What car to buy £5.5k Fun, Decent MPG, can fit a doberman

[s4mup]

Hi,

I am looking for a new car, I have around 5.5k. My daily commute is around 36Miles so would need something semi decent on fuel. I also have a doberman who I will need boot space for.

I have been considering 330d Touring/ 530D touring and the FN2 Type R??

Any suggestions?

[BenLowden]

Welcome to PH! If you're looking for something economical I may not be the best to advise as I commute 120 miles a day in a 321bhp Megane Although it'll still do 33/34mpg driven sensibly.

For £5,500 I'd be looking at a Mk5 Golf GTI or if you're wanting better fuel economy, a GT TDI. They do have their issues with rust so worth reading up on. Alternatively a 120D or 123D if you can stretch to it would be ideal. I've had the latter, remapped to 250bhp/500nm and would do 55mpg+. Seemingly less issues than the Golf too but just depends what you can get for your budget.

[ZX10R NIN]

My choice would be one of these:

Mercedes C320cdi they're not the most fun but they're a very good car which you & your dog will be very happy with.

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

C250 Sport, personally I'd take the older car with the V6 diesel

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

Or if you want comfort there's the E320:

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

None of the above are fun drive but neither are the BMW alternatives, now that's not to say you can't have fun in them but none are hot hatch fun.

2.0T Mondeo Titanium X Sport these are the best FWD option but are hard to find

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

2.0d Titanium X

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

Octavia VRS

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

Leftfield Option which leaves you change for an EP3 Civic/Clio 182 etc:

2.7d 407 SW GT look at the price & mileage check that the timing belt has been done

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

The more sensible 2.0d option:

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

Edited by ZX10R NIN on Friday 14th December 17:01

[bakerstreet]

Forget the mid sized hatches if you have a Doberman. If it tries to lie down in a Golf, its legs will be bent at the knees!

I'd look at something like the Vauxhall Insignia Estate. Elite has many toys including heated seats as standard. Mondeo Titanium X Estate TDCI would also get my vote.

Later Titanium X has heated partial leather as standard.