save me from my awful city commute
Discussion
Hello!
I'm new to the forum and I'm pretty new to learning about cars, being the only girl in a family of car mad boys. As such, I have watched a lot of episodes of Top Gear but still don't know what torque means…
The thing is that when I moved in with my partner a year ago I took on the mother of all school runs - an hour and a half round trip twice a day in traffic that has been called the worst in England. It is like playing a not particularly fun video game, with enraged drivers breaking every rule in the Highway code, cyclists pelting round blind corners on the wrong side of the road and people even occasionally ACTUALLY gnashing their teeth at one. Apparently it doesn't just happen in cartoons.
Morale is crashing, not least because I do this in a 2005 prius. Fuel consumption is not bad (35 mph) but it lurches around with an unfathomable dullness.
So my question is this, can anyone recommend a fun family car that will make this school run less tiring and more enjoyable? It does need to go on the motorway occasionally and boot space would be useful.
I used to belong to the classic car club (those were the days) and enjoyed driving the porsches, the lotus elise and the Alpha 157. I do like my creature comforts and, perhaps because I'm a girl, I'm not that concerned about speed, so long as it will actually keep up in normal traffic.
I have the value of the prius to spend - probably around £4000. Running costs need to be good.
I was interested that someone in a similar thread suggested a 924 for commuting. So tempted! Is this a good idea?
All ideas gratefully received!
I'm new to the forum and I'm pretty new to learning about cars, being the only girl in a family of car mad boys. As such, I have watched a lot of episodes of Top Gear but still don't know what torque means…
The thing is that when I moved in with my partner a year ago I took on the mother of all school runs - an hour and a half round trip twice a day in traffic that has been called the worst in England. It is like playing a not particularly fun video game, with enraged drivers breaking every rule in the Highway code, cyclists pelting round blind corners on the wrong side of the road and people even occasionally ACTUALLY gnashing their teeth at one. Apparently it doesn't just happen in cartoons.
Morale is crashing, not least because I do this in a 2005 prius. Fuel consumption is not bad (35 mph) but it lurches around with an unfathomable dullness.
So my question is this, can anyone recommend a fun family car that will make this school run less tiring and more enjoyable? It does need to go on the motorway occasionally and boot space would be useful.
I used to belong to the classic car club (those were the days) and enjoyed driving the porsches, the lotus elise and the Alpha 157. I do like my creature comforts and, perhaps because I'm a girl, I'm not that concerned about speed, so long as it will actually keep up in normal traffic.
I have the value of the prius to spend - probably around £4000. Running costs need to be good.
I was interested that someone in a similar thread suggested a 924 for commuting. So tempted! Is this a good idea?
All ideas gratefully received!
I commute through snarled up London traffic in my old BMW E36 323 and an old Mercury Grand Marquis V8 Ford. Both are a lot more fun than a Prius.
Would £4k get you into an E36 M3?
To be honest if the traffic is gridlocked it probable doesn't matter what you are in but sitting in the Mercury with it's sofa like seats, whisper quiet at idle and listening to the radio just makes the stress go away
Maybe a big Merc or Beemer. mate of mine is always picking up S classes or 7 series for little money. Just have to swallow the fuel costs.
Would £4k get you into an E36 M3?
To be honest if the traffic is gridlocked it probable doesn't matter what you are in but sitting in the Mercury with it's sofa like seats, whisper quiet at idle and listening to the radio just makes the stress go away
Maybe a big Merc or Beemer. mate of mine is always picking up S classes or 7 series for little money. Just have to swallow the fuel costs.
Cambridge is it?
1*2 or megane 225 if you need a bit more leg space in the back - youll get high 20s in city centre traffic, theyre capable on motorways, are distinctly nippy (clio moreso), fairly small and comfy enough. climate control and a half decent stereo help. Dont worry about cup pack on the clio - doesnt need it- the megane by reputation does need it though.
1*2 or megane 225 if you need a bit more leg space in the back - youll get high 20s in city centre traffic, theyre capable on motorways, are distinctly nippy (clio moreso), fairly small and comfy enough. climate control and a half decent stereo help. Dont worry about cup pack on the clio - doesnt need it- the megane by reputation does need it though.
I guess it depends what you want from the drive. Are you after something involving? Something to chuck around a bit? Or something more wafty / barge like? At £4,000 the world really is your oyster but it really depends what you want from your driving experience! 
Was thinking a Clio Sport wouldn't be a bad shout. Should return reasonable economy and will have some go about it.
Was thinking a Clio Sport wouldn't be a bad shout. Should return reasonable economy and will have some go about it.
Might sound a bit daft, but what's the point in a fast car that's going to sit in traffic and guzzle fuel.
I'd be tempted to look for creature comforts, relaxation and toys to make it a nice place to be. It's not in budget but I recently drove a Ecoshift Focus and it would be pretty much perfect. Comfortable, refined, bluetooth every-way, handled well and reasonable performance - and economical.
I'd be tempted to look for creature comforts, relaxation and toys to make it a nice place to be. It's not in budget but I recently drove a Ecoshift Focus and it would be pretty much perfect. Comfortable, refined, bluetooth every-way, handled well and reasonable performance - and economical.
SonicShadow said:
Get a motorbike, you'll get there much faster.
This is the answer, if you're travelling alone. If you're stuck slogging it in traffic down South all day, you're probably not going to get better than a hybrid or diesel for fuel savings. If you're not going to stick with the Prius, why not try a comfortable diesel like the 2.7 Biturbo Jaguar XJ TDVi or the Citroen C6? Yes they'll still clatter and the petrol engine would be more pleasing but also more expensive to run in the short term, if you're mainly crawling in traffic.
surveyor said:
Might sound a bit daft, but what's the point in a fast car that's going to sit in traffic and guzzle fuel.
I'd be tempted to look for creature comforts, relaxation and toys to make it a nice place to be. It's not in budget but I recently drove a Ecoshift Focus and it would be pretty much perfect. Comfortable, refined, bluetooth every-way, handled well and reasonable performance - and economical.
I'd be leaning more towards this. The most engaging car in the world will be a ballache if you're mashing the clutch down every 10 seconds and jolting over every pot hole and cat's eye. Similarly something like a straight 6 beemer might do very decent economy on a run but in traffic you might as well pour it on the ground when you fill up instead.I'd be tempted to look for creature comforts, relaxation and toys to make it a nice place to be. It's not in budget but I recently drove a Ecoshift Focus and it would be pretty much perfect. Comfortable, refined, bluetooth every-way, handled well and reasonable performance - and economical.
Something comfortable and auto would be the aim, either fuel depending on how much economy makes a difference but I'd probably lean towards a diesel for the economy in traffic reasons above.
It might not need to be 'big' but something a bit larger than a supermini would give the kind or refinement that can take the stressful edge off crappy city commutes.
Can 2.7d S-types be had for 4K?
edit: yes they can.
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/j...
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/j...
Edited by luckystrike on Thursday 23 October 10:54
Baryonyx said:
SonicShadow said:
Get a motorbike, you'll get there much faster.
This is the answer, if you're travelling alone. If you're stuck slogging it in traffic down South all day, you're probably not going to get better than a hybrid or diesel for fuel savings. If you're not going to stick with the Prius, why not try a comfortable diesel like the 2.7 Biturbo Jaguar XJ TDVi or the Citroen C6? Yes they'll still clatter and the petrol engine would be more pleasing but also more expensive to run in the short term, if you're mainly crawling in traffic.
Fiona, my first thought...why is the school run 1.5hrs, surely there are closer schools of correct educational standard for the children? If the children need to stay in the particular school then, in addition to the Jaguar suggestions, have you thought about the following:
Subaru Forester XT [in 2.0 or 2.5ltr] - these cars are remarkable value for money. 176bhp in 2.0ltr form, 211-227bhp in 2.5ltr. Both are very comfortable places to be with a proper full leather interior and plenty of fun extras, panoramic moon roof et al. Search carefully and you will find a low mileage, full service history car. Forester owners tend to mollycoddle their cars which is reassuring. They come with a very practical boot area and roof-rails making them ideal for crating things around, throwing in the dogs/children and are superb for family holidays. The only slight downside being they are a little thirsty on fuel and from 2006 onwards the VED is £500...so find a 2005 model. Of course, the symmetrical four wheel drive is proven worldwide and provides superb grip in all weathers and masses of driver appeal.
Porsche 944S2 - again a great all-rounder, would satisfy the Porsche urge and are slightly larger inside than the 924. They are immensely capable but proper history is vital. Prices are creeping up on these and £4k should get a good used example.
I am biased as own a 2.5FXT but as a family barge that can do everything they are unbeatable.
Subaru Forester XT [in 2.0 or 2.5ltr] - these cars are remarkable value for money. 176bhp in 2.0ltr form, 211-227bhp in 2.5ltr. Both are very comfortable places to be with a proper full leather interior and plenty of fun extras, panoramic moon roof et al. Search carefully and you will find a low mileage, full service history car. Forester owners tend to mollycoddle their cars which is reassuring. They come with a very practical boot area and roof-rails making them ideal for crating things around, throwing in the dogs/children and are superb for family holidays. The only slight downside being they are a little thirsty on fuel and from 2006 onwards the VED is £500...so find a 2005 model. Of course, the symmetrical four wheel drive is proven worldwide and provides superb grip in all weathers and masses of driver appeal.
Porsche 944S2 - again a great all-rounder, would satisfy the Porsche urge and are slightly larger inside than the 924. They are immensely capable but proper history is vital. Prices are creeping up on these and £4k should get a good used example.
I am biased as own a 2.5FXT but as a family barge that can do everything they are unbeatable.
Baryonyx said:
This is the answer, if you're travelling alone. If you're stuck slogging it in traffic down South all day, you're probably not going to get better than a hybrid or diesel for fuel savings.
If you're not going to stick with the Prius, why not try a comfortable diesel like the 2.7 Biturbo Jaguar XJ TDVi or the Citroen C6? Yes they'll still clatter and the petrol engine would be more pleasing but also more expensive to run in the short term, if you're mainly crawling in traffic.
Used to have a 40 mile, 2 and a half hour daily commute until about 6 weeks ago- and my weapon of choice was the XJ 2.7d - Wafty, smooth, 30mpg all day long with 35+ on a run. Factory fit DVD player and rear screens for my son, front and rear heated seats, auto lights/wipers, bluetooth for the mobile etc etc etc. Big, if slightly shallow boot swallows the pram and other baby stuff with no worries. If you're not going to stick with the Prius, why not try a comfortable diesel like the 2.7 Biturbo Jaguar XJ TDVi or the Citroen C6? Yes they'll still clatter and the petrol engine would be more pleasing but also more expensive to run in the short term, if you're mainly crawling in traffic.
Now changed jobs and thinking about going back to a dirty big supercharged V8 but the XJ just keeps munching up the miles, and is surprisingly nimble when you are in the mood to put your foot down. Done countless longer journeys to London and Cardiff from Leeds with no problems.
Finding one for £4k might be a bit of a stretch, increase the budget to £5k and you will be in business.
No vehicle on this earth is going to make "an hour and a half round trip twice a day in traffic that has been called the worst in England" bearable.
Even a stretch limo with jacuzzi and attendent free-diving bearded clam hunter would become tedious.
Subjecting the child(ren) to 90 mins of traffic jam before and after school can't be positive experince for them.
Even a stretch limo with jacuzzi and attendent free-diving bearded clam hunter would become tedious.
Subjecting the child(ren) to 90 mins of traffic jam before and after school can't be positive experince for them.
luckystrike said:
I'd be leaning more towards this. The most engaging car in the world will be a ballache if you're mashing the clutch down every 10 seconds and jolting over every pot hole and cat's eye. Similarly something like a straight 6 beemer might do very decent economy on a run but in traffic you might as well pour it on the ground when you fill up instead.
Something comfortable and auto would be the aim, either fuel depending on how much economy makes a difference but I'd probably lean towards a diesel for the economy in traffic reasons above.
It might not need to be 'big' but something a bit larger than a supermini would give the kind or refinement that can take the stressful edge off crappy city commutes.
Can 2.7d S-types be had for 4K?
edit: yes they can.
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/j...
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/j...
I had one for my commute, but it is severely lacking in the "fun" department. If you're going to get one just make sure you check it over (like really check it), when they work they are great, but when they don't it is £££ no matter where you go. Also there isn't that much space, me & SWMBO filled it up with a week's trip to Cornwall just the two of us! Epically comfortable on the motorway though. Something comfortable and auto would be the aim, either fuel depending on how much economy makes a difference but I'd probably lean towards a diesel for the economy in traffic reasons above.
It might not need to be 'big' but something a bit larger than a supermini would give the kind or refinement that can take the stressful edge off crappy city commutes.
Can 2.7d S-types be had for 4K?
edit: yes they can.
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/j...
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/j...
Edited by luckystrike on Thursday 23 October 10:54
Normally I'd say a ZT, but they won't ever meet your reliability stakes no matter how much I love them, so I'm going to echo the Subaru suggestions, they would be alot of fun. Mondeo ST perhaps, they are quite fun apparently?
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