commuter car or truck wanted, what do you drive to work?

[wsuwrhr]

After changing my commute from 7 miles on city streets from Upland to Chino, to 40 miles from SanBernardino to Chino via 215/15/60 I have decided I have to purchase ANOTHER car for this drive. HaHa. Fuel economy was never in my mind until now.
I was wondering if anyone had a truck or car for sale.
Maybe you have a good suggestion for what I should be looking for. What do you all drive to work? New, used, fixerupper, I don't know. I bought the last two weeks Recyclers and I haven't found anything interesting, partially because I don't really know what I should be looking for.
Brian

[1Bahnerjet]

Towing a Boat & Comuting to Work Contradict each other :rolleyes: What I have is a V-6 Pathfinder (payed little over 5 Grand) gets 20 MPG and tows an '18 Jet Boat fine, I don't have Trailer Brakes so I have to Plan Ahead to Stop Everthing :rolleyes:
I don't have anything to Sell (except my Old Ranchero but it may only get 12 MPG not to mention it won't pass smog :( ) Good Luck

[superdave013]

Brian, We traded. I now am 4 miles from the shop. Used to be 38 miles each way.
Now I drive a gas hog but for the 9 years that I had the long haul I did have a cracker box.
I know people will laugh but at the time I had a one ton crew cab 4X4 dually (about 6 mpg) and there was no way in hell I was driving that to work every day. My boat ran on VP C16 and that cost almost 7 bucks a gallon. I needed something that was cost effective.
I bought GEO metro's. Hey, the fist one was around 7,500 brand new. It lasted 65,000+ trouble free miles before it got hit sitting in front of my house. (glad I was not in it)
Then I bought another one and I think it was around 8K. I put over 100K on it and only have to put on one set of tires. That was a whopping 98 bucks installed. :)
So other then the fact ya have to wear a mask so no one knows its you driving it they are great cars for what they are. Cheep and run for ever. I was getting 52 miles per gallon with my last one.
I ran the holy **** out of those cars and they took it like a monster truck.

[Outnumbered]

Metros are pretty reliable but I wouldn't want to get hit in one:eek: .
IMO, there are three good commuters that you can buy new and get your money back out of when you get tired of driving them. They are a lot safer than a metro too. Corolla, Civic, or Toyota base std cab P/U. You can get any one brand new for under $12k if you go to Longo or any big dealer that whores them out. They will all go over 200k miles without a problem. The cars get about 35+ mpg and the truck probably high 20's. Any one of these used would be good too but they hold a good re-sale and sell quick. Beware of salvage title if you buy used.
OL

[goeasy8]

Buy yourself a cheap used toyota, mazda or nissan. 2500.00 to 3000.00 run the sucker into the ground then donate it to charity and get another. Thats what ive done.

[Mohavekid]

I know how you feel, my drive is 63 miles each way.
I got a 2000 Ford Escort ZX-2 for about $9500 new.
It gets about 30 MPG. I have 105K miles on it now with virtually no problems and just basic maintenance.

[superdave013]

Originally posted by Old Lavey
Metros are pretty reliable but I wouldn't want to get hit in one:eek: .
I always felt the same way.
First one got hit while it was parked in front of my house. An S10 with a sleeping drunk hit it head on. Knocked it on the hood of my wife's car. Then it fell off her car was was on it's side on the side walk. :eek: But when they got it back on it's wheels I opend both doors to get my shit out of it. No one would have died in it as the steering wheel and everything else was still in place.
The second one got rear ended by a toyota truck on the 22 freeway. (I was in it this time) It put a few holes in my bumper cover and trashed his front bumper and grill.
Also they have dual air bags unlike both trucks that hit me.
Don't get me wrong. I would much rather have a new base toy truck then that metro. Just pointing out what happened to the two that I owned. (get's over double the milage too)

[ryantparks]

Its totally gay but my commuter is a 98 VW Bug Turbo Diesel that gets 46mpg on the freeway driving between 75 and 90mph!
I go 84 miles one way to the San Fernando Valley and back home to South O.C
I paid $10K for mine and Im expecting the thing to go 300k miles on the motor.
My other rides are a supercrew, expedition and an Ultra!

[fourspeednup]

I have a 99 ford contour V6 that could possibly be for sale soon. 23K
(it was my great aunt's, rarely driven)
I get about 25 mpg:cool:

[77charger]

I am in the market for another car also.My plan is to avoid a new truck keep my burb since i prefer 4wd and its paid for, easy to fix and opt for a vette:) Its the plan for now but it might change

[Essex502]

Honda Civic for a commuter - round trip from home to the office is greater and 110 miles each day. The Honda gets 40 MPG - enuf said. 65K miles since buying new in March of 2001. Also makes a great car to get to LHC on the cheap - $25 bucks round trip in gas (Of course when we get there we tow and launch the boat with the truck that's in the garage.) Hondas are like sewing machines...just keep running and running.

[beached 1]

I remember I put on 200k on my 92 Toyota 4X4 without a ding of trouble. It was pretty decent on gas, but sub par if compared to the average for a 4cyl. Nonetheless, I miss that thing..
22RE is the most reliable motor I ever seen. I have a buddy with over 400k on his. I wish Toyota made big block boat motors. It'd be in my Spectra in a heartbeat.
The biggest gas hog I've ever seen is the Dodge V10. I'll have to calc it out, but I think it's worse than my my 94 F350 Crew cab with the 460..

[14983]

FOR SALE: 1994 Chevrolet Camaro Z28, 50,000 original miles, vehicle is in mint condition, asking $10,000:)

[HotHallet]

Toyota pickup-4cyl. 5speed!!! These trucks run forever. I had an '87 with a zillion miles on it and it is one of the best trucks I have ever owned.

[NOTALENT]

I would by a Saturn they get almost 30 mpg, its AMERICAN and you can find them really cheap. Get The sc2 or sl2 this way it comes with the dual over head cam. They have a decent amount of power for passing.. My dad picked one up for 3000.00 and has put on about 50000 miles problem free. good luck

[Magnuman]

Any opinions on the SCION Xb?

[Sun burners]

I now have a 1986 Toyota 4runner it sits up high to see around traffic, It can go over curbs, off roading seats 5! The power is not there like my Chevy and may only get about 19mpg BUT FUN AS ****! like the other post said 22re should last a long time!

[riverdog]

WS, I have a 1989 Honda POS normally aspirated, continuous flow bottom oiler. ( 1989 Honda Accord with a rear main leak ) It had 185,000 on it when I got it. I paid $1280 for it. I drive 250 - 300 miles a day. It now has 268,000 on it. Ive pounded the bearings flat, "extra clearance", that makes it a marine motor rite ? Its my 2nd Accord. 1st one had 285,000 when i totaled it. And 35 mpg.

[Flying Tiger]

I drive a sacrificial mileage 400,000 mile Toyota pick up. No Major problems yet. Original everything 'cept clutch and brakes..
Bought the Daughter a new Miata to drive the 32 miles round trip to school everyday. Good car but hard for other drivers to see.
Too small for me, but fits her 89 lb body easily.
Neighbor uses a early Explorer thats had the A/C update and seems to be a good mileage vehicle. The first R134 a/c equipped Fords had/have lots of problems.
Figures someone is looking for a good mileage vehicle when I don't have one for sale.

[Essex502]

Originally posted by Magnuman
Any opinions on the SCION Xb?
One of the FUGLIEST vehicles on the road. Looks like some British puke designed it.

[THOR]

I go 70 miles roundtrip and drive a Chrysler 300M.

[eliminatedsprinter]

Originally posted by Magnuman
Any opinions on the SCION Xb?
Absolutely ugly. :yuk: I've seen 2 of them with expensive rims and low profile tires, talk about lipstick on a pig.:( I guess it's the ultimate in retro when you style a car around a 1970's toaster.:rolleyes:
Just get a civic or a corolla and save yourself a lot of grief.

[jackpunx]

talk about lipstick on a pig.
ROTFLMAO.. good stuff Steve

[CA Stu]

Your streetbike still runs good, right?
If all you need to transport to work is yourself and a little paperwork, ride your bike!
If you need to haul a little bit of stuff, get a used Honda car. Cheap, low maint. great mileage, run forever.
Good Luck
CA Stu
PS When are we doing the 170 mph demo run?:)
I'm meeting some folks at Tom's Farms for a ride to Palomar this Sunday at 8 am. Red Triumph ST w/CF Jardine can.

[waterndog]

I was driving a 84 camery with almost 200,000 on it and still going strong. I just came across a smokin deal on a 99 VW bug I couldn't pass up so thats what I'm drivin now, donating my lil beater to my bro to use as his work car.

[anxious]

i leave the ferarri in the gargage and take the S500 to work:D

[TOBTEK]

I have a friend that has a nice used 2wd ( I think its a 95-98???) toyota tacoma with like 7,000 orig miles on it. I hear its almost perfect! Would be the PERFECT to and from truck...she only wants 6000.00 for it. Let me know if your interested (P/M me), Toby

[wsuwrhr]

Originally posted by CA Stu
Your streetbike still runs good, right?
If all you need to transport to work is yourself and a little paperwork, ride your bike!
If you need to haul a little bit of stuff, get a used Honda car. Cheap, low maint. great mileage, run forever.
Good Luck
CA Stu
PS When are we doing the 170 mph demo run?:)
I'm meeting some folks at Tom's Farms for a ride to Palomar this Sunday at 8 am. Red Triumph ST w/CF Jardine can.
Runs good, but 2nd/3rd gear is broke. Too many wheelies. haha
Anyway the motor is out of it so I can fix the gearbox.
I will be driving the bike, other than in the winter, considering it is in the low 40's at my house when I leave in the morning. Frickin too cold to ride.
Brian

[CA Stu]

I lifted this from the Aerostich site, nice suits, big bucks.
================================================== ===============
1. Commute. Keep a weather radio in your bathroom. Install an
indoor/outdoor thermometer in the bedroom. Leave a cover or lock at
your job's parking place. Carry a garage door opener or parking ramp
card that's usable without dismounting. Arrange security in advance
and be willing to pay for it. Once a week take a longer than necessary
route to work.
2. Arrange your gear by the door or garage. Separate out your trip and
camping stuff. Have your gloves and boots setup for selecting,
depending on the days destination and weather conditions.
3. Get a smaller size motorcycle. Modern small bikes can do what old
big ones did, easier cheaper and more fun to ride. Just like cars.
4. Ride in the rain. Go on purpose when nobody else is outdoors. Ride
around for a look. If you get wet you won't drown.
5. Ride at night. If you don't have to get up for work the next
morning there is nothing like enjoying a two am stop at a lonely
all-night coffee shop, after a hundred miles of scary back roads. Full
moons are best. Watch for deer and small animals.
6. Always have a way to haul stuff. Wear a Courier bag or backpack.
Carry a bungee net, bungee buddy, an empty tank bag or some bungee
cords. As a last resort, leave saddlebags on all the time.
7. Get a `beater' motorcycle. Or make your bike into one. True beaters
can be interesting and fun to ride and don't attract vandals or
thiefs. TT500's, Ascot's, Sabres, Interceptors, Titans, GS's, /5's,
etc... Like blue jeans, most cycles are better when they show some
wear. (Too much bike polishing leads to idolatry. Moses shatters the
original 10 commandments...)
8. Have two or three different helmets at the ready. An expensive full
coverage one for serious rides and an easy to use open or hinged
chinbar type for everyday urban riding or use on super-hot days.
Having several types of gloves, boots, jackets, etc...for different
situations is also good.
9. Plan rides. One Sunday a month do an all-day local ride or an
overnight. Invent some game of it. In cities, try riding only alleys
or only to overlooks or only across all the bridges. What is the
longest continuous street in your city? Have you ever ridden it end to
end? Put a marked map or list on the tankbag or in your pocket, and
carry a compass. Out on the road, go to the smallest roads, to the
small places.
10. Ride very early in the morning. Dawn rides can be the best hour of
your day. No traffic, clean air, good sights and sensations. A shower
and breakfast after a sunrise ride are wonderful. This is best done
when the days are the longest in June and July. It does not apply if
your bike has open pipes, especially if you ride an H2 with chambers.
Then, stay in bed.
10. Philosophy bonus A: Ignore what everyone else thinks. Riding is a
better way to get around. Ride paranoid and keep your skills sharp
10. Philosophy bonus B: Ride with somebody who's better than you. You
will pick up a handy trick or new skill just about every time you are out.

[totenhosen]

Ford Focus SVT. The thing looks pretty good, handles great, good gas mileage and can be had for cheap. If need be you can always install a jackson (?) supercharger. Make sure you get a 2002-04 as they have most of the bugs worked out compared to the prior years models.

[wsuwrhr]

Originally posted by CA Stu
I'm meeting some folks at Tom's Farms for a ride to Palomar this Sunday at 8 am. Red Triumph ST w/CF Jardine can.
As an afterthought I just wanted to add that I would love to be able to participate in that ride. I went camping there one year when I was a kid. Maybe next time.
Sounds cold though.
Brian

[Cas]

just get one of these
http://www.rapidcars.com/images/164veyron23.jpg
http://www.rapidcars.com/images/164top3.jpg
It's a Bugatti Veyron
It has a V-16 that puts out 1001 hp with 922 ft lbs of tq from 2200 to 5500 rpms.
0-60 in 3 secs
top speed- about 250 mph
cost- near $1,000,000.00

[wsuwrhr]

**** it, I'll buy two just in case I need a spare.
Brian

[lilrick]

i have a 91' nissan sentra that my mother drove since new. (562)428-9097. $2,000 A/C works, new tires ,oil changed every 3,000 miles(old lady) owned

[blownfear]

hey wsuwrhr i got a 81 toyota pu reg cab shorts with a 2inch drip and a 22r conversion for sale runs good (110 mph with no problem) got a ticket for extreme speeding... hehehe :)
1500.00 O.B.O.

[San Diego]

I only drive 26 miles round trip to work and back. I drive a 88 Isuzu Trooper. My diesel doesn't even warm up in 13 miles. But when the temp is close to freezing, I let the diesel run in the drive for 10 minutes before I drive in comfort.

[Bense468]

Originally posted by anxious
i leave the ferarri in the gargage and take the S500 to work:D
you too. :D

[rivercrazy]

When they come out I'm really thinking about getting one of the new Hybrid Lexus RX300's or Toyota Highlander SUV's. They are supposed to get around 35mpg

[AzDon]

'92 Thunderbird for sale.... 5.0 (302), OD automatic (aod) gets 26 mpg on the highway.... My daughter liked this car so much that I got her another one thats a couple of years and quite a few miles newer (this one is at 113k miles) It's as sporty (and fast) as a Mustang, got all the goodies and cool wheels, yet it is not considered a sports car by insurance companies. It has independent rear suspension and corners like a Jag! Has a trunk big enough to hold 2 bodies (or golf bags) and you drive one of these without the embarrassment factor! It's dark silver with gray leather/cloth upholstery and I'm wantin $2985 for it. It's Arizona registered (don't know what problems this might cause) These are great cars (and I'm normally a Chevy guy) The 89-93 cars had the 302 (my preference) and later came with the 4.6.
Me personally? I commute from Havasu to Parker in a Geo Metro and wear a disguise!