I say go with a GTI, or the obvious choice: wait a few months and pick up a 2012 focus.

depends on what you want really, as well as your price range.

 

I say go with a GTI,.

Hyundai Elantra 40mpg 6sp

What about a Mini?

^those 3 are on my list and missing from yours

 

Just went through that.

My favorite driver's car was the CR-Z but the wife veto'd it because it was a 2 seater. I drove all of those except for the Mazda 2 & the Fiesta because of ergonomic issues (my knee hits the center console which drives me nuts) and didn't drive the VW's just because.

There are a LOT of cars in that price range including the Camry we ended up buying.

 

Wait till the 2011's Focus go on sale in 2012 and pick one up new for the price of a fiesta, or less maybe.

 

I drove a 2011 Focus SE sedan, and a 2011 Fiesta SE hatchback the other day. For the same price, I'll take the Fiesta.

What type of weather are you dealing with, in the worse months of the year?

I'm in Saint Louis, so winter isn't too terribly bad. No matter what, I'll probably have dedicated winter wheels/tires.



Thanks for the suggestions. Has anyone driven any/all of these cars and could give any opinions?





I think I'd like to get into another hatchback. 3/5 door isn't really important, as I don't have a family. And the hatch is great for my lifestyle. But again, I'm open to suggestions.
Let's stick around 20k with some options. And auto tranny. I get my manual fix from the Miata.

 

Fiat 500 - checked one out last night. Sweet little ride. The Prima is really-well loaded car for the price.

 

Fiat 500 - checked one out last night. Sweet little ride. The Prima is really-well loaded car for the price.

saw a fiat in person yesterday. I did not like it. it looks to fat assed. its like a pyramid on wheels. seems to really intrude on the interier space.
I can't comment on the drivetrain or options, but exterior wise... do not want.

also the new hyundai's seem to be decent DD's 40mpg and all that.

 

The 2012 Focus needs to be added to that list if you are willing to wait until they hit the market.

What type of weather are you dealing with, in the worse months of the year?

 

your forgot one of the best choices 2012 Hyundai Elantra 40mpg 6sp and starts at 14k

 

For a commuter car don't sleep on the Suzuki's SX4/Kizashi a lot better since they stopped rebadging Daewoo...The Kia Forte/Optima nice now that they are rebadged Hyundai's. Like stated above the New 2012 Elantra or a 2011 Sonata....What about a Volvo C30?

 

2011 Foci can be had for very cheap with all the incentives that are out right now.

The Scion TC just got revised and the CRZ is also new. What kind of space do you need to have? I.E.: 5 door hatch type of size or is a 2 seater okay?

 

What about a Mini?

 

Don't get that good gas mileage and they all require premium (91 octane) gas now.

 

My GTI is an awesome DD. Quiet, comfy, lots of features, pretty quick. Averages 27-29 MPG too, so better gas mileage than my Focus got.

You should also put the Hyundai Elantra on the list. Its a nice little car.

 

Golf Diesel Manual???

 

Speaking of good gas milage, do you think the Subaru's can cut the mustard at 20 city/ 27 hwy? Coming from the 2008 Focus which got 24 city/35 (ish) hwy to a car getting 18/27 (self observed) is a bit of a shock. Bare in mind, I am in a 2008 WRX which requires premium. Where I was able to squeeze 2 weeks out of a full tank, I am now looking at filling up 4 times a month.

 

I just went thru all those a few months ago. Picked the 2011 Focus SE 5speed, $3,000 rebate plus x-plan discount. If I keep it under 60 mph, get around 40 mpg...

Looking at your list, Hondas are overpriced, Toyota recalled every friggen model last year, VW are good but cost money for the diesel to get decent mpg and Subaru's mpg around 20.

Here's the list I went thru - http://www.cars.com/go/crp/buyingGuides/green/vehicles.jsp?va=high-mileage

Also think about safety. Found the Focus one of the tops.

 

Great list. This should help someone find the right High MPG car!

 

Thanks for all the input. I think I'm leaning heavily toward Fiesta/2012 Focus. The coming weeks will tell...

 

^ They are great choices.

 

Just heard in our meeting this morning that 2012 Focus is released from holding. We should get our first one next week. This applies to you because if ours were being held, maybe others were too. So you should be able to actually go look/drive/choose soon.

 

Just drove a Chevy Cruze Eco for the past 3 days. It's a great car. Decent price, handling, and drive-ability is on par with a small car. Boost isn't too bad, and the gas mileage was pretty great.

I'm going to try to do a full review on the car when I get spare time.

 

Im riding in Hyundai's boat right now.

I am waiting to see how the new Accent shakes out and I really want to see what the Veloster brings to the table once they hit the dealerships. Both should be right at 40mpg.

 

boosted 1.4 in the cruz... i had no idea