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The Great Commuter Car Conundrum

  • Story By
    Evan Griffey
top-used-cars-under-4000-feature Logic can be fleeting. It can be twisted. Torture it enough, and it will admit to anything. I have been putting logic to the grindstone when it comes to my latest escapade; buying a daily driver to log some serious commuter miles. As with most things automotive, I have thought this through, back out the other way, and come at it from all manner of acute angle. Beyond avoiding wear and tear on my Evo IX, I would like to improve fuel efficiency and spend less on gas. I commute 62 miles, one-way each day and the Mitsubishi is returning a respectable 25.7 mpg. Although logic dictates an older Civic hybrid, a CRX HF [41/49 mpg] or some other stone cold effigy to efficiency, I cannot drive an appliance; even when it may be the ‘right’ thing to do. Here is where the conundrum sets in. I want to balance style and fuel efficiency, durability and fuel efficiency… fuel efficiency and a sporty aura… did I mention style is important? I have a list of 46 cars, 46, all with the appropriate mpg numbers listed. I have done my homework many times over, but I have failed to raise enough cash to pull the trigger. Big bills, unexpected medical expenses, the holidays... something has always kept me spinning my wheels but boy am I ready. I am working under the assumption that I will pay outright with a budget under $4,000. While there is definitely a therapeutic element happening here, I am compiling this post to save fellow enthusiasts from spending nine hours a day scanning Craigslist ads from Seattle to Portland, to San Francisco, to Phoenix, to Las Vegas, to LA. I am going to categorize my leading candidates from a philosophical viewpoint.

The Miserly Mainstreamer

1997 Honda Civic HX Coupe I love technological juggernauts and their ability to solve our problems with superior intellect…enter Honda’s VTEC-E. The ’E’ is for Economy. The philosophy here is genius… use the savvy that is the VTEC effect for efficiency instead of power. Honda’s VTEC-E technology is available in two different engines and two different cars; the 1992 to ’95 Civic VX hatchback [mpg rating: 39city/49fwy] runs the D15Z1 and the 1996 to ’98 Civic HX coupe [30/39] features the D16Y5. top-used-cars-under-4000-10 VTEC-E keeps one of the intake valves closed to increase low-rpm intake velocity and allow the engine to burn a leaner mixture. Closing an intake valve creates a swirl effect in the chamber further optimizing combustion. The VTEC threshold is 2,500 rpm, at which point the valvetrain returns to conventional operation. It’s efficient, in my price range, and durable… what’s my problem? Other candidates under this banner include the 1981 to ’84 Toyota Starlet [33/40], Honda del Sol [29/34], ’88 to ’91 Civic Wagon [27/31], AE86 Corolla GTS [25/31], ’84 VW Rabbit GTI [24/31], classic Sentra SE-R [21/29], and early MR2 [23/29].

The Bavarian Tumbler Alignment

top-used-cars-under-4000-02 The Bavarian in question is the E30-series BMW model. The alignment in question has to do with the automaker’s M42 engine. The two were only together one year… 1991. That’s the last year of the E30 and the first year of the M42. top-used-cars-under-4000-11 The M42 is a 1.8-liter four that’s rated at 136 horsepower and found in the 318 model. Its strong points are chain-driven cams and timing gear, forged steel crankshaft, OE tubular, stainless-steel headers, Bosch Motronic M1.7 EFI, and a four-coil ignition system. I love the E30 body style; its lightweight construction, and old-school look. I am counting on the M42’s stout, dependable nature; it certainly isn’t a powerhouse, but the E30 chassis responds well to mods. I want a coupe for sure. The car is rated at 19/25 but I have talked to owners who get 30, 32 mpg and I am counting on getting more than advertised highway mpg. Justification? …Maybe. Another area that prospective used car buyers need to tread carefully is a model’s reputation for reliability. Just because you read about a problem doesn’t mean its wide spread. Most people run to the forums with problems so take the info with a grain of salt. If anything these issues are great questions to ask the seller, as many of the problems have known fixes and may have already been addressed. If not, you have some bargaining chips. Early M42 engines could suffer from untimely wear of the hydraulic tensioner, chain guides, idler wheel, and lower chain case. A rattle at the front of engine in the 2,000- to 3,500-rpm range is a harbinger. Fix: Updating to later M44 components. The material used in some timing case profile gaskets did not seal well, allowing coolant into the chain gear area where it mixed with oil and eventually compromised the lubrication ability of the oil. There are a few other minor glitches but I‘ve seen numerous M42s run for 250,000 miles and a co-worker has one with 400,000+ on the clock. My temptation is nearing obsession with this one…

The Iron Horse Equivalence

top-used-cars-under-4000-05 With the severity of my commute, getting a car that can pound out the miles is also a viable option. Enter the Lexus SC400. Its 4.0-liter, 250-horsepower 1UZ-FE V8 will march on for 300,000 to 400,000 miles when properly maintained. In its debut year the SC was crowned Motor Trend’s Car of the Year. The sleek coupe was also on Car & Driver’s Ten Best list from ’92 to ‘98. Model year 1998 is a crossroads where the engine was upgraded to variable valve timing, bumping output to 290, and the previous four-speed automatic got an extra gear. These cars are very well built, quiet and comfortable. Later models posted 17/23 mpg performance so I’d probably get mileage pretty similar to the Evo. At least I’d have cruise control, a better ride, leather seats, and a more soothing overall commuter experience. top-used-cars-under-4000-07 Other rides known for their longevity and on my list include the Acura CL [21/29], pre 2002 Subaru RS 2.5 [20/27], early BP Mazda Miata [22/28], Lexus IS300 [16/22], and the Nissan 240SX [19/26].

The Wild Card Convergence

top-used-cars-under-4000-12 The wild cards are options I come up when logic escapes me…this happens quite a bit. I will most likely not make a selection from this category but I can’t bring myself to drop these candidates from consideration. The Porsche 944 is the leader of this pack… that’s right, a Porsche as a daily commuter. I like the looks of the 944, prefer the interior of the 85.5 up model and the 2.5-liter, 163 horsepower four generates 18/25 with 28 to 30 mpg highway not out of the norm. top-used-cars-under-4000-01 The Achilles heel in my book is the general timing belt maintenance interval of 28,000 to 50,000 miles…that’s too short. And with the gearbox in the rear of the chassis, clutch replacement can be very cost prohibitive. My deck full of jokers also includes the Porsche Boxster [17/24], Mk III Supra [16/22], ’86 Mustang SVO [18/24], Audi A4 1.8T [20/29] and the Porsche 914 [est. 28- 30]. I will keep my options open because, ultimately, it’s the condition of the individual car that should weigh heaviest in the decision. I might elect to call an audible and go the down payment/finance route where I land a first-gen Scion xB, perhaps a Mini Cooper, a WRX wagon, or a Civic Si, Mazda3 or Kia Soul…but that’s a whole other list. -Evan Griffey What's on your used car list? Leave a comment and join the conversation!
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