Looking for Fuel efficient car suggestions

OK, looked at a few more models today. I set a limit and I want to stick with it. With the Chevy Cruze with the turbo and LTZ package I'm at 20k. Anything comparable I'm in the 30k range. I am really leaning towards the Cruze. Any input about these cars or any other suggestions?
 
I know a couple peeps with the Cruze and they are happy with them.

Did you test drive a Prius? I'm getting just under 51MPG @ 70 MPH. That is a measured number and not the calculated number from the display. As with buying any car it's the end of the model year and dealesr tend to be negotiable.

Good luck with whatever you decide.
 
I just bought a 2012 VW Jetta TDI a few months ago. I have about 8000 miles on it so far. I think it is a great car... very solid car and fun to drive. The diesel has a lot of torque so acceleration is much better than most cars in it's class and with great fuel economy. My first commute to work after I got the car I got 50 mpg. I paid $25,500 for the top trim "Premium w/Navigation".
I was thinking about getting a Prius, but after test driving one, I went with the Jetta. The Prius just doesn't drive like a real car and it seemed and felt cheap (No offence to any Prius owners intended).
 
That seems like a pretty fair price for that TDI! Anyway, it's not really in the same group as a cruz, but we bought a Subaru legacy gt in 06 with 4500 miles on it for mid 20K. Driving mixed it would average high 20's mpg. All the bells and whistles. Another idea for you.
 
That seems like a pretty fair price for that TDI! Anyway, it's not really in the same group as a cruz, but we bought a Subaru legacy gt in 06 with 4500 miles on it for mid 20K. Driving mixed it would average high 20's mpg. All the bells and whistles. Another idea for you.

Thanks for the info. My main criteria is I Want 35 MPG +... if i m not getting that it is already off the list. I drive so much that comfort comes next. Lastly I set a price. I can do more but at the under 30k price I don't have to curve my finances to make the payment.

Thanks again everyone for the help...
 
Hi Jason,
If you can stretch to the small diesels I think you will be happy.

I am driving a Mitsubishi Lancer at present which has a 2l petrol in it, fuel economy is ok, performance is alright.

I bought my wife a BMW320D, it is unbelievable, the performance from the torque curve out of the diesel is just a hoot. Fuel economy is running at 5L per 100km, which roughly calculating is 1.2gallon per 60 miles, so approx 50mpg.

Not necessarily suggesting the BMW may be up out of the price range, but anything with around a 2l turbo diesel




Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
 
I was looking at both the Jetta and the Passat, and it seems to me that they are about the same price.... At the same price, based on the reviews, I believe the Passat might be the better value. Diesel is the way to go for anyone who needs to cut their fuel costs. My wife has a VW Cabrio, and she loves it... It is a quirky car, silly things break, and you need a good mechanic... But over all it has not been a bad car... Seems to me that anyone who has owned a VW for a while, like we have, has black tape over the check engine light....
 
OK guys, I made my choice this am... I drove MAZDA 3 with sky active and Jetta TDI, Fords, Dodge, Hyundai,Honda,Kia, and others...

My favorite in my budget and well equipped won!

2012-10-16_09-26-03_80.jpg


2012-10-16_09-26-32_373.jpg


2012-10-16_09-26-19_248.jpg


2012-10-16_09-26-37_389.jpg


All the options with Navigation and remote start plus I can start and unlock from anywhere with my smart phone! How great is that. Chevy offered the best insintives and value IMO and I am thrilled with my little rocket.

Thanks everyone for your info and support!
 
+1 on a new VW diesel.

We bought a 2012 VW Passat SEL TDI in May for my wife to drive everyday. So far, we love it. Every possible option -- 6.5" nav, Fender stereo w/ blutooth & hard drive, heated leather, power moonroof, 18" wheels, 6 speed dual-clutch automatic/manual gear box. Paid $32k. Conservative styling, but TONS of room inside.

She averages 34 mpg in combined driving, with plenty of red lights. 18.5 gal fuel tank. She always gets 600+ from a tank of fuel, but highway range is over 700. On a recent highway trip, we got 43 mpg.

Drives fantastic. Great handling, plenty of torque, extremely comfortable & roomy. No compromises to get 40 mpg!
 
Nice car, Jason! The Cruze is a fine choice.
 
Jetta diesel. 45+mpg.
Defintely VW for the fun, safety, and build quality factor. German engineering for under $30,000. I would recommend the Golf, though. It's like a mini SUV.
 
think used Jason
I drive Buick Lesabres 1996-2003
you can buy them in the 2000-3500 dollar range all day long
with less than 60k on them
insurance is cheap and they will pull 31+mpg at 75mph.
I drive them to about 250k and sell them in the 1500.00 range and go get another one.
can't beat a good tune system, icy A/C, squishy ride, and a big leather couch to sit in while you drive :grin:

Thats what my 75 year old father likes to drive too :wink:

All joking aside, he's had a two of that vintage Buick Lesabres and they do get that kind of mileage or better. The 3.8L V6 is reasonably powerful and quiet at cruise speeds. I think some years had oil leak issues on the intake manifold or something, but repairs were not badly priced. There were millions of them made and the other GM sister cars share parts so repairs are easy to get and way more reasonably priced than anything european. The ride is very soft and "numb" but for long commutes you may be ok with that. The bench style front seats are way too soft for my liking but thats a preference thing.
 
Although I didn`t make a recommendation, I`m glad you bought American! :smt038
 
Very nice Jason & Congrats on the new ride. :thumbsup: . :thumbsup:
 
So far I am very happy with the new ride. Thanks to everyone for all of your suggestions...

I even had to make some goodies for my key chain.
2012-10-22_22-00-27_948.jpg
 

Forum statistics

Threads
113,198
Messages
1,428,388
Members
61,105
Latest member
MShaun19
Back
Top