500 mile a week commute - any alternative to diesel

[Stormfly1985]

I'm looking to replace my aging 55 plate diesel Mondeo (which has been brilliant). I drive 25k a year - mostly commuting - and have been looking at petrol/hybrid cars as a replacement for a diesel vehicle.

However, I think diesel does actually make the most sense. For example, comparing the Golf GTD vs GTE hybrid, although with scrappage the GTE is around £1000 cheaper, it doesn't come as an estate (which I prefer) and the economy for motorway miles won't be anywhere near the same as the diesel.

Residual values aren't much different either although maybe in 4 years it will be a lot different?

Any views on this?

[GreatGranny]

Buy around the £4-5k and run it for 4 years it won't be worth much anyway.

IMO not worth spending more than that on a car that you will put 100k miles on.

A decent diesel will easily do 50+ mpg and will be comfortable and quick enough (Passat, Mondeo, S60, Insignia, 520d etc..)

If you want a petrol that will do 50+mpg it will be a smaller engine small hatch like a Fezza so not ideal for 25k miles a year

Not sure what a hybrid will do but after 20 miles ( when the electricity runs out(I know it will regen but not that much on a long commute)) it will just be a heavy petrol car doing 40mpg max.

[anonymous-user]

If you really don't want a diesel look at LPG.

[steve-5snwi]

At that mileage i think diesel is your answer, whats wrong with a slightly newer Mondeo ?

[ZX10R NIN]

I'm going to echo the view above & sugest rather than buying a new car you get a slightly older car with low miles & ramp them up again.

I can understand why you want a Hybrid which would mean you'd be immune from future legislation but why not get a Diesel Hybrid that way you still get great MPG & have the hybrid to make you immune from possible future ULEZ areas.

Here are some options:

508 E-HDI

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Estate

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

E300

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Estate

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

V60

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

DS5

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

[toastyhamster]

I also have this dilemma, not looking to change for a few months but my GTD while competent doesn't really do much for me. Been looking at the V60, any idea of real world mpg on say a 120 mile round trip commute of mainly motorway/dual carriageway?

[markirl]

Mk4.5 Mondeo is the answer, in Titanium or Titanium X trim. Can pick up good ones for less than £6k:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

An alternative that seems to creep under the radar but it raved about by all owners is the Seat Exeo:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Personally I think the Mondeo offers a slightly better package.

Off the wall non-diesel suggestion might be to check out a used Prius.

[ZX10R NIN]

They say it's between 3-5mpg worse than the standard 2.4d on the motorway so you'll still be in the 50's should you decide on one.

[toastyhamster]

I wish 50+mpg, my GTD never gets above 45.

[Zetec-S]

How about a Focus? Should be good for 50+ mpg at motorway speeds.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

[Stormfly1985]

Thanks for all the comments. My mondeo has 240k on it now and although I should just keep it till it disintegrates I fancy a change.

When you spend 3 hours a day in a car it would be nice to have some luxury and toys!

Diesel hybrid might be the way to go.

[GreatGranny]

My wife's V60 2.0 D3 is doing 52-53mpg on her 35 mile commute which is 30 miles A roads, 5 miles stop start.

Not sure if the D5 will do any better than that.

The hybrid will be worse again, probably nearer 40.