50 mile m-way commute, what car?

[5678]

Change of circumstances means that my ideas of a 182 or Leon Cupra R might not be too suitable.

I need something suitable to do a 50 mile round trip daily. I want something reliable and that isn't going to ruin me on fuel.

Leggy 320d? Something VAG with a 1.9tdi in it? Ideally I'll spend as little as possible. £2k perhaps?

[BoostMonkey]

Jaguar X-type 2.0d 55mpg, and great in all respects.
Plenty of toyz too and a 54 plate is in budget.

Edited by BoostMonkey on Friday 1st July 15:12

[5678]

What are they like reliability wise?

[300bhp/ton]

5678 said:

Change of circumstances means that my ideas of a 182 or Leon Cupra R might not be too suitable.

I need something suitable to do a 50 mile round trip daily. I want something reliable and that isn't going to ruin me on fuel.

Leggy 320d? Something VAG with a 1.9tdi in it? Ideally I'll spend as little as possible. £2k perhaps?

erm. WTF can't you use a 182 or Cupra R for a 25 mile drive?????????

[BoostMonkey]

5678 said:

What are they like reliability wise?

Fine, as with most car's just ensure you service them properly.

Various individuals in my family have had them thought the years and nothing major to report.

[5678]

300bhp/ton said:

erm. WTF can't you use a 182 or Cupra R for a 25 mile drive?????????

It will be spent sat in slow traffic on the M4, I'd rather have something auto and barge like for that.

[zaphod42]

The Jag is a good call.

Or an older Audi with the 1.9tdi that will also run on veg oil?

Also worth reading up on hypermiling for a 10% plus increase in mpg - good mpg is about driving style and approach if you are worried about good mpg. Even if you only put 10% of hypermiling ideas to practice you will save loads on fuel?

[GreatGranny]

While 182, Cupra etc. won't be ideal its not going to be completely unsuitable either. Maybe comfort might be an issue with the Clio because of well known offset peddle issue but I do 450 miles per week in a E36 318is and find it very comfortable and it will do 37 mpg on mixed roads. Both of the above should do similar MPG unless hammered.

[300bhp/ton]

5678 said:

300bhp/ton said:

erm. WTF can't you use a 182 or Cupra R for a 25 mile drive?????????

It will be spent sat in slow traffic on the M4, I'd rather have something auto and barge like for that.

Not that I'm a fan of hatches really. I just can't really see the logic.

If its something comfy then a Jag or maybe a Volvo will probably serve you better than anything.

[rallycross]

E34 525

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2906148.htm

[denniswise9]

Pints said:

MX-5.

This is not a joke, it's what I use for my M-way commute of 40 miles (each way).

My Mk1 1.8 was shocking on the motorway - noisy and drank fuel like it was going out of fashion!

[5678]

I'm not seeing many X types for the £2k mark?

[zaphod42]

How about something like:

Mazda 6
http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/2884630.htm

Volvo S60
http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/2912498.htm

Saab 2.2:
http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/2972987.htm

All need a bit of haggling, but you should get close to 2k.

This PH search might help: all diesel (providing seller put diesel in the title) <£2500:
http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/list.asp?g=1&am...

[excel monkey]

Any old VAG TDI will do.

Octavia TDI is the best value.

[5678]

zaphod42 said:

How about something like:

Mazda 6
http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/2884630.htm

Volvo S60
http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/2912498.htm

Saab 2.2:
http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/2972987.htm

All need a bit of haggling, but you should get close to 2k.

This PH search might help: all diesel (providing seller put diesel in the title) <£2500:
http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/list.asp?g=1&am...

Any ideas what Saabs are like with that sort of mileage?

[Lets Torque]

My money would go on a Mazda 6 / MK1 Skoda Octavia VRS.

If you want I can find examples.

[5678]

Octy vrs for my budget? Show me!

[zaphod42]

5678 said:

Any ideas what Saabs are like with that sort of mileage?

The 2.2 is an older block. Unchipped it should be fine for 200k plus. Good owners club and support (eg saabscene)

[Tonberry]

5678 said:

Octy vrs for my budget? Show me!

You need to look harder.

[Somnophore]

Octavia tdi, theres a reason so many are taxis, reliable, cheap and good on fuel.