Do I need a barge?

[Petrol Only]

I have been doing 500 miles a week in my mk1 mx5 for the last 18 months and to be honest she's getting tired of it and so am I fuel is to expensive to waste going in a straight line.

So do I need a barge or similar?

I have a 6k max budget.

I was thinking this...
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2011...

Would I see 40 on a run Derby to Sheffield and back?

I'm thinking a nice big car that, if its a gooden id run into the ground. Use as skip run car etc.

So the volvo v50 Iv driven a few and they are a good steer for what it is. But know nothing about reliability, cost of parts etc.



Any other suggestions?

[Classic Grad 98]

Can't see that doing 40 unless truly hypermiled. Surely diseasel is the answer?

[pimpin gimp]

V50 is too small to be a barge, it's the same size as a focus estate.
£6k will see you in the newer shape a6 like mine. Perfect car for motorway runs, used to do a 100mile commute in my 2.0 tdi and it is extremely comfortable. Plenty of petrol ones out there too if you don't fancy diesel.

[Petrol Only]

I have one dirty derv in this household and its one too many! Missus blue-motion tech golf. Very good at what it does brand new and fully warranted up. But I do not want the extra financial risk of higher mileage diesel motors.

I have driven plenty of high powered dervs just not for me.

[Petrol Only]

Whats the auto box like on the a6? If you have one of course .

[pimpin gimp]

Petrol Only said:

Whats the auto box like on the a6? If you have one of course .

Mine's a manual, I'm too young for an auto
Boss has an auto which is very smooth though. £6k will get you into a 3.2 quattro, which is officially 35mpg on the motorway... Might see more if you're gentle!

[Number13]

I think that you will struggle to get 35 from a 3.2 quattro A6. I have a 3.0TDi A6 which is "officially" 42-43mpg IIRC and the best I get is 34-35 and most of my milage is running from Derby to Portsmouth.

If you're looking at Audi you'd get better fuel economy out of an A4. A 2.0TDi (140PS) should do mid/high 40s with ease.

[edo]

This is a barge.

1999 BMW 728i
Trade Seller: Bcs

4 Doors, Automatic, Saloon, Petrol, 34,000 miles, Metallic Blue, 1 Owner. Full dealer service history last service done at 34000 miles Remote central locking, PAS, Front fog lights, Electric door mirrors, Reverse parking aid, ABS, Telephone, Full Service History, Air conditioning, Leather upholstery, Alloy wheels, Cruise control, Front armrest, Immobiliser, Passenger airbag, Rear armrest, Radio/Cassette, Side airbags, Rear headrests, Traction control, Electrically adjustable drivers seat, Electrically adjustable passenger seat, Front electric windows, Drivers airbag, Rear electric windows, Service indicator, Alarm, Audio remote control, Heated door mirrors, Steering wheel rake adjustment, Steering wheel reach adjustment, Trip computer. Insurance Group:17A, Finance Available All Major Cards Accepted, All Vehicles HPI Checked WWW.BCSCARANDCOMMERCIAL.COM, £5,790

[Matt UK]

A V50 is not a barge

Halve your budget to £3k and pick up an honest BMW e39 528i / 530i. Spend the rest on petrol. You'll get 30mpg on mway runs though.

Even then, a 5 series is a lightweight barge. I thought you were talking 7 series / S Class / Lexus LS / Audi A8 / Jag XJ. Choose well and there are plenty of bargains with 100,000'a of miles left in them for not a lot of money.
But there are risks, any of them can land you with a bill for more than the car cost you. But so can most used cars.

[Liquid Knight]

Do you need a barge? No, you need to man up and get an LPG kit for the MX5.

[Dalto123]

Go for a diesel, that'll be better for a long drive. The Volvo idea is great, really comfortable and a fair amount of power, not far off that V50 you like, plus this has 20,000 on the clock:

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2011...

[Night Runner]

Where is Sheffield do you go to out of interest?

I have just done 1k miles in my mk1 1.8 this week, averaging 36mpg - which isn't too bad.

I'd have thought a service (£90) and some freshening up of springs etc (£200) should see it good for a while.