Station Car

[DTB77]

I'm soon to be changing my commute from 80 miles to 5 miles a day (2.5 each way), driving to the train station. I no longer need the comfort, space and refinement of my S4 Avant, so debating whether to get:

1. 6.2 V8 C63 AMG - Previously owned one and loved it - and who cares about the running costs when mileage will be low?
2. BMW M135i - smaller and more nimble for parking at the station
3. A cheap runaround
4. Something electric - Nissan Leaf, BMW i3 or similar.

I'm a bit worried if I buy the C63 or M135i that the frequent short trips are no good for it, as I'll rarely warm the engine through (apart from the very occasional weekend blasts). Hence thinking I might be better off getting a cheap runaround or something electric, but worried that I'd be bored or disappointed at the weekends (although I could potentially justify a weekend toy).

What are the PH views on suitable station cars and/or problems with using a nice car for frequent but short trips?

And just to cover off any accusations of being lazy, walking is not possible as there's no footpath (cycling is possible, but I'm a fair weather cyclist only...)

[cylon]

with 1&2 are you not worried about dings or scratches? normally i read threads on how people want less desirable cars for the station car park.

[Monty Python]

In your position, I'd go for (3) - that way you don't have to worry about it being dented while you're away (or even a moped for the summer - when we have one).

[GrandAndrew]

I'd cycle or walk the 2.5 miles and get something fun for the weekend. I'd also end up spending the price of a decent runabout on the bike though!

[Krikkit]

I'd go electric, a Leaf or similar makes for a nice alternative to something fun for the weekends.

[cuprabob]

3) - something like a Vw Up!, Seat Mii or Skoda Citigo.

Edited by cuprabob on Wednesday 31st May 14:04

[MorganP104]

Spend £500 on something small and Japanese for popping to the station. Plenty of choice on Auto Trader.

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

Then go out and buy a garage queen for the weekends.

My reasoning behind this is simple. Leaving your (expensive) pride and joy parked up all day in a station car park will leave it wide open to every muppet and his dog banging their doors against your pristine paintwork.

Doesn't even bear thinking about!

[ForZiE23]

Cheap run around and summer time bike / walk. Then as others have said leaves room for a weekend toy

[itcaptainslow]

For station duties-a 125cc scooter. Powered commuting doesn't come cheaper, parking is free and you'll be able to cut through the traffic.

[clonmult]

GrandAndrew said:

I'd cycle or walk the 2.5 miles and get something fun for the weekend. I'd also end up spending the price of a decent runabout on the bike though!

This is exactly what I did around 10 years back - 2.5 miles each side of the station, station parking was far from cheap (and there was a waiting list), figured that a bike was by far and away the best overall option. Bonus was that after a year of that I was in WAY better shape too.

[strain]

Ive been walking to the station for 1.5 years, just over 2.5 miles.

Funnily enough the wife sent me through a few cars today suggesting I get a station snotter, although at 6k she's not getting the right idea.

I've looked at micra's panda's and fiestas, anything cheap, total cost (excl initial purchase) would be around £60 a month for me (insurance, tax, fuel) so something I will look into after summer.

[Monty Python]

How about a Renault Twizzy

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

[essayer]

I bought a ZOE primarily because my local station offers free parking for zero emissions vehicles. £80/mo man maths saved.

We use it loads at weekends and although the cash saving is a bit of a misnomer vs. a £500 Micra or whatever it's a well specc'd car and nice enough to drive!

[Zetec-S]

I'd echo most people on here, don't get something nice to sit in a station car park.

Get a decent weekend toy instead, and then depending on finances either:
- walk/cycle
- buy something dirt cheap (SOTW territory)
- Nissan Leaf

[andyalan10]

For 2.5 miles, push scooter, quicker than walking, take it on the train, pop it on the luggage rack.

That way more money, and more time for the fun car :-)

Andy

[Plate spinner]

Krikkit said:

I'd go electric, a Leaf or similar makes for a nice alternative to something fun for the weekends.

Agreed - 'leccy shed + weekend fun FTW!

[DTB77]

Thanks for all the responses - looks like general consensus is not to risk my pride and joy in the car park then!

As I mentioned, walking really is not feasible (un-lit country lanes, no pavements etc). Cycling may be feasible, but not full time so I'd still need a station car to supplement.

Unfortunately I'm a bit of a liability on a motorbike / scooter so I will rule that out.

Renault Twizy is a good suggestion, they look like fun. Only potential issue would be that I'd need to have something relatively practical to supplement it as the weekend toy, as I occasionally have to transport children. But an option...

[mcg_]

MorganP104 said:

Spend £500 on something small and Japanese for popping to the station. Plenty of choice on Auto Trader.

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

Then go out and buy a garage queen for the weekends.

My reasoning behind this is simple. Leaving your (expensive) pride and joy parked up all day in a station car park will leave it wide open to every muppet and his dog banging their doors against your pristine paintwork.

Doesn't even bear thinking about!

x2

[Monkeylegend]

I personally wouldn't risk leaving cars like a C63 or M135i parked at a train station all day every day. I would expect to come back one day to an empty space.

[Gibby88]

Any £500 shed with a full mot. It's liberating! My rusty puma refuses to die which is annoying.