Long story short I sold the Lexus RX350 a few months ago. At the time it was the right move but now I need to backfill its position But I dont Really love anything. I am starting g a new position that will require A 46 mile commute each way 4 days a week. Yes it’s a long commute but it is also a 4 day work week. I will take it. I am back in central Texas whcih is also a bonus.
the Tacoma is a great truck but it is not great in traffic or on fuel to be honest. I plan on Keeping it long term because I always like to have a 4x4 for my outdoor activities. But it so t be good as a long term commuter.
my wife and I have rented a few cars over the past few months for long term evaluations.
my requirements are safety with my short attention span, at 52 I know my vision and response time is declining, .meaning I want dynamic cruise control preferably with stop and go. With the number of miles a greater than 30 mpg overall rating would make the purchase mean something financially.
cost..I wish cash was advantageous because I am prefers g to pay cash form26 k or less I can afford more but I don’t have any need to buy what I can afford And waste cash On nore than I need, my goal in the next 6 years is to pay off my home while continuing my retirement savings rate. I do t carry any debt besides the house. Ang Plan to vacation and take fishing trips to stay sane, not living like monk. So some weekends it will get a trip to the coast where I will take a charter out. And need to carry some tackle and ice chest and luggage.
Hyundai Tuscon. I like the way these drive and they have a traditional 8 speed auto. They get good mileage the new power train seems promising. my wife says the technology interface works better than the 2021 lexus, and I agree.
toyota cross hybrid_ if I can find one, i have been watching the late model used market closely.
toyota Corolla hatchback ( matrix comeback )
honda CRV. not a fan of the 1.5 turbo
honda civic..same.
one of my favorites..the Mazda 3 hatchback.
I have also looked at bmw x1s with interest
the only thing keeping me from goi g real cheap out and getting a 6-7 k manual tranny Kia soul is the safety and convenience features I want for the longer commute.
input in this soulless search for practicality is appreciated.