Which diesel 200 mile commute?
Discussion
Jte3397 said:
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.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 like the EV R5, but it's too small to cover distance in for me, and I like the Hyundai 5N as well, but that has a terrible range though. So the options in terms of electric just aren't really out there yet in my view.
The iX3 seems quite nice on paper, but I'm not sure if it will live up to what it says on paper though. I know I'm talking about a different price point here with those 3 cars regarding this thread, but it gives you an idea of why I'm still running ICE cars instead though.
I did 120ish k in a 2013 VW CC, 2.0tdi 177. Mostly motorway commuting. Very similar car to the Passat
With the manual 6 speed it could regularly get mid 60's mpg - even saw an (indicated on the car screen) 70.1 once.
With the 65 litre tank a range of over 800 miles was easily possible; frequently over 900.
It was more efficient, more comfortable and more reliable the the 2018 c250d estate (2.1 engine) that I have now, and I could fill up less often as the c250d sacrifices tank size for the adblue system in later cars.
With the manual 6 speed it could regularly get mid 60's mpg - even saw an (indicated on the car screen) 70.1 once.
With the 65 litre tank a range of over 800 miles was easily possible; frequently over 900.
It was more efficient, more comfortable and more reliable the the 2018 c250d estate (2.1 engine) that I have now, and I could fill up less often as the c250d sacrifices tank size for the adblue system in later cars.
Edited by Previous on Saturday 10th January 16:57
Previous said:
I did 120ish k in a 2013 VW CC, 2.0tdi 177. Mostly motorway commuting. Very similar car to the Passat
With the manual 6 speed it could regularly get mid 60's mpg - even saw an (indicated on the car screen) 70.1 once.
With the 65 litre tank a range of over 800 miles was easily possible; frequently over 900.
It was more efficient, more comfortable and more reliable the the 2018 c250d estate (2.1 engine) that I have now, and I could fill up less often as the c250d sacrifices tank size for the adblue system in later cars.
I really like the CC...With the manual 6 speed it could regularly get mid 60's mpg - even saw an (indicated on the car screen) 70.1 once.
With the 65 litre tank a range of over 800 miles was easily possible; frequently over 900.
It was more efficient, more comfortable and more reliable the the 2018 c250d estate (2.1 engine) that I have now, and I could fill up less often as the c250d sacrifices tank size for the adblue system in later cars.
Edited by Previous on Saturday 10th January 16:57
cerb4.5lee said:
I think this is key, and I'm definitely at that point at the moment. I can't bring myself to spend money on an electric car currently(that could change over time though I reckon), and there just isn't anything out there that really jumps out at me electric wise yet for example.
I like the EV R5, but it's too small to cover distance in for me, and I like the Hyundai 5N as well, but that has a terrible range though. So the options in terms of electric just aren't really out there yet in my view.
The iX3 seems quite nice on paper, but I'm not sure if it will live up to what it says on paper though. I know I'm talking about a different price point here with those 3 cars regarding this thread, but it gives you an idea of why I'm still running ICE cars instead though.
What I want vs my budget is the issue. I liked the Polestar 2 I had as a hire car for 2 days, I think the Audi e-tron GT and Porsche Taycan look great and probably are great to drive, I like the BMW i4. I like the i3 but it wouldn't work for my commute and I can't get what i like in budget - for now. So it's wait and stick with petrol if I need to change sooner.I like the EV R5, but it's too small to cover distance in for me, and I like the Hyundai 5N as well, but that has a terrible range though. So the options in terms of electric just aren't really out there yet in my view.
The iX3 seems quite nice on paper, but I'm not sure if it will live up to what it says on paper though. I know I'm talking about a different price point here with those 3 cars regarding this thread, but it gives you an idea of why I'm still running ICE cars instead though.
newcar2026 said:
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.
If you like the E Class (why wouldn't you) then take a lookm at the Infiniti's as they use the same E220 drivetrain the Q70's have adaptive cruise (as well as air cooled seats) & you can add carplay/android auto with ease.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
The Q50's listed don't have adaptive but some do & you don't get the air cooled seats.
RizzoTheRat said:
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.
Our company car choice is between the Corolla and Octavia.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.
The Corolla is by far the nicer car about town, peppier, lighter and more responsive. The Skoda is quieter, more refined and more big soft car feeling on long motorway trips. I like both and chose the Skoda.
Having driven the Octavia plug-in hybrid and Diesel I'd say the Hybrid is a nicer car to drive but on long trips the Diesel returns a much better MPG.
cerb4.5lee said:
Jte3397 said:
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.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 like the EV R5, but it's too small to cover distance in for me, and I like the Hyundai 5N as well, but that has a terrible range though. So the options in terms of electric just aren't really out there yet in my view.
The iX3 seems quite nice on paper, but I'm not sure if it will live up to what it says on paper though. I know I'm talking about a different price point here with those 3 cars regarding this thread, but it gives you an idea of why I'm still running ICE cars instead though.
He expected to hate the idea ( and chose the M60 to offset that over the i5 e40), but as he does 200-250 e/w trips twice, sometimes three times a week, the sums were just too much to ignore. In reality, 4 months in and he's an absolute convert. Loses a tiny bit of engagement, but gains in comfort, suitability, time and especially running costs.
I once did a 100 mile round trip commute for a year. It doesn't seem like much but it was not a pleasant drive, queues on the motorway then a drive straight through Bradford to Shipley. I had a BMW 330d manual and to keep the mileage down bought a Toyota Avensis 1.8 auto just for work. I don't know why but the difference between the two cars in terms of tolerating the journey was immense. I don't know whether it was the effortless power/extra cylinders in the BMW, or better comfort or refinement but the BMW trips were much nicer.
MPG is important, but is not everything.
MPG is important, but is not everything.
biggbn said:
I used to do 1000 mile weeks in...a Mini One D. I still have it after 7 years, 145k miles and still going strong. Probably jinxed it now, haven't I!!
Modern(ish) diesel superminis are surprisingly capable when it comes to mega-mile commutes.I once ran a Clio up to Aberdeen from London then back a couple of days later and it wasn't a chore.
I also remember back in the early 2010s when Hotel Room reservations in Aberdeen were a near impossibility due to block booking by the oil companies. I had to travel 240 miles (round trip from Stirling) in MK7 Fiesta van. Once again it was a much more pleasant experience than most would expect.
lornemalvo said:
I once did a 100 mile round trip commute for a year. It doesn't seem like much but it was not a pleasant drive, queues on the motorway then a drive straight through Bradford to Shipley. I had a BMW 330d manual and to keep the mileage down bought a Toyota Avensis 1.8 auto just for work. I don't know why but the difference between the two cars in terms of tolerating the journey was immense. I don't know whether it was the effortless power/extra cylinders in the BMW, or better comfort or refinement but the BMW trips were much nicer.
MPG is important, but is not everything.
Strange question but why did you want to keep the miles down on a 330d they are built for big miles.MPG is important, but is not everything.
keo said:
lornemalvo said:
I once did a 100 mile round trip commute for a year. It doesn't seem like much but it was not a pleasant drive, queues on the motorway then a drive straight through Bradford to Shipley. I had a BMW 330d manual and to keep the mileage down bought a Toyota Avensis 1.8 auto just for work. I don't know why but the difference between the two cars in terms of tolerating the journey was immense. I don't know whether it was the effortless power/extra cylinders in the BMW, or better comfort or refinement but the BMW trips were much nicer.
MPG is important, but is not everything.
Strange question but why did you want to keep the miles down on a 330d they are built for big miles.MPG is important, but is not everything.
lornemalvo said:
keo said:
lornemalvo said:
I once did a 100 mile round trip commute for a year. It doesn't seem like much but it was not a pleasant drive, queues on the motorway then a drive straight through Bradford to Shipley. I had a BMW 330d manual and to keep the mileage down bought a Toyota Avensis 1.8 auto just for work. I don't know why but the difference between the two cars in terms of tolerating the journey was immense. I don't know whether it was the effortless power/extra cylinders in the BMW, or better comfort or refinement but the BMW trips were much nicer.
MPG is important, but is not everything.
Strange question but why did you want to keep the miles down on a 330d they are built for big miles.MPG is important, but is not everything.
Avensis 1.8 petrol, sounds like the perfect reliable A to B workhorse, bet it didn't go wrong at all! They are pretty economical up to cruise for a NA petrol and would sit there all day for 300,000 miles+
I do something similar. I use a Honda Accord (MK8) 2.0 petrol auto, EX spec. I've had about 4 of them before so quite a Honda fan boy!
For me it was about:
1. Reliabiliy.
2. Comfort.
3. Decent fuel tank size.
4. Reliability!
The Accord excels in these areas IMO. SUCH a shame they don't make them any more and decent ones are getting rarer by the day. Tyres also make a big difference - some ling-long / ditch-finder specials that the previous owner had placed were not only dangerous they made such a racket. Immediately replaced with some decent all seasons. In the recent weather these were a life saver.
I've used the following before:
- Avensis 2.0 petrol auto: Not as comfy and the lack of auto gears made the journey tedious.
- Infiniti Q70: Was the Q70S Tech 2.2d after ZX1010 raving on about them in most posts
Comfy, quiet & frugal. Had heated/vented seats & dynamic cruise too! Perfect. Until it was written off by a passing trucks snow hitting the front and activating the pedestrain bonnet. FFS.
Wish I had:
- Headlights that were WAY brighter. Makes a HUGE difference when I've borrowed cars with LED lights. The standard lights on the Accord are like the classic saying of glow worms in jam jars...
- Dynamic / radar cruise: Can relax that bit more.
For me it was about:
1. Reliabiliy.
2. Comfort.
3. Decent fuel tank size.
4. Reliability!
The Accord excels in these areas IMO. SUCH a shame they don't make them any more and decent ones are getting rarer by the day. Tyres also make a big difference - some ling-long / ditch-finder specials that the previous owner had placed were not only dangerous they made such a racket. Immediately replaced with some decent all seasons. In the recent weather these were a life saver.
I've used the following before:
- Avensis 2.0 petrol auto: Not as comfy and the lack of auto gears made the journey tedious.
- Infiniti Q70: Was the Q70S Tech 2.2d after ZX1010 raving on about them in most posts
Comfy, quiet & frugal. Had heated/vented seats & dynamic cruise too! Perfect. Until it was written off by a passing trucks snow hitting the front and activating the pedestrain bonnet. FFS.Wish I had:
- Headlights that were WAY brighter. Makes a HUGE difference when I've borrowed cars with LED lights. The standard lights on the Accord are like the classic saying of glow worms in jam jars...
- Dynamic / radar cruise: Can relax that bit more.
newcar2026 said:
Just an update.
Today I decided to pull the trigger on an 2019 Skoda superb, having found the right spec and test driving it I could really see how comfortable it would make the commute.
In hope to collect it next week, appreciate all the help from everyone
Estate or hatch? Today I decided to pull the trigger on an 2019 Skoda superb, having found the right spec and test driving it I could really see how comfortable it would make the commute.
In hope to collect it next week, appreciate all the help from everyone
nomank said:
I do something similar. I use a Honda Accord (MK8) 2.0 petrol auto, EX spec. I've had about 4 of them before so quite a Honda fan boy!
...
The front seats in the Mk8 Accord are amazing, they're like armchairs. We have run one to 165,000 miles as a family wagon and it is a lovely drive....
lornemalvo said:
keo said:
lornemalvo said:
I once did a 100 mile round trip commute for a year. It doesn't seem like much but it was not a pleasant drive, queues on the motorway then a drive straight through Bradford to Shipley. I had a BMW 330d manual and to keep the mileage down bought a Toyota Avensis 1.8 auto just for work. I don't know why but the difference between the two cars in terms of tolerating the journey was immense. I don't know whether it was the effortless power/extra cylinders in the BMW, or better comfort or refinement but the BMW trips were much nicer.
MPG is important, but is not everything.
Strange question but why did you want to keep the miles down on a 330d they are built for big miles.MPG is important, but is not everything.
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