Daily driver recommendations with good MPG?

[gordyzx9r]

Right now my DD is a '98 Isuzu Rodeo.  I get about 20MPG, it has 178K miles on it.  It looks and runs great, most people can't believe how good it looks when they get into it.  We've taken really good care of it.  I had an interview in CA and on off chance I get the job, I'd probably have to get a different DD as the commute would be 45 minutes one way.  Also, I can't get the Rodeo smog tested here to see if it would pass CA emissions and really don't want to risk it.  So, I'd probably sell it and try to get something else.  Would rather buy a used car that I can beat on driving through the Mohave. 


Would really like to find something with at least 30 MPG, but I'm not not too thrilled with some of the ones I've looked at in these articles:

http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/cars/used-cars/buying-advice/best-in-fuel-economy/overview/best-in-fuel-economy.htm

http://jalopnik.com/395885/ten-fuel+efficient-used-cars-you-can-buy-today
 
Saw this today...any idea what it is?

[SuperSix]

Mazda 5?

[$1987 GN$]

Funny how there is a lot of cars left off that list.

AJ___

[SuperSix]

I would look for a VW TDi of gas mileage s that important.

[gordyzx9r]

Funny how there is a lot of cars left off that list.

Every editorial seems to have their favorites:

Hondas, Toyotas, Scions...

This list is pretty wild:

http://jalopnik.com/395885/ten-fuel+efficient-used-cars-you-can-buy-today

10. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 190 Diesel
9. 1987 Honda Civic CRX HF
8. Solectria Force Electric Car
7. 1994 Geo Metro XFi
6. 1983 Ford Ranger XLT Diesel
5. 2004 VW Jetta TDI Station Wagon
4. 1990 Ford Festiva Sport
3. 2001 Honda Insight Hybrid
2. 1987 Toyota MR2
1. 1981 VW Rabbit Pickup

That VW station wagon actually isn't all that bad looking...and it would be able to haul the kids or stuff if I needed it to.

Another list with pretty much the same theme as previous:

http://autos.aol.com/article/best-mpg-used-cars/

[SuperSix]

Me, being the cheap prick I am, would figure out how to get the Rodeo through emissions. Would still be cheaper in the long run, even getting only 20MPG

[gordyzx9r]

Me, being the cheap prick I am, would figure out how to get the Rodeo through emissions. Would still be cheaper in the long run, even getting only 20MPG

Well, if (and it's still a big IF) I land this job I'm thinking I will drop my MT state residence and go with an AL state residence via voter registration, driver's license, and property and "try to maintain some kind of dual state residence in order to keep my vehicles AL emission compliant rather than CA.