Daily driver thread

[alB5]

I know this has been asked thousands of times, but I really trust you guys and would love some input on a good daily driver.

I am a full-time college student that also works 30-40 hours a week, and I drive 500+ miles a week. I currently drive a mkiv(2002) jetta wagon tdi, but it isn't holding up too well and constantly letting me down with various problems. Plus it's just giving me the worst luck. I find myself fixing some stupid problem every week and can't keep up anymore. I think I either got a real 'lemon' or a VW is really plagued with issues after it hits 150k on the body.

This is where I need you guys, what are your recommendations for a decent reliable car that's 2006+ (or even new) for up to about 18kish?

I was thinking an 07+ WRX, but the gas mileage is real bad to what I'm used to.



Yes. I know I should buy an E30.

[Vtec?lol]

You shouldn't have that many issues with that model TDI. I know the auto's were finicky but those seems to hold up damn good.

My bet would be to go and take it to a shop and let it get a full service and inspection. You won't find anything with better mileage and as reliable. You'll also spend less keeping what you have up than buying something else.

[henryki]

+1 ^ VW TDI is amazing for those MPG's, see what's up with yours right now and if it's no good then get another VW TDI! my $.02

[alB5]

Mine was a swap car, it has a PD engine out of an '04. It's a 5speed also.

I probably spent 3k in the past year just maintaining the thing. Sure I save a bit on gas but even my 91' 318is wasn't this finicky with problems and I had a similar commute.

Oh, it also has 215k+ on the engine, and burns oil like it's job.

[ME30W]

I just bought a 98 subaru legacy, thing has 178k on the clock but it purrs like a kitten. Granted the PO took extremely good care of it for the last 12 years he has had it, but I'm very impressed at how solid it still feels.

[Nick_S]

Flame suit on. What about a Civic? You could find a decent Si for that much.

[Fusion]

The days of good TDi engines are long gone (<-'04). New TDi engines require maintenance that just about equals what you save on fuel compared to a similar gas version.
Stupid expensive injectors etc.

But I have no idea what I'd recommend. Maybe a pre 2005 VW with the 1.6 8V 102HP engine. Those are pretty bulletproof and easy to maintain.

[Mr. Burns]

TDI or Mazda Skyactiv.

I have a Skyactiv as a DD, mileage is amazing, creature comforts galore.

do recommend.

[Danny]

I bought a 2012 GTi with a 7 year 100k mile aftermarket warranty.

Love it.

[nickmcc92]

04 Evo Mr.

[Thizzelle]

anything is reliable if you take care of it. yes, you can thanks me later

[alB5]

TDI or Mazda Skyactiv.

I have a Skyactiv as a DD, mileage is amazing, creature comforts galore.

do recommend.

my Ex had a skyactiv, I'm looking for a manual wagon now. She pretty much got the same mileage as I did in my diesel.

Thanks everyone

[mrcheezle19]

Buy a Focus, 40mpg and get a warranty for 7k/100 full wrap warranty for 1200.

[Wh33lhop]

Oh, it also has 215k+ on the engine, and burns oil like it's job.

Well... it is.

[alB5]

Well... it is.