Thinking about buying a cruiser/commuter

[aquariuscsm]

I've been thinking about buying a slightly larger *practical* 2nd vehicle to do my commutes and road trips in. Here's the ones I'm interested in. Any owning experience pros and cons would be great. I'm wanting comfort,reliability,durability and decent,but not extraordinary fuel economy. Something I can drive the wheels off of and keep for a very long time (as you can see in my sig,I keep my cars for a VERY long time). Year models I'm looking at are 2006-2010. Not too old but not too new and pricey.

Nissan Sentra SR
Lexus IS-250
Honda Ridgeline
Toyota Tacoma V6
Toyota Corolla S
Toyota Camry V6
Accord 2dr V6

I'm liking the Lexus IS-250 the best. And they're surprisingly cheap with low miles.

 

[RooflessVW]

The IS is the on I'd chose from your list as well, but I would personally)y step up the the IS350.

 

[pandus13]

toyota venza: most describe it as a Camry wagon....

 

[nyumski]

toyota tacoma V6 is one of a good choice, typically toyota but dont know if u buy latest model, i think here is slight problem about the automatic transmission..

please do some research

 

[Dino01]

Originally Posted By: pandus13
toyota venza: most describe it as a Camry wagon....
great car, AWD V6 is a perfect cruiser

 

[PandaBear]

IS would be perfect if you are not worried too much about periodic carbon buildup issue. It should last between 30-90k before it shows up, and the Lexus OEM new pistons only slows it down rather than eliminate it. So walnut shell blasting is probably in the future.

The newer 2.0t engine and the older IS350 with dual injection has no problem. If you don't mind buying newer ones I'd pick those.

Your list is all over the place, if you are just buying a commuter why so many V6?

 

[Virtus_Probi]

Originally Posted By: JEL01
Originally Posted By: pandus13
toyota venza: most describe it as a Camry wagon....
great car, AWD V6 is a perfect cruiser


Not completely sure if it's the same system, but the AWD in my '06 RAV4 V6 was problematic...I liked the vehicle a lot otherwise. The local independent Toyota repair specialist told me they same very pricey repair I needed over and over.
Think the Venza was a tad heavier and slower, but either one in 2WD should be fun to drive and reliable with good utility.

 

[SeaJay]

The sentra and corolla seem out of place in that lineup, sizewise.

 

[Lolvoguy]

Originally Posted By: aquariuscsm
I've been thinking about buying a slightly larger *practical* 2nd vehicle to do my commutes and road trips in.

Toyota Camry V6
Accord 2dr V6


IMHO these are the only vehicles I'd recommend from your list.
Comfy~ish, powerful, and quiet. I'd also recommend the Avalon and late model Impala

All vehicles that won't beat you up after hours in the drivers seat.