We have two trucks and no cars anymore. Fortunately, we work just 1 and half mile away from home. However, my wife may take up a new job that will require her to commute about 40 miles one way. This changed things for us and she is now wanting a good economy car.
I suggested the 1.9L disel Bettle, but do not know if that would be really economic choice considering other stuff I may not know - like maintenance cost. She wants a small car and so we are considering a Mini Cooper too - has the best personality for a sub-compact car. I am trying to steer her away from Hondas and Toyotas for now. We looked at Saturns and Focus too.
Any suggestion will be appreciated. But the main criteria is fuel economy.

 

My thoughts on what you've listed:

The Focus may be a pretty good choice, if you avoid the early models ('00 and '01, I think). We have a 2000 with a 5-speed, and it gets great mileage- I've seen 39 highway on a couple of tankfuls, and averaged about 36 on a long road trip last summer, with the A/C on, even at 80,000 miles. Fun to drive, too.

From what I've heard, maintenance and repairs on ANY new VW are very expensive, and parts can be slow to arrive at the dealer.

The Mini's seem expensive to me, like you are paying a lot for the "cute factor." If you want one and can afford it, great; buying one to save money doesn't seem to work out, though...

I don't know about reliability, but from the few times I've ridden in Saturns, I would hate to drive one 80 miles every day. I think I'd look at Cavaliers long before Saturns.

 

A friend of mine was mighty impressed with a focus 2.0´s behaviour in the Autobahn, the fuel economy also is great, ask Matt (Beast12 i think). The Bettle has the same fuel economy as an hybrid car, but i´ve heard some complains regarding reliability (minor ones, so i think it´s a great choice).

 

Encho, do you mean to say Bettle is a good choice or 'not' a good choice? You mentioned some reliability issue.

 

We traded an 04 VW Jetta TDI on our F-150. We wanted something bigger and 4x4. If you have a VW dealer near by check out their service and maintenance costs. You have to use some very specific oil to maintain the warranty. We loved the car. Had no problems (20,000 mi. when traded) 45 MPG hwy. around 35 city. Depending on cost the Focus sounds pretty impressive. (I know you were talking about the Beetle but I don't think there is a lot of difference) Happy Hunting and good luck with what ever you get.

 

Turbo diesel mercedes. Will last for a million miles or more if you maintain it. The old ones are pretty cheap now.

 

WOW! Someone remembers me. I am loved!

My 2002 Focus Sedan is a great car. It has the 2.0L Zetec with auto transmission. In the summer I consistently get 24-25 MPG with 80% city driving and 32 MPG on the highway (that is with the air on all the time).

Mileage has gone down with the cold (around 20MPG now). Great little car. No squeaks or odd noises. The ONLY problem I have is road noise. But what do you expect from an econobox?

I paid $12,900 out the door (Canadian dollars) for mine with 40,000 KILOMETRES on it. It is pretty much fully loaded except no sunroof or ABS/Traction control.

Great commuter car.

-Matt

 

You could get a Pontiac Firefly. They'll run forever, you'll never kill it. Cheap to buy (used), cheap on gas, cheap on insurance. And surprisingly peppy. Not too bad for a 1.0 liter 3 banger.

If you must have a new car, I'd look into a Focus. I had one as a service loaner when my Ranger was in for the tranny, and it was a good car.

 

AKA Geo/Chevy Metro and Suzuki Swift in the US.

 

Is natural gas available in your area? A used bi-fuel F-150 can be bought for under 8 grand now. Propane is also an option, and is available most anywhere. I belive the crown victoria was offered with a dedicated natural gas engine. You also don't pay sales tax and can drive in HOV lanes.

 

Why are you steering her away from Toyota and Honda?

 

I like my Honda, keeps frivilous miles from accumulating on my good cars.

Maybe steering her away from some imports because this is a Ford site?

 

Want to see what is out there other than honda's and toyota's - the picture of seeing a honda or toyota in my driveway does not sound too apealing. We have not completely ruled those out though. Both my wife and I like Fords - we had all ford vehicles since the last 10 - 15 years. But other than the Focus, I do not see anything in Ford lineup for a good economy car. She does not want to buy something brand new (like the Fusion) and rake up a bunch of miles before it is paid for. I think what we are looking for is something used with around 40K - 50K miles and under 10 grand.

 

I tell you what if you buy the VW be prepared to take out a second mortgage to repair it. I owned a Audi once and that was a very expensive car to maintain.

 

The Focus falls in that category for you. Great cars. Hey, just try to find one and at least test it out.

-Matt