Very short commute, but regular (ish) long distance cruiser - Page 1 - Car Buying

I’m guessing with the France trips an estate would be preferable for the stuff you’ll be taking with you?

When I looked, I must admit I was surprised at how little car you budget gets you when the age restriction of 2012 is applied. The second hand car market has indeed gone bonkers.

That said. This is where my money would go for your needs. Big load space. Nice big lazy V6 to make for effortless cruising. L&K spec so comfy with all the toys.

For some reason I can’t get the link to work.. but not hard to find on AT.

A500leroy

8,293 posts

146 months

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Honda stepwagon.

kiethton

14,612 posts

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BMW with the x35i engine - pick your bodyshape based on preference and budget

We have an M135i, now on 111k miles, not missed a beat, does 20-25mpg around town and has hit 42mpg on a run....at the same time its over 320bhp a and very comfortable/easy to drive. Ours is likely only about £1k over budget but other older high miles ones may creep in, else you should find a F30/F10 3/5 series with the same engine that does.

ZX10R NIN

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tommudgetty said:

I have a very short (3.5 mile) commute each way, 5 days a week (35 miles per week in total). With a few personal miles thrown in, my average mileage excluding long-distance trips, is probably around 200 miles a month. Rarely do I exceed 40mph thanks to the wonderful roads in the south east.

I've now inherited a property in central France. It isn't particularly near any commercial airports, and therefore I intend to drive when I visit. I am anticipating, Covid and so on permitting, to visit 6-8 times per year. It's around a 550 mile journey, and I prefer to take the scenic route rather than do the autoroute slog. With some driving around when at the property, I estimate about 10k miles per year to and from the property.

I don't really want two or more cars, as I find it too much of a hassle, so would prefer one car that can do it all.

Budget is flexible, but I'd rather keep it under £10-12k. Mileage will be approximately 12k a year, but most of these miles will be cruising in France. MPG isn't too much of an issue although would prefer 20/25 mpg or better if possible.

It needs to be a good long-distance cruiser with sufficient power not to be taxing to drive; something comfortable but also able to handle well on the back roads of rural France. It should have cruise control (adaptive if possible, but not overly fussed) and Xenon or LED headlights. These make a huge difference to me. Breakdown cover for cars over 15 years old is more limited, so to give it some longevity I'd suggest it needs to be around 2012 or newer.

Given that whilst most of my mileage will be cruising in France, most of my actual journeys are short, I should imagine petrol would be better than diesel, however, I have no strong view each way... diesel prices in France aren't hugely cheaper than petrol these days.

Thoughts appreciated.

Infiniti G37 S Saloon loaded with kit 370Z drivetrain & you'll get a nice one under budget:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202108176...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202110218...

CLS 350

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202110278...

5.0 XF Portfolio

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202110128...

528i SE

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202110088...

S60 T6

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202110268...

V60 T6

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202110138...

ZX10R NIN

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