5k pleasant eco-commuter

[Turbo Tat]

I'm looking for a new motor and I know its a lot to ask of a car this cheap, but If I can't find the right one, I'll continue shedding for now.

£5k, maybe 5.5 at a push
As new as reasonably possible
Reliable
55mpg
Comfortable for 18-20,000 miles per year
Preferably auto
Nice enough to look at
Will last at least 4 years, so will need to take 80k miles plus on top of its present mileage and preferably not cost an arm and a leg to get it there!
Preferably not painfully slow

I would potentially suffer worse economy for a cheaper car as long as it fulfills the rest of the criteria. An ex of mine had a Mercedes CLC diesel with panoramic roof and I always liked it although it sadly only did 40 ish mpg. Something like this might be okay but would prefer newer for added reliability.

Any help welcomed,

Thanks

[samoht]

Toyota Auris Hybrid? Same drivetrain as a Prius in a lighter car, so slightly more economical
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202104201...
https://www.topgear.com/car-reviews/toyota/auris/1...

£5k puts you on the cusp of the last of the first-gen 2010-2012 and first of the second-gen.

Otherwise Golf 1.6 TDI
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202104151...

[Benbay001]

samoht said:

Toyota Auris Hybrid? Same drivetrain as a Prius in a lighter car, so slightly more economical
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202104201...
https://www.topgear.com/car-reviews/toyota/auris/1...

I bought one 3 weeks ago and im very very happy with it)

[samoht]

On the Merc front, I've heard it suggested that the five-cylinder C270 diesel is actually more economical than the four-cylinder C200/C220 CDI cars. You'd want a 2004 car (final year, galvanised), could get one for half your budget which might cover the slight deficit in fuel economy.

It's an older car, if you can find a good Merc independent nearby then it can probably be run affordably. I had one for a day and liked it, a bit old really but perhaps worth a test drive if you want a Merc.

Generally hybrids like the Auris will be better economy in traffic, the diesels will be better cruising at speed.

[GreatGranny]

Astra

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202104211...

C4

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202103120...

DS4

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202005209...

Focus Titanium

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202102239...

i30

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202104291...

[LightningBlue]

It’s hard to suggest reliable as any car can fail, Toyota are probably the best bet and possibly Honda, but would they be plush enough? You could get a Volvo V60 around this budget and their seats are some of the most comfortable you’ll find. Any make like Volvo/Merc/BMW etc will be on the pricey side to repair it they do go wrong though, but my S60 hasn’t left me stranded in five years (but has needed a couple of expensive repairs). Alternatively cars like the Vauxhall Insignia can be used bargains and actually nice places to sit and drive.

[Raymond Reddington]

I'd be inclined to go for something like a Mondeo with the 2.0 diesel. Comfortable handles well, reliable and enough go. Smaller diesel engines can be good on fuel but aren't as nice to live with.

The auris hybrid mentioned above would be a good shout if your commute is in traffic - I quite fancy upgrading my corolla for one but I don't do a lot of stop start, mostly dual carriageway and B Road so not sure I'd see much benefit.

[ZX10R NIN]

With your requirements in mind I'd be looking at the Insignia SRI Nav really does tick every (newish Low Miles & good spec) box:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202104281...

SRI

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202104291...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202104171...

[ZX10R NIN]

I forgot to say on any older car that you should flush the oil every other service & service them around every 10k if you want your car to last for another 100k.

[Seeker UK]

samoht said:

On the Merc front, I've heard it suggested that the five-cylinder C270 diesel is actually more economical than the four-cylinder C200/C220 CDI cars. You'd want a 2004 car (final year, galvanised), could get one for half your budget which might cover the slight deficit in fuel economy.

I've had a C270CDI and Mrs Seeker had a CLK270CDI. Best we saw in either was 45-46 mpg.

Cracking engines but they're knocking on a bit now and b*ggers to replace glowplugs in (check if the glowplug light comes on for 5 minutes after the engine starts).

[ZX10R NIN]

Seeker UK said:

I've had a C270CDI and Mrs Seeker had a CLK270CDI. Best we saw in either was 45-46 mpg.

Cracking engines but they're knocking on a bit now and b*ggers to replace glowplugs in (check if the glowplug light comes on for 5 minutes after the engine starts).

My CLK270 averaged 49mpg over the 20k I had it but mine was mapped/air filter etc, I had to do the number 5 injector change but overall a very good car but as you say they're getting (2005 will be the last ones) on a bit.

[Nick-ST]

It would be hard to look past an Octavia VRS diesel for me. Very understated cars and they are capable of mega miles if looked after. There is a reason cabbies use those engines...