Advice for a noob soon to be commuting 120ish miles a day...
Discussion
underphil said:
Seat Exeo is also worth a shout, essentially a 2007 model Audi A4 but newer!
- Also generally, got to be an auto - when you get stuck in a monumental queue you won't regret it, plus solves any potential DMF issues
That's one on my list for when the Saab 95 eventually goes pop - along with the usual Volvos and Seat Leon FR. I must say the Saab is the most comfortable mile-muncher I've ever had and it's been 13yrs and 269k so far!- Also generally, got to be an auto - when you get stuck in a monumental queue you won't regret it, plus solves any potential DMF issues
I bought a 2004 Passat 1.9 TDI Highline in 2010 for regular euro trips and airport runs. Will often do 300-400 miles a day in it, then it will often stand for 2 weeks.
Bought it on 117k for £3300, now on 199k. Does 50mpg all day long. Super comfy, heated seats, good stereo and nice soft ride. Very little maintenance except consumables. New clutch, two cambelt changes, fix of rear door locks and that's about it. Off to Spa in it next month.
Bought it on 117k for £3300, now on 199k. Does 50mpg all day long. Super comfy, heated seats, good stereo and nice soft ride. Very little maintenance except consumables. New clutch, two cambelt changes, fix of rear door locks and that's about it. Off to Spa in it next month.
Mikey2312 said:
I think my budget will only stretch as far as 2008 unfortunately so I'm left with the older PSA 2.0 engine or the 2.4 D5
Of the three diesel engines (1.6, 2.0 and 2.4) in that age group for me it'd be the D5 every time (like the first C30 you linked to or one of these). If you manage to sneak into the 2010 year, the S40 range got the 5 cylinder diesel (shortened version of the D5). Worth noting if you're buying the 1.6 or 2.0 version the DPF filter (around £3-400) is technically a service item at 72000, although not always necessary. In terms of MPG the 2.0 isn't particularly efficient.
Edited by AnneTeak on Thursday 28th September 10:30
AnneTeak said:
Of the three diesel engines (1.6, 2.0 and 2.4) in that age group for me it'd be the D5 every time (like the first C30 you linked to or one of these). If you manage to sneak into the 2010 year, the S40 range got the 5 cylinder diesel (shortened version of the D5).
Worth noting if you're buying the 1.6 or 2.0 version the DPF filter (around £3-400) is technically a service item at 72000, although not always necessary. In terms of MPG the 2.0 isn't particularly efficient.
Cheers for this info! I think I may sway towards either a D5 C30 or S40 I just need to see the size of a C30 boot to see if I can live with itWorth noting if you're buying the 1.6 or 2.0 version the DPF filter (around £3-400) is technically a service item at 72000, although not always necessary. In terms of MPG the 2.0 isn't particularly efficient.
Edited by AnneTeak on Thursday 28th September 10:30
Mikey2312 said:
Further to this, would anyone recommend a Honda Civic 2.2 I-CTDi? They seem to be going for good money at the moment
Ran a Civic 2.2 Type S from new to 215k miles over 9 years, 4 of which I commuted from North Manchester to Warwickshire a couple of times a week. Great car on the whole. Seats were ridiculously comfy and I never felt tired getting out at the other end of a journey. Engine had plenty of poke and aside from weak clutches (it was on its third when I got rid of it) it was pretty bomb proof reliability-wise and didn't cost anything on top of routine maintenance. I averaged mid 40s to the gallon but did sit at 90mph for large parts of the time. A fairly sedate run to Norwich once saw 60mpg so economy could be good if you tried.
Only downside was a firm ride. Wasn't uncomfortable but was a bit crashy. I think suspension was a bit firmer than the 5 door models but the 3 door looked loads better.
In a 59 plate Mondeo 2.0TDCI now, which I'd also recommend. Paid not much over £5k 18 months back for a Titanium X on 98k miles.
Aside from consumables the only big expense over the last 30k miles has been the cambelt. Can get 800 miles from a tank and once I eventually got the seating position right it's a comfy old barge to plod along in. In Titanium X trim it also has loads of kit (heated half leather, DAB, auto (bendy) lights etc).
Lot of car for the money and (fingers crossed) pretty solid reliability wise. Not the fastest of motors but ideal for what you're looking for.
I'd say go for a C/E270cdi the 5 cylinder engine is super reliable the 5 Speed auto is bulletproof but does require an oil & filter change every 40k, they have no DPF so that's another potential headache gone.
E270cdi Avantgarde
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
C270 Avantgarde SE
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
CLK270 Avantgarde
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
I had a CLK270 & ran it up to 170k with no issues.
E270cdi Avantgarde
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
C270 Avantgarde SE
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
CLK270 Avantgarde
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
I had a CLK270 & ran it up to 170k with no issues.
Just kicking this off again.. Was on holiday enjoying a nice 5.0 V8 Mustang that was pure luxury only to return to my bench seated pish fiesta 1.6tdci that had a dead battery and flat tyre when we got home.. 
I'm still looking at various cars to replace the fiesta with. I'm still keen on a C30 or S40 or something within the Ford range as you just seem to get a lot for your money... except with Fiesta's... they provide everything you need to eventually need to claim for disability with how the seats are designed
Has anyone had much experience with Mondeo ST's? I had the V6 version a few cars back and just remember the seats being incredibly comfortable and, with the exception of a stupid analog clock, it came pretty well spec'd as standard... anyone know much on the ST TDCI? I've heard of injector failure but just how bad is this?
I found this which seemed good value for money and has the big recaro seats
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
I'm still looking at various cars to replace the fiesta with. I'm still keen on a C30 or S40 or something within the Ford range as you just seem to get a lot for your money... except with Fiesta's... they provide everything you need to eventually need to claim for disability with how the seats are designed
Has anyone had much experience with Mondeo ST's? I had the V6 version a few cars back and just remember the seats being incredibly comfortable and, with the exception of a stupid analog clock, it came pretty well spec'd as standard... anyone know much on the ST TDCI? I've heard of injector failure but just how bad is this?
I found this which seemed good value for money and has the big recaro seats
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Welcome back to reality! 
When I was doing business miles with a car allowance I had 4-cylinder BMW turbo-diesels.
My first was an E46 320td, so no DPF to worry about either.
And while they may have had swirl-flap issues, that can be sorted for less than the cost of a new cam-belt (BMW use a chain)!
Good luck.
When I was doing business miles with a car allowance I had 4-cylinder BMW turbo-diesels.
My first was an E46 320td, so no DPF to worry about either.
And while they may have had swirl-flap issues, that can be sorted for less than the cost of a new cam-belt (BMW use a chain)!
Good luck.
Mr Tidy said:
Welcome back to reality!
When I was doing business miles with a car allowance I had 4-cylinder BMW turbo-diesels.
My first was an E46 320td, so no DPF to worry about either.
And while they may have had swirl-flap issues, that can be sorted for less than the cost of a new cam-belt (BMW use a chain)!
Good luck.
It is hard re-adjusting back to normality... having a mustang at your disposal and fuel costing less than 55p a litre is my idea of paradise! When I was doing business miles with a car allowance I had 4-cylinder BMW turbo-diesels.
My first was an E46 320td, so no DPF to worry about either.
And while they may have had swirl-flap issues, that can be sorted for less than the cost of a new cam-belt (BMW use a chain)!
Good luck.
Ideally, I'm trying to get as much bang for my buck as possible.. with the bang being made up of fuel efficiency, comfort, gadgets and a little bit of power to "make sure I'm not late getting to/from work"
This is the first time I've struggled to find something that is the right car... as discussed previously, I also don't want to invest a shnit tonne of money into a car that is going to be primarily a work horse and will depreciate at a rapid rate with the annual miles
I started a commute a few years back 100miles/day. I changed my car from a CLS500 to a 420d Msport for fuel economy.
However, I ended up having to take 3 months off in agony and ending up with permanent nerve damage after putting too much strain on my lower back for around 3 hours a day sat in the car.
Id strongly suggest reading this: http://www.physiomed.co.uk/uploads/guide/file/21/P... (or similar documents) as it could help you avoid making a bad choice and possibly suffering permanent injury.
However, I ended up having to take 3 months off in agony and ending up with permanent nerve damage after putting too much strain on my lower back for around 3 hours a day sat in the car.
Id strongly suggest reading this: http://www.physiomed.co.uk/uploads/guide/file/21/P... (or similar documents) as it could help you avoid making a bad choice and possibly suffering permanent injury.
Adam_W said:
I started a commute a few years back 100miles/day. I changed my car from a CLS500 to a 420d Msport for fuel economy.
However, I ended up having to take 3 months off in agony and ending up with permanent nerve damage after putting too much strain on my lower back for around 3 hours a day sat in the car.
Id strongly suggest reading this: http://www.physiomed.co.uk/uploads/guide/file/21/P... (or similar documents) as it could help you avoid making a bad choice and possibly suffering permanent injury.
That could come in quite handy actually, I’ve started to notice pain in my shoulders probably from spending 2.5-3hrs in the car every day. However, I ended up having to take 3 months off in agony and ending up with permanent nerve damage after putting too much strain on my lower back for around 3 hours a day sat in the car.
Id strongly suggest reading this: http://www.physiomed.co.uk/uploads/guide/file/21/P... (or similar documents) as it could help you avoid making a bad choice and possibly suffering permanent injury.
So just came back from looking at some volvo's... looked at a 60 plate C30 2.0D R-design... lovely car but the boot is quite bad.. I'll get my gear in the boot but it will be a struggle and when we eventually have a family it may become problematic
Onto the S40 at the same garage... 59 plate same engine and spec... steering wheel and gear knob showing a little more wear but considerably more room in the boot and the 5 doors would be helpful for family plans..
72000 miles on the clock full service history but boot lid sensor is faulty, slight squeal from under the bonnet think it is the tensioner and pulls a bit to the left. Garage has told me all the issues will be addressed and sorted as well as an MOT and service plus 6 month warranty for £5,295... seat are night and day compared to the fiesta, little gutted the S40 doesnt have heated seats but beggars cant be choosers... what do you guys think?? Are the 2 litre lumps an ok engine for high annual mileage? Ive seen so many with 150,000+ miles but I've also read they are a PSA engine and should be avoided at all costs
Oh and I bought my fiesta for £3,200 in February, it is now worth £1,050 on trade or I was told I'd be lucky to see £1,900-£2,000 private
Onto the S40 at the same garage... 59 plate same engine and spec... steering wheel and gear knob showing a little more wear but considerably more room in the boot and the 5 doors would be helpful for family plans..
72000 miles on the clock full service history but boot lid sensor is faulty, slight squeal from under the bonnet think it is the tensioner and pulls a bit to the left. Garage has told me all the issues will be addressed and sorted as well as an MOT and service plus 6 month warranty for £5,295... seat are night and day compared to the fiesta, little gutted the S40 doesnt have heated seats but beggars cant be choosers... what do you guys think?? Are the 2 litre lumps an ok engine for high annual mileage? Ive seen so many with 150,000+ miles but I've also read they are a PSA engine and should be avoided at all costs
Oh and I bought my fiesta for £3,200 in February, it is now worth £1,050 on trade or I was told I'd be lucky to see £1,900-£2,000 private
I'm guessing you bought the fiesta from a dealership?
For the s40, £5200 is a hell of a lot of money to spend on a car which is at least 8 years old. Price guide for that age and milage is £3890 private and £4600 from a dealer
I would never put any money down on a car with faults. Walk away.
I would suggest buying private rather than paying a dealers margin?
Same car, lower milage, newer(slightly), auto, cheaper
4k after haggling. Buy yourself a train ticket.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
For the s40, £5200 is a hell of a lot of money to spend on a car which is at least 8 years old. Price guide for that age and milage is £3890 private and £4600 from a dealer
I would never put any money down on a car with faults. Walk away.
I would suggest buying private rather than paying a dealers margin?
Same car, lower milage, newer(slightly), auto, cheaper
4k after haggling. Buy yourself a train ticket.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Edited by MethylatedSpirit on Saturday 28th October 18:42
I'm pretty sure the Volvo runs the same PSA/Ford unit.
Here are a few worth looking at:
Mercedes CLC These have a large boot & will be reliable
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
C Class Saloon
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Here are a few worth looking at:
Mercedes CLC These have a large boot & will be reliable
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
C Class Saloon
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
personally I find the Octavia seats uncomfy, I am 6ft 16 stone.
For comfort you cannot beat Volvo or SAAB.
s60 or s80 would be my pick for value.
re the 2.0d Volvos not all have the DPF that needs replaced or ad blue. I had a 2009 V50 2.0d and it didnt. Its not that simple to find out however its all in the vin code. I have an email from Volvo re this I shall see if I can find it.
Had my v50 for 6 years 138000m. Mostly driven in rural areas averaged around 45mpg
https://www.volvoforums.org.uk/showthread.php?t=81...
DPF info post 9 of link
For comfort you cannot beat Volvo or SAAB.
s60 or s80 would be my pick for value.
re the 2.0d Volvos not all have the DPF that needs replaced or ad blue. I had a 2009 V50 2.0d and it didnt. Its not that simple to find out however its all in the vin code. I have an email from Volvo re this I shall see if I can find it.
Had my v50 for 6 years 138000m. Mostly driven in rural areas averaged around 45mpg
Edited by loskie on Saturday 28th October 20:09
https://www.volvoforums.org.uk/showthread.php?t=81...
DPF info post 9 of link
Edited by loskie on Saturday 28th October 20:16
Yea I bought the fiesta from a little garage just before all the s
t came out about diesels and depreciation kicked in!
Pretty set on an S40 but think I'll take your advice and go private just need to flog the fiesta first.. really liking the R Design model or something fully loaded to make the purchase feel more worth it
A 320 is a good shout but with a better badge comes a better price tag and more premium part prices
Ford Focus is do-able and after having a serious near miss crash tonight, when I say near miss Im not being OTT... someone decided to pull out at a junction as we were no more than 2 feet from them approaching at 60, thankfully I was able to swerve out the way.... that st us both up to say the very least!!! So I standby the brakes on the little fiesta... they did us proud tonight thankfully!!!
t came out about diesels and depreciation kicked in!Pretty set on an S40 but think I'll take your advice and go private just need to flog the fiesta first.. really liking the R Design model or something fully loaded to make the purchase feel more worth it
A 320 is a good shout but with a better badge comes a better price tag and more premium part prices
Ford Focus is do-able and after having a serious near miss crash tonight, when I say near miss Im not being OTT... someone decided to pull out at a junction as we were no more than 2 feet from them approaching at 60, thankfully I was able to swerve out the way.... that s
t us both up to say the very least!!! So I standby the brakes on the little fiesta... they did us proud tonight thankfully!!!Bonefish Blues said:
S60/80 D5, smaller wheels preferred, really is the answer.
With an autobox.
As someone who's recently done 4 months of a 180 mile round trip 5 days a week due to a project I can confirm that the refinement and comfort levels of the larger executive range of cars is a significant improvement over the class below.
One of these would do a great job
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
And should be able to get a warranty from somewhere like warrantydirect for a reasonable sum for peace of mind?
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