Stick or twist? 15k daily

[spac3d]

Hi PH, after lurking in these forums for years I’m hoping to tap into the forums’ knowledge on my current predicament.

I currently drive about 14000 miles a year, which is one round trip commute of 200 miles on average once every two weeks, a round trip visit home of 260 miles approximately once every three weeks, and longer journeys of approx. 150 miles at the weekends. The rest of the time I’m darting around the city - short, 1mi journeys or so once or twice round-trip a day.

I currently drive a 2021 Fiesta Titanium, run up from 10k miles in January to 21k miles today. It’s faultless (though I have concerns about the longevity of the eco boost, despite having the chain version) but can’t help feeling it’s slightly out of its depth with regards to comfort and noise on longer journeys and there are better motors for the job. However, I can’t fault that it’s a fantastic all-rounder with good mpg (52) and I don’t need any more space for kids etc (and parking on my road is a nightmare!)

I’m primarily interested in a relaxing (or semi-relaxing) commuter that remains happy on a country roads drive, but which is versatile enough to be equally as happy nipping around the city. Reliability, no big bills and comfort is important to me, and ULEZ compliance/future proofing is a must.

My predicament is this: I’m currently saving for a house but my car is very important to me. Do I:

• stick with the Fiesta and keep it as an all-rounder, saving and taking advantage of the low running costs?
• p/x mine and add 2-3k or so for a budget of 15k and purchase something long-term that performs the role a bit better?

If the latter, I’ve been looking at the following:

• Mazda 3 (2019-)
• Corolla Hybrid 1.8L (2019-), taking advantage of the 10 year warranty with Toyota servicing
• Golf Mk7.5
• Left field: Lexus?

Anyone have any thoughts? Any cars I may have missed?

Cheers!

[TREMAiNE]

If you're going to keep it for its entire lifespan and look after it - I'd say to go for the Corolla.

But otherwise, probably best to stick with the Fiesta.
Its good at what it does and 14,000 miles isn't that many. At least not enough to need something more substantial.

[Whataguy]

I'm currently in a Mk7.5 Golf, it's the best car I've had and great for long distance comfortable drives. The 1.5 gets 45mpg and to 60 in around 8 seconds. It's a great all round car. I've also owned Lexus and several Toyota hybrids.

However, you may be better sticking with the Fiesta, the difference between sale and purchase prices is wide at the moment.

One thing to watch out for with the '10 year' warranty on Toyotas is that it is limited 100k miles.

Depending on what miles you buy it with, there could be less than you expect left at 14k a year.

I'm currently driving 25k miles a year, so a brand new Toyota would really be a 4 year warranty not 10 years.

Edited by Whataguy on Saturday 30th September 13:01

[ZX10R NIN]

If you want a more relaxing drive then I'd say go up a segment or two for better NVH & also a bigger engine which in turn will mean lower revs as well as an auto box.

Infiniti Q30 Sport:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202306168...

Kia Ceed 1.6d auto:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202304076...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202309152...

1.5d 308 GT Line:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202308221...

1.5d Astra SRI VX Line Nav:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202308010...

SRI:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-search?advertisin...

or if you can live with a 2018 model the Astra is a bit of a bargain in 1.5d Elite Nav spec:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202309252...