What Kind Of Car Would Be Best For My Needs?

[ellabennett]

Hi folks,

I'm 22 and passed my driving test recently. From September, I will be commuting two hours per day by car, the majority of which will be motorway driving. My budget is 5k but I would prefer to spend around 4k. I don't care if the car is ugly or uncool, my requirements are that: I need a highly reliable car which is going to be economical and cheap to run. I want to buy a car which is very reliable, as I need this car to last me many years and I will be using it constantly. I'd also like the car to be quite small.

I was originally planning on getting a Honda Jazz or Toyota Yaris due to their reliability and fuel economy, but after test driving a Jazz I was a little concerned with how it would do on motorways (which is what the majority of my driving is going to be). I think it was a 1.2 engine and about 7 years old.

Has anyone got any sensible suggestions for cars which could suit my requirements?

Thanks

[ZX10R NIN]

Insurance will be your biggest enemy but I'd say a diesel will be a good shout preferably with a 6 speed gearbox, here are some examples, but the biggest factor is comfort if you're spending 10 hours commuting then find the car that suits you.

2009 Mazda 3 Sport 64k FMSH

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

2007 Civic Type S 84k FSH

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

A C Class in Saloon or Coupe form are a good call.

2004 C270 Avantgarde SE 64k FSH these will comfortably do the mileage & last for years but insurance might be a concern.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...

C220 Sport 84k

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...

C200 Sport 67k

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...

2008 Toyota Auris TR

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...

Edited by ZX10R NIN on Tuesday 14th February 18:06

[Willy Nilly]

ellabennett said:

I was originally planning on getting a Honda Jazz or Toyota Yaris due to their reliability and fuel economy, but after test driving a Jazz I was a little concerned with how it would do on motorways (which is what the majority of my driving is going to be). I think it was a 1.2 engine and about 7 years old.
Thanks

I have a 2011 1.4 (it's a big 1.3 really) ES Jazz. It will happily run along in lane 3 on any motorway at "Lane 3 speeds " without any issue at all. It's not a fast car, but has more power than I have driving license.

If I potter along with the lorries it will just about do 60mpg but has averaged an indicated 48mpg in about 14,000miles, mostly around town.

[InitialDave]

A well-equipped Audi A3 TDi from the early 2000s should be available for half your budget, and I think it would tick all your boxes, provided insurance is ok. My friend had one until recently, and while I don't really like diesels, it was a good do-everything car which gave excellent fuel economy.

[mike9009]

Hi

My wife has a 1.5 diesel Nissan Note. It has been ultra reliable, seems fine on motorway, does 62mpg, £30 to tax per year... is cheap for us to insure and I doubt it would be expensive for you in comparison to others.

Ours is quite high spec so a nice place to be too. My wife also has back issues but finds this comfortable. Ours has auto wipers/ headlights, sat nav, cruise control etc. , etc.

Mike

[TJC46]

VW Golf, petrol or diesel.

1.4 petrol if the insurance is a problem.

My son had one as is first car when he was aged 22.

1.6 petrol on a 52 plate about 50,000 miles on when we bought it and about 70,000 on it 2 years later.

A few minor niggles, mainly engine management lights for coil packs and temp sensors.

Whatever you decide, get breakdown cover.

[arj7]

I would echo the sentiment about Golfs, very reliable cars, Im sure you could get a 1.9 tdi funnily enough I am selling my wifes car for £3k

[ellabennett]

mike9009 said:

Hi

My wife has a 1.5 diesel Nissan Note. It has been ultra reliable, seems fine on motorway, does 62mpg, £30 to tax per year... is cheap for us to insure and I doubt it would be expensive for you in comparison to others.

Ours is quite high spec so a nice place to be too. My wife also has back issues but finds this comfortable. Ours has auto wipers/ headlights, sat nav, cruise control etc. , etc.

Mike

Thanks very much Mike, I have been considering the Nissan Note. Really useful info, thanks very much!

[ellabennett]

ZX10R NIN said:

Insurance will be your biggest enemy but I'd say a diesel will be a good shout preferably with a 6 speed gearbox, here are some examples, but the biggest factor is comfort if you're spending 10 hours commuting then find the car that suits you.

2009 Mazda 3 Sport 64k FMSH

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

2007 Civic Type S 84k FSH

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

A C Class in Saloon or Coupe form are a good call.

2004 C270 Avantgarde SE 64k FSH these will comfortably do the mileage & last for years but insurance might be a concern.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...

C220 Sport 84k

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...

C200 Sport 67k

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...

2008 Toyota Auris TR

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...

Edited by ZX10R NIN on Tuesday 14th February 18:06

Thanks very much, this list is really helpful for me. Really appreciate you taking the time to put this together, thanks so much

[ellabennett]

Thanks for all the help and suggestions folks, really appreciate you guys taking the time to help me out

[Scottie - NW]

A Mazda 2 TD is also a good small car with great reliability.

[MorganP104]

Some good advice on this thread so far. To summarise:

- Japanese or German.
- Ideally diesel.
- 6-speed gearbox.

Automatics are worth considering, too, especially if you go for a German/diesel combo.