I stumbled upon the G4 last August while taking a walk. I test drove a nicely optioned ES with a CVT, and a less optioned ES with a manual. Enjoyed both. Wound up buying the nicely optioned ES. It had a MSRP w/options just shy of $18k, my loan out the door was just shy of $12k, with $900 for my trade. As far as buying new or used, if you can snag a deal on a new, I'd go that route. As far as commuting-I delivery for Amazon Flex with my G4. I bought it with 39 miles and will have put on 18,000 miles in the past 7 months I've had it. No issues other than a one time very random morning it wouldn't start. Driving to my warehouse is about 18 miles of up/down, fast/slow, stop/go and I average 40-45 mpg routinely. I drive an average of 100 miles a day for work, and have few complaints. The seat could be more comfy, the car is light so it gets blown by cross winds easy, while it does get great MPG it's also very sensitive to using AC, hills, Sport mode, etc. I think my absolute worst tank has been in the high 20's...AC usage, idling, and lots of hills. I average about 35 mpg by the time I'm done for the day. The off line the acceleration makes you plan out crossing busy highways and roads better, but when you are driving in the engine's sweet spot, this car is surprisingly fun and willing to have fun. I use the 'sport' mode daily-it's a 1000 RPM downshift if you need it quickly, or maintains a higher RPM if you leave it in Ds. The car is surprisingly roomy, the turning radius is insanely good, as is visibility. Mine came with the 15 inch rims (handle much better than the stock 14), radio with Apple Car Play/Android Auto/CD player, arm rest/storage, fog lights-all of which I'm glad I have. Oh! I have also been in 4 minor accidents, two with other vehicles, one with a pole and one with a pile of rocks. The first vehicular accident a FORD Edge and I merged into each other at about 35 mph. She had scrapes on her fender, and I had a dent in my fender, and scrapes where the door meets the fender and on my mirror. No other damage, car drives fine. Then shortly after, I backed into a utility pole. I was going slow enough that I heard a pop and stopped. I'd scraped the bumper and the right side popped out. I just popped it back in. Second vehicular I was rear ended by a Dodge Journey going about 30 and I was stopped. I saw him coming. Cracked and scuffed my bumper, but bumper stayed intact. Trunk is fine save for a broken latch. Taillights fine too. You still have to be an alert driver in this car, but you've got a lot more safety than your Civic. I've also seen (in person) a couple of Mirages in offset headon's and the interior cell was intact. I also love the EBD. It helps modulate the brakes for much smoother stops and makes the ABS kick in less. Traction has been could, I've only seen the traction light up a couple of times. I think this would be a good car for you!!
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View my fuel log 2018 Mirage G4 ES 1.2 automatic: 32.5 mpg (US) ... 13.8 km/L ... 7.2 L/100 km ... 39.0 mpg (Imp)