Car for 50 mile daily commute

[lord-of-creation]

Got a budget of 3.5k max for a reliable and fairly low insurance (sub group 10) car for my commute to work which is around a 50 mile round trip. Would obviously like something which is economical when it comes to fuel consumption. Been looking at mk3/4 golf tdi's but decent ones seem to be out of my price bracket.

Any ideas?

[Lets Torque]

I would be getting a MK1 Skoda Octavia VRS, (although I don't know what insurance catergory that falls in.) You should be able to get a good one for that. Is that a bit to big if your looking at Golf's though?

There are loads of cars that will do the job. Do you want a saloon or hatchback?

[HellDiver]

I used to do a similar commute. I had a couple of diesel Astras, a petrol Vectra, and a Lancer diesel. The petrol Vectra was the best of the lot. Got 37mpg compared to 44mpg of the Astras and Lancer, was quieter than the rest, and more comfortable.

[lord-of-creation]

Lets Torque said:

I would be getting a MK1 Skoda Octavia VRS, (although I don't know what insurance catergory that falls in.) You should be able to get a good one for that. Is that a bit to big if your looking at Golf's though?

There are loads of cars that will do the job. Do you want a saloon or hatchback?

Really don't mind whether saloon or hatchback. Always had hatchbacks up until now, so it would be nice to have a bit extra space and more bootroom that a saloon would provide.

[V88Dicky]

How much economy do you need? My new daily driver (10 year old Avensis) is returning 43.5 mpg for the whole week. I was also looking at Primeras and Almeras which are very good on economy also, without having to resort to the Devil's Fuel

ETA My commute is 27 miles each way

[300bhp/ton]

lord-of-creation said:

Got a budget of 3.5k max for a reliable and fairly low insurance (sub group 10) car for my commute to work which is around a 50 mile round trip. Would obviously like something which is economical when it comes to fuel consumption. Been looking at mk3/4 golf tdi's but decent ones seem to be out of my price bracket.

Any ideas?

25 miles each way isn't that far tbh. What sort of roads is the commute on?

Also do you like driving or prefer cruising?

And lastly, how much money a week or a month are you prepared to spend on fuel. This will then tell you what sort of average mpg you need and ultimately what cars would be affordable or not.

Personally I'd be looking for something fun at this money. Maybe an MX-5 or MG ZS180. But there's lots of choice out there. If you want wafty keep an eye out for an LPG converted Lexus LS400.

[Lets Torque]

Well my money would still be on Skoda,

A couple of others to think about.

Saab 9-3

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2011...

Vauxhall Vectra

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2011...

Mazda 6

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2011...

Toyota Avensis ( I have one )

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2011...

Honda Accord

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2011...

Ford Mondeo

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2010...

There are a lot more cars that fit the bill.

Do you want Auto or Manual?
Do you want a car under a certain amount of miles?
Do you care about the age of car?

[300bhp/ton]

V88Dicky said:

How much economy do you need? My new daily driver (10 year old Avensis) is returning 43.5 mpg for the whole week. I was also looking at Primeras and Almeras which are very good on economy also, without having to resort to the Devil's Fuel

ETA My commute is 27 miles each way

Although most devil fuel powered cars are likely to be more fun to drive than a stodgy Toyota

[Ynox]

octavia vRS is group 16, so not sub 10.

Fuel wise I average about 30mpg in mine.

[BoRED S2upid]

MX5, Elise, VX220, Caterham...

This is PH's your on.

[V88Dicky]

300bhp/ton said:

Although most devil fuel powered cars are likely to be more fun to drive than a stodgy Toyota

Nothing stodgy about it really, it is the 2.0 VVT-i after all!

Besides, there's nothing fun about listening to a skeleton wking in a biscuit tin.

[GreatGranny]

BoRED S2upid said:

MX5, Elise, VX220, Caterham...

This is PH's your on.

His budget is £3.5k!

[paranoid airbag]

GreatGranny said:

His budget is £3.5k!

yup, standard PH.

OP you do need more criteria though. Last year I was using a povvo-spec petrol clio for a 50 mile commute - they must be £3.5k now and will do 50mpg driven carefully. An awful lot of cars are fulfilling your criteria at the mo.

So I'm forced to recommend a corvette (was there ever a time when most what cars weren't about a boring econobox?)

[Bungleaio]

doogz said:

Hmm..

I have a 50 mile round trip every day.

I do it in an Impreza WRX. Am i doing it wrong?

Snap! Although I have converted to LPG to help ease the wallet pain.

[AlpinaB5s]

the obvious choice for me would be a FSH E46 320d.

http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/2681024.htm

[madbadger]

I do 27 miles each way either in the TVR, a sheddy 50mpg '97 Polo or on my push bike.

Basically - anything you like will do the job.

I'd go for an MX5 for your budget.