phirepower

iTrader: (2)

just got my first real out of college job, so now i'll be commuting from Bedford Ma to Plymouth MA a total of 120 miles per day, and no easy task for my bird. I'm looking for a slightly peppy econobox (must be american derived, personal preference) I've narrowed it down to a sunfire gt 95-98
cavalier z34 same years
neon rt similar years
i dont care really as long as it has a little pep, is american, and has a manual transmission and able to get better than 28 miles per gallon. Suggestions welcome and if anyone has a car similar or on the list for sale by all means pm me. NO RICE NO IMPORTS Thanks guys

454mag

iTrader: (17)

I picked up a Saturn SC2 for short money and use it on the same ride as you. Been very pleased with it for a beater car. Gets an honest 37 mpg on the hwy at 75mph. Repair parts are very reasonable unlike the imports. Saturns are more reliable than neons and can be picked up for 1/2 the price of a similar civc or corolla and they were built in tennessee.

ynkssws6

iTrader: (1)

Although you probably get better gas mileage, sitting in traffic with a stick day after day blows.

BoostedLT5

iTrader: (1)

I am on the same hunt. Let me know what you find and how much!

Nick@HSW

iTrader: (4)

Any VW TDI. Most of them average upwards of 50mpg. Brew your own bio-deisel at home for 1.50 a gallon and you're good to go.

Formula413

iTrader: (1)

Even though you didn't list it I would go with a Focus. Great handling, fun to drive, good gas mileage.

Kenny H

My brother's wife (then g-friend) bought a '95 Saturn SC2. That car held up pretty well and even though they are only rated around 127 hp, they are light are quick enough.

I'd look into that. If you can spend a tad more money, pick up an SVT Focus.

rdm85mcss

I have a Cobalt ss/sc. I got almost 35mpg going up to NED a few weeks ago. Had the cruise set at 78 on the way up and 72 on the way back. It averages about 24 around town also.

ws6on19s

iTrader: (4)

saturn all the way

LS1LT1

iTrader: (16)

I agree, the newest/lowest mileage Saturn or Focus that you can afford would be my first choices.

brad8266

iTrader: (23)

I juts picked up a 98 accord, fully loaded, leather, cruise, AC, 6 disc changer, power everyhting, sun/moon roof. Got it for $3K and these cars run forever as long as the timing belt is changed every 80K or so miles and gets great mileage.. Id take one of these over any american 4 cylinder anyday.

CamaroRacing12

iTrader: (5)

honda all day. i work at a sullivan tire and whenever we pull in any honda (civic/accord) we automatically know we wont be able to upsell much on it.. tie rod's and ball joints never seem to go on those cars, gas milage is great, oil changes r usually fairly easy to do, they r pretty inexpensive. and they dont eat brakes like candy like a chevy malibu.

but saturns are good too

i got a 92 merc sable the thing runs the *****

phirepower

iTrader: (2)

Only interested in american cars man

ws6on19s

iTrader: (4)

the only problem with earlier saturns is that the heads crack but can be fixed for under $500

kerryt1

iTrader: (10)

SVT Contour?

brad8266

iTrader: (23)

Yeah I just felt like throwing my 2 cents in, lol. IMO American 4 bangers all mostly junk.

CamaroRacing12

iTrader: (5)

i'll agree with that statement

Mike@HSW

iTrader: (6)

I gotta agree with nick up top about the VW TDI's. I produce my own biodiesel at a cost of about .65 cents per gallon. combine that with a car that gets 40-50 mpg and your getting at least 500 miles to a tank (assuming they are about 12 gallons) at the cost of $7.80 to fill the tank. Even at 2000 dollars for a basic processor kit, you'll make the money back in less then a year.

CamaroRacing12

iTrader: (5)

diesal VW Rabbit is where its at

1 Bad Ass Formula

iTrader: (7)

Other than the fact that I'm not sure they come in manual, I'd say G6 if you're only looking for something that can pull 28 to 30mpg and is a nice overall car. For me being an American Car guy it is hard to argue with the reliablity and fuel milage of Corollas exsepcially the 98-02 cars. My granddad has a 3cyl., manual 95 Geo Metro that he drives 30k miles a year and gets 50 mpg out of, the car has run great since he bought it with 60k on the clock up until 180k miles when the tranny finally took a dump. Ideal car but no pwr steering, door locks, or windows.