Short commuter car

[Wazza26]

My current car (MK7 Fiesta ST) is coming to the end of it's lease in 4 months time. It's a fantastic car and i'd love to keep it but my circumstances have somewhat changed since I purchased it. I now have a 3-mile round trip to work with a biweekly trip down south (330 round trip).

Before the keyboard warriors hit, yes - i'll be walking/cycling to work the majority of the year. But on the occasions it rains, snows (Yes, I could wear a coat!) or I just can't be assed - I still want a car. I've gone round in circles as to what to get next - my budget is £300 PCM, with a £4k deposit. Something thats comfortable and sporty (not usually a good combo) would be nice....

Ideas so far include:

- 330e M Sport
- M140i (Just concerned i'd damage the engine if i constantly did short trips during the winter)
- Tesla Model 3 (Won't be able to get hold of one in my 4 month gap)

Writing this post to see if i've missed a trick. If it wasn't for the trip down south, i'd be tempted to go fully electric.....

[benjijames28]

Your budget opens up a world of options as I'm sure your aware.

I personally would be tempted to just buy a car for about 3k and keep 1k for repairs and maintenance.

You obviously have different ideas, so maybe look at something like a Audi S3?

[SystemParanoia]

Ford Raptor




just get it done

[Wazza26]

Ha - I don't think the Raptor would fit on the drive!!

I'd considered buying a used £3k but for the long journeys down south, I want something I can rely on. Prior to the ST, I had 7 used cars in 7 years. 4 of those 7 had issues after a few months into ownership. It really put me off buying used.....

[Monkeylegend]

Smart 2 is probably the shortest.

[henrycrun]

https://www.carwow.co.uk/best/smallest-cars-0199

[ZX10R NIN]

Budget yourself 6k, I know that would mean getting 3k's worth of finance but you were willing to pay £300 a month which means you could pay the loan off in just over a year & you get to land yourself some nice reliable low mileage FSH metal for sensible money.

Clio RS Great Chassis N/A engine means a very low bork factor

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

Honda Civic Type R

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

Alfa Mito Quadrifoglio (same running gear as in the 500 Abarth)

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

Fiat Punto Evo Sporting (Detuned version of the above)

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

Focus ST-3 Very strong cars (liners aren't an issue unless you're running big boost) even if you leave it standard a change of Intercooler helps it run better.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

Corsa VXR

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

Audi A3 3.2 Sport

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

Or you could go bigger:

330i Ci Sport

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

CLK 320 Avantgarde

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

CLK 350 Avantgarde Sport (Rare model)

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

All the above are pretty reliable & none have really big bork bills, all will take a 330+ mile trips with ease.

[Wazza26]

Thanks for the list ZX10R NIN!

I've always liked the look of the 330CI. For a car of its age, its held its looks very well.

My concern with going for such a large car (engine-wise) is that i'd destroy the engine. The idea behind the hybrid would be that i could use the electric motor to and back for work and then use the engine for the commutes down south.....

[ZX10R NIN]

You'll have no issues with any of those engines especially the N/A ones & with a long trip every couple of weeks all will be fine.

[steve-5snwi]

you could always hire something for the long trip ... You could pick something like a focus up from thrifty for around £40 for a day or £45 for a weekend ... or even a Jag XE, XF or Range Rover or M4 or i8 .....

[Wazza26]

steve-5snwi said:

you could always hire something for the long trip ... You could pick something like a focus up from thrifty for around £40 for a day or £45 for a weekend ... or even a Jag XE, XF or Range Rover or M4 or i8 .....

Why haven't I thought of that! That makes me a little more convinced on all electric.....

[gianlu]

Ding to that

I pay about £20 per day, unlimited mileage, basic insurance with Hertz.

Then you can either go electric (Zoe/leaf used with leased battery) and ditch the bike.

Or keep the bike and get something you want to go out and drive.