Maximum age: 5 years

Maximum price: US $ 22000

« Return to results

Sign in or join TrueDelta to post your own thoughts.

Sort responses by likes

Response from Member6184

10:00 am July 20, 2015

I just bought a 2013 G37xS Coupe as I wanted something reliable, decent gas mileage and fun to drive (previous car was a Subaru Outback which had a good ride and AWD, but was lacking the fun factor). I get about 26 MPG on the highway and about 20 around town. You can get a sedan for $22-25K. I paid $28k+ for a super clean model with lots of toys and special pearl white paint.

1

Link to this reponse

Infiniti G

Response from ezgobob

11:30 am July 20, 2015

try a Ford Mustang or a diesel Passat.

0

Link to this reponse

Ford Mustang
Volkswagen Passat

Response from Member5735

2:45 pm July 21, 2015

Try the Ford Fusion. Great for highway miles with the air conditioned seats and active cruise. Has AWD and manual versions, even hybrid and PHEV versions with punchy drivetrains. Lots of choice, lots of used options. Very comfy. Great stereo once it breaks in and lots of tech.

0

Link to this reponse

Ford Fusion

Response from mkaresh

2:12 pm July 23, 2015

With the Audis, it depends on how long you'll keep them.

The Lexus CT might not provide the performance and handling you're looking for.

I'd only suggest the ILX with the 2.4 and manual transmission.

The G37 is probably the sportiest, in S form, but not very fuel efficient. A good mix of performance and reliability for the price.

Compared to the G37, the IS might be a little more reliable and a little nicer, but less fun, a tighter rear seat, and more money.

The TSX and Verano won't perform like the Infiniti, but are a little nicer than an Honda or Mazda. The Buick has good front seats and is especially quiet, but a tight rear seat. It should also be the least expensive to buy, all else being equal. Overall cost of ownership with these should be lower than the other options--so it's a matter of whether they deliver the mix of comfort and performance you're looking for. A test drive should answer this.

I wish we had better reliability data on the Buick Regal. The 2011 hasn't been reliable. The 2012 might be better. We have nothing on the 2013 and up, as sales plummeted after the Verano was introduced.

0

Link to this reponse

Infiniti G
Acura TSX
Buick Verano
Sign in or join TrueDelta to post your own thoughts.

Return to top