What £6k commuter

[peterh2]

As I've now got a motorbike (which I'm about to change for a KTM RC8) I'm not using my Clio 182 for anything fun anymore. What I am using it for is a boring 30 mile commute down a stop / start A1 motorway.

It's obviously not suited to this and the lack of refinement is starting to annoy me.

I'm after something that is quiet, comfortable and refined, is reliable and returns decent MPG. I'm a 28 year old bloke and it'll have to look presentable. Out of personal preference I'd prefer to steer clear of Skoda's etc.

If possible I'd like a current model and I'd not like anything older than 2008.

Don't mind going to buy at auction if needed.

So far I've been looking at:
Vauxhall Astra 3dr (probably 1.8 SRI)
Volkswagen Golf (new shape) 1.4 S
Vauxhall Insignia (probably 1.8 SRI or elite)

If I could get a golf TDI or more powerful petrol within budget I'd have gone for that already. I'm just concerned that the 1.4 will be painfully slow.

Any other suggestions?

[VR46]

Why limit to 2008 cars? A polo gti sounds perfect.

[BigNige]

If it's a stop start journey, what difference does it make if it is painfully slow?

Get a Fiesta.

[peterh2]

The plan is to keep it for 4 years so anything older would be getting pretty old by the time I sold it.

[peterh2]

BigNige said:

If it's a stop start journey, what difference does it make if it is painfully slow?

It does get up to motorway speeds at points. That's sort of what I'm thinking tho and I'm edging towards the 1.4 golf mainly for the refinement.

[VR46]

Why not commute on the bike? A 1.4 golf will be gutless, a gt tdi is a better option, then get a remap.

[Backtobasics]

I had a 1.4 astra (new shape) hire car recently. I would class it as vastly underpowered. Would suggest the vw would be the same. Polo GTI sounds a reasonable choice as someone mentioned earlier.

[frosted]

Can you not find a Lexus is220d for that sort of money yet ?

[daemonoid]

VR46 said:

Why not commute on the bike?

Exactly!

Either that or get something boring and frugal - smart, aygo or similar.

[Engineer1]

As to why 2008, that seems to be a good point at which most manufacturers had updated their engines to give good efficiency and lower emissions.

[Dalto123]

If its a commuting car then perhaps a Smart? I know some peoples views on these cars arent that good, but I've been told they're very good commuter cars (good on the motorway) and do return very good mpg.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2012...

[VR46]

The smart is the most depressing, crappy and overpriced lawnmower engined car in existance.

[peterh2]

I'm after something more refined on the motorway. I've had the displeasure of a 107 hire car before and it's even louder than my Clio 182!

I assume to get a decent level of refinement I'm going to need something astra / golf / focus size (or bigger).

Thanks!

[ILoveMondeo]

Wildcard choice.. Honda s2000! (OK so it wont be a 2008 car at that price, mines 9 years old and in fine nick though)

Should do same MPG as those two 1.8's on the list.

Small petrol engine Fiesta is fun, my GF's is a hoot to do the B road commute to work from time to time.

Failing that, just don't be precious about "the imagine" and get something cheap and put the money towards something more fun.