What £6500 car for commuting?
I am looking for some suggestions, as I would like to replace my current car within the next 6 months. I currently own a 05 plate Mazda 6 (1.8l petrol) with 105k on the clock. The car is superb to drive and in great nick, but I am aware that it's not worth very much, and I would like a change as I have a new job to travel to.
I will be doing around 12k miles p.a almost entirely on the motorway. I am well versed on the DPF 'issue' but the petrol vs diesel decision would be one of economy for me as I could reasonably expect a 30 mile blast on the motorway twice a day to sort the DPF out.
I enjoy driving - I don't want something that will just take me from A to B. The Mazda handles well, as have Fords I have owned previously.
Any suggestions? So far I have looked at the Hyundai Coupé, Ford Mondeo, Alfa 159, various small roadsters, and another Mazda. I don't necessarily need a car as big as the Mazda as there is only myself to transport. I have a budget £5000 plus whatever I can get for the Mazda 6.
I will be doing around 12k miles p.a almost entirely on the motorway. I am well versed on the DPF 'issue' but the petrol vs diesel decision would be one of economy for me as I could reasonably expect a 30 mile blast on the motorway twice a day to sort the DPF out.
I enjoy driving - I don't want something that will just take me from A to B. The Mazda handles well, as have Fords I have owned previously.
Any suggestions? So far I have looked at the Hyundai Coupé, Ford Mondeo, Alfa 159, various small roadsters, and another Mazda. I don't necessarily need a car as big as the Mazda as there is only myself to transport. I have a budget £5000 plus whatever I can get for the Mazda 6.
Asked on 14 June 2012 by Speed Queen Jean
Answered by
Honest John
With about £1,500 for the Mazda you have about £6,500. The economy difference between a good 1.6 petrol engine and a diesel is only about 10mpg these days. You could get something like a Focus 1.6 Econetic and run the risk of a new DPF at around 80k - 120k, new turbo, new DMF, new EGR. Or stick to petrol. If it was me I'd go for a Mazda 2 1.3TS2 (specifically that model). It handles beautifully and (strangely) is slightly higher geared than the 1.5 so more restful on the motorway. Should easily do 45mpg compared to 55 for the Focus.
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