Which Motorway/traffic muncher 3-5k
Discussion
Nothing like pistonheads for some left field choices that might just work (hopefully).
New job will be lots of motorway and city traffic.
Last 3 cars were m3 cs, e90 m3 and e46 manual m3 so after those i’d settle for something that doesnt make me want to puke every morning.
I’m just looking to spend relatively little on something reliable, either frugal or reasonable with low up front costs and the more money i can save for some kind of weekend toy the better. Needs bluetooth and dab (or easy retrofit)
i’m not looking to pretend a motorway car can be desireable beyond badgee-snobbery (which i dont subscribe to).
Estate would be a bonus, but not deal breaker as i have a sea sucker for the bike to live on the roof.
Reliability wise i have access to a garage at weekends so zero labour just parts and anything will be cheap to maintain after the BM’s, I’m trying to save up to race so again, lower end is better, but can stomach higher running costs if up front is lower.
So far I’m thinking lines of...
Some kind of lexus (i know little)
Old xj (bluetooth/dab? Fuel?)
159 sportwagon (just pretty but probably not comfy etc....)
Some kind of merc or bmw diesel estate - (complex if they go wrong/expensive to buy)
What you got?!
New job will be lots of motorway and city traffic.
Last 3 cars were m3 cs, e90 m3 and e46 manual m3 so after those i’d settle for something that doesnt make me want to puke every morning.
I’m just looking to spend relatively little on something reliable, either frugal or reasonable with low up front costs and the more money i can save for some kind of weekend toy the better. Needs bluetooth and dab (or easy retrofit)
i’m not looking to pretend a motorway car can be desireable beyond badgee-snobbery (which i dont subscribe to).
Estate would be a bonus, but not deal breaker as i have a sea sucker for the bike to live on the roof.
Reliability wise i have access to a garage at weekends so zero labour just parts and anything will be cheap to maintain after the BM’s, I’m trying to save up to race so again, lower end is better, but can stomach higher running costs if up front is lower.
So far I’m thinking lines of...
Some kind of lexus (i know little)
Old xj (bluetooth/dab? Fuel?)
159 sportwagon (just pretty but probably not comfy etc....)
Some kind of merc or bmw diesel estate - (complex if they go wrong/expensive to buy)
What you got?!
Rover 75 CDTI Tourer fits your needs. Comes in below budget actually, good ones are £1,500 - £2,000. The CDTi is a BMW 2.0 diesel lump, known for being bulletproof with the proper servicing, 250k miles is not unknown on these engines. They're also all pre-DPF, so no concerns there. I run mine on Shell V-Power, the last tank returned 48.2mpg, most of which was motorway commute.
Parts are surprisingly cheap and easily available. I've just had to order a set of front droplinks for mine, the cheapest around are £6.50 per side. New headlight? £30. Wipers? Less than a fiver. All the savings you make could easily afford a Bluetooth retrofit.
Annual VED on manuals is £190, autos a little more at £280. Insurance group 19 IIRC, fairly low down.
Parts are surprisingly cheap and easily available. I've just had to order a set of front droplinks for mine, the cheapest around are £6.50 per side. New headlight? £30. Wipers? Less than a fiver. All the savings you make could easily afford a Bluetooth retrofit.
Annual VED on manuals is £190, autos a little more at £280. Insurance group 19 IIRC, fairly low down.
Edited by Muddle238 on Tuesday 5th June 09:48
TartanPaint said:
V70 D5
Volvos are cool again.
I have to agree. I've had mine for the last 7 years after replacing it with a Disco3 for family duty. It never fails to carry me in comfort along the M4 with amazing sound (from stereo), amazing comfort and amazing economy from the euro3 engine. I've done very little to it other then change fluids and consumables. It's now on 180k and going pretty strong.Volvos are cool again.
I would like to change as I'm a little bored but really cannot think of anything better.
Downsides are turbo lag is quite old school, and suspension is a bit tired now but it's not a sports car so I can live with relaxed commuting.
Looks just the job, only thing is will they close stockport/manchester city centre to euro 3 as that would screw me. There would have to be a fair bit of notice youd imagine.
Are there spec levels to look for or do they all have a good stereo, bluetooth etc??? Emissions get better at a certain age or anything like that?
Whats the auto like?
Are there spec levels to look for or do they all have a good stereo, bluetooth etc??? Emissions get better at a certain age or anything like that?
Whats the auto like?
Mondeo TDCI in Ghia trim.
Comfy, not as bad a drive as you think, cheap to run, if anything big gives up 2nd had engines are cheaply available and DIY-able to repair.
Personally I have an F10 BMW 530d, am on my second, ran the last one to 100000+ and had no issues at all.
The F10's are coming down in price daily, but still too high, however late E60's had the problems of the early cars sorted and are now very affordable, especially if you go for SE spec.
Comfy, not as bad a drive as you think, cheap to run, if anything big gives up 2nd had engines are cheaply available and DIY-able to repair.
Personally I have an F10 BMW 530d, am on my second, ran the last one to 100000+ and had no issues at all.
The F10's are coming down in price daily, but still too high, however late E60's had the problems of the early cars sorted and are now very affordable, especially if you go for SE spec.
530d is tempting is chraper examples arent time bombs. Try and find one without silly low profile 19’s in an otherwise nice spec might be a challenge. Assuming the auto is the zf which are reliable enough?
Prices appear all over the place.
Mondeo may be a decent shout, i suppose theres so many about they are cheap. Are the auto’s in them as bad as the rest of ford though? Dont really fancy a manual for that kind of driving.
Prices appear all over the place.
Mondeo may be a decent shout, i suppose theres so many about they are cheap. Are the auto’s in them as bad as the rest of ford though? Dont really fancy a manual for that kind of driving.
SAAB 9-5 has the same autobox Volvo use I believe, Aisin-Warner I think.
Old shape (saloon) Superbs have a TC auto, I don't think they got DSG until the new notchback shape around 2008. Doubt you'll find a latest shape one for under £5k (the ones with estate option).
Had a 9-5 for donkeys years, most comfortable thing I've ever driven. Hated letting it go but it was falling apart after much use and the wife, well newer and shiner was required...
Old shape (saloon) Superbs have a TC auto, I don't think they got DSG until the new notchback shape around 2008. Doubt you'll find a latest shape one for under £5k (the ones with estate option).
Had a 9-5 for donkeys years, most comfortable thing I've ever driven. Hated letting it go but it was falling apart after much use and the wife, well newer and shiner was required...
oakesy2001uk said:
530d is tempting is chraper examples arent time bombs. Try and find one without silly low profile 19’s in an otherwise nice spec might be a challenge. Assuming the auto is the zf which are reliable enough?
Prices appear all over the place.
Mondeo may be a decent shout, i suppose theres so many about they are cheap. Are the auto’s in them as bad as the rest of ford though? Dont really fancy a manual for that kind of driving.
Sell the 19's and put a set of nice non-runflat 17's on. Comfort plus you net enough to but new tyres.Prices appear all over the place.
Mondeo may be a decent shout, i suppose theres so many about they are cheap. Are the auto’s in them as bad as the rest of ford though? Dont really fancy a manual for that kind of driving.
ZF boxes, get a tranmission specialist to change the oil & filters for about £250 and you'll never think about it again.
All the Mondeo Auto's I've driven felt okay.
CLK 270 these are robust easy to maintain will take big miles with ease, they'll also take a bike in the (the rear seats fold) back as long as the front wheel is removed:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
220 Sport these come with the Orthopedic seats:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
320 Avantgarde Sport
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
220 Sport these come with the Orthopedic seats:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
320 Avantgarde Sport
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
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