What commuter car?

[shushu]

I commute around 25k miles a year and have been doing so in my 06 Audi A3 2.0 TDI for the last three years, up until yesterday when it blew its turbo.

I’m now looking for a replacement with about 3-4k to spend. I had my heart set on an e60 530d, but after doing a quick bit of research it seems that turbo, injector and manifold etc issues tend to appear around 100-130k miles which is bang on what the cars in my budget would have.

So I seek the wisdom of our experienced pistonheaders for any recommendations you have.

My reqirements are-
- £4000 budget or less
- Diesel
- Auto gearbox
- 40 mpg ish
- Comfortable (leather and heated seats ideally)
- 4 door saloon or 5 door hatchback
- Something that’ll last me the next couple of years
- At 28, I dont think im ready yet for a volvo estate or jag, so something that looks relatively decent/sporty please

Thanks in advance!

[kieranblenk]

For that budget I'd be looking at a top spec Mondeo or Saab 9-5, but an S Type Jag would probably be in budget if you wanted something a little more prestigious.

[anonymous-user]

£4k worth of diesel E class? Should be fine for a couple of years of motorway schlepping.

[ZX10R NIN]

This is E320/270 territory all day there straight 5/6 cylinders are pretty much bulletproof.

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...

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

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

[idiotgap]

For 211 e-class try to get post 2006 with the pointy front grille and striped upper headlights.
Huge upgrades in electrics reliability and more importantly conventional rather than SBC brakes which have a built in obsolescence in the pump and £££ to replace.

[ZX10R NIN]

The pump isn't as expensive as it used to be plus a specialist can program them to go for longer, also the earlier cars are more simple drivetrain wise, both are good options.

[idiotgap]

I sold mine because I couldn't get a quote under £1500 to replace the pump. Wasn't worth ploughing that in plus the beans for a suspension refresh on top. Happily wbac don't seem to care about the pump, so at least I could get rid without foisting it on someone privately.

There are supposed to be 2000 improvements in the facelift. Every year leading up to it they improved a few things, so best pre-facelift is supposed to be around a 55 plate when the mesh centre speaker came in.

[shushu]

Thanks for the suggestion guys. Going to see an ‘07 E280 tomorrow. Lets hope it goes well.

[flatso]

Late model Citroen C5 top exclusive spec...look into it.

[RSTurboPaul]

Is there a reason not to repair the blown turbo?

Or is this convenient opportunity for a new car you couldn't previously justify? lol

[shushu]

Haha! The A3 has done a 180k and has got a few other things wrong with it, so its not really financially viable to put anymore money to it.

Went to see an E280 today but it was an absolute mess, I didn't get a good vibe off the seller either, so will have to resume my search next weekend