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

Join Us

Fuel Efficient, fun to drive with passing power for long daily commute

The Right Car for Me | TrueDelta

Jfam5

Reliability, styling, over 30 mpg HWY, has some pep so I can pass when needed. I also want to be able to stream music via bluetooth. Apple carplay would be a wishlist item.
I have looked into the following mass market cars(all 4 cyls): Accord EXL, Mazda 3 and 6, Kia Optima and Hyundai Sonata, Chevy Malibu and volkswagen GTI. I have even considered a late modelVolvo s60, Lexus ES350

Priorities: Fuel economy / Reliability & durability / Powertrain performance

Need minimum of 5 seats

Will consider both new and used cars
Maximum mileage: 35000
Maximum age: 3 years

Maximum price: US $ 25000

« Return to results

Sign in or join TrueDelta to post your own thoughts.

Sort responses by posting time

Response from Dnslater

6:58 am October 19, 2016

Here is a link to cars with carplay. I'm not sure if every version of each model has this feature:

http://www.apple.com/ios/carplay/available-models/

I would guess any new car at this point has bluetooth streaming, although some interfaces are much better than others.

Do you have any preference regarding hatchback versus sedan? Do you have kids? Etc....?

I just picked up a certified pre-owned GTI and recommend them above the others if you truly want something sporting and quick, although admittedly the service costs may be a bit higher than some of the Japanese brands so there is a trade off. It has a great blend of power and efficiency. I just observed 37 mpg on a long road trip (mixed driving conditions) and get around 27-28 in city driving. I believe all GTI's now have Apple Play and you might be able to negotiate an new SE version for close to your max price.

The Mazda 3 Touring with the 2.5 liter engine would be an excellent choice as well. Nice handling chasis with a good engine. Not as fast as the GTI, but the new 3's have very nice interiors. Again, you could get the 2.5 Touring for just under $25k new. Mazda 6 is very nice if you need more room. Slightly larger, heavier car with same engine as the higher end 3, so maybe a bit slower.

Accord is always a great option, with the 4 cylindar version having similar power to the Mazda 6, which is perfectly adequate. Honda Civic is also a great option.

2

Link to this reponse

Response from mkaresh

7:49 pm November 2, 2016

I generally agree with the above.

What did you like and dislike about the cars you've tested?

1

Link to this reponse

Response from NormT

9:17 am July 18, 2017

For under $25,000 there .ore than a few 2.0T turbocharged engine cars that will offer V6 passing power plus 10 more mpg highway. We could see 37 mpg on our Buick Verano 2.0T with manual transmission.

0

Link to this reponse

Buick Verano
Buick Regal
Sign in or join TrueDelta to post your own thoughts.

Return to top