5k budget or £150pcm automatic economical car needed
5k budget or £150pcm automatic economical car needed
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Red Sleeper

Original Poster:

377 posts

134 months

Sunday 7th June 2020
quotequote all
I'm after a new car for commuting and general running around. I've been tooling around in an old Astra for a while and it's incredibly depressing.

My criteria is,

Automatic preffered
Quick-ish, thinking 160bhp+
45+mpg, preferably 50+
Reasonably comfortable with an okay stereo or scope to fit aftermarket android
As new as possible without being a small buzzy thing
Stylish (subjective), something that'll still look okay in 2 or so years time as I hope to keep this car for 3 years.
Capable of 20,000 miles per annum without too much fuss and breakage. Also needs to be low enough mileage to take what I'll be throwing at it and not be a worthless 250k mile scrapper after.

I've thought about a C Class, probably the 220cdi saloon, but the Eastern European gentleman has one next door with some small... Mods... And its put me right off. But I do usually quite like these in the sport trim.

Also thought of an Audi A3 2.0TDi with the DSG gearbox as I like the way the 170bhp ones shift with the DSG, but potential for big bills is off putting.

Lexus IS220's look nice but heard they can be unreliable which is a surprise for lexus.

I want to avoid the passats and mondeo type cars in favour of something with a bit of a better image, but strangely enough I quite like the Octavia VRs TDi.

Over to the very knowledgeable PH masses for any thoughts on my ideas and also suggestions on other cars would be great.

I could also think about something newer on a PCP style deal if it was worth it, the better economy or reliability of a newer motor could outweigh the extra cost per month in the long run.

Thanks

ZX10R NIN

30,515 posts

154 months

Sunday 7th June 2020
quotequote all
Here's the thing you'll pay for the badge & with your budget the diesel BMW's (look up BMW 2.0d timing chain issues) ll have the potential for borkage that a Mondeo etc won't so be aware of this & VAG cars will have the early iterations of the DSG/CVT which weren't the most reliable.

With your annual mileage & plan to keep it three years I'd be looking for something with 70k max preferably under 60k so I could try to avoid a suspension/turbo refresh before I sold it on.

Mondeo Titanium X

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

Insignia SE Nav

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

Saab 9-3 Vector Sport

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

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

Accord ES GT

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

S60 D5

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

Passat CC

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

All the above are where I'd be looking if I wanted a good mile muncher that's reliable/comfortable & good on fuel.

Reliable badge options:

E320 Sport

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

CLS320

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

325d M Sport this should help you avoid the chain issues

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

CLK220cdi Sport this would be my pick they're pretty versatile (rear folding seats & a big boot) either that or the E/CLS

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

C220 Elegance

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

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