Best option for 1-person commuter car
Discussion
Wife and I went down to one car as I’ve been WFH for a few years.
Work now requiring more and more attendance which means I’ll likely have to consider getting myself a whip for commuting.
We already have a big family car, so it can be pretty small but don’t want a depressingly small car (like a Toyota Aygo) as commute involves is mostly a 70mph journey and I don’t want to be wanting for merging/overtaking power.
New hatchbacks seem to have list prices of around £20k. If I went down that route I’d likely consider a new PCP for the likes of A1, Fiesta, Polo, Ibiza etc.
But it seems to me that I might be better off getting something bigger and better for half the cash off auto trader. E.g. there were some BMW 3 Series saloons under £10k, albeit they were quite old.
So what’s best for a simple commuter car, a shiny new supermini on PCP, or a bigger better but older shed on a bank loan.
Work now requiring more and more attendance which means I’ll likely have to consider getting myself a whip for commuting.
We already have a big family car, so it can be pretty small but don’t want a depressingly small car (like a Toyota Aygo) as commute involves is mostly a 70mph journey and I don’t want to be wanting for merging/overtaking power.
New hatchbacks seem to have list prices of around £20k. If I went down that route I’d likely consider a new PCP for the likes of A1, Fiesta, Polo, Ibiza etc.
But it seems to me that I might be better off getting something bigger and better for half the cash off auto trader. E.g. there were some BMW 3 Series saloons under £10k, albeit they were quite old.
So what’s best for a simple commuter car, a shiny new supermini on PCP, or a bigger better but older shed on a bank loan.
Can get a fairly good German saloon for £20k.
Wouldn’t want to be in a cramp small car if commuting on motorway daily.
Something like this is perfect
https://www.cargiant.co.uk/car/Audi/A4/BW19MXH
Wouldn’t want to be in a cramp small car if commuting on motorway daily.
Something like this is perfect
https://www.cargiant.co.uk/car/Audi/A4/BW19MXH
sunnyb13 said:
Can get a fairly good German saloon for £20k.
Wouldn’t want to be in a cramp small car if commuting on motorway daily.
Something like this is perfect
https://www.cargiant.co.uk/car/Audi/A4/BW19MXH
Yeah that’s what I’m thinking about. Maybe a 320d/A4 TDI. I doubt I’d spend £20k, but maybe spending just £10k is asking for trouble in terms of reliability and repair/maintenance costs?Wouldn’t want to be in a cramp small car if commuting on motorway daily.
Something like this is perfect
https://www.cargiant.co.uk/car/Audi/A4/BW19MXH
I think it's largely a personal taste thing, I really don't mind a tiny car, even on the motorway, and get on fine even with less poke.
But if you'll be commuting on your own, and already have another car for "general" household duties, why not get something a bit more fun, say a Z4 or similar? Then it also fulfils a role outside of just being for commuting.
But if you'll be commuting on your own, and already have another car for "general" household duties, why not get something a bit more fun, say a Z4 or similar? Then it also fulfils a role outside of just being for commuting.
InitialDave said:
I think it's largely a personal taste thing, I really don't mind a tiny car, even on the motorway, and get on fine even with less poke.
But if you'll be commuting on your own, and already have another car for "general" household duties, why not get something a bit more fun, say a Z4 or similar? Then it also fulfils a role outside of just being for commuting.
I used to drive my Z4 Coupe 3.0si to Glasgow and back for work (260 mile round trip). Was a great car for that. Plenty of poke, felt and looked special, reliable and cheap to run. Reasonably economical too (up to 38 MPG in my use). You could get a REALLY nice one for £12k or so.But if you'll be commuting on your own, and already have another car for "general" household duties, why not get something a bit more fun, say a Z4 or similar? Then it also fulfils a role outside of just being for commuting.
How about something like this then? With that distance there's no range anxiety to speak of, assuming you have charging at home.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202304156...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202304156...
OutInTheShed said:
Borrowing money to drive to work? Crazy.
Buy a cheap 2 litre saloon that's reasonably quiet at 75 on the motorway.
Your job might change before you've paid off anything else.
agreed, a 2 litre saloon is all you really need. Buy a cheap 2 litre saloon that's reasonably quiet at 75 on the motorway.
Your job might change before you've paid off anything else.
plus 95% of saloon cars are generally 1 person commuters anyway on the motorway. They are comfortable and offer good value for money.
Even a skoda octavia or a vw passat would be a good steer.
A mid point option. https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202303205...
SEAT Leon, 3 door, 150 HP. £12k 29K Miles. (I bought one as a stop gap car and still have it 5 years later!)
Comfy, enough power for nipping through traffic, nice modcons (decent infotainment, parking sensors, LED lights etc) and it'll do 45mpg on your commute.
65 Plate had an updated infotainment, bigger screen but most importantly it isn't laggy like before. Full Link/Carplay. £20 RFL
The 3 doors seem to be appreciating too. A couple of years ago similar spec etc to the above were 7-8k.
SEAT Leon, 3 door, 150 HP. £12k 29K Miles. (I bought one as a stop gap car and still have it 5 years later!)
Comfy, enough power for nipping through traffic, nice modcons (decent infotainment, parking sensors, LED lights etc) and it'll do 45mpg on your commute.
65 Plate had an updated infotainment, bigger screen but most importantly it isn't laggy like before. Full Link/Carplay. £20 RFL
The 3 doors seem to be appreciating too. A couple of years ago similar spec etc to the above were 7-8k.
Edited by M11rph on Tuesday 9th May 10:37
from the younger drivers.
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