Reliable Commuter Daily

[AidenM]

Hello all,

Starting a new job soon and looking for the ideal commuter car. I've made a shortlist of requirements below, would be interested to see what you'd recommend - I've listed a car I saw locally as well and would be grateful for some opinions on it.

- 24 mile commute each way, 3-4 days per week (90% Fast A Road and Motorway)
- Petrol Ideally for this mileage, but needs to be 30mpg+
- Manual (concerned about transmission failures of auto at the age/price bracket Im looking at)
- Reliable, ideally low risk of big bills (Mainly been looking at Toyota/Honda for this aspect but open to suggestions)
- Budget is up to £4k
- No convertibles but open to coupe/hatch/saloon
- Hopefully something fun to drive

Have seen this locally, any thoughts?

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

Thanks in advance for any help/advice you can offer!

[p4cks]

Toyota Auris 1.33?
Honda CRZ?


I've been looking at both of these and they're got great real world MPG figures

[anonymous-user]

It will be as reliable as anything but it is 11 years old and might be at the stage where some parts are starting to perish and need replacing.

[AidenM]

p4cks said:

Toyota Auris 1.33?
Honda CRZ?


I've been looking at both of these and they're got great real world MPG figures

Thanks p4cks, didn't consider either of these - will take a look on autotrader and see what's available.

[ZX10R NIN]

I'd say look for a Mercedes C Coupe CLK/CLC all will be reliable with no auto box issues & your commute is perfect for this type of commute with real world numbers being mid forties (more with a map) as well as having a pretty much bulletproof drivetrain & they'll take those journeys in their stride & your running costs will be very sensible.

CLC220 Sport

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

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

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

C Coupe 220SE

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

CLK220cdi Avantgarde

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

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

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

Sport

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

If it has to be manual then the Alfa Giulietta 2.0d 140 in Veloce trim won't be a bad place to while away 50 miles a day.

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

170 Haggle & you'll get closer to your budget

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

2.2d Civic Type S GT

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

[AidenM]

Thanks for all the suggestions ZX10R NIN, I hadn't considered the Mercedes as was concerned about overall reliability but looks like a lovely place to be. Do you rate them in terms of reliability? I'm just worried about the prospect of big bills really!

Aside from that it looks like it would fit the bill perfectly

[Electric sheep]

ZX10R NIN said:

If it has to be manual then the Alfa Giulietta 2.0d 140 in Veloce trim won't be a bad place to while away 50 miles a day.

I've noticed you recommend the Giulietta quite often - what's your views on it in Auto/TCT form, reliability-wise? Eg newer Alfa TCT vs older Merc Auto, assuming a similar budget?

[ZX10R NIN]

AidenM said:

Thanks for all the suggestions ZX10R NIN, I hadn't considered the Mercedes as was concerned about overall reliability but looks like a lovely place to be. Do you rate them in terms of reliability? I'm just worried about the prospect of big bills really!

Aside from that it looks like it would fit the bill perfectly

They're very reliable parts are no more expensive than the equivalent 2.0d Focus/Golf to run. I have had diesel CLK's & really rate them both were reliable I'd buy one over a Golf/Focus etc.

[ZX10R NIN]

Electric sheep said:

I've noticed you recommend the Giulietta quite often - what's your views on it in Auto/TCT form, reliability-wise? Eg newer Alfa TCT vs older Merc Auto, assuming a similar budget?

The TCT is proving to be proving to be a reliable unit as for which I'd choose, I think it would come down to budget.

[AidenM]

ZX10R NIN said:

They're very reliable parts are no more expensive than the equivalent 2.0d Focus/Golf to run. I have had diesel CLK's & really rate them both were reliable I'd buy one over a Golf/Focus etc.

Hey ZX10R NIN,

Just wanted to say thanks for your advice - have picked myself up a CLC 220 CDI Auto and am very pleased with it! Happy motoring.

[ZX10R NIN]

Glad you got sorted OP they're good cars feel free to message me if you need to know anything.

[ZX10R NIN]

You should do a readers car thread.

[p4cks]

Are the petrol versions of these any good?

[ZX10R NIN]

Yea they're decent & don't have any issues.