£6k Motorway Car

[navmangt]

Pistonheaders

I need a car to cover approximately 20-25k miles a year for a limited budget. It doesn't need to be anything fancy or fun, I just need it to be:

- Automatic
- Good on fuel
- Cheap to maintain
- Cruise control (adaptive would be a bonus but not necessary)
- Decent ride and isolation
- and unfortunately ULEZ compliant

Currently had a look at hatches like the Megane 4 1.5dci, Astra K 1.6cdti, Golf 7's seem a bit rough at this price range, I assume the other VAG options might be better (is the 2.0 diesel the way to go?). Mondeo and Insignia might be an option but you tend to get slightly better condition going down to the hatch. Even thought about a GS450h gen 3 but battery and mpg was a bit of a worry.

What do you suggest?

[junglie]

I had the same dilemma.

I spent £2700 on a Lexus GS300 which I ran for 20k and sold for the same price.

All the toys, comfortable, refined and Lexus reliability.

Returned a genuine 40 mpg on the motorway.

[Skodillac]

Volvo S60?

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202505162...

[eth2190]

Infiniti q50

[macron]

eth2190 said:

Infiniti q50

^ that.

Or a high mileage Octavia or Passat and the lobotomy you'll need for tolerating the dreary, but you should pay naff all.

Or it's a Miley E class or maybe a 5 series, but ulez compliance will be a challenge.

[ilikejam]

As above I'd say Volvo S60.

Post 2016 models when Volvo started putting their own engines in them tick every box on your list. Feel solid, super quiet on (a decent) motorway, comfy seats and capable of moon mileage if serviced properly. Much nicer inside than photos make it look too.

[Matt_T]

Mazda6 either diesel or petrol. They are lovely relaxing cars to drive and are quiet inside.
https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/19445133

Edited by Matt_T on Tuesday 25th November 16:28

[dontlookdown]

Matt_T said:

Mazda6 either diesel or petrol. They are lovely relaxing cars to drive and are quiet inside.
https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/19429842

Edited by Matt_T on Tuesday 25th November 16:26

Mazda 6 is a great shout for your budget. The diesels have a bad rep, I'd stick with a 2.0 petrol for better reliability and you will still get 40mpg on the motorway.

[MattyD803]

If it needs to be cheap to maintain and you don't want to be left stranded....at that price point I'd suggest you take a good look at normally aspirated petrol Hondas, Toyotas and Lexus...maybe even Mazda & Suzuki too. Spend a touch more on fuel consumption, but be reassured your not heading towards a bill for a DPF, DMF, Injectors, turbo or electrical gremlins your more likely to see on equivalent diesel European cars.

Silly things like water ingress are all too common on some older European stuff - In fact, my neighbours on each side are both suffering from leaks on their respective Ford and VW at present, which are affecting electrical looms/earths. I've never had such issue when running older Japanese cars.

If ride/nvh are part of the consideration....i'm not sure you'd better something like a Lexus IS250.

Edited by MattyD803 on Tuesday 25th November 16:38

[aceofspades1]

I think you could possibly get a higher mileage ULEZ Compliant Passat 2.0 TDI within your budget.

In all honesty they're very comfortable cars and I've never had an issue with the 2.0 TDI. Fords on the other hand......

[MrSpanky49]

Skoda superb.

[ZX10R NIN]

Infiniti Q50 Sport:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202506133...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202508105...

If you don't mind a CAT car then this Q70 will tick every box:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202507174...

These are ULEZ compliant & use the 220d Mercedes drivetrain & they're a good place to while away the miles.

Or the other option is the last of line Insignia:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202510257...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202509256...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202510267...