I've never cracked 24 mpg in my 98 SC3. That is with driving like a grandma and never going beyond 1/4 throttle open.

For such a long drive you might as well go with an LS400, lose 2-4 mpg, but gain tons of more comfort, silence, isolation from the road, and a boat like cushy ride.

 

I currently went on a trip to west virginia, about 150 miles. Both ways i averaged about 28mpg. I do have a 1998 SC300 though. But come city, i get 19 if i'm lucky.

 

In my SC400, which is generally thought to get equivalent or slightly worse mpg, I get 23mpg in steady state hwy cruising. However, when you make your decision, don't fall into the trap of thinking that the cost of your commuter transportation is primarily a function of mpg. I drive quite a bit, and I could go out and buy a new or even used Prius, Civic, etc. and get much higher mpg figure than I have with my SC, but unless I'm buying a really cheap "beater" Civic, etc., I have to consider the $$$ cost of the higher mpg car (here in CA, the damned sales tax is enough to pay for many, many tanks of gas), the insurance, etc. It's cheaper (and more fun, comfortable, etc.) to keep driving my v8.

 

Finance a Prius to save money vs buying an sc300? GOOD GOD that might be the worst financial advice I've ever come across on a car forum. You'll lose more per month in interest and depreciation than you will in a YEAR of the difference in gas costs.

My advice for a beater- 4 cylinder honda accord. Reasonable comfort, great gas mileage, super easy and cheap maintenance. Buy it cash, and you'll likely sell it for not much less than you bought it for.

 

Agreed with above, if you want a good commuter and live in a place where hondas arent stolen the minute you park them then get a decent honda to get you 30+ mpg. However I on the other hand live in an area where a honda with so much as a sticker and set of wheels will get jacked quicker then you find a parking spot ( CHICAGO ) had to resort to a car thats a lot more comfortable, more luxurious and less likely to get stolen aka an SC300. Even my beater 240SX which I daily drove for 2 years was starting to get peoples attention.

But yes Hondas, Toyotas and Nissans, mainly eco boxes with 4 cylinders will save you money on gas. Keep in mind the 2JZ isnt known for its gas mileage and your also driving a car thats not exactly light either.

 

I would recommend going with a Honda as well, or even an old 5-speed Saturn SL since they can get between 40-50 miles per gallon. My SC has been getting about 7 miles per gallon the past few days... and I usually get about 18 MPG.