What 'fun yet frugal' diesel?
Discussion
600 miles a week wouldn't be fun in anything and MPG may not be your main concern when you're doing 30-35K a year (try reselling anything after that!).
If you can find a low-mileage car you can 'cash in' on it's shortfall miles, but that only works upto a point and not many diesels have shortfall miles (makes no sense to own a diesel unless you do 15K+ a year usually).
The key to keeping costs down - instead of MPG - would be buying a car which you'll drive into the ground. That way depreciation is finite and upfront (purchase-scrap) and maintenance can be 'as and when needed' instead of 'on schedule'. Doesn't have to be a shed - many interesting options in the low-mid-4-figs...
You also almost certainly need
a - comfort - good ride, nice seats
b - toys - aircon, in-car etc.
c - an automatic gearbox (esp if any traffic is involved - which it probably is?)
Scratch all that if you're talking 60 miles of B road tho - in that case I'd suggest you move
p.s. any diesel will do 45 - my 18-year-old 405 manages that around town and it's the old tractor-style XUD engine - a modern BMW d should =tip 60 on a run - more if you don't cane it.
If you can find a low-mileage car you can 'cash in' on it's shortfall miles, but that only works upto a point and not many diesels have shortfall miles (makes no sense to own a diesel unless you do 15K+ a year usually).
The key to keeping costs down - instead of MPG - would be buying a car which you'll drive into the ground. That way depreciation is finite and upfront (purchase-scrap) and maintenance can be 'as and when needed' instead of 'on schedule'. Doesn't have to be a shed - many interesting options in the low-mid-4-figs...
You also almost certainly need
a - comfort - good ride, nice seats
b - toys - aircon, in-car etc.
c - an automatic gearbox (esp if any traffic is involved - which it probably is?)
Scratch all that if you're talking 60 miles of B road tho - in that case I'd suggest you move
p.s. any diesel will do 45 - my 18-year-old 405 manages that around town and it's the old tractor-style XUD engine - a modern BMW d should =tip 60 on a run - more if you don't cane it.
leemarkadams said:
If you were on the hunt for a diesel commuter, and were travelling 60 miles each way 5 times a week, what would you go for? Would have to be 'fun' yet still return over 45 mlg, so any ideas? Oh, and budget up to about. £15k.
Edited by 405dogvan on Wednesday 18th September 18:19
I had similar requirements and got an Octavia VRS. Just got 55mpg on the motorway home(indicated). I needed a big boot for sports stuff too.
Also looked at Merc C-class or clc 350cdi.
My budget was just over half yours. You get could newer examples, but I suppose would have to look at 330/530 BMWs. I don't have any experience of them though!
Also looked at Merc C-class or clc 350cdi.
My budget was just over half yours. You get could newer examples, but I suppose would have to look at 330/530 BMWs. I don't have any experience of them though!
I had similar requirements and got an Octavia VRS. Just got 55mpg on the motorway home(indicated). I needed a big boot for sports stuff too.
Also looked at Merc C-class or clc 350cdi.
My budget was just over half yours. You get could newer examples, but I suppose would have to look at 330/530 BMWs. I don't have any experience of them though!
Also looked at Merc C-class or clc 350cdi.
My budget was just over half yours. You get could newer examples, but I suppose would have to look at 330/530 BMWs. I don't have any experience of them though!
Edited by vexed on Wednesday 18th September 18:41
405dogvan said:
p.s. any diesel will do 45 - my 18-year-old 405 manages that around town
Unfortunately as diesels have got faster they have generally reduced their mpg.When I drove my wife's mondeo 130 TDCi I got 30 on my commute (I was getting 25 in my 328 BMW)
Mate's 535 gets just over 25 when he uses the performance but I think it's average is still below 30.
Another mates older 530 averaged 30
However to answer the OP - have you considered an LPG car as diesel and fun don't really go together albeit some are quite fast these days.
SMcP114 said:
Or an Insignia
I got 58 mpg out of a 2.0 CDTI Insignia hire car?! you must not have been driving sympathetically.Having said that my driving style has left octogenarians looking like senna.
on topic, I'll probably be looking at something similar in a year or so when my car may end up being a pain to keep going. I've not really found anything that doesn't compromise something else a lot, or end up with bill potential that is frightening. I think you'll struggle as its not really something that manufacturers have put a lot of effort into at the moment, because 'fun' isn't equated with diesel yet - however with increasing fuel prices something entertaining might crop up. 99% percent of people / companies buying diesels new either want economy for best deal (stuff like vauxhalls / fords) or comfort and easier running costs than the petrol (BMW / Jaguar etc).
I'd think you have a choice of getting something at least a 'characterful' engine like a D5 or a V6 diesel..Merc / BMW / Vectra (have heard that these are slow and inefficient compared to the 1.9 CDTI tho).
Or you just pick the first suitable diesel car nearest you and put the money aside for something fun when circumstances change.
My 335d (Touring) is pre Efficient Dynamics and gets mid 30s if I drive like a granny. Usually low 30s.
I reckon you might get an ED one for £15k - I reckon our 56 plate 54k mile SE Touring with around £4k of options of worth about £10-12k so another £3k should get you a pretty good saloon or coupe.
They are very quick and have "proper" steering unlike the rest of the engine options (except 335i).
I reckon you might get an ED one for £15k - I reckon our 56 plate 54k mile SE Touring with around £4k of options of worth about £10-12k so another £3k should get you a pretty good saloon or coupe.
They are very quick and have "proper" steering unlike the rest of the engine options (except 335i).
leemarkadams said:
If you were on the hunt for a diesel commuter, and were travelling 60 miles each way 5 times a week, what would you go for? Would have to be 'fun' yet still return over 45 mlg, so any ideas? Oh, and budget up to about. £15k.
Got to be a 530d lci model, plenty about in your budget, comfy, well specced, auto, plenty fast enough, easily mapped for more power and a good steer. Should see your 45mpg target on a run too.Sorted?
So the diesel Golf is boring (Christ, who'd have ever thought that?). I realise that I have now brought down the Wrath of the Fanbois upon myself...
For the 60 mile commute you WANT boring. I do a 90 mile round trip every day and the Stupid Punto (pat. pending) is perfect (insofar as it cost me nothing). Yeah, the Alfa is "more fun to drive", it's noisier, grippier,faster, looks hard, does better lap times at the Ring, err, hang on...
As someone has already pointed out you need a good stereo, decent heater/aircon, good ride, quietness and a lack of surprises.
Your fellow commuters will hand out enough surprises to keep the journey interesting.
For the 60 mile commute you WANT boring. I do a 90 mile round trip every day and the Stupid Punto (pat. pending) is perfect (insofar as it cost me nothing). Yeah, the Alfa is "more fun to drive", it's noisier, grippier,faster, looks hard, does better lap times at the Ring, err, hang on...
As someone has already pointed out you need a good stereo, decent heater/aircon, good ride, quietness and a lack of surprises.
Your fellow commuters will hand out enough surprises to keep the journey interesting.
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