need some advice. driving 25k miles a year.

Miles per tank is pretty meaningless.

Miles per gallon is what you care about.

Learn how to do the math.

 

They're doing 0% for 72 months on Corollas right now if you want to go that route

 

Well there's yer problem right there

 

Almost makes me want to head to the dealership and test drive one today. But then I figure, if I must have a coupe or sedan, I'm better off waiting 5 years or so when electric cars are affordable.

 

My thought is that is kind of dumb to have a commuter car for MPG unless you have a 60k+ luxury performance or luxury car because you'll never cover your costs

Payments for a second car
Insurance
Gas
Maintenance

But if OP wants to go that route, that's one of the best choices.

 

and driving a sedan just isn't all that fun.

 

I'm in a fairly similar situation. I drive around 35k a year. I too bought a cheapish car in an attempt to save money and mileage on my truck. It didn't take me long to realize that it's more trouble than its worth by the time you pay a note, insurance, maintenance/repairs. The warranty only lasted a year. It was also extremely uncomfortable and quiet boring to drive compared to my Tacoma. Sold it about a year ago and started commuting with my truck. I'd have to look but i'm probably saving money now.

 

i don't really know what to do, guess ill keep driving my truck until a problem arises. once i get a few months on, hopefully i feel more secure in my job and then ill consider buying another vehicle

 

Good call OP - you're making the right financial decision here. Plus, you'll have more fun driving your Taco!

 

I would buy a $2000 Honda Civic as a commuter. They will run forever. I had one with 295k on it when I sold it. Great reliable cars. Then you still have your truck if needed.

 

to be honest, driving my taco isn't all that much fun... its uncomfortable, slow as balls, and gets pushed all around by the wind. thats the main reason I've considered buying a commuter, the taco is very unenjoyable on the commute. but, if its the cheapest option, ill drive it lol

 

I've considered this, just don't know how comfortable i would feel about driving a 2k car across the state, thats the thing about my commute, its across the state 90 miles on the highway in the middle of nowhere. halfway through the trip theres one gas station, but thats it. all marsh and gators

 

It's the same as driving a Ferrari across the state. It might break down or it might not. Honda is the most reliable car out there. I drove mine on 2000 mile trips with almost 300k on it and didn't even consider it having issues. Never once did it leave me stranded on the road. Can't say the same for my Tacoma.

 

Good move. Honestly, 2000 miles is a lot but it's not crazy. Not worth having a second car payment, car insurance and car maintenance IMO.

Plus, no matter what, using your Tacoma for the first few months is the best move...always get past the probationary period before making any big financial moves. I've seen people at the company I work for get hired, buy a new car or move into a bigger place within the first month or two, then they get let go because they weren't the right fit or whatever. Not saying that would happen to you (I work in a creative field, turn-around is frequently very high especially early on), but the point still stands. Personally, I'd give it 6 months at the new gig before committing to a second vehicle depending on how the commute felt in the Tacoma.

 

That 2000 miles is just the commute to work and back.

But I should probably wait until I decide to buy another vehicle, I did just throw about $1000 into the Tacoma to get it road ready for the commute.

 

Sounds good, no need to rush into it if the Tacoma is road worthy and up for the challenge.

 

Well a few months have passed, I have a few options I'm considering.

Buy a new or used 2016 Honda Civic coupe( gf just got the 2016 sedan, it's really nice) 41 mpg highway (20k new, 10 year 100k warranty from a local dealer) they look cool, kind of like a infinity g35

A used Lexus CT200h , a comfortable , look like a baller car, with Prius undergarments . 40 mpg highway
15-20 k with low miles off carvana
Little to no warranty left


A older used civic just out of a lease and drive the piss out of it. Around 12 k , low miles , low payment. Loud in cabin, uncomfortable seats


Back to square 1 again.

 

Why is the Taco not working out? Is it uncomfortable? Are you just worried about gas mileage? Is it falling apart?

 

Mainly just Uncomfortable, But $10 a day in fuel kinda sucks too

 

If it's uncomfortable, then yeah that's probably not something you can fix - in that case, I'd get the cheapest comfortable car you can. Just remember that $10/day for gas in your Taco is still $5/day in a 40MPG car, so only a $5/day difference. Doing a bit of math at $5/day:

• 1 month (23 work days) = $115
• 1 year (276 work days) = $1,380

So, if you spend $10K on a new/used car, you're looking at something like 7+ years to recoup that expense (assuming everything's equal from a repair perspective). Oh, and that assumes you sell your Taco too I guess - otherwise you'll have two insurance bills, which will offset the $5/day even more (maybe even completely).

Now - that comfort may be worth it to you (I have a motorcycle, which costs me more than just having a Taco b/c I like the fun of it) - if it is, like I said - I'd go for something comfortable, and used (so you aren't the one paying depreciation on the car). I've driven a 2008 civic and it seemed pretty comfortable to me, but I fully admit to being relatively comfortable in my 2000 Taco as well .