Well for a commuter car I would pick the ’03 or ’04 Honda Accord V6 coupe 6MT. Or maybe the Mazda 6 they say it’s one of the best handling mid-size sedans around and they look good too.

 

I'm tending toward Z06's thoughts. I've seen the rest, thoguht about it for myself, looked at the P'TCruiser for a beatermobile and the Subaru Baja Sport (cheaper version). But I've test driven all the Mazda 6's, and for all around comfort, room and handling and mileage would be the Mazda 6 with a four cyl. and a 5MT. Great car. V6 isn't bad either, but less mileage per gallon.

Alternatives? I'd say get rid of the G eventually if you want and sub an RX8. Can't hurt to drive one for a while? Saw a bright yellow 6 spd on the road just this morning; talked with the driver. He loves it, so does his wife.

Z06 is also right about one thing, unless your commute is a beaut (and his is not; the roads he takes are mostly awful), it's almost not worth it to beat up your good ride. Of course, there are those who say a car is a car. Or, if you have a good car, why let it rot in the garage, blah, blah, blah.

Your choice. Me, I'd go the RX8 or Mazda 6 route (selling the G or buying a beater alternatives). Drive on, and enjoy!

BONDg35c

 

My next car will probably be a Mercedes. Something like a CLK 500.

04 Sedan. Obs. Black W/ Willow. Premium, Navigation, Sport Tuned. 35% Tint on sides, 20% back, K @ N, Brand Spankin New.

 

The only other car I considered before I bought the G was a used stock Supra TT. The with the money I saved buying a used car - mod that baby up to the 500HP level those punks talk about on their Supra forums.

Even with the silly rear wing, this car is a looker - kind of rare too.

G35 6MT/DG/Fully Loaded
[i]HyperGround Kit
350Z intake duct
K&N drop-in
Aluminum pedals
50%-35% smoke tint

 

Why don't you just buy out your g from the lease and put on as many miles as you want...is that an option?
Or get a miata as a beater...doesnt' use much gas, fun to use on sunny days...plenty used ones availiable...

 

Thanks for all the great feedback ---

I Work in Orange California - moved from OC to Temecula after buying the G35 - so wasn't meant to be a commuter car. after all the feedback, here are my thoughs.

1. Mazda 6 or Honda Accord would be a great commuter, but I was trying to stay under 20k for a commuter and It would have to be parked outside all the time too...

2. I could just pay off the G35 and keep driving it. That is definitely an option... the Coupe is actually a great commuter. but I still don't like putting all those miles on it.

3. I do 2 young have kids, but I can say that they have only been in my car 2 or 3 times max in the last year I have had the Coupe, and never with an adult too. (I already have a GMC Yukon XL)

4. I would really like to use a motorocycle as second mode of transport, but it just isn't worth the risk (not of a accident, but my wife leaving me ;-)

I will keep everyone informed as a come closer to my decision... If I do get the commuter I need to do it soon.

Kev

G35 Coupe / Premium / Nav
Ivory Pearl / Willow Leather
SSR GT3 19"s w/ Bridgestone SO-3

 

hello: i kinda in the same boat, but for different resaon, i put on way too much miles on the G, just hit 6000 mark yesterday, had G since 6-24, at that rate, after one year i would have about 22,000 miles on it, and my commute to work is less than 10 miles!!! just cant stop driving it......so i thouhgt about getting second car, would diffintily like to have an FATBOY but i am too chicken chit to ride it...anyway the car that i consider in my price range are the honda element and toyo's prius, both have lots of room and lQQks good, well not sure bout prius tho, since i have not see the 04's but you
cant beat 50 mpg in city and element have lots of cargo space and washable floor, and in my option it lQQk very nice.

when your lease is up, why dont you consider get an 05's G and get some beater for commute, thats if you still like the G then...s.w.

03 coupe 5AT DG/G premium,performance