Long commute - car options

[Michaelburbridge]

Hi everyone,

I'm new to the forum, but have seen some of the really useful advice dished out here to others, and thought I'd seek some specific advice for my situation.

Basically, I'm going to be changing job soon, and after being a train commuter for some time now, I'll soon be driving a daily round trip of 120 miles. I currently own an old Yaris, which isn't going to cut it on a long commute.

I want the usual; something that is good on mpg, reliable, low on tax, decent number of gadgets so I don't get bored (iPod connection, at least) and, possibly most importantly, comfortable enough that I don't resent my commute.

I reckon I've got around £4-5K to spend, so I was thinking maybe a Golf tdi, or a skoda octavia, or a Volvo s40. Or should I be looking further afield? Possibly a focus, Honda Civic or something else...?

Or, should I consider financing, and go for something new or nearly new? There are so many options, I'm a little lost!

Any help much appreciated!

[Deerfoot]

The Volvo S60 D5 has a lot of fans on this forum for jobs like this. If you pop down to the Volvo section there's a thread runing with loads of info. I think the engine of choice is the Euro3 one with the black cam cover....

I did a 100 mile round trip commute for 18 months in a Polo TDI, it was OK but in hindsight I'd have been better off in a larger car. Comfort is key for those kinds of distances I think.

[Deerfoot]

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

Here you go....

[ZX10R NIN]

Long commuter cars should be autos IMO then you don't have to worry about clutches DMF's etc but if you want a comfortable manual then I'd say a Mondeo in Titanium X form will hit the spot but the do hold their money well in comparison to other models. in class.

2009 74k 2.0 Titanium X 140bhp FSH

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...

Or if you don't mind the looks, late Renault Laguna's are a bit of a steel:

2008 2.0 Laguna Dynamique 72k 150bhp FSH (this comes in under budget)
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...

2009 2.2 Mazda 6 Sport 80k 182bhp FSH
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...

2008 2.0 Mazda 6 Sport 74k 140bhp PSH (Under budget)
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...

This would be my pick:

2005 C320cdi Avantgarde SE 78k 225bhp FSH (make sure the gearbox fluid has been changed every 40k)
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2015...

Edited by ZX10R NIN on Wednesday 7th September 01:52

[Wombat3]

You'll pick up an E90 BMW 320D in decent shape for that money

Any diesel can be prone to Turbo or clutch problems (especially if blessed with a DM flywheel) so look for one that has had its oil changed regularly & listen for the clutch release bearing making a racket,

[Michaelburbridge]

Thanks for the replies. What about something like a BMW 1 series, or even a Toypta Avenses - the latter seem to be used by lots of taxi drivers, so they must be good.

[crazy about cars]

I've also just started new job with 80 miles/day commute although through very comgested roads which takes me around 1.5-2 hours each way. It's bearable most days but some days with traffic and bad weather it can get a bit tedious.

Agree with the advice about being auto, it just takes some of the stress out of the drive. However I'd go for something reliable and last thing you want after long day commuting is a breakdown...

Currently own a M135i which is ok but might think about looking at something diesel and comfy. Ideally would also like AWD as sometimes I take A/B roads to avoid traffic. I'd also definitely go for a car with decent stereo as I really do rely on that to make my journey bearable.

Finding it hard replacing current car though, I've been thinking of going down the PCP route as that would mean I'd get a new car but unsure of costs etc as I've never leased before.

Edited by crazy about cars on Wednesday 7th September 07:00

[ZX10R NIN]

Michaelburbridge said:

Thanks for the replies. What about something like a BMW 1 series, or even a Toypta Avenses - the latter seem to be used by lots of taxi drivers, so they must be good.

The 1 Series isn't a car I'd want to be in for long commutes go straight to a 3 series, the Toyota's diesel engine is not good, the 2.0 BMW diesels are a bit of a lottery with timing chain issues try to go for a 3.0d with an auto box it'll be a more relaxing drive.

Not sure if you need four doors?

All of these below are reliable but like any car check their maintenance history,

BMW 330d M Sport
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...

BMW 535d M Sport
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...

Audi A4 3.0tdi S Line Convertible
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...

Mercedes C320 Avantgarde SE
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...

Mercedes E280 Sport
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...

E280 Avantgarde
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...


If you want newer then again take a look at the Fords.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...

[GreatGranny]

Most of the above apart from the Mondy will be quite expensive to run and repair IMO.

A 2.0 litre diesel is quite sufficient for a 120 mile a day commute and will return 50+ mpg.

S40 with the 2.0 engine would be ok but not the most inspiring to drive.
VW Jetta seem to cheaper than the Golf
Civic with the 2.2 engine

Edited by GreatGranny on Thursday 8th September 07:41

[anonymous-user]

Octavia mk1 tdi 130, great car laps up miles.

[ZX10R NIN]

Why would you think that? Most of those 3.0d have a single turbo same as the 2.0 using a specialist cuts the labour costs on the Marque cars, for example my 320cdi engine is used in every Mercedes so parts prices are very reasonable not that it's needed anything outside the usual maintenance items, apart from new bushes & gearbox flush. My services are usually around the £200.00 mark, but I do agree that twin turbos & 4WD cars have the potential for higher repair costs.

The above be more to run than the Mondeo (these are good underrated cars) I listed at the top of the thread but not by a huge margin.

So OP have you decided on what type of car you're looking for?

[Michaelburbridge]

Thanks for the replies fellas. So, I'm not thinking maybe a focus. I've had work pool cars many times, and whenever I get a focus it is always good fun to drive and quite comfortable. What are your thoughts? Maybe something like this...

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...

Or...

[Michaelburbridge]

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...

Thoughts?

[Michaelburbridge]

The thing is that we've already got a family car - smax for our three kids - and so I'm reluctant to buy anything large like an e class, 3 series or mondeo. Id like a car that's smaller than those - hence the focus, s40 and 1 series mentioned above - but just as comfortable. I'm in a bit of a quandary!!

[ZX10R NIN]

The 1.8 isn't the best, the 1.6 isn't bad but the gearing isn't as relaxed as the 2.0 so to that end I'd take a look at these:

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...

[H6Nathan]

I do about 140 miles a day commuting following a recent role change at work and have gone down the leasing route. I've ended up in a Passat GT Estate at £245pm 6+23 10k pa. Excess miles are 7.2ppm, but this can be reduced to 3.6ppm with a call to VW Financial Services once you are into the lease.

So all up, in a brand new car I will be paying around £4300 per year/£358. Car is returning 50-60mpg.

You are looking at about 30k pa which is significant mileage for a second hand car and will kill any residuals over 2 or 3 years. Plus over that distance reliability & MPG & comfort & long service intervals are your main priorities.

Oh, and Adaptive Cruise is a wonderful thing and the city braking does reduce your insurance costs.

Have a good read of the leasing thread loads of helpful information here to make an informed decision - http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

The only caveat I guess is taking on a financial commitment straight after starting a new job. Mine was a role change so I didn't have any probation period issues to consider.