Need advice on the next commuter car

[Mikey2312]

Hi guys,

I'm looking for some advice or recommendations on what to go for as the next commuter.. I currently own a 58 plate Passat estate (for sale by the way) that has taken nearly 30,000 miles in just over a year with no problems with the exception of servicing, tyres and an MOT. I commute 64 miles twice a day for approx. 14 days a month.

From the recent Ebay listings I think I can probably scrape around £2,250 for mine and I'm happy to add a bit of cash to make the budget up to around £5000 for a decent car.. I've been trawling the net for a few weeks and have narrowed it down to the following:

- 2007-09 BMW 320D
- 2006+ BMW 520D
- 2008-09 Mercedes C220 CDI
- 2008-09 Mercedes C250 CDI
- 2007-08 Audi A5 3.0 TDI
- 2005-07 Volkswagen Touareg 2.5 TDI / 3.0 TDI
- 2007-10 Ford Kuga 2.0 TDCI
- 2007-09 Freelander 2 2.2 TD4
- 2009+ Honda Civic 2.2

All of the above, with the exception of the Honda, I've been looking at Auto.. I've found I've had some issues with my Achilles tendon on my right foot which I'm starting to tie in with the amount of driving alongside mine being a manual and overdoing it a little with exercise. So auto, in theory, should reduce the movement as there'll be no gear changes and then I can utilise cruise control on the straighter roads.

I like the idea of being a bit higher on the road hence the 4x4 options but I also like the saloon/coupe.

I'd like to get some feedback on the choices above and any additional suggestions. Fuel economy isn't a big issue.. When I'm doing the mileage I'm doing I expect the annual fuel bill to be higher than normal. A nice cockpit with a good spec is, however, a biggie.. No point spending so long in a car to hate it..

Reliability.. this is key, as with most in the working world.. No car = no work = no money to keep the lights on.

I test drove a C220 CDI and found it to be great although a little lacking in any form of torque, I like putting my foot down and making some movement.. the Passat actually felt quicker than the C220

Look forward to hearing your thoughts. Many thanks.

[stanglish]

I drive a Civic 1.8 of the generation you mention - the 2.2 Diesels are known for great fuel economy and pleasing grunt but the clutches do about 90k and tbh a Civic is not the last word in commuting pleasure/comfort. On top of this, you're not looking at autos (no idea how they are anyway tbh - maybe you're counting them out as they are terrible) so how is this going to be a step forward? I don't even think the cockpit is really lots better.

I just don't see how a Civic that'll cost you 1-2k to get into would do a noticeably better job than your current Passat which is only a couple of years older.

If it were me, I'd first think about how important it is for you to be higher up on the road. I can't imagine a Kuga of that vintage is much fun, and Freelanders aren't exactly renowned to excel in any ability you need for a blissful commute. The Kuga cockpit also looks like cack IMO. Your search will be less stressful if you can decide upfront how much of a dealbreaker the need to be high up is. Maybe you're even more interested in changing for this reason?

On the rest - you mention cars which also sit between two different size categories which might also be worth considering i.e. how much space do you really need?

Lastly you mention your pain is in your right foot. I don't honestly think a manual is causing this and you won't be changing every 5 seconds and blipping on downshifts in your Passat. If your aim is to stop the pain then an appointment with a Doctor, changing your exercise habits or retrofitting cruise to your existing car are all better options I think!

If you really want to change, then embrace the fact you want a cockpit upgrade and prioritise based on that. For my money I'd be looking into the 2 Mercs a bit more closely and any major issues that could crop up with them. They're going to be more expensive to maintain than your Passat and if you're already pushing to make the budget for the purchase is this not going to be an issue?

[GT03ROB]

There is quite a varied list of cars there. Is it just for commuting or will you be using the rest of the time as well?

I used to do a similar distance daily & used a A3 2.0 Diesel. It had a decent spec so was comfy & fast enough, as 60 of my miles were motorway.

[ZX10R NIN]

When you test drove the C220 was it in comfort mode as that means it pulls away in 2nd & shifts up early, the 2.0d BMW engine has serious timing chain issues, when doing 30k a year my first thoughts are comfort reliability & good spec at which point it's very hard to look past the Mondeo Titanium X 161:

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

If you want the ultimate economy wise then the 508 161 Diesel Hybrid:

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

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

The Insignia is the value for money choice you'll get a nice very low mileage top spec Elite model for your budget, one thing you must do is to have an Oil flush every other service as the oil pick up pipe can clog which kills the engine, so I'd get that done as soon as I bought one:

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

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

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

Personally I'd go for a 5/6 cylinder diesel they're smoother more powerful & if you enjoy using your right foot they'll just feel better.

CLK320cdi Sport these have the benefit of Orthopedic seats which when doing 30k a year will make a big difference to how you feel when you get out.

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

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

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

2.7d Jaguar XF Premium Luxury

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

Volvo S80

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

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

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

S60

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

E320 Sport

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

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

CLS320

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

The Audi autos have gearbox issues so I wouldn't recommend one.

530d

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

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

525d M Sport

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

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

[Cylon2007]

Why not just get a later Auto Passat?

[Pica-Pica]

stanglish said:

Lastly you mention your pain is in your right foot. I don't honestly think a manual is causing this and you won't be changing every 5 seconds and blipping on downshifts in your Passat. If your aim is to stop the pain then an appointment with a Doctor, changing your exercise habits or retrofitting cruise to your existing car are all better options I think!

I have increasingly aches in my right foot, despite cruise control, mine is on the shin, and results in cramps. I believe that is lack of general muscle stretching, strength, flexion, due to inadequate, or diminishing personal fitness. I agree with the suggestion that a doctor or specialist visit would help.

[Lukas239]

Having done this myself a few rules apply;

- you will destroy a car no matter what. Value will plummet with each year.
- reliability seems to be a lottery. Better the devil you know.
- parts for maintenance, servicing etc are needed more often so I would try to avoid 'prestige' brands.

In my mind, you may as well run a car firmly into the ground as you limit loss on depreciation compared to buying a new one. The only caveat here is your health; I suffered raging sciatica doing big miles and wished I had something more comfortable, your ankle may be the same.

My suggestion; keep the Passat. If that's not a possibility = Mazda/Ford/Citroen/Peugeot all share a lot of parts for common diesels so pick one of them. C5s are meant to be supremely comfy no?

[Mikey2312]

Sorry for the delayed reply gents. I probably should have been a bit more clear in my initial post.. coming to the end of a night shift was probably not the best time to start a new topic!

First off many thanks for all the replies! and the many options of cars to look at.. I'll go from the top to try and include a response to everyone's replies..

The Civic was an option added to the list.. of all of them this would probably be a fail safe but it isn't a big contender on the list!

With regards to being more high up, it isn't a deal breaker.. I've never owned a larger car of that size and have always fancied something like that but ultimately, if a saloon came along that was a major box ticker then I'd go with it. Space-wise, I haven't fully utilised the Passat with the exception of a few trips to the dump however boot space and the capability to take people in the back is something I'm looking for.. We rarely take people in the back but is nice to have the space to do so.

The pain in the right foot, I probably should have been a little clearer.. I think this is something I've done to myself through excessive training that has been more and more aggravated from driving.. I know it isn't solely because I'm driving manual nor the drive itself but, in hindsight, I should have gone auto initially as it would have just been more comfortable. A doctors appointment is on the cards..


I've looked at a newer Passat but, I'll be honest.. I kind of fancy a change and something new. I'm not struggling to raise the budget I just see it as £5,000 is the most I'd like to spend. Maintaining the car isn't an issue. I've had to have 2 services per year on the Passat and it's just part and parcel of doing the mileage.

The test drive of the C220 was OK, the car was in "normal" driving mode but had sport which helped a little, just felt a little underwhelmed although, typically, it wasn't the longest test drive to feel what the car is like.

The Insignia is a good shout although I haven't always been Vauxhall's biggest fan having issues with previous cars.. The horror stories of the 2.0D BMW engine does put me off quite a bit and I've had a few recommendations to go for a 6 cylinder.. does the 3.0 engine suffer any common issues?

I'm surprised, of the cars on the list, nobody has recommended the Audi A5.. I would've thought that would have been a good option, is there any particular reason why this should be avoided?

[ZX10R NIN]

You won't get an A5 diesel auto with sensible miles on for your budget & as I said in the post earlier Audi's CVT transmission is not the best which is why I didn't list them earlier.

The six cylinder BMW's are a much better prospect than the 2.0d, everything listed above are good options, the Insignia is a great option as long as you adhere to the oil flush schedule.

[Mikey2312]

ZX10R NIN said:

You won't get an A5 diesel auto with sensible miles on for your budget & as I said in the post earlier Audi's CVT transmission is not the best which is why I didn't list them earlier.

The six cylinder BMW's are a much better prospect than the 2.0d, everything listed above are good options, the Insignia is a great option as long as you adhere to the oil flush schedule.

Ahh ok, I had found some 3.0 TDI's but they start around the mid 90k mileage

I've narrowed it on the list down to the CLK320 and the 530D.. I need to go do some test driving when I'm next off shift I think

Cheers for taking the time to make a list from Autotrader 😊

[ZX10R NIN]

Mikey2312 said:

Ahh ok, I had found some 3.0 TDI's but they start around the mid 90k mileage

I've narrowed it on the list down to the CLK320 and the 530D.. I need to go do some test driving when I'm next off shift I think

Cheers for taking the time to make a list from Autotrader ??

You won't go wrong with the CLK320 I know as I had one (& would still have it if it wasn't for our Mayor) it ran faultlessly & responded well to a remap & change of air filter.

Maintenance wise the Mercedes will be be slightly cheaper to maintain & I loved the airiness of the cabin the way that with the windows all dropped away it was a nice place to be.

I did add this unit to bring the infotainment (I have this in my CLK63 & it's great as well as easy to use) bang up to date a good audio specialist will have it fitted in a couple of hours:

https://www.pioneer-car.eu/uk/products/SPH-DA230DA...



https://www.googleadservices.com/pagead/aclk?sa=L&...

Out of the ones I listed this one would be my pick because:

1) Obsidian looks amazing when cleaned up
2) The interior colour is one of the best
3) Someone has already fitted the 19's that these cry for
4) It has the Xenons

There are two downsides for me:

1) No sunroof
2) I'd have to change the front grille back to the original 3 slat item

[Mikey2312]

ZX10R NIN said:

You won't go wrong with the CLK320 I know as I had one (& would still have it if it wasn't for our Mayor) it ran faultlessly & responded well to a remap & change of air filter.

Maintenance wise the Mercedes will be be slightly cheaper to maintain & I loved the airiness of the cabin the way that with the windows all dropped away it was a nice place to be.

I did add this unit to bring the infotainment (I have this in my CLK63 & it's great as well as easy to use) bang up to date a good audio specialist will have it fitted in a couple of hours:

https://www.pioneer-car.eu/uk/products/SPH-DA230DA...



https://www.googleadservices.com/pagead/aclk?sa=L&...

Out of the ones I listed this one would be my pick because:

1) Obsidian looks amazing when cleaned up
2) The interior colour is one of the best
3) Someone has already fitted the 19's that these cry for
4) It has the Xenons

There are two downsides for me:

1) No sunroof
2) I'd have to change the front grille back to the original 3 slat item

That was the one that stood out for me.. only thing I noticed, it's mapped to 360bhp.. would there be anything to look out for reliability-wise with this sort of power?

[ZX10R NIN]

Mikey2312 said:

That was the one that stood out for me.. only thing I noticed, it's mapped to 360bhp.. would there be anything to look out for reliability-wise with this sort of power?

I'd be shocked if that car was ever producing 360bhp if it's just a remap it'll be between 270-290bhp 600-621lb/ft if he's saying it's 360bhp I'd ask for a rolling road session before buying when doing this I normally offer to pay half the cost (around £65) for two reasons:

1) it's a great health check for you the prospective buyer
2) because that BHP would mean in excess of 730+ lb/ft of torque & the gearbox would be near the limit

Mine had a lot of upgrades:

Bigger Intercooler
Hybrid Turbo
Uprated Fuel Pump

It was up to 330bhp with 690 lb/ft, so as I said I'd be shocked if it was really running 360bhp but a bad map can hurt any car so I'd get the rolling road done.