Short commute car

[JRM]

Hi Guys, I'd appreciate a bit of advice on very short commuting.

I need to get a car for a 2 mile commute to the station and I know it's not supposed to be good for any car as they probably don't warm up properly, but what exactly are the issues that it causes and is that an old fashioned view and modern cars can cope much better? What can be done to improve my luck, if I need to - more frequent oil changes? going for a blast once a month? Or maybe a trickle charger if the battery doesn't recharge in such a short distance?

Am I better sticking to petrol over diesel and why?

I reckon an electric Renault Twizy is probably the mot sensible thing to buy, but I just can't bring myself to do it, so am thinking of about a 7 year old Jaguar XF or Mercedes CLS. Alternatively I saw a 1983 Audi Quattro 8v for the same money!!! So what I really want is someone to reply saying that they run a 1983 Audi everyday for a 1 mile commute and it works perfectly!!!

Thanks

[JRM]

Yeah I know a little car will be best, but I fancy something more interesting than a C1/Kia etc. The reason for not cycling or walking is that it doesn't work in the rain or snow or for most of the winter for that matter and I have a long enough commute as it is, so just want to drive to and from the station to speed things up

[JRM]

Mr Gear said:

Get a folding bike? You'll barely work up a sweat in 2 miles.

The money you save could be spent on something useful

I know, but I don't want to.
I'm trying to find out why a modern XF couldn't cope and if there is anything I could do to make it work

[JRM]

wemorgan said:

Why - Engines work best when at full operating temperature. A 2 mile journey in any car will be insufficient for this to happen. An electric car however might be more suitable.

So what exactly is likely to go wrong and is there anything that should be done like frequent oil changes or a thinner oil that would help? I'm struggling to understand what exactly is likely to go wrong?

[JRM]

I'm gutted no one is recommending the Audi Quattro !!

I know electric is going to be the most sensible aside from a bike, but it's not worth getting all sorted to ride a bike for 5 minutes in the rain at 6am - and I really fancy NOT being sensible for once.

I'm liking the squashed 911!

[JRM]

nipsips said:

I do about 2 miles into town everyday, then 2 miles out at night. Mostly stop start in a Mondeo auto. No doubt not up to temperature but no issues so far it seems. Oil still nice and golden after 6000 miles (due a change).

That's good know, and interesting points from others about the wear being the same as any car that is started twice a day and does longer runs - it's what I've never understood about the whole concept of modern cars being less reliable if they are not run for a longer period.

Time to stop thinking about electric cars and do a proper Pistonheads search for an old XFR!!