Another recommend a car thread - cheap diesel run around

[jimmy_wrxsti]

After some ideas for a commuting car as starting new job with 120 mile round trip a day commute.

Quite simply it needs to be along the lines of the following

- 2k budget (could stretch to 2500)
- low insurance group as adding as second car to already expensive S4 and eventually when we move closer to job i will be giving car to wife to learn in
- reliable, 95% motorway and dont fancy sitting on side of M4. Also want it to start everyday
- ideally 5 door but not essential
- high mpg looking for 45+ given miles im doing

Have been looking at the Pug 306 2.0 HDI Meridian, the Focus 1.8 TDCI and the Seat Leon 1.9 tdi. Also checked out the Audi 1.9 tdi A3 but insurance on the Golf's and Audi's for similar engines are way more than the other cars....

Any other suggestions to look out for?

[va1o]

Polo 1.4 TDI, the 2000 - 2002 model

[KardioKate]

va1o said:

Polo 1.4 TDI, the 2000 - 2002 model

How about a diesel Fabia?

[Dale H]

I'm looking for a diesel too I've been looking at 306's but if your giving it to your other half to learn in, maybe a 206 would be better?

[tercelgold]

Citroen ZX 1.9D, £2K should get you one in show condition.

[mnkiboy]

tercelgold said:

Citroen ZX 1.9D, £2K should get you one in show condition.

But a show nobody goes to.

[jimmy_wrxsti]

The Polo and the Skoda are options, im trying not to discount options for their looks but im not a fan of either so im putting them in the last option pile.

The 206 is something along the same lines but i do like the 3 door version. Plus the engines a goodun if i went for 2.0hdi one. Thats a viable option definately.

[Road Pest]

There was someone selling a pug on here recently. Think there was a thread in readers cars while he had it.

[jimmy_wrxsti]

mnkiboy said:

But a show nobody goes to.

Indeed - also a factor is its a new job im commuting too - if i turn up in a zx during probation period it could mean im let go.

In all seriousness though ideally it would be as modern as possible for the comfort and toys factor.

[300bhp/ton]

I'd be tempted to look at some of the bigger French saloons. More comfy and better equipped than the hatches and often a newer car for your money. Most of the diesels should easily do 45mpg+ still and it wouldn't surprise me if insurance is cheaper too in some cases.

[andy-xr]

jimmy_wrxsti said:

Indeed - also a factor is its a new job im commuting too - if i turn up in a zx during probation period it could mean im let go.
.

See what you're saying, and I'm not advocating a ZX, but unless they're giving you a car allowance then it's up to you what you arrive in really? I'd plump for the Focus as mentioned in the OP I think. Run it til the proverbial wheels fall off, 120 miles a day isnt nice so pointless throwing a wedge at it if you might not like it after 6 months