Sometimes you just need a car to get you to and from work every day. Commuter cars may not be the flashiest mode of transportation but they can be a great way to save money, allowing you to spend your money on something a bit more special. Commuter cars are reliable, fuel-efficient and inexpensive to own and operate but these rise above the rest for racking on miles.
2012 Honda Civic – $10,000
A favorite of the recently-graduated everywhere, the Honda Civic is basically the commuter car. The Civic is eminently reliable, fuel-efficient, highly available and actually fairly fun to drive. While Honda models generally carry a premium based on their reputation, the sheer number of available models makes it easy to find one with reasonable mileage under $10,000. This particular example from Texas is an 2012 EX model with just about 72,000 miles for $10,000. Find a Honda Civic for sale
If you’re dead set on buying a new car for commuting, the Chevy Spark may be your best bet thanks to Chevy‘s ever-present special offers and dealer incentives. While nobody will want to carpool with you, the Spark is actually quite comfortable and feature-filled, with minimal wind noise and a suspension that helps isolate you from the nation’s neglected streets. You also get automatic headlights and standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto along with a 7-in touchscreen. This particular model is brand spanking new, with only three miles on the odometer, and it’s equipped with a 5-speed transmission. Find a Chevrolet Spark for sale
The Rio has come a very long way from its initial introduction to the American market. Like many Kia models, the Rio has come a very long way recently and newer models have simple but modern-looking interiors that can make you forget that you’re trying to save money. This hatchback model that’s only a year old with 12,000 miles will fit more of your stuff, making it an excellent commuter car. Find a Kia Rio for sale
The Fiat 500e may be a bit of a rarity in many parts of the country but it’s one of the most affordable electric commuter cars available. The 500e has plenty of pep with the 111-horsepower electric motor and its 84-mile range should be plenty for those using it to commute. The only downside is that the 500e was only sold in California and Oregon but this 2016 model with only 10,000 miles is available through Carvana so it can be shipped anywhere in the country. Find a Fiat 500e for sale
If you’d rather have an SUV, the Ford Escape is a great option for less than $10,000. The Escape is known for its rather nice driving characteristics along with its ready availability and large cargo space. This 2013 model comes in right at $10,000 and gets a solid 32 miles per gallon on the highway. Find a Ford Escape for sale
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We owned a Chevy Sonic Hatchback for a time. With the turbo motor and the manual transmission, it was a surprisingly excellent little car.
Good article. Maybe see if you can find something interesting with a budget up to $20K. Nothing crazy, but a good solid, fun, reliable and interesting car in that budget. Thanks.
Volkswagen GTI