I have to admit I have been eyeing the Prius C. I really like the new Impreza but if I needed a car that was going to strictly be my commuter car, I would probably see if I could pick one of those up.

 

Srticktly for commuting, you can get a used Civic, use it for a couple of years and sell it for similar price as purchased.

Stan

 

Well at least that narrowed it down to either the Prius or civic, possibly the fit.

If you're planning on resale, then I'd get the one that gets the most back after 2 years. I like the post who pointed out it makes it less enticing to mod with anything aftermarket =D.

Only thing that kinda gives me the jeebies is that Civics get stolen quite often. Anything about aftermarket alarm so they can't jack your civic so easily?

 

One car I've not seen mentioned (maybe for a good reason) is the Nissan LEAF. Want to try to brag about how economical on gas your subcompact car is? The LEAF has it beat because it's 100% ELECTRIC. Zippy little SOB too, although the douchebag driving it was simply being an ***.

It's got a range plenty long enough for you to commute each day, without recharging it until you get home.

-Think Different

 

Nissan's website says the car has a 100 mile range. Most places don't have a recharging station at their work sites. Since his commute is 110 miles round trip, it'd be a stretch to think the Leaf would be viable. Plus I've love to know what that would do to your house Electric bill with that car charging for at least 12-16 hours.

 

I can't endorse the Leaf. They only have a range of 100 miles... that's 1-trip from San Jose to SF.

The Volt is a better deal for something like that
I will say that I'm absolutely fascinated by the Fiat 500's
http://www.fiatusa.com/abarth/
...but I've always liked micro-cars

 

Yup. Also, bear in mind that any 60mph+ speed will reduce that range. On the leaf owners forums it looks like 70 miles is more realistic if your commute includes freeways. Using AC also hits the range which could be an issue in CA.

Its great that these car companies (Tesla and Nissan in particular) are pushing the technology. But the power storage/recharge thing just isn't there unless the vehicle is just a local run-about.

 

I would hold off on a electric of hybrid vehicle, both have a higher cost, and hybrids have an older technology and electric technology is to new. I would just get a beater yaris, civic or fit.

 

That is true. Note: this does not work with SAABs.

 

update: ended up getting a 96 accord 5 speed from my bro.

 

Nice - those are great cars. We ended up with a 2005 Sequoia. Cute little thing.

 

We got a Mazda3 rental car last year when both our SAABs broke at the same time again. I really did not like it at all. It was noisy, rough riding without handling well, and was really small inside. I am not super tall, around 6' and 200lbs and my knees were in the dash with the seat all the way back. We tried putting a kid seat in the back for my daughter and my wife and I in the front and it was like we had to have the dash in our mouth. Both of us thought the car sucked. I would much rather have an older ('02-'07) Impreza 2.5RS.

 

Does anyone have any experience driving a Honda Insight?

 

Anyone mention Nissan Versa? claiming 30/40 with the CVT.

 

Check out the Hyundai Veloster, Accent, and Elantra GT.