Search for a new 10k daily that isn't mind numbing

[Cleminem]

Hello fellow PHers,

I'm currently on the hunt for a new daily driver as I have moved locations for work and my commute will now be 60 miles round trip, 5 days a week, so my old Z4 is not really going to cut the mustard anymore as it is rather thirsty and not the most comfortable for motorway cruising.

With that in mind, I am looking for something that is going to be efficient enough on fuel to not bankrupt me, as I'd anticipate my annual mileage is going to be pushing towards 20000, it will also need to be a pleasant enough place to sit in at 70 (ish) on m'ways for the commute.

As it will be my only car, I would like something that isn't completely devoid of feel when it finds itself on a nice winding b road, although its worth saying I'm not expecting caterham level performance!

I'm not averse to petrol or diesel, I'd like to be looking at cars with <80k miles and the absolute limit of the budget is 10k. Currently considering the standard 3 series/c class/A4 as well as a MK7 Golf GTD or equivalent Skoda Octavia VRS.

What cars am I missing that might be of interest?

[MattsCar]

Focus MK3/3.5 ST TDCI 2.0 seems to have good reviews with regards handling.

That seems to be the go to choice for the diesel hot hatch which is dynamically capable.

[Belle427]

I would stick to petrol at that mileage, usual suspects apply really, Golf GTi, Focus ST, Octavia VRS etc.

[Cleminem]

MattsCar said:

Focus MK3/3.5 ST TDCI 2.0 seems to have good reviews with regards handling.

That seems to be the go to choice for the diesel hot hatch which is dynamically capable.

Huh, I never realised they did a diesel Focus ST, I will have to do some looking into those as I have always quite liked that shape of Focus

[MattsCar]

Belle427 said:

I would stick to petrol at that mileage, usual suspects apply really, Golf GTi, Focus ST, Octavia VRS etc.

Possibly, it works out at something like 15k a year from what the OP has said, which is kind of that middle ground for Petrol/Diesel.

[Russet Grange]

Can you make an EV work? 60 mile commute and 20k miles is screaming EV territory to me, and you'll save £3k or more on fuel.

Needs an EV friendly tariff and the ability to charge at home.

That extra £3k/year should bring a Tesla M3 in budget, or any number of other EVs.

[Cleminem]

Russet Grange said:

Can you make an EV work? 60 mile commute and 20k miles is screaming EV territory to me, and you'll save £3k or more on fuel.

Needs an EV friendly tariff and the ability to charge at home.

That extra £3k/year should bring a Tesla M3 in budget, or any number of other EVs.

Ah, should've mentioned I live in a flat with no means of charging an EV. I would be all over one for the fuel cost saving alone if I could make the practicalities work.

[v8notbrave]

You're going to spend a lot of time in it so get a nice interior, I'd go BMW 320d for your miles, possible remap or I've successfully done 80k miles in my 520d with a plug in diesel tuning box. Was given a lift in a focus few weeks ago and I'd take any BMW over that interior

[resolve10]

I did 20k a year in a Focus ST diesel back in 2017, was a good car for the job.

With diesel prices so high now, if I was buying in your position I'd look at the Fiesta ST (mk8). Not quite as refined but more fun and a nice blend of performance and economy.

[Jiebo]

You will get some leggy 15 year old 90k miles 3 series/A4/C Class for this money. £10k is nothing in today’s market. 18-20k is the sweet spot for these sorts of cars.

[Cleminem]

Jiebo said:

You will get some leggy 15 year old 90k miles 3 series/A4/C Class for this money. £10k is nothing in today s market. 18-20k is the sweet spot for these sorts of cars.

you can easily get a decent pre-facelift w205 C class with 75k miles for 10k? Not sure where you are looking to buy from but they have clearly seen you coming if you think you need to spend 20k to get into a C class or 3 series.

[rotaryjam]

BMW 135i/235i/335i is the obvious answer

Reliable, fairly economical, fun to drive, sound nice, nice interior, reliable etc

Can't really go wrong with these

[ZX10R NIN]

Cleminem said:

Hello fellow PHers,

I'm currently on the hunt for a new daily driver as I have moved locations for work and my commute will now be 60 miles round trip, 5 days a week, so my old Z4 is not really going to cut the mustard anymore as it is rather thirsty and not the most comfortable for motorway cruising.

With that in mind, I am looking for something that is going to be efficient enough on fuel to not bankrupt me, as I'd anticipate my annual mileage is going to be pushing towards 20000, it will also need to be a pleasant enough place to sit in at 70 (ish) on m'ways for the commute.

As it will be my only car, I would like something that isn't completely devoid of feel when it finds itself on a nice winding b road, although its worth saying I'm not expecting caterham level performance!

I'm not averse to petrol or diesel, I'd like to be looking at cars with <80k miles and the absolute limit of the budget is 10k. Currently considering the standard 3 series/c class/A4 as well as a MK7 Golf GTD or equivalent Skoda Octavia VRS.

What cars am I missing that might be of interest?

Giulietta Speciale:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202608064...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202608315...

Infiniti Q30 Sport:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202609156...

Q50 Sport:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202607304...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202607304...

308 GT:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202608285...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202606183...

Giulia:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202607084...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202606123...

Focus ST d:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202609055...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202609156...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202607214...