Not to turn this blog into a consumer forum, but here’s an idea:
» Purchase 2WD Honda Element with accessories: $20,363
» Purchase Honda Metropolitan scooter with accessories: $2,240
» Total: $22,603
Drive both 50% of the time:
» Honda Element highway/city MPG: 24 MPG
» Honda Metropolitan scooter MPG: ~90 MPG
» Combined car/scooter MPG: ~57 MPG
That would save you $2,397 over the fortwo Smart car and get 14 more miles per gallon.
The accessory list for the scooter included a rear carrier rack, a trunk (that a bit generous), a windshield, and a helmet. I suppose a good hefty lock would be necessary. The accessory list for the Element was a automatic transmission, a trailer hitch (I have a hitch mounted bike rack), a roof rack/luggage basket, keyless entry, and a rear power outlet. I didn’t add a CD player.
Skip buying the scooter and ride the bus 50% of the time. Your virtual MPG is 48 and you would save $4,637 to pay for that CD player, gas, and your bus fare. (This assumes that the bus was going to be driving the route you would take, whether you were on it or not, and that your impact on the bus’ MPG is negligible.)
Lastly, your choice doesn’t have to be an Element and a Metropolitan. It could be a combination like a Suburu and a Vespa scooter. I just like the Element.