100 mile commute = what car?

[Potatoes]

It's been ages since I've posted here and I've popped back to post the most boring question possible...

I've just accepted a role that comes with a 400 mile commute per week along the M62 from Leeds to Hull (4 days a week in office, 1 day a week work from home) and also typically drive a lot (rugby, cycling sportives and visiting family). So I'm looking for a commuter/daily driver that is cheap to run (50mpg+, low running costs), able to take a bike roof rack, comfortable and, as a Pistonhead something that's not absolutely boring to drive for the 50 mile each way commute... I'm setting myself a budget of £3,000 as I don't want to spend a heap of money on a car I'm going to be putting 35,000-40,000 miles on per year

I've been looking at the following cars:

Peugeot 307 1.6 HDi
Peugeot 207 1.6 HDi
Peugeot 206 1.6 HDi
Ford C-Max 1.6 TDCI
Ford Focus 1.6 TDCI
Mercedes C-Class 220 CDI
BMW 320D
Volvo S60 D5

Would be interested in any advice/experience you can share

Edited by Potatoes on Saturday 25th January 19:00

[Troubleatmill]

What do you drive now? How much is it worth?

[Drive Blind]

I see 5 of your choices use the ford/pas/volvo/mini 1.6 diesel engine. An internet search will show you this is not a very reliable engine. Oil sludging and subsequent turbo failure in particular.

[haggishunter]

Drive Blind said:

I see 5 of your choices use the ford/pas/volvo/mini 1.6 diesel engine. An internet search will show you this is not a very reliable engine. Oil sludging and subsequent turbo failure in particular.

It's a very reliable engine if you service it properly with the correct oil.

al

[elliotff]

haggishunter said:

It's a very reliable engine if you service it properly with the correct oil.

al

I agree i have never had any issues with these engines.

[Sway]

C Max is a great steer for the type of vehicle, and capable of being turned into a van at very short notice.

Loved my 1st gen 2l with loads of toys, think I paid about 4.5k nearly 5 years ago, so the smaller engined ones should be well within budget for a decent example.

[MMA4life]

It may not be a great choice but a 306 2.0 hdi may be worth a shout.

[dondan]

That's gonna be a route from hell, there's not been a single day I can remember where there hasn't been an incident or tailback on that road I've heard about on the radio or been in myself!

Good luck

[m_cozzy]

Golf TDI 1.9 estate. You are driving to work, it doesn't need to set your pants on fire.
Mine is bloody brilliant, 55mpg and room for 3 mountain bikes in the back.
Wouldn't consider a French car.

[eltax91]

You've missed the pick of the bunch off the list!!

Octavia with a 1.9TDi PD lump. Specifically the PD lump. It's bombproof, they last till big mileages and you could throw your bike in the back, never mind on the roof.

I did a long commute and drove for work for 4 years and clocked up over 100k in my first. Then another 70k in my second one.

The first I crashed or I'd likely still have it now!!

Comfortable, quiet, reliable and an easy 50 mpg in that route.

The skoda is the best choice as it'll be cheapest. That or the unloved bora with the same engine. The Octavia hatch is more flexible than the saloon of the bora. It's huuuuge with the back seats down, being built on the golf chassis, all the space is behind the rear wheels.

[BoRED S2upid]

My money would be going towards a Volvo rather than ford or Peugeot or something like a passat they can take some stupid mileage.

[Potatoes]

Thanks all,

I currently drive a Megane estate (2.0 DCi) and have a 25,000 mileage allowance on it so want rid of it.

The cars on the list seem great from my (limited in some cases) experience of them over the last few years - really keen to get the best motor that ticks the boxes (comfort and running costs being most important) to keep me going over the next few years doing these miles.

ETA - I started writing this response when I had 5 responses on this thread, got distracted by my 6 month old trying to go to sleep...

The Octavia is up there too, forgot to add that to the list!
The Golf estate... not thought about it, will take a look as it seems a good shout
dondan, you're not wrong!!

Edited by Potatoes on Saturday 25th January 19:02

[Ved]

S60?

[chrisw666]

From your shortlist the S60 would be my choice for that many miles. Just make sure its SE or SE Lux spec.

[Potatoes]

I sold my last one (S60) about 3 years ago, put 44,000 miles on it in 1 year and it was great... it does seem the no brainer decision to make from my perspective but was keeping the options open at this stage.

I've got 4 weeks before I have to make a purchase so keen to see what other options are out there... but do see myself hoping back into and S60 if I'm honest

Edited by Potatoes on Saturday 25th January 19:14

[TDutchy]

MX5.

HTH.

[Potatoes]

[Axionknight]

I'd be looking at a Skoda Octavia personally, but as a Volvo fan I'll vouch for the S6O D5 being a good motor, spacious, comfy, proven mechanicals and pokey enough for motorway slogging work, but it likely won't do 50mpg consistently unless you take it steady.

[Axionknight]

TDutchy said:

MX5.

HTH.

Wrong, M135i.

[patmahe]

S60 would be my choice for a commute that long, lovely place to be and well suited to that type of commute.