New Car for 30k miles per annum

[GrantS508]

Hi all,

I currently own a 2014 Golf GTD but am looking at getting rid of it in the near future as it has been pretty unreliable in comparison to my previous cars.

I drive daily from Elgin to Aberdeen (roughly 65 miles each way/30,000 miles per year) along the A96 which consists of some dual carriageway but mostly NSL single lane driving, it takes me around 1 hour and 20 mins.

I get paid a flat rate for fuel at £350 per month by my employer but they will only pay this if the car is less than or equal to 8 years old.

So my requirements would be:
• Comfortable
• Respectable fuel economy
• Still driveable when it’s snowing
• Reliable
• <=£10k
• It’s a boring drive so I’m not particularly bothered about it being a fun car

It would only need to last one year as I’ll be looking to relocate to Edinburgh/Glasgow in Jan 18.

I’ve searched the forum but most of the recommendations are for cars which unfortunately are over the 8-year barrier (Volvo S60, etc.), or brand new which I especially don’t want.

Thanks.

[GrantS508]

Zad said:

2010 Mondeo 2.0 Titanium X or 2.2 TX Sport (197bhp but not great economy)? We have a Scottish taxi driver has an estate version who does those sort of miles and recently bought another of the same.

CubanPete said:

Or a similar Focus.

Thanks guys, I'll have a look at the Mondeo and Focus, for some reason I didn't even think of them.

xjay1337 said:

Looked at lease deals ?
Haven't seen what's out and about but you can get a lot of nice cars for £350 a month.
Just a thought... I would go with a Mondeo though if buying outright.. there's a guy on here who's had a few and they've never given him any serious issues and big economy.

I have had a look at lease deals but as I'm wanting to get rid in a year it would be pretty expensive. Thanks for the idea mate.

[GrantS508]

xjay1337 said:

My Dad has an Octavia VRS TDI for sale as well if you're interested as well.. ...

Nice product placement , I did previously own a 62 plate VRS TDI and enjoyed it, but I won't be making the actual change for another month or so though!

hyphen said:

Haven't owned a focus, but in my experience many hatchbacks (even so called premium ones) tend to let in a lot of road noise. Personal thing but for high mileage I would want something as quiet inside as possible. So something larger. with a boot.

Can't speak for the Focus but can definitely agree off of my experience with the Golf, it has a lot of tyre roar at 60mph+.

[GrantS508]

Thanks for all the advice guys, I appreciate all the suggestions.

DJM7691 said:

This is what I would be driving.

I do a very similar daily distance to you, and went for a 330d Coupe.

I get 50+mpg on a run, 40-45 with mixed driving.

http://www4.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

My last car was a 335i which even with winters really struggled with the A96 when we had heavy snow fall in February. Love that engine though.

DJM7691 said:

Take your point on the snow, maybe this is more appropriate?

Maybe its just me but I can't stand long journeys in rough 4-pot diesels. I find the step up to a 6 makes a massive difference, either that or its just the experience of the cars I have driven.

http://www4.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

I agree with the bit about 4 pot diesels, having driven a friends 330d they do seem to be so much smoother and sound fantastic for what they are. I don't suppose you or anyone else here have much experience with that version of A6 have you?

[GrantS508]

ELUSIVEJIM said:

What a nightmare road to drive on a weekly basis.

Thought Huntly to Aberdeen was bad enough but this is a huge amount.

Just a few suggestions

Suzuki Swift Sport

I drive 80 miles a day in a Suzuki Swift 1.2 and it has never let me down. Snow is not an issue either. This one is nearly new which is perhaps not what your after. Do not worry about the distance it is away from you. Get a quote from Uship to get it delivered.

Will save a lot of money dealing south unless you need to trade the Golf in??

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

Seat Leon FR Diesel 180 ps

Bit over budget but diesel

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

Dacia Duster

Honda Civic

Skoda Yeti

Skoda Octavia VRS Diesel

Ford Fiesta 1.0 Ecoboost

Volkswagen UP. If you could stand another VW

Really depends on how big a car you need or if it is just for you and the commute.

Yeah it's not great, but I save a huge amount of money by living further away so it's worth it in that sense.

Thanks for the suggestions mate, I'll check those out.