Commuting question/ideas?

[AlecG]

Hello

I started a new job last month, and although the daily commute is small - up to 20 miles each way depending on which way I go, once a week I have to do a 300+ mile jaunt.

I currently have a 325ti compact which whilst I love the sound of the engine, and enjoy how smooth it is, I've liked other cars more! I'm getting fed up with the 31mpg on the daily commute, on the longer jaunts it's more than this at around 35mpg (my max is 37.6, but I was driving like a nun!). I got this car after my minty mint mk3 mr2 which I loved as I wanted some money for a house deposit (I've got a house now!), we needed a bigger car for our 2 Jack Russels, and I needed a car that day!

My long term plan is to get a GT86 in 2 years for my 30th present to myself, but what should I do in the interim; suck it up and keep it, or sell it and by something else? My budget would be around £3k, I'm thinking either a Lupo/Polo GTI, another MK1 Golf GTI as I loved my old one, possibly a Celica, or being really sensible and getting a little diesel hatchback...

Thoughts/suggestions welcomed!

[Ozzie Osmond]

Suck it up. You can't save money by buying a new car. Get what you really want when you can afford it.

[AlecG]

It's the easiest option! The funds will be the money from the compact plus a bit!