Hey guys,
I'm looking for another car to DD (daily drive) besides the EVO, because I now have to drive to work a long distance (about 75 miles a day through heavy traffic) . I get about 210 miles per tank on e85 (hwy + city). That's about 15mpg, and it means fuel up every 2-3 days and putting a ton of miles on my Evo and the cost of fuel is pretty high. I will probably drive the Evo on the weekends or for fun.
What do you guys have or recommend as a fun fuel-efficient DD car that's not expensive, around 20k ish?
I was looking at the 2013 lancer, and it gets 26cty/34hwy mpg. Not bad. Also the automatic trans would be better in traffic I think.
Also, should I lease new or buy used low mileage?
Thanks for your comments in advance.

 

Acura TSX w/6spd

 

I'm considering getting a 2001 Honda S2000, lol I used to have one and it was fun to drive!

 

Civic for me reliable and awesome mileage.

 

I would go for a newer Ford Focus or even though I hate Honda (except the NSX) I would go for a Civic.

 

 

I have been happy with our TDI Jetta. 43mpg in the auto, more for the manual. 100hp 200fptq in my buddys old stock 5 speed. Some hop up parts for them. Just impressive little cars for what they are. Probally not as "fun" for what you want, but when I can drive from Az to Ar on one tank of diesel, or from Mobile Al to home on one tank, I am quite happy.

 

Completely ignoring your criteria, I think my DD is quite the looker AND gets 38mpgs.

 

Yeah, it's hideous. I was kidding about the looks part.

 

my DD is a prius, can't beat 50mpg, a little pricey though, new at $25k for the base model

focus or civic or honda fit would be a nice DD too, and much better buy financially than the prius

I used to drive a lotus elise and DD an sti. For me at least, it's nicer to have a worry free, automatic, "boring", soft supsension, runs on 87 octane, easy on maintenance, dont mind running through the automatic car wash, quiet engine, I can park any where type of car for a DD. So I prefer a focus, civic, mazda3, etc over a sports type of DD like the sti or mini cooper or s2000.

 

you can and should look into a toyota corrola or a dodge neonthey get up pretty good and they are very cheap on parts and pretty easy to repair.

 

my other car is an 05 suby legacy gt with an AP. has tons of creature comforts that should have been on a much more expensive car, is comfy and gets halfway decent mileage (well...a little better than the evo at least) and has enough pep to keep me from getting pissed off.

i got it for 10k, and im sure ill get my moneys worth out of it.

 

Honda crz new around 20gs manual.
Buy new or used because lease is only good for 12,000-15000 miles per year and anything over that they'll charge per mileage.

 

I'd say opt for a used DD like a civic, and save your cash for your evo. I'd say high mileage toyota's/Honda's are pretty reliable still.

 

I have a pos saturn right now but i had a 09 civic Si for a daily a few years back and it was a lot of fun to drive with the 6 speed and 8k rev limit.