Johnjohn13

Hi folks. Just wondering if everyone drives their LS430 as their "daily driver". I currently do but would like to get a commuter car since gas price is kicking my b*tt! $70 every 3 days!
Yup, I'm in sales so I do a lot of city driving from client to client.

Anyway, just wanted to see what eveyone drove as their commuter car and if you can give suggestions on what's ideal to get. Here are my criteria:

1) Must get over 28mpg
2) Cost range from $2,000-$25,000 (new or used ok)
3) Must have some "potential" for aftermarket parts (minor mods only i.e. suspension, exhaust, intake). Must satisfy my urge to "not keep things stock".
4) "Proper" for someone of my age (32+) and somewhat "professional" in appearance.

Just some cars that came to mind are:

1) '96+ Civic sedan (with some JDM Ferio parts)
2) '92+ Civic sedan (with some JDM Ferio parts)
3) Scion Xb
4) Mini Cooper S
5) Mazda Protege 5

Let's hear your suggestions...

morris

iTrader: (2)

I run a 91 civic, it aint pretty but gets the job done and done cheaply

timoc42

Im lucky to live in NYC and have the subway as my commuter 'car'.

But if I were you, and given the list that you just gave, my first choice would be a Mini Cooper S...
I think its a very good handling car, very tight and go-kart like suspension, something which we owners of japanese cars always wishing for.

So, of course it is a 180' turn from the big LS to the small mini, but Im sure you can have lots of fun in it ...
And as for the aftermarket, you can always get a supercharger or get a complete John Cooper Works package that adds a couple more hp ...

Johnjohn13

Would you sport this around? I would get it in white though but with the same wheels and style.

Johnjohn13

Or this...

RollinInLS

You could even pick up a nice loaded Accord for a commuter car, and even the 6cyl. models get around 25-29 mpg.

Och

iTrader: (3)

Those Civics were gorgeous, I miss my 5th gen coupe. It's too bad new Civics are fugly as hell.

RA40

iTrader: (6)

As a basic client car, an Avalon or Camry?

Have seen some pretty nice Avalons on 19's or 20's, some with drop. One had a bodykit that was pretty nice.

playa3uhh

if ur just commuting, from ur suggestiongs i would probably go with the mini cooper. But the Lexus ES gets around 22/30, the camry 4 cyl. is even better at around 26/34. have u thought about a Mazda 3? Those get pretty good mileage too. My commuter car right now if my LS430 though...

ron36330

I have a SC 430(summer use only)
LS 430 during the winter or if I will be carrying more than 2 people and my daily driver is Toyota 4-Runner. The 4-Runner is not the most economical but it is very reliable and comfortable with plenty of room should it be necessary to carry outsize items. Very practicable for me.
Ron

usmarines

My GS300

ali1983

i would personally go with a 4cylinder accord/camry

maybe something german if you plan on getting rid of it after warranty (audi 1.8t, jetta, gti, german deisel)....but accord/camry if you plan on keeping it a while.....

this is a work car...so smooth ride/interior comfort would rank high as a deciding factor (seat comfort, ice cold a/c, sound system, softer dampening)

Neo

iTrader: (3)

In that price range, you can get a brand new Mazda3. The basic mods you mention are available and the mpg range is mid 20s to low 30s. If you can spend a little more, you can get a new Mazdaspeed3. mpg is 20-28 for a 250hp turbo car. I have not looked into the Mazdaspeed3 so I don't know what the market is like (availability, markups, ...)

CHIS350

I was going to suggest Mazda3 too. Very classy inside and out, and its almost like driving a little 3 series.

plex

iTrader: (11)

My daily is a Gold 93 Accord SE Sedan. Very good on gas and came loaded.