Starting new job, and my commute is going to double, to 106 miles round trip. (Moving isn't an option... yet) So I need to keep miles off my other vehicle, and save fuel. Decided on getting a Matrix XRS or Pontiac Vibe or possibly the Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V.
Sound like a fine choice for my needs?
What would you get in this situation? I'd like to keep the budget under $5-6,000, and pay cash. I'd prefer not to finance something unless theres some sweet models out there I've forgotten about.
>>15086522
Vw tdi.
>>15086522
The Matric XRS or Vibe GT will be perfect. I would avoid the Sentra. Those 2.5L engines are known for the precat disintegrating and back-flowing into the engine, which destroys the engine.
>>15086522
i would get a beater 800 dollar corolla or civic and scrap it once you're done
>>15086600
I had an old hoopty civic. It was not a money pit by any means, but it left me stranded about 4 times. With my new job I cannot risk something like that happening again.
If you can find the later gen se-r spec-v (2007-2012) there is a refined precat design.
I've driven an 03 se-r and the thing is an absolute rocket, reccomend
>>15086578
A diesel huh? These seem to be a bit higher than my price range, but they sure are good on gas. What years? What engine specifically? I remember them bouncing between a 2.0L, a 1.9L and back to 2.0L and different engines
>>15086645
You should be able to find an 1.9t alh tdi in your budget. Post your local Craigslist.
https://orangecounty.craigslist.org/
I wouldn't mind driving an hour away for a car, if it's nice.
https://inlandempire.craigslist.org/
https://losangeles.craigslist.org/
>>15086766
https://orangecounty.craigslist.org/cto/5591668467.html
https://losangeles.craigslist.org/ant/cto/5587336487.html
The XRS/Vibe GT is a awesome car, going to be far more reliable and get better mpg than the Sentra.
Truthfully though at 100+ miles a day I'd look at a used 2nd Gen Prius if you already have a project/fun second car.
>>15086522
>Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V.
What year? I have an 02 ama.
>>15086856
Those are the most overpriced beetles I've seen
>>15086522
>I need to keep miles off my other vehicle
Drive the car you enjoy. I had two cars, the money I spent on my "winter beater" exceeded the extra costs and depreciation if I just drove my Boxster all the time, and I hated driving my winter beater.
As for the Vibe, the engine sounds like a bunch of mosquitoes, the manual transmission's shifter feels like a stick in a bag of nails, and it's just an all-round pile of shit.
>>15087987
The vibe is just a corolla pretty much. The GT model has the celica gts motor which revs like an ap1 s2k motor. The shifter isn't particularly bad, just typical japanese manual gearbox. I drove one for about a year, great daily driver with lots of storage.
>>15086522
You'll be miserable in any of those and wish you got something quieter. A VW would be a good idea, but they're not reliable. Mazda3 is a better car than the Matrix and Vibe, but not quiet.
I hate to say Camry, but it's probably ideal for that horrible commute. Not an Accord, they're louder. An early Ford Fusion maybe?
>>15087986
They're diesel and super clean. They're worth close to that.
