Which diesel 200 mile commute?

[RizzoTheRat]

If you're looking at the Passat and Superb, also consider the Octavia, a bit smaller and lighter with the same engine, so slightly better fuel economy, but still way more space inside than a Golf or Leon. I had 170k or so on my 2.0 CR engine Octavia vRS when I sold it and the engine was still fine, the only real issue I had with it in about 15 years was a sticky calliper due to a brake line degrading a bit inside. The vRS seats are the most comfortable IMO, but some complain the suspension is a bit too firm, the L&K models get softer suspension and might be a slightly smoother cruiser.

Also consider a petrol hybrid if you can get one in budget, a Corolla or IS300 should give you around 50mpg on a motorway cruise, will never break down, and you won't have to worry about low emissions zones.

[ZX10R NIN]

newcar2026 said:

Hi all,

After some advice if possible please. I m soon to be starting a new job which is a 200 round trip, now I ve got a budget of around £10k and have been considering the below.

VW Passat 2.0 diesel 2016-onwards
Skoda superb 2.0 diesel 2016- onwards

I understand they pretty much are the same car but what other diesels would you guys & girls take into consideration?

The reason I m leaning towards these is I hear they are generally bullet proof and can return a really decent range, ideally I want to be able to try and achieve a 4 day commute in one tank.

Thoughts please? And also I don t want to hear you re brave with that sort of commute haha.

Thanks

I'd recommend the Infiniti Q50/70 (they use the same Mercedes 220d drivtrain) you'll get a nice low mileage one for your budget or less:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202508285...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202601078...

Q70:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202211231...

CAT S for half of your budget could be a great (do your checks) buy & makes sense seeing as depreciation will be your biggest cost:

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

The Insignia is a car you should also be looking at, they're quieter inside than the Superb & are just as well built/reliable (but higher spec) as the VAG offerings, the badge helps with pricing so like the Infiniti's you'll get nice low mileage auto examples:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202512058...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202512178...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202512058...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202512308...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202512248...

508 GT:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202511147...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202511047...

Or this new gen CAT N 508 GT Line:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202512138...

All the above imo would edge the two cars you're looking at.

[Giantt]

Astra 1?7cdti...did Camden to Peterborough effortlessly every day for months

[RSTurboPaul]

M57-engined Beemer.

[braddo]

vaud said:

As a daily commute? That will get very boring very quickly. Especially in the winter. Oh and in the summer when you wish you could be at home with the BBQ.

If it could work, look for a nearby B&B or good chain hotel and weigh up the travel time and fuel/car cost vs a night or two a week in the B&B/hotel.
...

OP, think of it from another angle - if you want to do well at this new job it's going to be a lot harder to do that when you're spending a minimum of 4-5 hours per day driving... You will be absolutely knackered and the best car in the world isn't going to change that.

A cheaper car (Toyota hybrid) and extra cash for 2-3 nights per week in a local B&B etc for say 6 months and then decide whether to move or change jobs.

[dan98]

braddo said:

OP, think of it from another angle - if you want to do well at this new job it's going to be a lot harder to do that when you're spending a minimum of 4-5 hours per day driving... You will be absolutely knackered and the best car in the world isn't going to change that.

A cheaper car (Toyota hybrid) and extra cash for 2-3 nights per week in a local B&B etc for say 6 months and then decide whether to move or change jobs.

I agree with all similar comments.
After a week of that you'll be drained, nervy and completely exhausted.
Throwing a 10k meh purchase into the pot will just add to the misery.

Personally I'd give it a couple of weeks in your existing car, then make the decision to move or quit and find something closer.
Sorry if that's not helping your original question.

[Matt_T]

just coming here to say that I'd spend £5k on renting a studio apartment and £1k on a shed to keep at the office.

Otherwise, I'd be looking at a Lexus ES, however I'm not sure how fuel costs compare to a 2.0 diesel on your type of journey.

If you are going diesel, the Honda 1.6 and 2.2 diesels are very good engines, but the 2.2 is not ULEZ compliant if that matters.

[Venisonpie]

Matt_T said:

just coming here to say that I'd spend £5k on renting a studio apartment and £1k on a shed to keep at the office.

Otherwise, I'd be looking at a Lexus ES, however I'm not sure how fuel costs compare to a 2.0 diesel on your type of journey.

If you are going diesel, the Honda 1.6 and 2.2 diesels are very good engines, but the 2.2 is not ULEZ compliant if that matters.

I did this rather than commute from London to Northants severL years ago, it was preferable to driving but became untenable after 9 months. Ultimately long distance work locations are hugely challenging once the novelty wears off.

[ChocolateFrog]

cerb4.5lee said:

Funky Squirrel said:

samoht said:

Electricity would be about £4200 a year cheaper than diesel for the OP's proposed mileage.

I don't know much about Tesla reliability for their early models, but I believe the early model s came with free charging for life, if op is near a Tesla charger. May be the cheapest and most comfortable way to do it.

The OP has stated that they can't charge at work, and that they aren't into electric cars either as well. So I don't think electric cars are on the table.

Their loss.

[cerb4.5lee]

ChocolateFrog said:

cerb4.5lee said:

Funky Squirrel said:

samoht said:

Electricity would be about £4200 a year cheaper than diesel for the OP's proposed mileage.

I don't know much about Tesla reliability for their early models, but I believe the early model s came with free charging for life, if op is near a Tesla charger. May be the cheapest and most comfortable way to do it.

The OP has stated that they can't charge at work, and that they aren't into electric cars either as well. So I don't think electric cars are on the table.

Their loss.

Not if they prefer engines though. But I do understand what you're saying don't me wrong in terms of running costs.

[newcar2026]

I appreciate all the comments from everyone.

Just to go over a few things,

1. The job itself is a dream job, something I ve been chasing for the last 7 years (yes it s been a real burner).

2. The commute really isn t an issue, I already do this sort of commute but just in a different location and in a company car which is a Kia Niro PHEV, fantastic car and super cheap to run but not the best motorway mile muncher in my opinion.

3. B&B or hotels etc personally is going to just put a strain on my relationship, I wouldn t want to do that and personally don t feel the need to. The drive with no traffic (leaving at a reasonable time) is 1 hour 20 minutes.

4. Realistically it would be around 30,000 miles per year, something I already do.

5. The following cars are now on the list. Mercedes E220/E250, Volvo S90 and my original from the post.

I should also add the sort of musts I need on the car, Apple car play, auto(preferred), adaptive cruise(huge plus), ultra comfortable seat with good lumbar support.

However I hugely appreciate all comments and concerns, I get it this sort of commute isn t for everyone.

Edited by newcar2026 on Friday 9th January 20:24

[covmutley]

S90 would be a great shout. You get a lot more for your money compared to the v90 or XC90

I do a 180 mile round commute, but only twice a week. I have had a 2013 Audi A8 that's just clicked over 100k mikes and it makes the commute easy. In fact, I quite enjoy it, listening to podcasts and audiobooks undisturbed!

My kids are older now, so no pre school run or bath and bed time to deal with.

[LastPoster]

biggbn said:

I'd not discount Toyota

Not for me I’m afraid

I had 2014 and 2017 Diesel Avensises and did c80k in each during their 3 year lease

An excellent combo of being slower, nosier and worse on fuel than the various A4s and Passat that preceded them

Also managed to be a higher BIK but that won’t apply here

[biggbn]

LastPoster said:

biggbn said:

I'd not discount Toyota

Not for me I m afraid

I had 2014 and 2017 Diesel Avensises and did c80k in each during their 3 year lease

An excellent combo of being slower, nosier and worse on fuel than the various A4s and Passat that preceded them

Also managed to be a higher BIK but that won t apply here

I've always found most diesels much of a muchness at 70 with the cruise on, but yes, the VAG engines are objectively 'better'. The old 1.9 tdi/pdi is one of my favourite engines ever, and the newer 2.0 tdi is similarly brilliant. My dad is on his third diesel Kia in a row and I must admit I find them dull, uninspiring, frugal and very reliable. So, perfect for the job. You usually get 'more' car for your money with Kia, and to an extent Toyota, and usually very reliable. Perhaps not as objectively good but usually a better long term ownership prospect, particularly if you are paying your own bills.

I'd have a petrol Avensis over the diesel, not much less economical and so much more refined.

[ChocolateFrog]

cerb4.5lee said:

ChocolateFrog said:

cerb4.5lee said:

Funky Squirrel said:

samoht said:

Electricity would be about £4200 a year cheaper than diesel for the OP's proposed mileage.

I don't know much about Tesla reliability for their early models, but I believe the early model s came with free charging for life, if op is near a Tesla charger. May be the cheapest and most comfortable way to do it.

The OP has stated that they can't charge at work, and that they aren't into electric cars either as well. So I don't think electric cars are on the table.

Their loss.

Not if they prefer engines though. But I do understand what you're saying don't me wrong in terms of running costs.

You can prefer engines but for £40k a decade for a commute, why?

Unless his 200 mile commute is on Welsh B roads then you want something that will sit at 70 in comfort and cost you as little as possible doing it surely?

Someone spending 7 or 8x as much isn't getting home any quicker and they're definitely not enjoying the engine note on the M6.

It's such a headbanging argument for normal people without limitless amounts of money.

[cerb4.5lee]

ChocolateFrog said:

cerb4.5lee said:

ChocolateFrog said:

cerb4.5lee said:

Funky Squirrel said:

samoht said:

Electricity would be about £4200 a year cheaper than diesel for the OP's proposed mileage.

I don't know much about Tesla reliability for their early models, but I believe the early model s came with free charging for life, if op is near a Tesla charger. May be the cheapest and most comfortable way to do it.

The OP has stated that they can't charge at work, and that they aren't into electric cars either as well. So I don't think electric cars are on the table.

Their loss.

Not if they prefer engines though. But I do understand what you're saying don't me wrong in terms of running costs.

You can prefer engines but for £40k a decade for a commute, why?

Unless his 200 mile commute is on Welsh B roads then you want something that will sit at 70 in comfort and cost you as little as possible doing it surely?

Someone spending 7 or 8x as much isn't getting home any quicker and they're definitely not enjoying the engine note on the M6.

It's such a headbanging argument for normal people without limitless amounts of money.

I'd say that you get what you pay for though, but I'm really set in my ways with that for some reason. Maybe I'll change eventually on it though.

I definitely get the angle that you're coming from anyway.

[Jte3397]

ChocolateFrog said:

You can prefer engines but for £40k a decade for a commute, why?

Unless his 200 mile commute is on Welsh B roads then you want something that will sit at 70 in comfort and cost you as little as possible doing it surely?

Someone spending 7 or 8x as much isn't getting home any quicker and they're definitely not enjoying the engine note on the M6.

It's such a headbanging argument for normal people without limitless amounts of money.

I have a 300 mile round commute and agree that you'll just be sat at 70 regardless of what you. Reliability and comfort and actually liking the vehicle I'm in are to me are more important than economy. I tend to look at overall total cost of ownership rather than mpg. I alternate between my cars and am thinking of changing one this year. I'm seriously looking at EVs in this sort of price range as I think the reliability and amount to go wrong on modern diesels is too high a risk and would quickly erode any perceived cost savings. Ultimately it'll have to be one I want, I'll wait if not.

[Wardy78]

Sir Keith Stormer said:

E Class , super smooth, fairly frugal if a bit agricultural but aren t all 4 pot diesels? 10 grand would get you a really decent one.

Definitely. 1,000,000 continental taxis drivers can't be wrong.

I've been in plenty that have had north of 500,000km on the clock yet still look/feel new and waft me in absolute comfort.

[Weekendrebuild]

I’d buy another house personally. 200 miles is insane !

[andrew-6xade]

I did 110k in a 2016 Superb diesel.

Hits all your criteria, just keep on top of servicing (would do Oil every 10k). Super comfortable, decent spec (mine was SE-L)

Dirt cheap to run, tyres last forever and the manual diesel easily did 65mpg