Advice on choosing new (used) daily
Discussion
My 2002 1.6 Focus is on it's last legs and I'm looking to replace it. I could go and get another Focus but I'm doing more miles for work and I'd like something a bit more comfortable / spacious. Budget is 4k although if I can spend less then that'd be good. I'd also have another 1k set aside for any repairs / consumables.
Speed / handling is at the bottom of my priorities, I have the Z4 for weekends / road trips / fun. In fact, the slower the better to some extent, makes me appreciate the Z4 even more!
What I do want is reliability (I'll be needing the car to commute to work most days) and comfort. I would like an automatic (knee problems exaggerated by stop start traffic and clutch work) but with my budget I think this would cause more potential problems, so I'm happy to stick with manual. My Focus has cost peanuts to run, which justifies the whole 2 cars thing. For example, a years tax and insurance on the Focus costs less than a set of tyres for the Z4. I appreciate the cars below are going to cost more to keep running but if I'm having to fork out every other month it defeats the object.
Annual mileage is probably around 13k. Had originally thought petrol would be the best bet to avoid DMF / injector worries although some of the cars on my potential list are more suited to diesel, so we'll see.
My thoughts:
Mercedes W211 E220
Would be 2006+ to avoid electrical problems / rust but this would be at top of budget
Pros: Comfortable, highly regarded auto gearbox (5 speed)
Cons: Expensive when things do go wrong?
Volvo S60 D5
Pre facelift for more reliable Euro 3 163bhp engine or if I'm lucky a facelift with the older engine
Pros: Seem to be well regarded, excellent seats and stereo, can get a decent example for lower end of budget
Cons: Large turning circle (park in a multistory every day), steering rack issues?
Audi A6 C6
Probably be a 2.0 TDI PD as the petrol options are thirsty / gutless unless going for the 3.2
Pros: Nice interior, still look pretty smart and modern
Cons: Possible injector and oil cooler problems? Although this engine being fitted to lots of VAG cars surely it can't be that bad? Budget wouldn't stretch to a facelift CR engine model which I heard is much improved.
Ford Mondeo
Ideally a 2.0 petrol in Titanium / Titanium X spec although latter unlikely in budget
Pros: Probably the best in terms of cost to keep on the road
Cons: Not as "special" as the options above
Other options include a Saab 93 Aero or something VAG with the old 1.9tdi but would prefer one of the above.
Thoughts?
Speed / handling is at the bottom of my priorities, I have the Z4 for weekends / road trips / fun. In fact, the slower the better to some extent, makes me appreciate the Z4 even more!
What I do want is reliability (I'll be needing the car to commute to work most days) and comfort. I would like an automatic (knee problems exaggerated by stop start traffic and clutch work) but with my budget I think this would cause more potential problems, so I'm happy to stick with manual. My Focus has cost peanuts to run, which justifies the whole 2 cars thing. For example, a years tax and insurance on the Focus costs less than a set of tyres for the Z4. I appreciate the cars below are going to cost more to keep running but if I'm having to fork out every other month it defeats the object.
Annual mileage is probably around 13k. Had originally thought petrol would be the best bet to avoid DMF / injector worries although some of the cars on my potential list are more suited to diesel, so we'll see.
My thoughts:
Mercedes W211 E220
Would be 2006+ to avoid electrical problems / rust but this would be at top of budget
Pros: Comfortable, highly regarded auto gearbox (5 speed)
Cons: Expensive when things do go wrong?
Volvo S60 D5
Pre facelift for more reliable Euro 3 163bhp engine or if I'm lucky a facelift with the older engine
Pros: Seem to be well regarded, excellent seats and stereo, can get a decent example for lower end of budget
Cons: Large turning circle (park in a multistory every day), steering rack issues?
Audi A6 C6
Probably be a 2.0 TDI PD as the petrol options are thirsty / gutless unless going for the 3.2
Pros: Nice interior, still look pretty smart and modern
Cons: Possible injector and oil cooler problems? Although this engine being fitted to lots of VAG cars surely it can't be that bad? Budget wouldn't stretch to a facelift CR engine model which I heard is much improved.
Ford Mondeo
Ideally a 2.0 petrol in Titanium / Titanium X spec although latter unlikely in budget
Pros: Probably the best in terms of cost to keep on the road
Cons: Not as "special" as the options above
Other options include a Saab 93 Aero or something VAG with the old 1.9tdi but would prefer one of the above.
Thoughts?
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