Help please deciding on buying a new car for commuting

[imranali786]

Hi all,

New poster here, i've been reading the forums and find them really helpful

I've just started a new role which has changed my 10 mile round trip daily commute to 100 mile daily commute through A roads/small towns and country roads.

I've been meaning to change my car for a long time (Corsa 1.2 56 plate) but have instead invested the money into my house. With the new commute, its making me want to really change my car now, i commute 3 days a week so that's 300 miles a week. I got 3 stone chips in my first few weeks commuting too!

The problem is that i'm contracting in IT so my role/location can change in 6 months which is stopping me from committing to an expensive purchase (but which I want to do)

I'm after something with a lot of comfort, good media set up - preferably bluetooth, usb and connection to phone, tank that could last the week in fuel and an efficient engine that will last but is also versatile so that if my commute changes I won't have to go and sell it (weird requirements i know)

Any suggestions? I can spend between £5k-15k but if its just going to depreciate due to the mileage then i guess there is no point going for the higher end of the range.

Want to stick to under 2.0L, automatic, at least 5 seats and 4 doors, I guess diesel but screwed if I change jobs to something local again...

1 series? 3 series? 4 series gran coupe? C Class? Audi A4? e class?


thanks in advance and go easy on me

[strath44]

When you say you don't want to commit to an expensive car but deep down want one, I assume that the £5-15k budget to you isn't expensive, not being funny just asking - only because of the car you are coming from and its value!?

I commute every day and have a Passat Diesel, fantastic car, very comfortable, handles pretty well and chews miles like anything, it is highly reliable.

Its very hard to say what would suit your circumstances as they may change, personally I would stick to the VW / Audi group, I think you'll notice such a difference you'll be delighted. £7-10k will get you in a very nice golf or an Audi A3 (you don't mention how much space you need, the Passat might be a bit big for you). If things change then you won't take too big a hit if you decide you want something nicer, sportier etc.

[Welsh_Meat]

I used to commute 150 miles round, daily for 18 months... I had a 520d e60 - picked it up for 4k and sold it almost 2 years later for the 3.8k, only cost me tires and servicing.

It was perfect for cruising on the motorway and had full leather and heated front seats
Now, i don't do any miles so have a 535d and love it !!

[RSTurboPaul]

MX5.


Seriously.


If you're not carrying passengers, just yourself and a bag, and have a good mix of road types, a lot of which won't be 3mph nose-to-tail grinding hell, why not get something fun rather than a luxobarge?

Or do you need 'badge' to impress your work colleagues?

[imranali786]

thanks for the replies much appreciated

I initially wanted a german car just due to assumed reliability but am happy to look at others, Volvo's seem to be quite liked on here which I am happy to look at. The Mazda 6 also seems ok? passat/golf?

5k being the minimum I want to spend and 15k being the absolute maximum but if i'm going to commute daily more like 5-10k, don't want the car to be too old, around a 2010-2013

Unfortunately, the corsa is coming to the end of its life (accelerated by the fact im doing 100 miles in it now) so the car i replace it with will need to replace the family car - so will need 4 doors and 5 seats

Are there any cars out there that are sturdy, automatic, and have a sunroof?

[Pistonheader101]

In all honesty a 2014-2015 320D efficient dynamics fits the bill well.