FAUEE

I'm with the "just rent a car when you take this trip" group. You could rent a car for probably 30-40 bucks per day, and put miles on their car not yours.

And this is outside of what you're asking, but I'm just gonna throw my experience out there for you. When I moved to NC, my gf at the time and I had been dating for 5 years, living together for 4 years. It was a 12 hour drive each way (600-700 miles), and initially we had much the same plans as you for visiting. The reality of it is that doesn't actually happen, you'll find yourself really only visiting when you have 5+ days off in a row, because the travel is really 2 days of that. I wish you guys the best, but I would give it a few months before buying a new vehicle to see how often you actually do visit.

raspyc6

^the most reasonable post of all. The honeymoon phase of all this is a real bitch when the novelty of it all runs out. Rent for now and if you find she's the one you gotta have go from there.

ck9887

Agreed fellas...

I'm the type to research & do my homework when it comes to a decent size purchase... So that's the stage I'm at right now, researching. So when the time is right, I'll know exactly what I'm looking for.

FAUEE

Again... my personal experience speaking here. If she's the one for you, don't waste your time with this. Just move with her. It's incredibly difficult to make it work when you both start to lead independent lives from each other. In my situation, we made it work for 2 years, she would come visit for breaks from grad school, I'd come visit for some holidays, we tried to make it work as best we could. But the reality of it was that we both grew into our own separate lives, friends, etc. That's how jealousy and resentment start, and that's how relationships die. One thing I learned the hard way was that going somewhere for a better job and a better life only is better for you, both for both of you. The fruits of my new job were things that she was initially supportive of, and was accepting of overall, but ended up causing a rift between us.

So like I said before, if she's the one, go with her, even if it means losing the toys.

ck9887

Sound advice... Probably what I plan on doing but a few things would have to pan out for that to happen.

J3TVETTE

How about a Honda Fit (hatch)

ck9887

I considered one briefly... But 2011-12 models were only rated at 28/35mpg I believe. Not very impressive for such a compact car.

MVR 155

Assuming you we're to drive around 4000 miles per month on this car (3 trips per month plus some additional driving???)

A car getting 40mpg's would cost about $225/ month in fuel assuming a cost of $2.25/gallon

A car getting 30 mpg's would cost $300/ month in fuel assuming the same price of $2.25/gallon.

Is $75/month really that big of a deal??? I think as long as you are driving something pretty economical that can go on regular gas you will be fine.

I have to say that I agree with the suggestions on rental cars, make sure that this is a sure thing before buying another car, absorbing depreciation, maintenance, registration and insurance. Best of luck with things!!!!

the kid C6

I suspect there will be a lot of VWs available after the terms of the settlement were announced. VW is going to buy back a lot of cars!

There's always Greyhound.

ck9887

I did a little research on the VW's... It seems the bottom line is they just aren't as reliable as some of the other choices. Some people seemed to have great luck with them while others had nothing but problems. Not really wanting to take that gamble.

GTOguy

As a mechanic who works on all makes, I'll throw in my opinion. Our shop has a 2002 Prius that has been rock solid and has never needed batteries. That said, it gets about 40mpg average, and eats tires. For maximum bang-for-the-buck, any 4 cylinder Camry or Corolla will get you what you need....excellent economy and bulletproof reliability. The German cars have problematic electronics and don't stay oil tight after 100k miles. Any Honda product would also fill the bill, although Honda's are more complex and over-engineered than a Toyota. For something you can drive the wheels off of, and get 300,000 miles out of, it's Toyota for sure. Japanese cars vary in quality, and from best to worst are: Lexus/Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Mazda, Hyundai, Subaru, and Isuzu. Good luck.

64drvr

To be very frank and in your best interest, don't invest money in this. The situation is too volatile. Plently of married military couples have large challenges, I wouldn't get too emotionally or financially invested over a long distance relationship with a girlfriend.

Why did she join the navy?
How long have you dated?
Were you consulted with before she committed?


If she asked you to move with her it would be different.

Do the rental car option for now.

And to answer your question- I would buy a TDI over a prius every day.

White Out

Tdi

ck9887

The research I did steered me away from the TDI... Some owners had great luck with them while others did not. Just not worth the gamble. Also, the Focus hatch is out. Those automatic transmissions we extremely problematic. So it looks like I'm back to the Prius.

GTOguy

As a mechanic, I would advise against a TDI for long-term reliability and maintenance. They self-destruct after about 90k miles. Again, a Corolla or Camry is a far better (and cheaper) choice than a Prius for over-the-road use. Your decision, though.

ck9887

I need the hatchback style configuration though ...

GTOguy

Honda Fit or Toyota Highlander...or Toyota Matrix.

ck9887

Just looked up MPG rating on a 2013 Matrix (I'll be buying used) and they are rated at 26/32... Certainly not as good as I'm looking for. Decent but not great. Even less for the highlander. When I was considering the focus, they are rated at 38-40hwy, but the problematic DCT auto steered me away.

GTOguy

I rented a Focus for a long trip this year, and got caught in a bad situation on a detour with rough dirt roads, etc. That car performed so well and got such good economy in total comfort I was tempted to buy one when I got back. Good cars. A friend of mine has an '06 Matrix, and we drive it to Reno over the Sierras every year....it averages 39mpg at about 80 mph and holds all kinds of gear. 6 speed manual....it's the high perf version and is a blast to drive. He went from Bakersfield to Reno and back again on something like 9 gallons of gas. Insane. Seeing where you stand, I agree with the others at this point: rent a car each time you take a trip. Heck, you can rent a different one each time and see what suits you best and then make your choice later on if everything works out.

GTOguy

Correction: Ford FUSION, not Focus!