50mpg family car for £4k?
Discussion
Hi all,
Some friends of my OH are wanting to change their S-reg Subaru Impreza for something a lot more economical to run, owing to a change in job that requires a 45mile daily commute. They have up to £4k to spend so they know they'll still be getting an oldish car. The list of requirements:
£4k maximum cost
Back seats to accommodate a child seat, and a boot big enough to accommodate a buggy
Realistic average consumption of 45mpg or better (over a mixture of 30mph-60mph roads)
No larger than the Impreza, and preferably smaller.
Air-con
Preferably an automatic, but a manual is fine
Their shortlist so far is...well...short. They like the previous shape Mercedes A-Class A170 CDI which, despite being small, has a surprisingly versatile boot. They also like the Audi A2 and A3, although an A3 only just creeps into their budget. They like the previous generations of the Focus and the Fiesta, but I can't imagine these being very 'interesting'.
Someone has advised them that a Mercedes C220 CDI might fit the bill, falling in budget and being capable of 45mpg (?!?).
They DON'T like Vauxhalls of any sort, and they don't like the Mondeo in any of its guises.
What does the PH collective think of the options so far, and what other cars are out there that might fit the bill?
All thoughts welcome.
Regards,
EYW
Some friends of my OH are wanting to change their S-reg Subaru Impreza for something a lot more economical to run, owing to a change in job that requires a 45mile daily commute. They have up to £4k to spend so they know they'll still be getting an oldish car. The list of requirements:
£4k maximum cost
Back seats to accommodate a child seat, and a boot big enough to accommodate a buggy
Realistic average consumption of 45mpg or better (over a mixture of 30mph-60mph roads)
No larger than the Impreza, and preferably smaller.
Air-con
Preferably an automatic, but a manual is fine
Their shortlist so far is...well...short. They like the previous shape Mercedes A-Class A170 CDI which, despite being small, has a surprisingly versatile boot. They also like the Audi A2 and A3, although an A3 only just creeps into their budget. They like the previous generations of the Focus and the Fiesta, but I can't imagine these being very 'interesting'.
Someone has advised them that a Mercedes C220 CDI might fit the bill, falling in budget and being capable of 45mpg (?!?).
They DON'T like Vauxhalls of any sort, and they don't like the Mondeo in any of its guises.
What does the PH collective think of the options so far, and what other cars are out there that might fit the bill?
All thoughts welcome.
Regards,
EYW
Seat Ibiza Fr Tdi? 50mpg+, not the most spacious but a child seat will easily fit and the boots aren't tiny. Well built, reliable and pretty quick (they remap very well but I doubt they will be interested in this)
Oh and very low insurance group. (8 out of 20 in old money, same engined VW was 13)
Oh and very low insurance group. (8 out of 20 in old money, same engined VW was 13)
Passat 1.9 tdi 130. Comfy, economical (I'm getting about 50 odd to the gallon, and I drive like my arse is on fire), torquey, and a very large boot. Also a very capacious estate. Should be able to get a decent highline (top spec, leather, cruise, multi function steering wheel etc) for the money. All models have climate control as standard. If not the highline, then the SE. In my opinion the SE spec has the nicest non leather seats and a decent (if slightly wallowy) ride.
Negative points are that it sounds and smells like a tractor!
ETA Just seen the criterion about size, it's slightly bigger: 4704mm long by 1740mm wide
Negative points are that it sounds and smells like a tractor!
ETA Just seen the criterion about size, it's slightly bigger: 4704mm long by 1740mm wide
Edited by Triumph Man on Thursday 8th September 13:45
Edited by Triumph Man on Thursday 8th September 13:46
ehyouwhat said:
Hi all,
Some friends of my OH are wanting to change their S-reg Subaru Impreza for something a lot more economical to run, owing to a change in job that requires a 45mile daily commute. They have up to £4k to spend so they know they'll still be getting an oldish car. The list of requirements:
£4k maximum cost
Back seats to accommodate a child seat, and a boot big enough to accommodate a buggy
Realistic average consumption of 45mpg or better (over a mixture of 30mph-60mph roads)
No larger than the Impreza, and preferably smaller.
Air-con
Preferably an automatic, but a manual is fine
Their shortlist so far is...well...short. They like the previous shape Mercedes A-Class A170 CDI which, despite being small, has a surprisingly versatile boot. They also like the Audi A2 and A3, although an A3 only just creeps into their budget. They like the previous generations of the Focus and the Fiesta, but I can't imagine these being very 'interesting'.
Someone has advised them that a Mercedes C220 CDI might fit the bill, falling in budget and being capable of 45mpg (?!?).
They DON'T like Vauxhalls of any sort, and they don't like the Mondeo in any of its guises.
What does the PH collective think of the options so far, and what other cars are out there that might fit the bill?
All thoughts welcome.
Regards,
EYW
A Focus less interesting than a dull as dish water Audi A3 - reeeet.Some friends of my OH are wanting to change their S-reg Subaru Impreza for something a lot more economical to run, owing to a change in job that requires a 45mile daily commute. They have up to £4k to spend so they know they'll still be getting an oldish car. The list of requirements:
£4k maximum cost
Back seats to accommodate a child seat, and a boot big enough to accommodate a buggy
Realistic average consumption of 45mpg or better (over a mixture of 30mph-60mph roads)
No larger than the Impreza, and preferably smaller.
Air-con
Preferably an automatic, but a manual is fine
Their shortlist so far is...well...short. They like the previous shape Mercedes A-Class A170 CDI which, despite being small, has a surprisingly versatile boot. They also like the Audi A2 and A3, although an A3 only just creeps into their budget. They like the previous generations of the Focus and the Fiesta, but I can't imagine these being very 'interesting'.
Someone has advised them that a Mercedes C220 CDI might fit the bill, falling in budget and being capable of 45mpg (?!?).
They DON'T like Vauxhalls of any sort, and they don't like the Mondeo in any of its guises.
What does the PH collective think of the options so far, and what other cars are out there that might fit the bill?
All thoughts welcome.
Regards,
EYW
Thanks for the suggestions so far.
The VAG cars are something that I will have a look at for them. I know they have the occasional use of a mkIV Golf and the boot is not quite large enough for their buggy, but some of the other options might appeal to them.
I like Passats and know numerous people who've owned one, but I think they might be just a tad too big for what this couple want.
As for the 'interesting' comment I made, I was referring to the general appeal of the car to the couple, rather than any notion of how said vehicles might drive or, indeed, how good they even are. I imagine they would enjoy ownership of an Audi A3 more than they would ownership of a Fiesta or Focus.
Any more thougths most welcome.
Regards,
EYW
The VAG cars are something that I will have a look at for them. I know they have the occasional use of a mkIV Golf and the boot is not quite large enough for their buggy, but some of the other options might appeal to them.
I like Passats and know numerous people who've owned one, but I think they might be just a tad too big for what this couple want.
As for the 'interesting' comment I made, I was referring to the general appeal of the car to the couple, rather than any notion of how said vehicles might drive or, indeed, how good they even are. I imagine they would enjoy ownership of an Audi A3 more than they would ownership of a Fiesta or Focus.
Any more thougths most welcome.
Regards,
EYW
A 45mile daily commute. Is that both ways or each trip?
There's a national obsession with diesel right now. It's more expensive to buy plus you pay a premium for a car that's noisy and often frustratingly slow. if I'm not mistaken there are talks of them being taxed at higher rates soon also???
Is a diesel really necessary? A well driven, smaller engined petrol could achieve some impressive returns.
I'm of the school that unless I'm doing 15-20k a yr I won't consider a diesel. Each to their own though
There's a national obsession with diesel right now. It's more expensive to buy plus you pay a premium for a car that's noisy and often frustratingly slow. if I'm not mistaken there are talks of them being taxed at higher rates soon also???
Is a diesel really necessary? A well driven, smaller engined petrol could achieve some impressive returns.
I'm of the school that unless I'm doing 15-20k a yr I won't consider a diesel. Each to their own though
ehyouwhat said:
The VAG cars are something that I will have a look at for them. I know they have the occasional use of a mkIV Golf and the boot is not quite large enough for their buggy, but some of the other options might appeal to them.
As with previous suggestions, Octavia is definitely worth a look - Mk1s have a much larger boot than a Mk4 Golf, when I saw one I was surprised.Yeah, i know they are a bit 
and a bit 
but a few people i know have the old shape megane diesels and they actually seem like a pretty decent car, safe, roomy, economical, ok probably a few bits of trim will have fallen off by now, but tbh, with kids in the car, you don't want to have to care too much about it ;-)
and a bit but a few people i know have the old shape megane diesels and they actually seem like a pretty decent car, safe, roomy, economical, ok probably a few bits of trim will have fallen off by now, but tbh, with kids in the car, you don't want to have to care too much about it ;-)Edited by anonymous-user on Friday 9th September 18:38
Sounds like the exact scenario my brother had about a year ago,swapped his missus's Impreza Turbo for an 03 320d-(first thing he did was remove swirl flaps though)does the job perfectly. My 525d manual averages over 50mpg but it's only used for long motorway trips rarely going over 80,don't imagine it would be great pottering around town.
That said an Octavia especially a non-turbo must be good for 60 odd mpg and has got the biggest boot in the world.
That said an Octavia especially a non-turbo must be good for 60 odd mpg and has got the biggest boot in the world.
Sounds like perfect territory for a VAG diesel. The 1.9 TDi lump has decent power and frugality and there's plenty to choose from. That would be; VW Passat, Bora, Golf, Seat Leon, Ibiza, Skoda Octavia, Fabia, Audi A3, A4.
My money would probably be with the Passat or the Bora, try to get the Highline spec for all the extras.
My money would probably be with the Passat or the Bora, try to get the Highline spec for all the extras.
craigb84 said:
A 45mile daily commute. Is that both ways or each trip?
There's a national obsession with diesel right now. It's more expensive to buy plus you pay a premium for a car that's noisy and often frustratingly slow. if I'm not mistaken there are talks of them being taxed at higher rates soon also???
Is a diesel really necessary? A well driven, smaller engined petrol could achieve some impressive returns.
I'm of the school that unless I'm doing 15-20k a yr I won't consider a diesel. Each to their own though
Diesels frustratingly slow? I would disagree. Small petrol engines are frustratingly slow. I should know the wife drives a 1.4 Jazz and that is desperately slow. The 1.9 tdi that many people have recommended is certainly quick enough. Personally I love the torque that a diesel has compared to a petrol. Also you say that they cost more to buy. Yes this is true but when you are spending only 4k the price difference isn't so huge as to make a difference. Also a diesel will be worth more when you come to sell it on. The economy gains of diesel over petrol aren't to be sniffed at either. There's a national obsession with diesel right now. It's more expensive to buy plus you pay a premium for a car that's noisy and often frustratingly slow. if I'm not mistaken there are talks of them being taxed at higher rates soon also???
Is a diesel really necessary? A well driven, smaller engined petrol could achieve some impressive returns.
I'm of the school that unless I'm doing 15-20k a yr I won't consider a diesel. Each to their own though
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