My Tacoma is a little to gas hungry for my commute so I’m looking for a beater that sips gas. Mostly looking at Corolla/Civic/Sentra/Forte/Elantra types. Any of these vehicles have known mechanical issues with particular years I should know about?

I commute a lot out of state now for work so recently was faced with a similar decision. Ended up getting a CPO 2015 VW Jetta with the diesel motor. Routinely get 52-54 mpg on the interstate with mid 40’s around town.

I'd think a Corolla is pretty bulletproof, though small. I know nothing about the Korean cars except that they have excellent warranties, if you're buying new.

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VW Jetta with the diesel motor.

It's really a shame so many of these were taken out of circulation by the VW emissions scandal and buy-back... they are great vehicles.

I would get a used Lexus ES300H hybrid. Fuel mileage will be as good or better than the cars you mentioned. The lexus is a luxury car compared to them though.

I had a 2004 Civic coupe for my high mpg vehicle. Traded it in 2014 with 239K miles. Replaced it with a 2014 Civic coupe EX that was giving 38-39 mpg with normal use and 42-44 on highway. Traded that in last year with 67K miles for a 4Runner after my driving requirements changed. Had no unexpected issues with either of them.

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Originally posted by Leemur:
My Tacoma is a little to gas hungry for my commute so I’m looking for a beater that sips gas. Mostly looking at Corolla/Civic/Sentra/Forte/Elantra types. Any of these vehicles have known mechanical issues with particular years I should know about?

Do the math, figure out the amount of gas you'll use with the Taco, then the difference saved per month in fuel driving a used eco box, then calculate the cost of the new used car (purchase) add insurance costs, repairs/maintenance like tires, brakes, oil, and see how long it takes you to recover your investment.

Even the lowest dependable used car is going to run you $5 to $10K, sure you can buy for less, but it's going to be 20 years old and a constant money pit.

I doubt you'll make a bit of difference in 5 years over just driving the Taco.

I'd imagine most Corolla/Civic should be plenty reliable & efficient if they were maintained (used).

I had an 04 Civic LX for a bit. No trouble apart from the timing belt jumping a tooth (no engine damage luckily).
Best I ever saw was high 30s MPG, and that was drafting my dad's truck for a few hours.

Another option could be a Mazda3. Not quite as fuel efficient as the Hoda/Toyota compacts, but a more enjoyable drive.

I've had perhaps 11 corollas over the years. I bought a lightly used 2018 last August and sold my Tacoma. I got a significant insurance break because the 2018 had lane assistance, pedestrian stop thingy, and some other safety features. I get 24 MPG, was getting 19 with the truck.

My choice would be a Toyota. Either the Corolla or Yaris if you want the best economy and aren't worried about size.

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Originally posted by chellim1:

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VW Jetta with the diesel motor.

It's really a shame so many of these were taken out of circulation by the VW emissions scandal and buy-back... they are great vehicles.

They’re still out there as I found out. Got lucky in finding a perfect low mile example in my backyard, but the VW sales guy showed me an internal site that listed pretty much all of the bought back diesels with ample photos. They can search by options from the inventory and order the one you like and even certify it for you if it meets their requirements.

The diesel, while having great MPG, was huge for me as I travel the east coast a lot. Mention hurricane and gas is gone in a couple of days, diesel can almost always be found though. Drove from Charleston, SC to Tampa, FL a couple of weeks ago and used right at half a tank of fuel, ~ 7-8 gallons.

Last fall I bought a brand new 2018 Chevy Cruze. I'd driven a friend's Cruze and was just really impressed by it. Sadly, Chevy has discontinued that model. I'm sure there is remaining new old stock. I'd suggest giving it a look. I'm completely satisfied by mine, and it will be handed down to my daughter for her first car in six years.

My '08 Subaru Impreza will easily get mid-30s on highway under-60mph driving. A recent 2400 mile trip achieved 29+mpg and was driven closer to 80mph than 70 mph.

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Originally posted by MattW:

quote:

Originally posted by chellim1:

quote:

VW Jetta with the diesel motor.

It's really a shame so many of these were taken out of circulation by the VW emissions scandal and buy-back... they are great vehicles.

They’re still out there as I found out. Got lucky in finding a perfect low mile example in my backyard, but the VW sales guy showed me an internal site that listed pretty much all of the bought back diesels with ample photos. They can search by options from the inventory and order the one you like and even certify it for you if it meets their requirements.

The diesel, while having great MPG, was huge for me as I travel the east coast a lot. Mention hurricane and gas is gone in a couple of days, diesel can almost always be found though. Drove from Charleston, SC to Tampa, FL a couple of weeks ago and used right at half a tank of fuel, ~ 7-8 gallons.

VW diesels are back on the used market. I believe VW and .gov have approved the smog fix/patch, so you now see lots of VW TDI on the used market. I'm seeing plenty of TDI in CA for $12-15K with low miles.

My suggestion- 2 year old Honda Fit. Great mileage, surprisingly big inside and comfortable (for what it is). Keep 2 years. Sell it. Repeat.

When looking at the Corolla and Civic, also look at the Camry and Accord. They're bigger, more comfortable, and many times get nearly as good mileage as smaller vehicles.

Looking at yearly commute mileage and the fuel cost difference between the vehicles, the cost can be surprisingly low at times.

My vote is for a Corolla.

I have a 2006 for my work commute and it has been flawless so far with 185.000

The 2020s are out and there is a hybrid version that gets 53 mpg.

The new Camry's get damn good mileage too for a full size at 39 mpg highway and an SE can be had for 23k after discounts....

I just picked up a 2019 Ford Fiesta ST. According to the EPA test criteria the City MPG should be 25. Currently my trip meter states the average MPG is 26.8. Car and Driver also tested this car and the EPA 35 MPG standard was exceeded by the test car with a 38 mpg economy at an average speed of 75 mph.

So, it's not a super miser. However show me one single super miser that equals 197 wheel HP in a vehicle with a 2720 lbs curb weight. To be blunt is is a BLAST to drive even if you only hit 3500-4000 rpm. Yeah, I'm still breaking it in.

BTW, Ford is having a promotion on these cars so after the 3000 dollar cash back you have a price for the basic ST of just 19,580 dollars. Basically it's the best bang for the buck in a performance car on the planet. IMO another plus is that it's a Manual Transmission ONLY model so those too lazy to stir their own gears don't get to play.

net net there is not a chance you are going to come out ahead on another vehicle. You don't say the mileage but if you do I'll calculate for you. But overall the only things in your list likely to be good values in this are the Toyota or Honda.

Toyota or Honda. But stay away from the turbo cars by any manufacturer if you want the best reliability. Even Honda has had problems with their new turbo Civics and Accords with oil dilution. Ford and Chevy turbo 4 bangers = forget about it. The turbo Chevy Cruzes have been burning pistons.