Recommendation for a "Eco" car...

[jemmavictoria]

Hello! I hope I'm posting in the right section of the forum but I have a question about car recommendations.

I have been without a car for over 2 years now and I can't live any longer without one! I live in London and majority of my driving will be in and around London (not commuting) and the odd drive to family (+100 miles away) which will probably be monthly.

So we've been looking into a BMW i3 with a range extender but I'm not really sure how practical that will be and hybrid/eco cars such as the Toyota Yaris and Polo Bluemotion.

I have always wanted a BMW 1 series but I'm struggling to persuade my non-driving partner!

What would you recommend?

[tomsugden]

For that sort of driving frequency I'd be joining some sort of car club that allows you to choose a car when you need one.

[FlatToTheMat]

Last time I was looking for a cheap car to run I put together a (tremendously exciting ) Excel, working out all my costs and clear winner above small petrol, LPG and Diesel was a Nissan Leaf! Only really good for you though if you have somewhere to charge it over night?

[MaxSo]

What is the budget is OP? A Vauxhall Ampera would be a good option I think, but only if you have off-street parking where you can install a charger.

[jemmavictoria]

tomsugden said:

For that sort of driving frequency I'd be joining some sort of car club that allows you to choose a car when you need one.

Thanks tomsugden - I have looked into it but what puts me off is the high cost and the nearest ones to me are rarely available last minute.

[jemmavictoria]

FlatToTheMat said:

Last time I was looking for a cheap car to run I put together a (tremendously exciting ) Excel, working out all my costs and clear winner above small petrol, LPG and Diesel was a Nissan Leaf! Only really good for you though if you have somewhere to charge it over night?

I hadn't considered a Nissan Leaf - maybe I'll pop into the showroom this week sometime.

Yes, we have an electric hookup where we are now

[FlatToTheMat]

jemmavictoria said:

I hadn't considered a Nissan Leaf - maybe I'll pop into the showroom this week sometime.

Yes, we have an electric hookup where we are now

I dont know what your reasoning behind a 'Eco' is but mine was to lower my monthly costs, with that in mind i was only looking at buying a circa 2013 car to negate depreciation FFT

[dmsims]

Budget ?

New or used ?

[GreatGranny]

jemmavictoria said:

I hadn't considered a Nissan Leaf - maybe I'll pop into the showroom this week sometime.

Yes, we have an electric hookup where we are now

They will give you a 24hr test drive at a minimum.

I've just handed back the old version and had a 24hr test drive of the new one and it's a big step up IMO.

Range is around 140 miles and refinement is excellent.

Think they are quite expensive but so is the i3.
Personally I would go for the i3 just because it looks fantastic.

[RizzoTheRat]

GreatGranny said:

Personally I would go for the i3 just because it looks fantastic.

Whereas I'd avoid the i3 because it looks so bad Luckily these things are subjective.

For a mix of short distance city driving and occasional longer trips isn't a plug in hybrid purpose built for the job? Lots of models now available as PHEVs including MINI, Golf, 3 series etc, but some have better electric range than others.

[ZX10R NIN]

Here's the thing when you say Eco why not just get a good small hatch (which are very economical) as with such limited use your costs will be small even on fuel.

Clio 1.2GT (£30 Road Tax)

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

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

Twingo

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

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

With the Leaf you'd really want a 30kw model they're not cheap but a good (personally I'd buy the Clio everytime) option if you want a small EV.

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

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

What about the Honda CR-Z in GT trim they're very sensible money & seem to fit your needs:

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...

[slk 32]

I bought a cheap polo bluemotion as a runaround in London 4 years ago.

It's been fantastic.. zero roadtax, 70+ mpg, free parking permit in Richmond due to <100g CO2 and super cheap to run ( 14 inch tyres = £60 for Michelins)

Also I don't mind it getting scuffed (which is inevitable parking on the street)

Being turbo diesel it's got a decent amount of torque for motorway driving too.

[Sa Calobra]

I lived in zone two for eight years. Nothing would make me want to own a car in London.

If I was to it'd be a Smart car.