Downsizing - 6k budget
Discussion
Hello smart folks. I need some help.
I’m currently driving a 14 plate Focus Zetec S - the 1.6l ecoboost does about 0-6 in 7.3s and it’s “fun enough”.
Started a new job though and it’s getting teenage figures in the commute on Petrol due to the fact it’s heavy traffic all the way - don’t ever get past 20mph.
So I’m gonna have to swap it. It’s worth about 6k (got a couple of dings).
I need something with 4 doors and space for kids, and I don’t want to spend any more so 6k is the budget. The priority is getting that mpg up, whilst ideally not being utterly bland.
I’m thinking a 17plate fiesta will be more fuel efficient and can just about fit into the budget.
Any other ideas?
I’m currently driving a 14 plate Focus Zetec S - the 1.6l ecoboost does about 0-6 in 7.3s and it’s “fun enough”.
Started a new job though and it’s getting teenage figures in the commute on Petrol due to the fact it’s heavy traffic all the way - don’t ever get past 20mph.
So I’m gonna have to swap it. It’s worth about 6k (got a couple of dings).
I need something with 4 doors and space for kids, and I don’t want to spend any more so 6k is the budget. The priority is getting that mpg up, whilst ideally not being utterly bland.
I’m thinking a 17plate fiesta will be more fuel efficient and can just about fit into the budget.
Any other ideas?
Does your focus have start-stop? Does make a bit of difference in bumper to bumper stuff.
Smaller lighter car will make a bit of a difference but it will never be great. Any Peugeot or citreon with the puretech engine (particularly the 80ish BHP one) have impressive mpg numbers.
And if you are anywhere near north London then send me a PM. I might have a home for your focus...
Smaller lighter car will make a bit of a difference but it will never be great. Any Peugeot or citreon with the puretech engine (particularly the 80ish BHP one) have impressive mpg numbers.
And if you are anywhere near north London then send me a PM. I might have a home for your focus...
I think the answer is not to change - Any ICE, as said, is going to be bad in stop start traffic - It's just a fact.
Only a hybrid (Preferably with plug in for this) or an EV will make meaningful savings. Swapping to a smaller engine will only net minimal MPG returns, and it's permanently slower.
Given you're not planning on working there long term, I'd just stick with it - Have you considered cycling (40 minutes; Could pick up a cheap electric bicycle though...) or public transport?
Only a hybrid (Preferably with plug in for this) or an EV will make meaningful savings. Swapping to a smaller engine will only net minimal MPG returns, and it's permanently slower.
Given you're not planning on working there long term, I'd just stick with it - Have you considered cycling (40 minutes; Could pick up a cheap electric bicycle though...) or public transport?
Lox18 said:
It’s 10 miles each way. A leaf or any EV would be perfect but the cost to change is high and the payback would be a fair few years... I don’t plan on staying in this job long enough ??
A 24kwh Leaf with a 100 mile range can be had for £6.5k. You'd save £100+ a month on fuel so the difference would pay for itself inside 6 months? Also a lot nicer to drive in stop start traffic than a manual ICE car that's for sure. 1 pedal driving essentially in that scenario with regen brakes.
Edited by SWoll on Sunday 23 June 17:28
Insurance and road tax would be less... I’m currently paying about £30/week as suggested above. Pretty spot on. For Petrol. I’m using stop start but it barely touches the sides.. the only thing that helps is coasting when I can and that’s the only way those mpg figures are not low teens or single digit 
That Renault looks the part but where would the kids go
The Fiesta claims 38mpg urban - which if true should take at least 20% of the fuel bill, right... if no cost to change the car....????
@Dan I am in north London actually.. but I cannot PM right now for 24 hours.
That Renault looks the part but where would the kids go
The Fiesta claims 38mpg urban - which if true should take at least 20% of the fuel bill, right... if no cost to change the car....????
@Dan I am in north London actually.. but I cannot PM right now for 24 hours.
I'd say keep the car you have, & spend a £1000 on something like this:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Peugeot-Speedfire-3-125...
it'll halve your commute time & save you loads ob fuel.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Peugeot-Speedfire-3-125...
it'll halve your commute time & save you loads ob fuel.
Gassing Station | Car Buying | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff