What car - cheap 'commuter'
Discussion
Having not worked since July due to looking after my 91 year old dad, who has been suffering poor health and is currently in hospital after breaking several bones in a fall, I am planning to return to work and have been offered a job with a deferred start date of April so I can hopefully sort care arrangements for dad when he is discharged home.
Even so I expect to be travelling frequently back at weekends to check on him and sort things out around the house/garden.
Problem is, the job is in Lincoln and dad is in Cardiff.
My current car (BMW E36 328i) wasn't bought with winter driving and high mileages in mind and would deteriorate quickly I'm sure so I need a cheapish newer car for the regular 400 mile round trip.
Needs to be reliable, relatively economical (BMW managed 39mpg on recent trip to Lincoln for interview), undemanding to drive and comfy enough for long trips. Budget pretty tight, say £4k max to allow another £1k or so for bringing up to scratch.
So far have considered such things as Mk6 Fiesta 1.6D or 1.6 petrol, Mk7 Fiesta Ecoboost (cambelt change cost off putting), Mk3 Prius (not really in budget), Kia Cee'd or Hyundai i30 1.6D, Toyota Auris (dull), Focus Mk 2/3, VW Polo diesel (reliable??), Vauxhall Astra old shape 1.7/1.9D.
Since I know little or nothing about cars made in the last 15 years or more there are probably others I should consider. Any suggestions would be much appreciated.
Thank you.
Even so I expect to be travelling frequently back at weekends to check on him and sort things out around the house/garden.
Problem is, the job is in Lincoln and dad is in Cardiff.
My current car (BMW E36 328i) wasn't bought with winter driving and high mileages in mind and would deteriorate quickly I'm sure so I need a cheapish newer car for the regular 400 mile round trip.
Needs to be reliable, relatively economical (BMW managed 39mpg on recent trip to Lincoln for interview), undemanding to drive and comfy enough for long trips. Budget pretty tight, say £4k max to allow another £1k or so for bringing up to scratch.
So far have considered such things as Mk6 Fiesta 1.6D or 1.6 petrol, Mk7 Fiesta Ecoboost (cambelt change cost off putting), Mk3 Prius (not really in budget), Kia Cee'd or Hyundai i30 1.6D, Toyota Auris (dull), Focus Mk 2/3, VW Polo diesel (reliable??), Vauxhall Astra old shape 1.7/1.9D.
Since I know little or nothing about cars made in the last 15 years or more there are probably others I should consider. Any suggestions would be much appreciated.
Thank you.
What about a bigger Vauxhall Insigna at £3250 with a £750 fighting fund.
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2022122327...
While it will have a DPF, your big mileage will keep it in good fettle and the mpg can be incredible for such a big car.
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2022122327...
While it will have a DPF, your big mileage will keep it in good fettle and the mpg can be incredible for such a big car.
Sorry to learn about your dad's fall and hospitalisation.
I'd suggest speaking to bearman68 who runs a fleet of sheds about the 2 litre Diesel Laguna and D5 Volvos. I think South Wales to Lincoln is the sort of run more suited to a larger, comfortable, better riding car.
See the Joy of Shed thread for details of those cars that his fleet runs. I think he's in South Wales.
I understand the later 8V 1.6HDi 1580cc diesels that are available in Volvos and Fords are economical and more reliable than the early 16V versions.
I'd suggest speaking to bearman68 who runs a fleet of sheds about the 2 litre Diesel Laguna and D5 Volvos. I think South Wales to Lincoln is the sort of run more suited to a larger, comfortable, better riding car.
See the Joy of Shed thread for details of those cars that his fleet runs. I think he's in South Wales.
I understand the later 8V 1.6HDi 1580cc diesels that are available in Volvos and Fords are economical and more reliable than the early 16V versions.
Edited by carinaman on Wednesday 28th December 02:32
Sorry to hear your dad hadn’t been well.
I do a lot of long distances and the best advice is sit in whatever you are going to buy and judge it off that. People can make ideal recommendations, but you genuinely might just not gel with the seat or position.
It’s funny what one person finds comfy and another finds unbearable to get right.
I do a lot of long distances and the best advice is sit in whatever you are going to buy and judge it off that. People can make ideal recommendations, but you genuinely might just not gel with the seat or position.
It’s funny what one person finds comfy and another finds unbearable to get right.
I wish all the best for your Dad
You are going to laugh at me but some of you need cheering up from what I read on here
I have an old Pug Partner combi 2.0 HDI with 290 thousand on the clock it has never let us down and we had it from 70k it will still go anywhere
So I'm suggesting a mid 2000 Citroen Berlingo Combi 1.9 or 2.0 hdi
or a pug Partner 1.9 or 2.0 HDI
Its a car van camper , taxi local runner or long distance euro cruiser
Some of the boys and girls on here have started a skiing thread why not put some winters on it and go on a skiing trip and post the pictures on there
You are going to laugh at me but some of you need cheering up from what I read on here
I have an old Pug Partner combi 2.0 HDI with 290 thousand on the clock it has never let us down and we had it from 70k it will still go anywhere
So I'm suggesting a mid 2000 Citroen Berlingo Combi 1.9 or 2.0 hdi
or a pug Partner 1.9 or 2.0 HDI
Its a car van camper , taxi local runner or long distance euro cruiser
Some of the boys and girls on here have started a skiing thread why not put some winters on it and go on a skiing trip and post the pictures on there
Hyundai i30 is definitely worth a look, they are dull but surprisingly economical and Hyundai spares and servicing is cheap. We still use a local main dealer for our i10 because a full service is under £200. Most have been well looked after too, for some reason most Astras etc of the same age are a bit ropey.
Personally I’d look at petrol, you’ll get 40mpg from the 1.4 if you’re sensible on the motorway and the diesels can be a little bit agricultural, though the modern Korean diesels are more refined. Only being a five speed does hurt economy on longer drives but if diesel is say 20p a litre more with you as it is with me, that extra cost won’t be reflected in any additional mpg nor driving comfort.
example
Personally I’d look at petrol, you’ll get 40mpg from the 1.4 if you’re sensible on the motorway and the diesels can be a little bit agricultural, though the modern Korean diesels are more refined. Only being a five speed does hurt economy on longer drives but if diesel is say 20p a litre more with you as it is with me, that extra cost won’t be reflected in any additional mpg nor driving comfort.
example
Edited by anonymous-user on Wednesday 28th December 08:52
~2005ish era D5 Volvo, ideally manual for ultimate low maintenance living, but the auto will be more common, suit the task better, and probably have been serviced / fixed by now anyway if it's still going.
They're very comfy, have heated seats (nice for the inevitable achey lower back) and the Euro 3 era diesel is about 10mpg better than the Euro 4 and has less to go wrong.
Cambelt can be done very easily too.
Worst case it may need some lower wishbones, and over time will probably need some drop links, all cheap (get Lemforder bits) and pretty DIY friendly.
I'd imagine they're still very cheap to buy, the V70 is nicer looking and more practical, but the S80 is pretty unloved as it's challenging to look at, so probably even cheaper if you can stomach it!
The 5 pot even sounds surprisingly nice for a diesel.
Having said all that, diesel is pretty expensive now and you'll 'only' be getting 50 - 60mpg at best out of the old bus, so more economical options may be available, VED may be expensive too
They're very comfy, have heated seats (nice for the inevitable achey lower back) and the Euro 3 era diesel is about 10mpg better than the Euro 4 and has less to go wrong.
Cambelt can be done very easily too.
Worst case it may need some lower wishbones, and over time will probably need some drop links, all cheap (get Lemforder bits) and pretty DIY friendly.
I'd imagine they're still very cheap to buy, the V70 is nicer looking and more practical, but the S80 is pretty unloved as it's challenging to look at, so probably even cheaper if you can stomach it!
The 5 pot even sounds surprisingly nice for a diesel.
Having said all that, diesel is pretty expensive now and you'll 'only' be getting 50 - 60mpg at best out of the old bus, so more economical options may be available, VED may be expensive too
SturdyHSV said:
~2005ish era D5 Volvo, ideally manual for ultimate low maintenance living, but the auto will be more common, suit the task better, and probably have been serviced / fixed by now anyway if it's still going.
They're very comfy, have heated seats (nice for the inevitable achey lower back) and the Euro 3 era diesel is about 10mpg better than the Euro 4 and has less to go wrong.
Cambelt can be done very easily too.
Worst case it may need some lower wishbones, and over time will probably need some drop links, all cheap (get Lemforder bits) and pretty DIY friendly.
I'd imagine they're still very cheap to buy, the V70 is nicer looking and more practical, but the S80 is pretty unloved as it's challenging to look at, so probably even cheaper if you can stomach it!
The 5 pot even sounds surprisingly nice for a diesel.
Having said all that, diesel is pretty expensive now and you'll 'only' be getting 50 - 60mpg at best out of the old bus, so more economical options may be available, VED may be expensive too
Brilliant - that is, almost to the word, what I was going to post when i saw the OP. Mine was bought for this purpose in 2015 with 75K, now just under 100K more and it's as fit for purpose as ever. One of my lower arms will need doing in a few K miles, too They're very comfy, have heated seats (nice for the inevitable achey lower back) and the Euro 3 era diesel is about 10mpg better than the Euro 4 and has less to go wrong.
Cambelt can be done very easily too.
Worst case it may need some lower wishbones, and over time will probably need some drop links, all cheap (get Lemforder bits) and pretty DIY friendly.
I'd imagine they're still very cheap to buy, the V70 is nicer looking and more practical, but the S80 is pretty unloved as it's challenging to look at, so probably even cheaper if you can stomach it!
The 5 pot even sounds surprisingly nice for a diesel.
Having said all that, diesel is pretty expensive now and you'll 'only' be getting 50 - 60mpg at best out of the old bus, so more economical options may be available, VED may be expensive too
Euro 3, plenty mpgs, comfy, quiet. A good one really is very good indeed.jeremyh1 said:
I wish all the best for your Dad
You are going to laugh at me but some of you need cheering up from what I read on here
I have an old Pug Partner combi 2.0 HDI with 290 thousand on the clock it has never let us down and we had it from 70k it will still go anywhere
So I'm suggesting a mid 2000 Citroen Berlingo Combi 1.9 or 2.0 hdi
or a pug Partner 1.9 or 2.0 HDI
Its a car van camper , taxi local runner or long distance euro cruiser
Some of the boys and girls on here have started a skiing thread why not put some winters on it and go on a skiing trip and post the pictures on there
You are going to laugh at me but some of you need cheering up from what I read on here
I have an old Pug Partner combi 2.0 HDI with 290 thousand on the clock it has never let us down and we had it from 70k it will still go anywhere
So I'm suggesting a mid 2000 Citroen Berlingo Combi 1.9 or 2.0 hdi
or a pug Partner 1.9 or 2.0 HDI
Its a car van camper , taxi local runner or long distance euro cruiser
Some of the boys and girls on here have started a skiing thread why not put some winters on it and go on a skiing trip and post the pictures on there
Only a fool would laugh at a Partner or Berlingo, because if you're after a status-free unpretentious workhorse that is astonishingly comfortable and will virtually run on fresh air that you can use for everything from a tip run to a three week road trip round France then either are practically unbeatable.Better to have an older scruffy one though I think - then you can park anywhere and batter the crap out of it without a care in the world.
carinaman said:
Sorry to learn about your dad's fall and hospitalisation.
I'd suggest speaking to bearman68 who runs a fleet of sheds about the 2 litre Diesel Laguna and D5 Volvos. I think South Wales to Lincoln is the sort of run more suited to a larger, comfortable, better riding car.
See the Joy of Shed thread for details of those cars that his fleet runs. I think he's in South Wales.
I understand the later 8V 1.6HDi 1580cc diesels that are available in Volvos and Fords are economical and more reliable than the early 16V versions.
Fame at last.I'd suggest speaking to bearman68 who runs a fleet of sheds about the 2 litre Diesel Laguna and D5 Volvos. I think South Wales to Lincoln is the sort of run more suited to a larger, comfortable, better riding car.
See the Joy of Shed thread for details of those cars that his fleet runs. I think he's in South Wales.
I understand the later 8V 1.6HDi 1580cc diesels that are available in Volvos and Fords are economical and more reliable than the early 16V versions.
Edited by carinaman on Wednesday 28th December 02:32
Best choice for me is the Volvo S60 D5 Euro 3 manual. I see that's already been suggested, and for good reason. £4k will buy you a stonking one, and £3k will buy you a very very nice one with a fighting fund. These are comfy and will do huge mileages, and be very economical. VED with these mileages is almost irrelevant, it's the MPG that matters, and there's nothing I know of that is as good on fuel.
It's true the 8v 1.6 hdi in Volvos, Fords, Peugeots are decent and frugal, but big mileage = big engine and comfy seats and cruise control. All of which appear in the Lovolo.
I'd take the Volvo over the Laguna simply on fuel economy.
I've also got a 1.9 diesel Saab which is pretty decent on fuel, and decently comfy, but I don't think I would fancy it over the Volvo, and I don't think it's as reliable.
Unless the Op’s BMW is special (ie deserves some sort of special treatment) I can’t see why it can’t be used for these trips.
If it’s well serviced and in good condition it shouldn’t be a problem for it.
This would be the simplest option. Bringing another car into the equation means more tax, insurance, servicing, MOT and all that extra messing about.
If it’s well serviced and in good condition it shouldn’t be a problem for it.
This would be the simplest option. Bringing another car into the equation means more tax, insurance, servicing, MOT and all that extra messing about.
Firstly wishing your Dad a speedy recovery
Whilst I'm always the first to get a different car in these situations I can't disagree with Swisstoni's wise words below
Whilst I'm always the first to get a different car in these situations I can't disagree with Swisstoni's wise words below
swisstoni said:
Unless the Op’s BMW is special (ie deserves some sort of special treatment) I can’t see why it can’t be used for these trips.
If it’s well serviced and in good condition it shouldn’t be a problem for it.
This would be the simplest option. Bringing another car into the equation means more tax, insurance, servicing, MOT and all that extra messing about.
But, if you do think a different car is the right move, then lots of good ideas already (I used a Saab 9-3 1.9TiD in a similar circumstances, bought it with 100k+ on it, ran it for 2 years, sold it and just checked it's still going strong with 220k+ on it), but also possibly a Focus? I'd get something as simple as possible to minimise any possible issues, buy on condition rather than mileage, and ensure those seats are comfortable (I find the ones with a dial rather than a lever to adjust the back angle give the most flexibility); once the mechanics are sorted you'll probably want some way to play music/podcasts, but a it's so easy to plug a BT dongle into an existing stereo that wouldn't let that be a deciding factorIf it’s well serviced and in good condition it shouldn’t be a problem for it.
This would be the simplest option. Bringing another car into the equation means more tax, insurance, servicing, MOT and all that extra messing about.
jeremyh1 said:
I wish all the best for your Dad
You are going to laugh at me but some of you need cheering up from what I read on here
I have an old Pug Partner combi 2.0 HDI with 290 thousand on the clock it has never let us down and we had it from 70k it will still go anywhere
So I'm suggesting a mid 2000 Citroen Berlingo Combi 1.9 or 2.0 hdi
or a pug Partner 1.9 or 2.0 HDI
Its a car van camper , taxi local runner or long distance euro cruiser
Some of the boys and girls on here have started a skiing thread why not put some winters on it and go on a skiing trip and post the pictures on there
No laughing here,got astra 1.7 cdti taken it from 53k to 180k just routine service,drives well on motorway,was doing 1k miles a week earlier in year,no bother,so that would be my cheap n cheerful suggestionYou are going to laugh at me but some of you need cheering up from what I read on here
I have an old Pug Partner combi 2.0 HDI with 290 thousand on the clock it has never let us down and we had it from 70k it will still go anywhere
So I'm suggesting a mid 2000 Citroen Berlingo Combi 1.9 or 2.0 hdi
or a pug Partner 1.9 or 2.0 HDI
Its a car van camper , taxi local runner or long distance euro cruiser
Some of the boys and girls on here have started a skiing thread why not put some winters on it and go on a skiing trip and post the pictures on there
I hope your dad make a full recovery.
I'd say go for a Mercedes E/CLS/CLK they'll all do big miles with ease & you'll be able to land a good one for 4k.
CLK 320cdi Avantgarde:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202209129...
Sport:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202206136...
CLS320cdi:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202210180...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202211252...
E280 Sport:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202211302...
E270cdi Elegance:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202210291...
I'd say go for a Mercedes E/CLS/CLK they'll all do big miles with ease & you'll be able to land a good one for 4k.
CLK 320cdi Avantgarde:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202209129...
Sport:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202206136...
CLS320cdi:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202210180...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202211252...
E280 Sport:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202211302...
E270cdi Elegance:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202210291...
thepeoplespal said:
What about a bigger Vauxhall Insigna at £3250 with a £750 fighting fund.
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2022122327...
While it will have a DPF, your big mileage will keep it in good fettle and the mpg can be incredible for such a big car.
Cheers for the suggestion, but a bit big for me I think, they are huge. Maybe an Astra diesel would be OK though, if they are reliable(?)http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2022122327...
While it will have a DPF, your big mileage will keep it in good fettle and the mpg can be incredible for such a big car.
jeremyh1 said:
I wish all the best for your Dad
You are going to laugh at me but some of you need cheering up from what I read on here
I have an old Pug Partner combi 2.0 HDI with 290 thousand on the clock it has never let us down and we had it from 70k it will still go anywhere
So I'm suggesting a mid 2000 Citroen Berlingo Combi 1.9 or 2.0 hdi
or a pug Partner 1.9 or 2.0 HDI
Its a car van camper , taxi local runner or long distance euro cruiser
Some of the boys and girls on here have started a skiing thread why not put some winters on it and go on a skiing trip and post the pictures on there
Thanks. Interesting idea, didn't occur to me as a long distance cruiser. Is there enough legroom inside for a 6'5" driver? Don't really need the extra space in the back though.You are going to laugh at me but some of you need cheering up from what I read on here
I have an old Pug Partner combi 2.0 HDI with 290 thousand on the clock it has never let us down and we had it from 70k it will still go anywhere
So I'm suggesting a mid 2000 Citroen Berlingo Combi 1.9 or 2.0 hdi
or a pug Partner 1.9 or 2.0 HDI
Its a car van camper , taxi local runner or long distance euro cruiser
Some of the boys and girls on here have started a skiing thread why not put some winters on it and go on a skiing trip and post the pictures on there
carinaman said:
Sorry to learn about your dad's fall and hospitalisation.
I'd suggest speaking to bearman68 who runs a fleet of sheds about the 2 litre Diesel Laguna and D5 Volvos. I think South Wales to Lincoln is the sort of run more suited to a larger, comfortable, better riding car.
See the Joy of Shed thread for details of those cars that his fleet runs. I think he's in South Wales.
I understand the later 8V 1.6HDi 1580cc diesels that are available in Volvos and Fords are economical and more reliable than the early 16V versions.
Thanks. I'll check his previous posts.I'd suggest speaking to bearman68 who runs a fleet of sheds about the 2 litre Diesel Laguna and D5 Volvos. I think South Wales to Lincoln is the sort of run more suited to a larger, comfortable, better riding car.
See the Joy of Shed thread for details of those cars that his fleet runs. I think he's in South Wales.
I understand the later 8V 1.6HDi 1580cc diesels that are available in Volvos and Fords are economical and more reliable than the early 16V versions.
Edited by carinaman on Wednesday 28th December 02:32
A 1.6D would be fine I'm sure and maybe reliable in the Mk7/8 Fiesta or Volvo C30 or S40 though have to admit I'm slightly nervous of cheap diesels.
JD82 said:
A Mazda 3 might fit this purpose I would say; a good drive, super reliable, Bose sound system on some. Mpg won’t be the best but you can get one pretty cheaply and keep the rest for fuel.
Good shout. I'd been thinking along the lines of petrol Japanese hatchback for reliability. Do these still rust badly though like the early Mazda 6?pablo said:
Hyundai i30 is definitely worth a look, they are dull but surprisingly economical and Hyundai spares and servicing is cheap. We still use a local main dealer for our i10 because a full service is under £200. Most have been well looked after too, for some reason most Astras etc of the same age are a bit ropey.
Personally I’d look at petrol, you’ll get 40mpg from the 1.4 if you’re sensible on the motorway and the diesels can be a little bit agricultural, though the modern Korean diesels are more refined. Only being a five speed does hurt economy on longer drives but if diesel is say 20p a litre more with you as it is with me, that extra cost won’t be reflected in any additional mpg nor driving comfort.
example
Had considered the 1.6D Cee'd and i30 as reasonably refined and powerful enough diesels, but the 1.4 petrol might be a bit underpowered for long motorway trips?Personally I’d look at petrol, you’ll get 40mpg from the 1.4 if you’re sensible on the motorway and the diesels can be a little bit agricultural, though the modern Korean diesels are more refined. Only being a five speed does hurt economy on longer drives but if diesel is say 20p a litre more with you as it is with me, that extra cost won’t be reflected in any additional mpg nor driving comfort.
example
Edited by pablo on Wednesday 28th December 08:52
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