[hl0m4n]

so mom decided to buy a 2nd car for work drive only. a day of work is roughly 50 miles round trip so they do add up fast. she does carpool with others and such so we need a 4 door car.

my first thought is a used pryus as they are now in $9-10k range.

so what are your thoughts on a fuel efficient 4 door car? she will be using the car for work until she retires in 5-6 years as well. any thoughts?

[wj4]

Honda Fit and Toyota Yaris come to mind after reading the title.

[blue2fire]

You should check the Chevrolet Cobalt out, it is due for replacement and they should have good discounts.

I would also put forth a slightly used Mini (non S) and the Honda Fit(also used). The 04 TL should also be within reach and should make her right at home as she drives an RDX(?).

Hybrids are not particularly fuel efficient on the highway (if this is the majority of the commute), if you have to, get a Honda instead of a Toyota. The IMA is a better and more efficient system on the Highway.

[mJ335]

Smart car?

[marty_mcfly]

Originally Posted by mJ335

Smart car?

its not a four door

[blue2fire]

Originally Posted by marty_mcfly

its not a four door

Or very fuel efficient.....

[marty_mcfly]

Originally Posted by blue2fire

Or very fuel efficient.....

definitely could be a lot better. still fun to drive though

[Heinzftw]

I drove a 2006 Civic Sedan awhile back. Great car!

[ben14142001]

Honda Fit

[SteveMondragon]

Originally Posted by wj4

Honda Fit and Toyota Yaris come to mind after reading the title.

Pretty much what I was going to say. Otherwise, you can also look into a Civic or Corolla.

[spacedogg]

Honda Fit is my top pick since it has decent handling for a econo car. The first gen has a slightly choppy ride due to short wheelbase...but otherwise a very nice car.

A used Honda Civic or Toyota Corolla is also another smart choice.

[BForbes]

Go for the FIT. Peeps over on Fitfreak.net average 34-37mpg putting along. I like that you can put 4 tires standing up in the back. :-)

[hl0m4n]

yes, most of the driving is on highway. i thought all hybrid systems are based off the toyota one?

[blue2fire]

Originally Posted by hl0m4n

yes, most of the driving is on highway. i thought all hybrid systems are based off the toyota one?

Nope, the Honda one is more direct and less complicated, something which will be better on the highway. (Read on IMA)

But you really don't need a hybrid for that and the Fit is decently well equipped (Satnav if you pay a bit more).

[IrateSpeed6]

Jetta TDI - 40+ MPG on the highway, and a BIG 4-door compared to the others...

[Sal@AUTOcouture]

Originally Posted by IrateSpeed6

Jetta TDI - 40+ MPG on the highway, and a BIG 4-door compared to the others...

+1

[jlspeed29]

I think your mom could spend a lot less and still buy a reliable car.
Last year I picked up a 00' honda civic with 87K miles and put 20K already! (used to have a 90 mile r/t commute FTMFL) only had 1 problem with it!
$5K gets something like 30/36 city/hwy
not sure what blue book is on them now but theyre hella cheap!

GREAT CAR OMFG!!!

keep digging she will get something good!

oh yea, domestics FTL

[Heinzftw]

Originally Posted by jlspeed29

I think your mom could spend a lot less and still buy a reliable car.
Last year I picked up a 00' honda civic with 87K miles and put 20K already! (used to have a 90 mile r/t commute FTMFL) only had 1 problem with it!
$5K gets something like 30/36 city/hwy
not sure what blue book is on them now but theyre hella cheap!

GREAT CAR OMFG!!!

keep digging she will get something good!

oh yea, domestics FTL

I DD a 2000 Civic Ex Coupe. 35mpg @ 72mph. Bought for 3.8k out the door!

[blue2fire]

Those cheap cars might sound tempting but i would not buy them. Just think about how safe they actually are, this is magnified because the OP's mother drives on the highway. Accidents don't wait for you to get into your nice car at home before happening.

[Epik]

don't civics have decent crash ratings? It's not like they're smart car small. There's at least some crumple zone.

[jlspeed29]

Originally Posted by blue2fire

Those cheap cars might sound tempting but i would not buy them. Just think about how safe they actually are, this is magnified because the OP's mother drives on the highway. Accidents don't wait for you to get into your nice car at home before happening.

well..........
http://www.iihs.org/ratings/summary.aspx?class=40

for 2009 the honda civic ranks 3rd
looks like it has always done well too-

http://www.iihs.org/ratings/ratingsbyseries.aspx?id=300

[Nr!qUe]

Originally Posted by IrateSpeed6

Jetta TDI - 40+ MPG on the highway, and a BIG 4-door compared to the others...

If you're willing to pay the ~21K price though.
I'd go with the Fit too