Which Commuter?

[DQ2]

Hi PH,

I'm about to get a new job that will require an hours motorway journey each way. I was looking for something reasonably economical (35+ mpg,) preferably automatic & reasonably quick. Unfortunately my budget isn't great & I cant really afford to spend more than 5k.

A few examples I have been looking at are as follows:

E320 CDI
530d
330d
C320 CDI

At the top of my list is reliability at the moment, do you have any suggestions other than the above, or should I discount any of them ?

Thank you

DQ2

[DQ2]

Another couple of cars I might consider are the DSG 2.0 TFSI Leon FR or Golf GTI as they are petrol & near enough meet my requirements. Which of these in your opinions would be the best for the job?

[300bhp/ton]

I think it depends how much of a cruiser vs how sporty you want it to be.

With a £5k budget you might be able to look at some LPG converted cars as well as some other options.

Personally I'm more a Jag man, so would possibly be considering a diesel S-Type if I wanted a comfy cruiser. Or even a Chrysler 300C (assuming they are in budget, I've not looked).

[willmagrath]

DQ2 said:

Hi PH,

I'm about to get a new job that will require an hours motorway journey each way. I was looking for something reasonably economical (35+ mpg,) preferably automatic & reasonably quick. Unfortunately my budget isn't great & I cant really afford to spend more than 5k.

A few examples I have been looking at are as follows:

E320 CDI
530d
330d
C320 CDI

At the top of my list is reliability at the moment, do you have any suggestions other than the above, or should I discount any of them ?

Thank you

DQ2

I'm in the same boat as you, have a long commute to contend with soon. I also have the same budget, maybe a bit more if i push it. However i'm saving for a house deposit and 500 miles a week will add up in fuel cost.

So ive been looking at 330d's with the manual box as it improves mpg a lot! 45mpg on a run. Also looking at 320d and 120d's. Preferably the 120 as they have 15 more hp and better on fuel. They also remap very well.

I also looked at the leon fr and golf gti but apparently on a run you have to be very careful to get 35mpg, and if you hit traffic its game over!

[DoubleD]

I had a MK5 Golf GTI DSG, used to get 30mpg on a run if fairly careful. Had a fair few reliability problems with it as well. I swapped it for a manual E92 330d which was a fantastic car in the motorway, especially after I had a remap done on it! The car never missed a beat. I used to get 43mpg.

[va1o]

Mk5 GTI is a great car but don't really think it would be suitable for this sort of requirement. The MPG will get on your nerves and you'll not really get much opportunity to use its full power during a dull commute. Stick to a diesel auto

[so called]

Two hours per day motorway and we are asking "depends how sporty you want in".
Between crawling along in the requested automatic and decent acceleration when it frees to open up, you could by any 2.0 tdi and enjoy yourself.
Just look for something with reasonable mileage in a shape/ style you like.
They are all very similar. It's actually down to the driver how much you enjoy motorway driving.

And thar doesn't mean undertaking.
Motorway driving is a skill of its own.

[300bhp/ton]

so called said:

Two hours per day motorway and we are asking "depends how sporty you want in".
Between crawling along in the requested automatic and decent acceleration when it frees to open up, you could by any 2.0 tdi and enjoy yourself.
Just look for something with reasonable mileage in a shape/ style you like.
They are all very similar. It's actually down to the driver how much you enjoy motorway driving.

And thar doesn't mean undertaking.
Motorway driving is a skill of its own.

So you missed the bit where they talked about a Leon or Golf GTI then? And while they might be commuting on a motorway. That doesn't mean the car might not be used for other roads and uses too.