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I have not posted in a while, lost my job back in July and spent the next 3 months studying for the CPA. Finally got back to work 3 weeks ago, but my commute is now about 27 miles and only bearable if I take the freeway. Obviously my car is not made for this type of driving so I may look at alternatives eventually. I was able to get 50MPG on the last tank by pulsing to 65 and easing off the accelerator for an extended glide (not sure if that is the right way to say it) to 50/55MPH depending on traffic around me. I prefer not to switch to N as over the trip that can be between 150-200 cycles round trip and I have to pay attention since there is quite a bit of traffic.

For now i think the numbers are as good as they get given the commute, but I would be interested in a vehicle that could cruise at 65MPH and get high 40s or possybly even 50MPG. Have not been paying attention to these forums or new vehicles that have come out. Any suggestions once I am ready to upgrade? Prefer a smaller car, don't need anyother full size, although dont mind if it has rear seats as long as I can get decent mileage.

As for the company, I am working for First Solar, which is awesome as I look forward to going to work rather than something that one has to do. Never thought I could find a company that would overshaddow the long commute.

Sorry to hear about your job loss, but it sounds like you are happier now. So Congrats!

The #1 car that come to mind is the 2011 Sonata. Wayne is doing The 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Transcontinental Challenge (http://www.cleanmpg.com/forums/showthread.php?t=37074) now and getting outstanding mileage. But he mentioned a great deal he saw on a billboard for a 2011 Hyundai Sonata GLS in Texas. I think it was $17,888.

Good Luck

The mileage looks good, but looking to keep it at about 12-14k. Taxes and fees would probably make the sonata $20k or so. May have to look at used diesel vehicles as those tend to do good at higher speeds.

Just factor in the potential for $4 to $5 gas though with the diesel premium and maintenance cost. The Elantra is going to be in your price range too and it should easily get well over 50 mpg with some finesse.

I think your best bet would be to grab a 2010 Elantra with a manual. Since the 2011's are out, their are big incentives on the 2010's, and you should be able to pick one up for 12-14 with no problem. I just checked a local dealers website, and they have one with an MSRP of 14685. With incentives it's under $12K. Of course, that's a pretty base unit(like a pure). But even the well equipped ones can be had for under $14K.
Other than that, a Yaris should also fit the bill for you.
BTW, i traded in one of my 2 smarts for a Suzuki Kizashi.

the Elantra 2011 sounds good, but the prices are along the same price as the sonata which you said is also 17k. I do not need many options base plus AC is fine for me. I would go with the 2010 as well, but would regret not getting the 6 speed in the long run. I may wait a year or two and pick one up used. There is always someone who changes their mind and sells for a few thousand off. It may take that long to convice my wife.

Around here a used Prius is pretty easy to find in that price range. I would want you to take an extended drive in one first to make sure the ergonomics work. The '04-'09 would make that kind of FE a cake walk, but taller people can have trouble getting comfortable.

Around here a used Prius is pretty easy to find in that price range. I would want you to take an extended drive in one first to make sure the ergonomics work. The '04-'09 would make that kind of FE a cake walk, but taller people can have trouble getting comfortable.

I thought about that, but thought the Prius does really well off the freeway, and not so well at higher speeds.

Gabe, I'm not sure what you mean by "not so well at higher speeds" but many many 2nd gen Prius drivers have found that 60mpg is attainable at 60mph in decent weather without much more than careful DWL.

Of course, if you can get your hands on an Insight 5spd, it will destroy those numbers on the highway. ;)

Most of my driving for the last four years has been on the highway. Easy suburban driving is where the really high numbers (65mpg+) come from, but the car has no trouble achieving 50mpg+ on the interstate as long as speeds are not excessive. I just keep to the right lane at the PSL (usually 65mph around here) and DWL when traffic allows. There are several good tricks (warp stealth, super highway mode) to take the numbers toward and even into the 60's.

Will have to keep that in mind. The speed limit is 65 here with most in the 70-75MPH range. With the smart my avg MPH is about 60 excluding traffic spots - more for safety then efficiency. The car gets thrown around quite a bit fighting the wind. The insigh may not be bad either, but prices are usually high and they are difficult to find. Does anyone know how well 2010 Elantra does in real word light high speed hypermiling? they have some great deals on those, although no MT left.

I can't speak for the 2010 AT Elantra, but my wife's 2006 AT Elantra won't come close to your goals. I can nurse 42 mpg out of it on long freeway trips, but I have to P&G to get that, and keep my speeds down. Cruise control at 60 mph only gets about 38.5 mpg. A 27 mile trip w/o P&G would probably net low to mid 30 mpg averages.

Will have to keep that in mind. The speed limit is 65 here with most in the 70-75MPH range. With the smart my avg MPH is about 60 excluding traffic spots - more for safety then efficiency. The car gets thrown around quite a bit fighting the wind. The insigh may not be bad either, but prices are usually high and they are difficult to find. Does anyone know how well 2010 Elantra does in real word light high speed hypermiling? they have some great deals on those, although no MT left.

Here is one right here.
http://www.cochran.com/new/Hyundai/2010-Hyundai-Elantra-77974a280a0a0065004b50119974a753.htm?useHistory=true

I did a search on autotrader and it found 432 2010 new elantras with manual tranny.
I don't know where you live, but if you are willing to travel a bit you may find one.

Another possibility would be a Suzuki SX4 hatchback in either FWD or AWD. They have a 6 sped manual, and new 2010's are out there for 12-14K. They also have a good warranty like the Hyundai's do. I haven't driven our 2009 SX4 AWD very much(wife uses it), but have easly gotten it into the high 30's. With sufficient time in the drivers seat, i think it has 40's in it.