So part of my new job is driving. Way more than I used to...I'm up and down the 355/290 corridor every day (Wheeling-Addison-Naperville primarily.)
It's a simple drive, and the Flex is super comfy, but in traffic, I'm lucky to get 20 mpg out of it, and that's with premium. I could run it on regular, but I end up losing a couple mpg, especially come winter. Basically I need something that's not a penalty box (Corolla, Civic, Sentra), that gets at least 25 mpg real world highway, and has enough room to carry GF, our dog (80 lb lab), and our stuff for a long weekend.
Not looking for something THAT new, as the miles will pile up, and I don't want to be hit too hard on depreciation. Also bonus points for cheap parts and easy to work on, as I'll likely be doing most of the maintenance myself...means maybe the German brands might not be a great fit.
Basic Specifications:
25 MPG
AWD, FWD, RWD, sidewheel drive, whatever
Auto or manual (absolutely no CVT, but bonus points for manual)
At least 4 doors (pickups as long as they meet mileage would work too, but preferably sedan, 5 door hatch, wagon, SUV/crossover)
$15K at most
Cars I've been eyeing so far...
2014+ Mazda6 - I like the styling, manual aren't rare
2013+ Fusions - I like the styling, manuals are rare, bordering on too boring
Accords - Meh styling, V6 mileage probably wouldn't be great so I'd have to do a 4-banger, and that's probably too boring, but manuals can be had if you look hard enough
Subaru of some description - I have an old Forester that should be driveable soon, but it's a bit too old...also gas mileage might not make it to the 25 mark. Would love to have a turbo Legacy or Forester
It's a simple drive, and the Flex is super comfy, but in traffic, I'm lucky to get 20 mpg out of it, and that's with premium. I could run it on regular, but I end up losing a couple mpg, especially come winter. Basically I need something that's not a penalty box (Corolla, Civic, Sentra), that gets at least 25 mpg real world highway, and has enough room to carry GF, our dog (80 lb lab), and our stuff for a long weekend.
Not looking for something THAT new, as the miles will pile up, and I don't want to be hit too hard on depreciation. Also bonus points for cheap parts and easy to work on, as I'll likely be doing most of the maintenance myself...means maybe the German brands might not be a great fit.
Basic Specifications:
25 MPG
AWD, FWD, RWD, sidewheel drive, whatever
Auto or manual (absolutely no CVT, but bonus points for manual)
At least 4 doors (pickups as long as they meet mileage would work too, but preferably sedan, 5 door hatch, wagon, SUV/crossover)
$15K at most
Cars I've been eyeing so far...
2014+ Mazda6 - I like the styling, manual aren't rare
2013+ Fusions - I like the styling, manuals are rare, bordering on too boring
Accords - Meh styling, V6 mileage probably wouldn't be great so I'd have to do a 4-banger, and that's probably too boring, but manuals can be had if you look hard enough
Subaru of some description - I have an old Forester that should be driveable soon, but it's a bit too old...also gas mileage might not make it to the 25 mark. Would love to have a turbo Legacy or Forester