Looking to buy an older late 90's early 00's commuter since I retired from the USMC got a new job with a 60 Mile commute from my house...I'll eventually be getting my own company van to drive to and from if the job works out, but have to pay dues first, but I don't want to rack up that many miles on the wife's 2012 TDI in the meantime, and the 98 Montero with the 33's...forget about it..

I'm looking for something comfortable and hopefully fun, since I'll be spending at least 2 hours a day in it. Commute is 98% highway miles ave speed on the 15 south in AM is 80MPH and in the eve possibly stuck in traffic adding 15-20 minutes to commute..Looking to get 28 MPG highway minimum.

Budget: $2500-3500 (low, yes but it is what it is)

When it comes to cars I'm partial to Euros for some reason, probably the tight handling..Maybe a jetta or passat with the 1.8 turbo, seen late 90's 3 and 5 series BMW's in my range not sure on these long term (maint?) I like the basic styling that seems to be somewhat timeless..Maybe I need to throw cool out the window and go with reliability and fuel economy?

What Say you wire?