What's The Best DAILY Driver For $18k? Help This Guy Out...

For $18,000 there are a lot of interesting options for a driver looking to commute to the daily grind.  But which one has the best capabilities, is fun and has enough room for the poster's leg? 

Should he relegate himself for the unimaginative Honda Civic or can he find something with a bit more pizazz and flavor?  A used Toyota Prius, Jetta TDI, Smart ForTwo, an E46 3-Series? Hell, he could even find a B5 S4 for a bargain basement price; granted, he would have to probably do a lot of refurbishing work to have it function efficiently.

They always say two heads are better than one, so hopefully the SPIES can help this poor chap out with some new, inventive suggestions.

What say you?

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0to60 - 10/13/2009 9:10:49 AM

+1 Boost

Here in Charlotte, they are selling a new Accord LX for $16,995. I would recommend a certified used car. You can get a pretty nice vehicle for that price. Maybe a 2005 Acura TL.

Whelan - 10/13/2009 9:40:38 AM

-1 Boost

If your a daily drive in commuting traffic, driving a standard is not going to be helpful, it becomes a PITA. I love my Matrix XR AWD. I get good gas mileage (avg. 28mpg), lots of room, slightly raised seating for better visibility, the comfort of AWD so I don't get stuck when taking back roads to avoid the morons who can't drive on the highway in winter. The benefits are many. It's not the best performing, but it works well for me.

Spectator - 10/13/2009 1:22:07 PM

+1 Boost

Don't know why someone deboosted your for your comment, but I agree. I love my vehicle and in alot of instances it is practical (since it has four doors...and I have a kid) but god knows that if I knew what my commute was going to be 5 years after I bout the car...I would definetly have bought an automatic. You drive in D.C. Traffic everyday with a manual you get 2 things...an ulcer, and the worlds strongest left calf muscle.

An AWD CUV makes sence for commuting (my wife has a CX-7 which I think is phenomenal) for the ability to transverse a myriad of 'on road' meteorological conditions as well as give good visibility, good gas milage and ease of parking.

Whelan - 10/14/2009 7:38:36 AM

+1 Boost

I'm not really sure why I was deboosted either. But oh well, some people people need adventure in their lives and that was it for the day for them I guess. Maybe it was the standard comment, my 2nd-4th cars were all standard and I loved them. Albeit I was a college student and just starting in the job market. My current commute is 50 miles round trip and soon to be extended to 70-80 miles each day since I am moving. My car has 105,000 worry free miles with all regular maintenance and since the cost of ownership is so low I am satisfied.

veyron1001 - 10/13/2009 11:43:32 AM

+5 Boost

You wouldnt be able to afford the civic especially the si with the insurance that follows it at 16.

Agent00R - 10/13/2009 12:38:13 PM

0 Boost

A used Prius does not necessarily have pizazz. Was referring to something bit more out of the box than every other daily driver that has a Civic.

SHOWTIME - 10/13/2009 9:48:55 AM

+2 Boost

If you want new, I'd say go with the Mazda 3. Used, well that all depends on what you like. If you want reliability go Japanese. If you want a real car then go German.

MSP6 - 10/13/2009 9:53:07 AM

+2 Boost

2010 VW Golf

PlanB - 10/13/2009 10:20:45 AM

+3 Boost

Knowing this site probably some sort of pre-owned BMW.

Shredmo - 10/13/2009 1:27:19 PM

+2 Boost

Used 2007+ Altima 4cyl with the CVT. It will give the guy everything he needs. Boring, I know...

"Needs to be:
1.) Fuel efficient/reliable commuter car.
2.) Descent leg room (I am 6'8").
3.) Automatic transmission.
4.) A plus would be leather interior, but not necessary. "

investor27 - 10/13/2009 1:37:56 PM

-1 Boost

For 18 grand he can have a new Jetta TDI. It's a great, four-door saloon with good gas mileage, and great low-end torque. What more do you want for $18 grand?

Shredmo - 10/13/2009 1:44:05 PM

+3 Boost

On the VW site, the base model TDI is $22,270.

Agent001 - 10/13/2009 1:42:13 PM

-2 Boost

Almost bought a cherry 2004 Audi All-Road yesterday on eBay with 39k miles for 14k.

Destined to be a classic, especially in winter areas.

001

tundrahq - 10/13/2009 2:03:08 PM

+4 Boost

What does "almost bought" mean exactly? Is that anything like "almost scored" or "almost won the lottery?" LOL!

tundrahq - 10/13/2009 2:02:06 PM

+2 Boost

Uhhh...how about an $8000 used car (Ford Taurus, Honda Civic, Chevy Malibu, Toyota Camry, etc) and $10k towards some unsecured debt and/or a nest egg and/or a piece of real estate? If that doesn't work, a used Reg. Cab short box Tundra with a TRD supercharger could be fun...

thstone - 10/13/2009 4:59:51 PM

0 Boost

Used 3-series.

Sp33drac3r - 10/14/2009 5:15:23 PM

+1 Boost

I'd be glad to sell you my 04 S4 for around that price. Only 45k miles.