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long distance commuter

The Right Car for Me | TrueDelta

Member6532

I commute 100 miles one way to work 5 days per week. Need a auto with good gas mileage and able to handle snow. Currently have a 2014 jeep Cherokee v6 getting 28-29 mpg. 10% Country roads and 90% highway. I want better gas mileage. The transmission is getting hot and shifting hard. Plus it is very difficult to see out of for highway driving. I've cut many drivers off due to inability to see when they are in my blind spot.
Considering a 2015 subaru legacy with eyesite monitoring or impreza. Worried I won't get the high end mpg of 34 to 36 mpg per ratings. Was considering front wheel drive Toyota prius but afraid it will not handle the snow. Since I will put lots of miles on the car also concerned about long jevity with little repairs.
Any advise?

Preferred Bodystyle(s): Sedan / Hatch / SUV

Car Needs: Daily commuter / Long trips

Primary Driver(s): Short driver

Need minimum of 4 seats

Will consider both new and used cars
Maximum mileage: 15000
Maximum age: 3 years

Maximum price: US $ 25000

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Response from Member2309

1:07 pm August 17, 2015

Hi,

You might consider VW Golf/Jetta
etc diesel. The new Golf Sportwagen
TDI can be had for under 25K, mine gets
46 mpgaith auto, diesel is currently lower priced than regular, Used prices on Jetta Sportwagens with diesel are high, but sedans and hatchbacks are low. I passed on a Subaru Outback partly due to gas mileage, it doesnt seem to be there in the real world. VW reliability is now among the top tier and they are fun to drive. Buy a base model, prices go up fast (new) with options. Front wheel drive works surprisingly well in snow(at least the western Colorado kind) Good luck!

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Response from mkaresh

12:48 am August 18, 2015

The Subarus should get somewhat better gas mileage than you Jeep, but probably not enough to justify what it will cost you to switch. To get the EPA highway ratings you'll have to keep your speed around 55 mph. Visbility does tend to be very good with them. In the past they've gotten expensive once over 100k miles, but the 2010 and up have been very good so far aside from some reports of high oil consumption. Make sure you find the seats comfortable.

You might also try the Mazda CX-3 and CX-5. For 2016 they're offered with an Eyesight-like package, though I think only on the top trim level, and so possibly over your cap. If you can do without AWD, also check the Mazda6 sedan.

Recent VW reliability has been okay but not great for up to six years. The TDI is very efficient. With winter tires traction could be good enough in the snow. Visibility is also very good. So if you're willing to take a chance on front-wheel-drive traction, these could be a good match. One thing to be aware of: with the DSG transmission the every 40k miles fluid changes are very expensive, as much as $500. The CVT in the Subarus could also require expensive fluid changes--worth checking.

The Prius is efficient and reliable, but not great in the snow.


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Subaru Legacy
Mazda Mazda6
Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI
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