"First" car commuting

[Shiv_P]

Hi all

I am currently 19 and in university (currently living there for first year)
Come July time I should be looking for a car as I will likely commute daily which will be around 35 miles per day, and then the year after that will be working at an undergrad placement so maybe a little more
I should have 2 years NCB at that point as currently I have shared a car with my grandad (1.25 fiesta mk6)
Budget will ideally 5k but can stretch to 5.5k

I'm not sure what car to be looking at from an insurance standpoint. I don't really want a golf as my brother had one and I don't want to copy him (:P) but obviously that is an option
Looking at ideally around 140bhp, the current fiesta is way too slow at 75bhp and I would like to be comfortable on the motorway
May occasionally make trips to London as well

Ideally I would like a compact saloon 3 series sized
Have looked at octavias, but cannot get an engine with "enough" power for the price
Volvo S60 however cannot get the new shape for sub 5.5k with none-moon miles
Ford mondeo is a bit old man but I hear the 2.2D is very reliable
Audi A4 - can't get a B8 for the money and B7 is too old hat
320d insurance is ridiculous

Am I right in thinking a 2.0TDI golf is pretty much my only option?

[iwantagta]

Always suggest this brand - as they have devalued like a stone so could get a decent one.
Saab 9-3.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

May be too expensive on insurance.

This is a vector so may be better.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

[AgentZ]

There are loads of 2.0TDI (140/170bhp) Octavia's in/below budget out there...?

After all the Octavia is just a Golf with a bigger body. Should easily get more bang for your buck with the Octavia?

[Blanchimont]

Fabia VRS?

I would look at insuring any potential options. As they can vary massively.

[ZX10R NIN]

I'd say get the Mondeo or Focus with the same engine, otherwise look for a Mazda3/6.

You'll be better off asking in May as you'll have a better idea of where you'll be placement wise.

[Aaronlal95]

Whatever you do, get an unmodified, clean one with a warranty!

[Shiv_P]

Saab 9-3 is an interesting idea - might look into this more

@AgentZ you are right there about the octavia I didn't look properly! However most-all look like pre facelift(?) or old shape and the interior isn't all that nice to be honest?

Fabia VRS I think is a little too hatchbacky and too small for me, rather have a new model fiesta

Mondeo is a good shout but again a bit old-man or taxi for a 19 year old no?

[2 sMoKiN bArReLs]

Shiv_P said:

Mondeo is a good shout but again a bit old-man or taxi for a 19 year old no?

Kids are picky these days . When I was a yoof you'd be happy to get anything without holes in the wings big enough to put your fist through (or that might start every now & again)

Get the best Golf you can afford.

[Shiv_P]

2 sMoKiN bArReLs said:

Kids are picky these days . When I was a yoof you'd be happy to get anything without holes in the wings big enough to put your fist through (or that might start every now & again)

Get the best Golf you can afford.

Meh, I am doing the most time intensive (and probably most difficult) course at my uni for 5 years
Think I should splash the cash a little

[talksthetorque]

Seeing as you like a slightly bigger car, how about leather, nav, cruise and the same engine as the golf in an old A4 shape, but newer

SEAT Exeo
I ran one for 120,000 perfectly reliable miles.

[Shiv_P]

talksthetorque said:

Seeing as you like a slightly bigger car, how about leather, nav, cruise and the same engine as the golf in an old A4 shape, but newer

SEAT Exeo
I ran one for 120,000 perfectly reliable miles.

That looks really good actually, not a fan of the colour but plenty on autotrader with similar spec and different colours
Definitely one I will have a look at more

[codenamecueball]

When you say 2 year NCD, is that though you as the main driver on your grandads car?

[Douglas Quaid]

The Mondeo is a good shout. It will give you plenty of room to shaft in it which is very important at 19.

[Shiv_P]

codenamecueball said:

When you say 2 year NCD, is that though you as the main driver on your grandads car?

Yep

TVR Moneypit said:

OP, please don't take this the wrong way, but you're 19 and male. What car you get will very much depend on what you get insured on and what you can afford insurance on. You may not have the luxury of being particularly picky. A situation that sadly is unlikely to change until you are 25.

Don't worry though, we've all been there.

Understand 100%

Douglas Quaid said:

The Mondeo is a good shout. It will give you plenty of room to shaft in it which is very important at 19.

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