Cheap reliable commuter for 25k per annum

[karl922]

Hi guys,

I’ve recently taken on a new job which involves a 55 miles commute each way with 90% motorway, 10% city.
Currently I’m doing the trip via train that includes a 5 mile cycle to the station and 90 min rail journey. Total is 4hrs a day just commuting door door.
It seems I can save around 90mins a day going by car, so I’m looking for cheap car to replace the horrendous train journey.
Parking is not an issue as that is free at work.
Priorities in order:
Reliable
Cheap parts (brakes, tyres)
Economical (60 plus mpg)
Low tax
Below 3k purchase price

I could buy something for £500 however it’s unlikely to last a year doing 25k miles per annum. I have looked at motorbike and big scooters, however with that mileage I’d be changing tyres and sprockets and servicing every few months which isn’t ideal.
I’m thinking something like a Polo Bluemotion however I’m open to suggestions?

[Dicky Knee]

Ford Fiesta Diesel should do nicely.

[ZX10R NIN]

Firstly 60+mpg won't be a reality also when doing 25k a year comfort will also be as big an issue as MPG for me I'd go to a Focus sized car you also want something that has lowish miles so you can pile the miles on at which point I'd be looking at the more leftfield rep mobile options which will see you hit low to mid 50's in the real world:

Laguna Dynamique

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

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

Insignia SE

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

SRI

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

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

Civic EX

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

Accord

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

Auris SR

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

[karl922]

Cheers ZX10R, as always a comprehensive reply so thank you. I’ve done the same journey multiple times in my A7 BiTdi and I’m getting 44mpg so I honestly think 60Mpg is easily achievable in a frugal hatch back. The civic is a good shout out of that lot.

I was also considering the Volvo C30 but not sure what their reliability is like.

[Dont like rolls]

Mk1/2 Citroen C5 2ltr TD....that engine will go for 300K miles, parts are dirt cheep and the suspension is so comfortable you will not believe it, an ideal car to spend time in. High 50s on a run.

[Lukas239]

Dicky Knee said:

Ford Fiesta Diesel should do nicely.

Agreed, pick the right year and no DPF. My 56 plate does 60mpg essentially no matter what and parts are dirt cheap. Comfortable it is not though

[karl922]

Agreed, comfort is something I’ve maybe overlooked, taken it for granted in the A7 I guess.
I’ve always disliked the French options for various reason and reliability.
An estate would be a bonus for the occasional skip and dog run, but it’s not a priority.

[Dont like rolls]

karl922 said:

Agreed, comfort is something I’ve maybe overlooked, taken it for granted in the A7 I guess.
I’ve always disliked the French options for various reason and reliability.
An estate would be a bonus for the occasional skip and dog run, but it’s not a priority.

Discount that for the C5.....great cars and whatever anybody says they make great diesels and FM the comfort (not sporty however).

[ZX10R NIN]

karl922 said:

Cheers ZX10R, as always a comprehensive reply so thank you. I’ve done the same journey multiple times in my A7 BiTdi and I’m getting 44mpg so I honestly think 60Mpg is easily achievable in a frugal hatch back. The civic is a good shout out of that lot.

I was also considering the Volvo C30 but not sure what their reliability is like.

That car has newer tech as I said low to mid 50's is the reality with an older car also the rep sized cars will be better than the hatches as they have longer gearing which is why they're slightly better on fuel than the Focus sized car.

The C30 is based on the Focus & shares (as does the Mazda3) the same drivetrain so reliability isn't going to be an issue you may get 60's but it'll mean driving like an absolute saint.

[exelero]

Would a 1.5 DCI Renault engine not tick the 60+ mpg criteria? In a Megane or Laguna for example

[Bebop Beru]

I had the same situation about a year ago.

Went for the diesel Civic. Comfortable enough, fast enough and you don’t feel too small like you would in a Fiesta. Plan to run it into the ground.

Useful magic seats etc for taking stuff to the dump in too.

Get around 50mpg.

[karl922]

What’s the reliability been like with the Civic? Looking today it seems they suffer with clutch, DMF and suspension issues.
Also looking at Mondeo/insignia as the additional space could come in handy as a skip/dog waggon.

[CX53]

Most diesels would require a clutch and DMF after a while anyway, I doubt the Civic would be massively worse for it than an Insig or Mondeo.

[Dont like rolls]

CX53 said:

Most diesels would require a clutch and DMF after a while anyway, I doubt the Civic would be massively worse for it than an Insig or Mondeo.

Motorway cars (I had an ex Airport run car once) are better that "town" cars for DMF I think.

[MrGTI6]

Yaris 1.4 diesel. Just avoid the 'MMT' automated manual 'box.