Long Commute DD

Chevy Volt? 

Or, since you're into BMWs, perhaps a unicorn 335d? Or albino unicorn 535d if we even got them over here? 

If you're doing Camry, check the Korean hybrids. I spent time last night in a 2.0T Optima and really want one and those cooled seats are the shiz.

https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/819341728/overview/

$8k 100k miles and all the right doodads. 

In reply to bobzilla :

That's a killer deal.  I will swing by the Hyundai and Kia dealers as well.  

I think I would go for tried and true and get a 4 cyl Accord. Fuel economy would obviously not be Prius-like, but overall running costs should still be low.

V12 said:

In reply to DirtyBird222 :

This is the first car I ever bought where fuel economy is a primary deciding factor. 
Reliability is close second.

Ideally I would like a manual, high-mpg car.  Some fun to drive characteristics would be greatly appreciated, but only after the MPG and reliability.  
 

Price range: ~25K or less

Go try out a Civic Si then. It fits most of your criteria. You can also do a hatchback sport with a manual but you lose somethings like an LSD and the premium sound. You get a better seat IMO though. 

MrFancypants said:

I think I would go for tried and true and get a 4 cyl Accord. Fuel economy would obviously not be Prius-like, but overall running costs should still be low.

Especially if you want a manual trans then the Accord 2.4L looks to be a great choice.  Great resale too when you've loaded it up with a lot of miles quickly.  

I long commute a 335D.  They were only available in the US in the e90 chassis with the 3.0 twin turbo (sequential) M57 inline 6 diesel.  Stock they were 265hp/425ft.lbs. but tuned/deleted they easily make in the ballpark of 370+hp/600+ft.lbs with off the shelf stuff like JR Tuning and tunemyeuro.com .  All the e90 bolt ons are avaialble, M3 control arms/suspension, coilovers, etc.  While not the ultimate in efficiency relative to some of the hybrid options, I certainly think it's a riot rackin up miles with 600+ ft. lbs. on command while still knocking down a lifetime average of roughly 34mpg with it.  

They're old enough that stock ones will be a bit of a hassle and the factory emissions/dpf stuff causes most of the issues.  Depends on your states emissions testing and/or your personal preferences if those options are feasible.  

Yes you could also get 535D's here with the M57 though they are more rare on the ground.  The same drivetrain was in the X5Diesels, which don't get as amazing of mpg, but are respectable for how capable of an SUV it is.  

The newer BMW sedan diesels are the 328d's which were also available in a wagon which makes for a nice vehicle to spend time in as well.  

While I certainly enjoy the highway mannerisms of diesels... low rpm, effortless torque, 500+ miles between stopping for fuel, etc... with gasoline prices what they are, if you just want a comfy sedan appliance, you're likely on the right track with some of your other choices.  

In reply to xflowgolf (Forum Supporter) :

So can you roll coal?  

Audi TDI same deal, delete and tune and make gobs of power with decent mpg.  Get them in the A6, Q5, or big Q7

In reply to Placemotorsports :

Q7... Oh I could regale with many stories on the subject of my ex-wife's Q7.  Unfortunately I cannot due to specific stipulations in the buy-back contract I had to sign.