About to start commuting 410 miles+/week

7,492 Views | 89 Replies | Last: 8 mo ago by Charismatic Megafauna
BrisketTaco10
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6:40p, 5/15/25
AG
I'm about to be commuting 410 miles/week from Baytown to Aldine. I'm not car guy. Hoping I can get some advice from the good Ags here.

Looking for a commuter car. Fuel efficiency and also comfortable ride with some modern features. Probably going to stick with Toyota, Honda, Mazda for reliability. Maybe Hyundai, maybe Kia.

Any commuters out there with recommendations for makes/models?

Know of any great salespeople/dealers around the Houston area?
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Ryan the Temp
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7:02p, 5/15/25
AG
I bought my Hyundai Elantra Limited from Hyundai of Brenham. ReproAg on here is your guy.

The window sticker says 40 MPG highway driving, but I found I was consistently in the 46-51 MPG range at speeds between 70 and 77. At one point I even got up above 60 MPG. The Limited trim gave me pretty much all the comforts and quality I wanted for a very affordable price.

How soon are you looking to buy? I may consider selling it.
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Green2Maroon
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7:25p, 5/15/25
AG
Prius will also get you around 40 mpg on the highway. I have a 2017 and it's been an awesome car.
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Dill-Ag13
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7:31p, 5/15/25
AG
That's only 20k a year. Not too insane. I'd obviously look at a Toyota just for deadbeat reliability.

If all steady highway miles I would steer away from a hybrid, they get good fuel economy but they really shine in city traffic and stop and go.

Any specific size requirements? Camry/Corolla. Buy one certified pre owned and a couple years old to stretch your money.
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Green2Maroon
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In reply to Dill-Ag13 • 8:08p, 5/15/25
AG
I'll concede that. I don't do a lot of extended highway trips. But in the city it's incredible with a lot of 55-60 mpg performance.
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TSW2012
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8:14p, 5/15/25
AG
Prius is the move unless you are open to electric then the deals on Tesla M3 are pretty attractive.
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vmiaptetr
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8:58p, 5/15/25
AG
I had a BMW 328d when I was in a similar situation. Diesel engine averaged 45 mpg. I loved that car.
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BrisketTaco10
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In reply to Dill-Ag13 • 9:15p, 5/15/25
AG
All good points. I was looking at 2017-2019 Camry's. I'm a bit concerned about the Covid years, but if I go CPO with Toyota, that may not be as big a worry.

This will be my daily driver and commuter so it has to fit my golf bag. That is one size requirement. My other concern with size is that I haven't driven a car smaller than a Mercury Grand Marquis I bought from my grandmother at age 22.

I didn't live in Houston then, I'm a bit nervous about feeling like a tiny bug on the road that larger cars and trucks won't see, but maybe I'm overthinking that.
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BrisketTaco10
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In reply to vmiaptetr • 9:21p, 5/15/25
AG
Not against a diesel car, at all. What were your costs like on repairs? Are the euros as expensive to maintain as I'm led to believe?
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Tim Weaver
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9:31p, 5/15/25
Radar

Cruise

Control



Don't buy anything without it.
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Green2Maroon
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In reply to BrisketTaco10 • 9:42p, 5/15/25
AG
Overthinking.
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vmiaptetr
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In reply to BrisketTaco10 • 9:42p, 5/15/25
AG
I prepaid for maintenance thru 125k miles when I bought the car. Maintenance interval was every 10k miles, but yeah, it was pricey.

Chevy had a Cruze model that was also equipped with a diesel. I think it got similar gas mileage. Not sure if it is still in production.
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TxAggieBand85
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9:43p, 5/15/25
AG
Have similar commute, I have a hybrid Maverick. Toyota hybrids use same fundamental drivetrain.

On the highway, 36mpg
Heavy traffic 48 - 55 mpg

Good luck to you.
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Green2Maroon
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In reply to TxAggieBand85 • 9:44p, 5/15/25
AG
Those Mavericks are nice.
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TxLawDawg
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10:50p, 5/15/25
AG
I took a job with a long commute many moons ago and was in your same position. Looked for a commuter car with good gas mileage. Someone gave me some great advice - when spending that much of your time in the car comfort is just as important as fuel efficiency (if not more). I ended up buying a used Lexus ES350 and loved it. I averaged about 28 mpg which was about double my truck, but it was extremely comfortable and fun to drive. Plus I had Toyota/Lexus reliability. If I was in your shoes I'd definitely go that route again.
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JSKolache
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12:01a, 5/16/25
AG
Perfect EV use case. Buy a used Tesla from the morons selling them
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TxAggieBand85
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5:31a, 5/16/25
AG
One more thing.

Adaptive cruise, ACC that works in traffic. That lets you set the vehicle to go at speed while dealing with heavy traffic and stop and go.

This is not self driving, but an assist. My foot is on the floor the majority of the time during commute.

Takes a bit of getting used to it.

Many models offer this, Ford, Toyota and GM absolutely do as I've driven all these with ACC.

Make sure vehicle is equipped with ACC and confirm with test drive if this is important to you.
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Unforgiven94
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5:35a, 5/16/25
AG
I also have a hybrid maverick. Got it in the first year model (2022). Since then I've put 37,000 miles on it and have averaged 40 mpg. Bought it specifically for my commute and a little utility thrown in. Been a great vehicle and I plan to keep it long term. Would definitely recommend.
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chap
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In reply to JSKolache • 5:58a, 5/16/25
AG
JSKolache said:
Perfect EV use case. Buy a used Tesla from the morons selling them


Agree. My daily roundtrip is 80 miles. I save about $130/month in charging vs gas.
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TMfrisco
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6:36a, 5/16/25
AG
I have a similar commute and got a F150 Powerboost 3 months ago and get 23+.
For a car, the Lexus ES350 or a Toyota Avalon are great choices blending comfort, features, power and mileage. Those should get you close to 30mpg depending on traffic.
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Aggietaco
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7:01a, 5/16/25
AG
I don't know what your route looks like, but if it's a lot of highway, I would absolutely be looking at a Tesla with FSD.
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FIDO*98*
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7:04a, 5/16/25
AG
My older son has a 2020 Camry SE and younger son a 2022 Accord Sport. I drove each for about a year and a half (I put close to 30K/yr) before passing them down. I liked the Accord much more than the Camry. If you can find a 2.0 Accord, even better. Both boys drove my 2018 Subaru Legacy that was a previous company car and the Subie was great as well. I ended up giving it to my sister for one of her kids and it's still going strong after 150K trouble free miles
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JAW3336
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In reply to JSKolache • 7:47a, 5/16/25
AG
JSKolache said:
Perfect EV use case. Buy a used Tesla from the morons selling them
This all day long. I bought a Model Y 2 years ago and have 43,000 miles on it. I commute 500 miles a week. It is perfect, I never have to mess with gas stations. It is full every morning when I get in. Only maintenance item so far is I just replaced the tires at 40k.

The biggest gamechanger for me? Autosteer. I turn it on when I hit the highway and let the car drive until I am ready to exit. SOOOO much more relaxing.
Attack life, It's going to kill you anyway!
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Ribeye-Rare
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In reply to BrisketTaco10 • 7:51a, 5/16/25
AG
BrisketTaco10 said:
This will be my daily driver and commuter so it has to fit my golf bag. That is one size requirement. My other concern with size is that I haven't driven a car smaller than a Mercury Grand Marquis I bought from my grandmother at age 22.
Find another MGM (2008 - 2011 model years were the last iteration) and call it a day. It's a highway-cruising machine that floats down the road, and you can carry 6 golf bags in the trunk.

No, it won't get 50 mpg, but you can get 27,which ain't bad for a 4,000 lb car with drop-dead reliability.

I put damn near 300,000 miles on my last one, and have over 100,000 miles on my current one. Somebody will be driving it when I'm pushing up daisies, I suspect.
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1agswitchin4lanes
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8:04a, 5/16/25
AG
Lots of choices but that's not that many miles….

I did 63k last year split between a Ford Lightning, Bronco, and Super Duty.
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BBRex
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8:55a, 5/16/25
AG
Aldine? May I suggest a used Altima?
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drumboy
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9:20a, 5/16/25
AG
Welcome to the Tesla-Bro group.

I commute 50+ miles a day straight down 10 against traffic and just using enhanced autopilot, it's much less fatiguing and faster than 95% of cars on the road. You can get older model 3s for way under $20K and there's a used EV rebate up to $4K back.

Model 3 LR & Performance has a battery warranty of 8 years or 120,000 miles so not much risk if you get it still with some warranty.
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TxLawDawg
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In reply to Ribeye-Rare • 10:24a, 5/16/25
AG
Ribeye-Rare said:
BrisketTaco10 said:
This will be my daily driver and commuter so it has to fit my golf bag. That is one size requirement. My other concern with size is that I haven't driven a car smaller than a Mercury Grand Marquis I bought from my grandmother at age 22.
Find another MGM (2008 - 2011 model years were the last iteration) and call it a day. It's a highway-cruising machine that floats down the road, and you can carry 6 golf bags in the trunk.

No, it won't get 50 mpg, but you can get 27,which ain't bad for a 4,000 lb car with drop-dead reliability.

I put damn near 300,000 miles on my last one, and have over 100,000 miles on my current one. Somebody will be driving it when I'm pushing up daisies, I suspect.
I have a 2004 Crown Victoria in pristine shape that I'm about to sell. Has just over 60k miles on the clock and drives like a dream.
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1agswitchin4lanes
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In reply to TxLawDawg • 11:26a, 5/16/25
AG
TxLawDawg said:
Ribeye-Rare said:
BrisketTaco10 said:
This will be my daily driver and commuter so it has to fit my golf bag. That is one size requirement. My other concern with size is that I haven't driven a car smaller than a Mercury Grand Marquis I bought from my grandmother at age 22.
Find another MGM (2008 - 2011 model years were the last iteration) and call it a day. It's a highway-cruising machine that floats down the road, and you can carry 6 golf bags in the trunk.

No, it won't get 50 mpg, but you can get 27,which ain't bad for a 4,000 lb car with drop-dead reliability.

I put damn near 300,000 miles on my last one, and have over 100,000 miles on my current one. Somebody will be driving it when I'm pushing up daisies, I suspect.
I have a 2004 Crown Victoria in pristine shape that I'm about to sell. Has just over 60k miles on the clock and drives like a dream.


Bruhhhhhh
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Dill-Ag13
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In reply to 1agswitchin4lanes • 11:29a, 5/16/25
AG
Like a moth to a flame
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trip98
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11:39a, 5/16/25
AG
IF you go the small truck route...like a maverick...you better get a bed cover to hide your golf clubs.

I'd go very comfortable sedan with a trunk (out of sight, out of mind).

and Aldine....make sure you have a good place for your carry gun
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Whitetail
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12:10p, 5/16/25
AG
I did the math on it for a 500 mile week.

Math when done properly concludes that you need to do the following:
1 maximize MPG
2 minimize cost
3 maximize reliability

5 years ago that I went with:
1 - v6 Camry with 30mpg
2 - 2007 so paid $7k with 60k miles
3 - Toyota so low maintenance and high reliability

If you factor in cost of the car, EV's get knocked out.
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dodger02
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12:13p, 5/16/25
AG
2021 Honda Accord LX

Offer them $22.5k. Drive it until the wheels fall off.
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CivilEng08
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1:10p, 5/16/25
I do a similar commute from Katy to Aldine area in a 5.0 F150. If the cost of fuel is a significant factor for you family, then consider all of these suggestions. But you're going to be spending 12-15 hours a week in traffic driving to and from work, so you better get comfortable and have something you enjoy sitting in. The difference between my 18mpg and an older car getting 30mpg is only about $25 of fuel for your 400 mi/week.
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Matsui
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In reply to CivilEng08 • 2:11p, 5/16/25
AG
FACTS HERE
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