I need a commuter car for a 100% flat and straight highway (55-65mph speed limits) 115 mile round trip 14 days a month. Snow and rain are not a factor so AWD is not a big bonus.
Trying to keep it under $24,000 (so that cuts out Toyota and Honda and I hate Nissan).
Right now it's down to either a Subaru Impreza, Crosstrek, Hyundai Kona or maybe a Kia Soul or Mazda CX-3.
Fuel mileage around 33+, room for a 6'2" 185# driver, quiet enough at highway speeds to hear my podcasts.
Cargo space or room for passengers is not a priority but I prefer a crossover/SUV for the size versus a compact hatchback because I'll be sharing the road with a bunch of 3/4 and 1 ton oilfield service pickups that drive like assholes.
Pros of the Subarus are I already have a brand new set of spare tires and wheels that we took off my sons Crosstrek when we installed some off road tires and a 2" lift (it looks cool as shit like that btw).
The Crosstrek/Impreza fit me well and it gets 33 on the hwy. The adaptive cruise control and lane assist stuff is nice on a highway commute.
For the mileage I'll be driving the 36,000 warranty (60,000 drivetrain) only covers me for about 2.5 years and the 120,000 extended is about $2750 (but I could probably negotiate that down if I buy a leftover 2020 now that the 2021's are out).
Mazda CX-3 is comfy, has adaptive cruise, good mileage and a 36,000 warranty 60,000 drivetrain. I've never owned a Mazda though.
Hyundai Kona and Kia Soul are both highly regarded little crossovers with good mileage, 100,000 drivetrain warranty. They fit me well and seem well made for the price. They have plenty of drive assists but no adaptive cruise. Again, never owned one (always been a Japanese car guy).
All the dealers are equal distance away from me and all are about the same when it comes to sales and service.
Anyone have experience with any of these on the highway?
Anyone have any 2000 mile a month experience with any of them?