£6k budget for a small car to use for short work commute

[anonymous-user]

I know in my last post I mentioned about getting a EV/PHEV unfortunately due to the current situation I’ve decided to go for something a little cheaper.

I only use the car for work and occasionally at the weekends so I’m looking for something that won’t cost a fortune in running costs, insurance and tax. As I’m also looking to save for a house.

So the car needs to have a good size boot as I carry power tools and hand tools. Drill boxes and some hand tools.

Needs to be Petrol or Hybrid
Tax either £0 or up to £150
Quite reliable and not too expensive for parts and main dealer servicing
Small to Medium size

Two cars that have been mentioned are

Honda CR-Z
Ford Fiesta

[clarki]

Was in a similar situation back in January - went for a Toyota Yaris.

5 door, so plenty of space with the rear seats down, 1.3 petrol so cheap as chips on fuel, tax, insurance, etc.

£4.5k for a 1 owner, 15k miler on a 63 plate.

[GregK2]

I was in a similar position, wanted something small and cheap to commute in and got a CR-Z last year. Fun little car, I like the looks and very reliable. Only common fault I read about them is sticky rear brake calipers. Would recommend.

[dmsims]

Also the Auris, Civic

[Douglas Quaid]

Mondeo estate. Massive boot, cheap to run.

[anonymous-user]

GregK2 said:

I was in a similar position, wanted something small and cheap to commute in and got a CR-Z last year. Fun little car, I like the looks and very reliable. Only common fault I read about them is sticky rear brake calipers. Would recommend.

I do like them as they are unique and you hardly see any. Any problems cropped up since you’ve owned it? How’s the handling etc?

[anonymous-user]

Douglas Quaid said:

Mondeo estate. Massive boot, cheap to run.

I don’t mind Mondeo’s to be honest as they are a great buy and have nice specs. I know people who’ve had the 2.2 tdci and they’ve been great, I’m not sure what the petrol ones are like? An ST one would be lovely but costs a fair bit to run and maintain.

[GregK2]

rdb85 said:

GregK2 said:

I was in a similar position, wanted something small and cheap to commute in and got a CR-Z last year. Fun little car, I like the looks and very reliable. Only common fault I read about them is sticky rear brake calipers. Would recommend.

I do like them as they are unique and you hardly see any. Any problems cropped up since you’ve owned it? How’s the handling etc?

Yeah I liked the fact there's not many on the road too. Only had to replace the 12v battery so far, been fine otherwise. I shelled out on tyres and put 4 Michelin pilot sport 4's on and it handles really well, feels light and nimble.
JayEmm did a good piece on his YouTube channel about the CR-Z.

[Oilchange]

Funnily enough I was in the same boat with a 6 k budget and bought a 2013 Fiat Panda 4x4. The 900cc twin costs £30 to tax and insurance was about £130.

[anonymous-user]

Oilchange said:

Funnily enough I was in the same boat with a 6 k budget and bought a 2013 Fiat Panda 4x4. The 900cc twin costs £30 to tax and insurance was about £130.

They are good cars I like the HP100 Pandas

[MissChief]

Oilchange said:

Funnily enough I was in the same boat with a 6 k budget and bought a 2013 Fiat Panda 4x4. The 900cc twin costs £30 to tax and insurance was about £130.

Panda 100Hp? Or a Abarth 500 of some sort?

Sorry just seen boot requirements as well. Not ideal!

[anonymous-user]

Do you think a diesel would be okay? As I’ve always liked the 123d.

[MissChief]

rdb85 said:

Do you think a diesel would be okay? As I’ve always liked the 123d.

For such short mileage it's not worth it. As you said the commute isn't far and you'd be asking for DPF issues I'm sure.

[anonymous-user]

That’s a good point.

[anonymous-user]

Any other recommendations?

[BenLowden]

Panda 100HP – 12 years old with 17K on the clock! https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/...