Yes! "Another What Car?" Exciting or what?!

[fozzymandeus]

Hello people,

I have a conundrum ahead of me in the next few months. I need to relocate for a job which will involve an increase in my commute. I do not want to rid myself of the SL - in fact I don't plan on ridding myself of it forever.

This leaves me in a situation where I have to buy a car to reduce my net outgoings. I could easily be spending £450 a month on commuting in the SL (it averages 25.2mpg).

I've been looking at cheap cars to get to run as a commuter car and I have come up with the following:

Peugeot 206 1.4HDI: £2000

BMW 318ti: £1300

They are both in reasonable condition and seem sound mechanically. I've owned several BMWs before and they feel like safe ground for me. I've never owned a peugeot, or a diesel, and I'm concerned about possible reliability issues stemming from the turbocharger.

The 206 will do huge mpg, but the BMW might be more suited to the straight motorway commute I might have.

Which would you choose, or can anyone suggest other options? Budget is £2k, but realistically I'm looking for things that will leave me in pocket month-to-month over commuting in the SL (also bearing in mind that wear and tear items on the Merc are expensive too).

[v8will]

Out of those 2 options, the BMW every time.

Personally I'd be looking at something like a VW Bora. Comfy, plenty of room and that bullet proof VAG PD engine. Not the best dynamically but for a commuter...

[fozzymandeus]

I'd looked at Boras, they look like an ideal car, but decent TDIs are out of my budget.

What mpg can I expect from a 1.6? I don't care about performance/emotion/all that jazz cos I have the SL for that, but comfort, reliability and running costs are important.

[v8will]

Mid 30s at a guess from a 1.6

Have you looked at Honda, Toyota etc?

[fozzymandeus]

Haven't really considered honda/toyota.

Again these are likely to be petrol cars aren't they...

A quick look at corollas suggests that I'm entering a whole world of different engines and models that I barely understand. Suggestions as to good models are welcome!

At least the civic range is simpler.

[v8will]

Well depending on your length of commute and what your exact criteria is etc.

I just think most diesels at 2 grand won't be a better option long term than a similar priced petrol.

Purely on a commuter basis I'd go with a 1.3 Corolla, chain cam engine and white good reliability, you'll never love it in a conventional but your SL will feel so much more special when you drive it.

I'm not a big BMW fan but I'm sure most on here will recommend one, probably a 328 or suchlike for hooning ability

[Bonefish Blues]

LPG conversion for the same money, perhaps - reduces fuel cost, and you get to drive the SL every day.

Residuals are good, too...

[fozzymandeus]

Thanks, I'll check a corolla out.

I think a BMW is a bad idea. I simply don't need that kind of car.

I think I also need to consider a clio.


Exciting thread this, isn't it?

[v8will]

fozzymandeus said:

I think I also need to consider a clio.


Exciting thread this, isn't it?

Clio, No. Just no. Not a bad drive but they fall apart.

If you are looking at that size of car then again I have to suggest the Toyota option, the Yaris. We still have 2 MK1s in the family, my D4D currently on 95K and still feels tight to drive and my brother in law has a 1.3 (same engine as the Corolla I mentioned)

I did have some issues late last year with fuel contamination but other than lube services, tyres and some brakes neither car has need anything in over 100K miles combined.

Honda Jazz worth a look but not sure on budget.

Not the usual thread but still interesting, more 'real life' and some thought required instead of the usual million BHP (remapped) RWD answers

[fozzymandeus]

Bonefish Blues said:

LPG conversion for the same money, perhaps - reduces fuel cost, and you get to drive the SL every day.

Residuals are good, too...

Good call, but I don't want to modify the SL.

Also concerned about eurotunnel incompatibility (is this a myth?) and placement of the tank. (Boot is full of electronics and often roof).

v8will said:

Clio, No. Just no. Not a bad drive but they fall apart.

If you are looking at that size of car then again I have to suggest the Toyota option, the Yaris. We still have 2 MK1s in the family, my D4D currently on 95K and still feels tight to drive and my brother in law has a 1.3 (same engine as the Corolla I mentioned)

Not the usual thread but still interesting, more 'real life' and some thought required instead of the usual million BHP (remapped) RWD answers

I'll remap it and learn how to control drifts in it as a matter of course!

Sad re: the Clio. I really like them. My wife had a Mk1 clio years ago and I liked my 197. I shall look for evidence of knackered trim/broken mechanisms etc. when I check one out.

Yaris is a good call. I like the lower seating position of clios, the Yaris feels a bit up in the air, but a "DAD" is probably a good idea for fuel consumption. One to add to the list.

No to Jazzes. Yuck.