20k a year - something economical and a bit different?
Discussion
Currently I travel around 70 miles a day for my commute, which is starting to wear a bit thin in a 2011 Fiesta TDCi. I got it as a cheap car whilst I bought my first house and worked out what my monthly outgoing would likely be with the new house etc. I get an easy 55mpg (calculated), but I'm beginning to crave a bit more refinement and performance! Therefore, I turn to the PH masses for any wisdom on where to look next.
Essentially, I'm looking for something around £10k, capable of decent economy, quick-ish, and a reasonable spec. I have no practical requirements so doesn't need to be a big estate or anything. Just to give you an idea of the type of car I'm thinking of, something like a diesel Scirocco or Focus ST TDCi would fit the bill. However, I'm wary of getting a diesel because I don't intend making another car purchase for a little while and I don't want to eventually end up banned from city centres and owning something that no-one wants to buy off me! Are there any petrols that can offer decent economy maybe?
Also, if people think there's a new car that'll fit the bill I'm open to that, but obviously I'd need to go down the finance route with that, which would probably have to be around £2-230 pm. I have no brand preference really, so don't let the badge stop you from suggesting something!
Thanks in advance!
PS: There may be a few thinking 'keep the cheap runabout and get a nice 'weekend' car'. Well, I currently have a Clio 182 track car I share with my Dad, but as I spend at least 2 hours a day in a car, I'd quite like that to be a nice one!
Essentially, I'm looking for something around £10k, capable of decent economy, quick-ish, and a reasonable spec. I have no practical requirements so doesn't need to be a big estate or anything. Just to give you an idea of the type of car I'm thinking of, something like a diesel Scirocco or Focus ST TDCi would fit the bill. However, I'm wary of getting a diesel because I don't intend making another car purchase for a little while and I don't want to eventually end up banned from city centres and owning something that no-one wants to buy off me! Are there any petrols that can offer decent economy maybe?
Also, if people think there's a new car that'll fit the bill I'm open to that, but obviously I'd need to go down the finance route with that, which would probably have to be around £2-230 pm. I have no brand preference really, so don't let the badge stop you from suggesting something!
Thanks in advance!
PS: There may be a few thinking 'keep the cheap runabout and get a nice 'weekend' car'. Well, I currently have a Clio 182 track car I share with my Dad, but as I spend at least 2 hours a day in a car, I'd quite like that to be a nice one!
There are some cracking cars at this price point one of the VFM options is the:
Astra GTC Limited Edition (you can extend the Manufacturer's Warranty on these)
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Alfa Giulietta Sportiva
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Veloce
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Focus Zetec S
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Astra GTC Limited Edition (you can extend the Manufacturer's Warranty on these)
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Alfa Giulietta Sportiva
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Veloce
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Focus Zetec S
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Although nothing has been confirmed about Diesel cars yet, I would not be too worried by buying something diesel from the last few years (ie to the latest Euro emissions standard). So far most reports have been talking about older Diesels (pre 2009).
For doing 20k miles per annum, a modern diesel makes a lot of sense.
<note - do some of your own research to make sure it aligns with a strangers view on the net!>
For something leftfield, I have always been curious about the Citroen DS5. It looks like a nice place to be for doing that sort of mileage and probably comfortable.
Or how about a Mini Cooper SD?
Mike
ZX10R NIN: Thank you for all of those options, I hadn't even considered 90% of them! The Vauxhall certainly looks great value, and a nice looking car to add. I guess I'd avoided them ever since I had a 2004 Corsa 1.7 diesel and it was pretty dreadful (unreliable too!) but I'm sure they've come a long way since. Definitely look like they have! I'll be sure to look into those more, as extending the warranty sounds good; doing my mileage it's a hassle if the car ever goes wrong.
I'm also very interested in the Focus Zetec S. I'm a fan of Fords and the way they drive, so that's probably a front-runner in terms of 'most sensible', closely followed by the Vauxhall.
Mike: Yes that's true, modern diesels should be OK for a little while. I imagine it'd be chaos to do anything else! The Fiesta I have is Euro 5 I believe. There doesn't seem to be a petrol that can rival a diesel over high miles yet, or at least not in my budget, so I guess if I buy one and run it till it's +100,000 miles it doesn't really matter anyway!
Yes, modern Citroens intrigue me too. I did consider a DS3 a while ago, but there were too many horror stories reliability wise, although I'm not sure if newer/bigger models such as the 5 are improved or not. The DS4 also pops up in my searches a lot; they're certainly stylish cars!
The Cooper S D's would also fit the bill perfectly, although I'm a little wary of MINI reliability, as doing the mileage I do, it's fairly important! I've seen a couple available as 'approved used' cars at dealers for around 13-14k, which I may be willing to stretch to for the added warranty etc.
Just to add to the list, I've seen that SEAT Leon FR TDI's seem good value too, as the 'Tech' models come with quite a good spec. Not exciting but a little 'edgier' styling-wise than a Golf.
I'm also very interested in the Focus Zetec S. I'm a fan of Fords and the way they drive, so that's probably a front-runner in terms of 'most sensible', closely followed by the Vauxhall.
Mike: Yes that's true, modern diesels should be OK for a little while. I imagine it'd be chaos to do anything else! The Fiesta I have is Euro 5 I believe. There doesn't seem to be a petrol that can rival a diesel over high miles yet, or at least not in my budget, so I guess if I buy one and run it till it's +100,000 miles it doesn't really matter anyway!
Yes, modern Citroens intrigue me too. I did consider a DS3 a while ago, but there were too many horror stories reliability wise, although I'm not sure if newer/bigger models such as the 5 are improved or not. The DS4 also pops up in my searches a lot; they're certainly stylish cars!
The Cooper S D's would also fit the bill perfectly, although I'm a little wary of MINI reliability, as doing the mileage I do, it's fairly important! I've seen a couple available as 'approved used' cars at dealers for around 13-14k, which I may be willing to stretch to for the added warranty etc.
Just to add to the list, I've seen that SEAT Leon FR TDI's seem good value too, as the 'Tech' models come with quite a good spec. Not exciting but a little 'edgier' styling-wise than a Golf.
Burny16v said:
ZX10R NIN: Thank you for all of those options, I hadn't even considered 90% of them! The Vauxhall certainly looks great value, and a nice looking car to add. I guess I'd avoided them ever since I had a 2004 Corsa 1.7 diesel and it was pretty dreadful (unreliable too!) but I'm sure they've come a long way since. Definitely look like they have! I'll be sure to look into those more, as extending the warranty sounds good; doing my mileage it's a hassle if the car ever goes wrong.
I'm also very interested in the Focus Zetec S. I'm a fan of Fords and the way they drive, so that's probably a front-runner in terms of 'most sensible', closely followed by the Vauxhall.
Mike: Yes that's true, modern diesels should be OK for a little while. I imagine it'd be chaos to do anything else! The Fiesta I have is Euro 5 I believe. There doesn't seem to be a petrol that can rival a diesel over high miles yet, or at least not in my budget, so I guess if I buy one and run it till it's +100,000 miles it doesn't really matter anyway!
Yes, modern Citroens intrigue me too. I did consider a DS3 a while ago, but there were too many horror stories reliability wise, although I'm not sure if newer/bigger models such as the 5 are improved or not. The DS4 also pops up in my searches a lot; they're certainly stylish cars!
The Cooper S D's would also fit the bill perfectly, although I'm a little wary of MINI reliability, as doing the mileage I do, it's fairly important! I've seen a couple available as 'approved used' cars at dealers for around 13-14k, which I may be willing to stretch to for the added warranty etc.
Just to add to the list, I've seen that SEAT Leon FR TDI's seem good value too, as the 'Tech' models come with quite a good spec. Not exciting but a little 'edgier' styling-wise than a Golf.
I had a DS3 back in 2012 for 3 years as a company car. It was the 120hp diesel jobby and it was superb. I did 45k in the three years and it didn't miss a beat. Very well made (knocked spots off the Honda Civic I currently have) with no squeaks, ratlles or the like, went well, was economical, quite fun to drive and personally liked the look of it too. I have opted to replace the Civic with a Leon 1.4FR at the end of July, so will see how that goes. I'm also very interested in the Focus Zetec S. I'm a fan of Fords and the way they drive, so that's probably a front-runner in terms of 'most sensible', closely followed by the Vauxhall.
Mike: Yes that's true, modern diesels should be OK for a little while. I imagine it'd be chaos to do anything else! The Fiesta I have is Euro 5 I believe. There doesn't seem to be a petrol that can rival a diesel over high miles yet, or at least not in my budget, so I guess if I buy one and run it till it's +100,000 miles it doesn't really matter anyway!
Yes, modern Citroens intrigue me too. I did consider a DS3 a while ago, but there were too many horror stories reliability wise, although I'm not sure if newer/bigger models such as the 5 are improved or not. The DS4 also pops up in my searches a lot; they're certainly stylish cars!
The Cooper S D's would also fit the bill perfectly, although I'm a little wary of MINI reliability, as doing the mileage I do, it's fairly important! I've seen a couple available as 'approved used' cars at dealers for around 13-14k, which I may be willing to stretch to for the added warranty etc.
Just to add to the list, I've seen that SEAT Leon FR TDI's seem good value too, as the 'Tech' models come with quite a good spec. Not exciting but a little 'edgier' styling-wise than a Golf.
That's interesting Robin, thanks for that. I think at the time I was looking at petrol versions, maybe that's the difference? The new Citroen 'DS' cars are very stylish, so I'll look into them more. Are you still doing the same sort of mileage when you get the Leon? Is it a TSI engine? I had a 1.2 TSI Polo a few years ago and managed to get very good mpg from it on longer journeys.
Burny16v said:
That's interesting Robin, thanks for that. I think at the time I was looking at petrol versions, maybe that's the difference? The new Citroen 'DS' cars are very stylish, so I'll look into them more. Are you still doing the same sort of mileage when you get the Leon? Is it a TSI engine? I had a 1.2 TSI Polo a few years ago and managed to get very good mpg from it on longer journeys.
I really couldn't fault the DS3 with the 1.6 diesel engine, I would have another in a heartbeat. The Leon is the 1.4 TSI ACT petrol 150hp. I decided against diesel as there seems to be so much uncertainty about the future of diesel cars. I have upped my mileage to 20k per annum, which hopefully will be enough. I was really impressed with the engine in it when I tested it, for a small petrol engine it had decent torque and should actually be fun to drive. Mind you, after the Civic, anything is better! Such a terrible car in every way and so badly built too. Burny16v said:
Just to add to the list, I've seen that SEAT Leon FR TDI's seem good value too, as the 'Tech' models come with quite a good spec. Not exciting but a little 'edgier' styling-wise than a Golf.
How about the Leon 1.4 FR EcoTSI 150? Not sure if they're down to £10k yet but can't be far away. I have this engine (albeit in an Ibiza) and think it's a brilliant blend of punchy performance and decent economy. I do 20k pa and in the 11 months I've had the car I've averaged a calculated 52.2 mpg.PWeston said:
Burny16v said:
Just to add to the list, I've seen that SEAT Leon FR TDI's seem good value too, as the 'Tech' models come with quite a good spec. Not exciting but a little 'edgier' styling-wise than a Golf.
How about the Leon 1.4 FR EcoTSI 150? Not sure if they're down to £10k yet but can't be far away. I have this engine (albeit in an Ibiza) and think it's a brilliant blend of punchy performance and decent economy. I do 20k pa and in the 11 months I've had the car I've averaged a calculated 52.2 mpg.robinh73 said:
That's good to hear as that is what I have ordered as my next company car. End of July can't come soon enough! 52.2 mpg is impressive.
I'd have liked to have gone for the Leon for a bit more comfort but when I bought my Ibiza it was being discontinued and the 27% discount was too good to ignore!I honestly am surprised not to hear more about the 1.4 EcoTSI. It's such a nice wee unit which makes diesels redundant in my opinion. I have never seen less than 42 mpg from a tank and on a long gentle run it sees 60+ with ease. It's whisper quiet and pulls very nicely from 1500 rpm. Can't fault it as a daily. My previous (leased) Ibiza was a 1.6 TDI (105bhp) and I only had 4-5 mpg more out of it yet the performance was night and day different.
PWeston said:
How about the Leon 1.4 FR EcoTSI 150? Not sure if they're down to £10k yet but can't be far away. I have this engine (albeit in an Ibiza) and think it's a brilliant blend of punchy performance and decent economy. I do 20k pa and in the 11 months I've had the car I've averaged a calculated 52.2 mpg.
Hmm, thats actually a great potential option too, I'm impressed to hear the economy is that good. I've had a quick scout around and they're certainly hovering around the 10k mark, although currently on the wrong side. I'll definitely consider stretching a little more if necessary though, especially given it would remove all worries about the future of diesel. Clearly the reliability on a smaller turbocharged engine has been OK?Burny16v said:
ZX10R NIN: Thank you for all of those options, I hadn't even considered 90% of them! The Vauxhall certainly looks great value, and a nice looking car to add. I guess I'd avoided them ever since I had a 2004 Corsa 1.7 diesel and it was pretty dreadful (unreliable too!) but I'm sure they've come a long way since. Definitely look like they have! I'll be sure to look into those more, as extending the warranty sounds good; doing my mileage it's a hassle if the car ever goes wrong.
I'm also very interested in the Focus Zetec S. I'm a fan of Fords and the way they drive, so that's probably a front-runner in terms of 'most sensible', closely followed by the Vauxhall.
Mike: Yes that's true, modern diesels should be OK for a little while. I imagine it'd be chaos to do anything else! The Fiesta I have is Euro 5 I believe. There doesn't seem to be a petrol that can rival a diesel over high miles yet, or at least not in my budget, so I guess if I buy one and run it till it's +100,000 miles it doesn't really matter anyway!
Yes, modern Citroens intrigue me too. I did consider a DS3 a while ago, but there were too many horror stories reliability wise, although I'm not sure if newer/bigger models such as the 5 are improved or not. The DS4 also pops up in my searches a lot; they're certainly stylish cars!
The Cooper S D's would also fit the bill perfectly, although I'm a little wary of MINI reliability, as doing the mileage I do, it's fairly important! I've seen a couple available as 'approved used' cars at dealers for around 13-14k, which I may be willing to stretch to for the added warranty etc.
Just to add to the list, I've seen that SEAT Leon FR TDI's seem good value too, as the 'Tech' models come with quite a good spec. Not exciting but a little 'edgier' styling-wise than a Golf.
The Astra is a very good car (the Focus is the better steer but with your mileage, the low miles & newer car would edge it for me) & adding a warranty makes trouble free motoring a nice bonus.I'm also very interested in the Focus Zetec S. I'm a fan of Fords and the way they drive, so that's probably a front-runner in terms of 'most sensible', closely followed by the Vauxhall.
Mike: Yes that's true, modern diesels should be OK for a little while. I imagine it'd be chaos to do anything else! The Fiesta I have is Euro 5 I believe. There doesn't seem to be a petrol that can rival a diesel over high miles yet, or at least not in my budget, so I guess if I buy one and run it till it's +100,000 miles it doesn't really matter anyway!
Yes, modern Citroens intrigue me too. I did consider a DS3 a while ago, but there were too many horror stories reliability wise, although I'm not sure if newer/bigger models such as the 5 are improved or not. The DS4 also pops up in my searches a lot; they're certainly stylish cars!
The Cooper S D's would also fit the bill perfectly, although I'm a little wary of MINI reliability, as doing the mileage I do, it's fairly important! I've seen a couple available as 'approved used' cars at dealers for around 13-14k, which I may be willing to stretch to for the added warranty etc.
Just to add to the list, I've seen that SEAT Leon FR TDI's seem good value too, as the 'Tech' models come with quite a good spec. Not exciting but a little 'edgier' styling-wise than a Golf.
The DS4 is a good call because again you can extend the warranty (I would do especially on the Auto version) on these too.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
If I was going for a DS then I think it would be the 5 not the 4:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
If you want to stretch the budget a smidge you can land a new shape Astra in Elite Nav form:
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...
BiTurbo Elite Nav
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Also if you stretch to around 12-14k then you can get a Pro C'eed which look smart you don't see lots of them & you'll get the added bonus of 5-6 years or 100k's worth of warranty too.
GT Line Auto
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
You can get a ST-2 Focus tdci for the upper end of your budget but it will have significantly more miles on the clock:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
With regards to the future of diesels, the government has already stated it's policies will be based on Euro rating not their fuel, so all of the cars listed are Euro6 which means you won't have a problem entering cities for a long time yet.
Burny16v said:
Hmm, thats actually a great potential option too, I'm impressed to hear the economy is that good. I've had a quick scout around and they're certainly hovering around the 10k mark, although currently on the wrong side. I'll definitely consider stretching a little more if necessary though, especially given it would remove all worries about the future of diesel. Clearly the reliability on a smaller turbocharged engine has been OK?
From what I gather the 1.4 EcoTSI (with the active cyclinder technology) has no real issues - unlike the previous gen 1.4 TSI. What's brilliant is that the switch to two-cylinder mode is almost imperceptible and yet you have instant four cylinder power again if you put your foot down. It really is very slick indeed.
PWeston said:
Burny16v said:
Hmm, thats actually a great potential option too, I'm impressed to hear the economy is that good. I've had a quick scout around and they're certainly hovering around the 10k mark, although currently on the wrong side. I'll definitely consider stretching a little more if necessary though, especially given it would remove all worries about the future of diesel. Clearly the reliability on a smaller turbocharged engine has been OK?
From what I gather the 1.4 EcoTSI (with the active cyclinder technology) has no real issues - unlike the previous gen 1.4 TSI. What's brilliant is that the switch to two-cylinder mode is almost imperceptible and yet you have instant four cylinder power again if you put your foot down. It really is very slick indeed.
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