Work 60 miles round trip away - costing me too much

patman99

But the op has not got a bike license so his only option would be a Piaggio MP3/400 as these are classed as a trike. Due to the fact they can be ridden on a car license, they hold their value like you would not believe.

OP, I do a 35-mile round-trip to work and last month took the decision to sell my 1.7 Focus petrol and buy a Diesel Octavia. Done 475 miles since the last fill-up and still 1/3rd of a tank left.

Worth a thought, but commercial vehicles are much cheaper to insure than cars, so what about looking-around for a small diesel commercial such as a Fiesta van or VW Caddy ?. This should cut your fuel use and insurance costs in one hit. Ask your parents if they can loan you the cash.

Also, you have applied for Working Tax Credit haven't you?. If not, why not?. You might get quite a whack in cash from them.

wantsajob

patman99 wrote: »

Worth a thought, but commercial vehicles are much cheaper to insure than cars, so what about looking-around for a small diesel commercial such as a Fiesta van or VW Caddy ?

Interesting. I would have thought they would actually cost more as less competition. In any case need to be aware they are also classed as commercial vehicles on tolls (usually cost more).

VW Caddy pickups of a certain era are actually Skoda Felicia pickups rebranded as VW's (I kid you not), so one of those may also be a viable option. The ones I have seen seem to rot quite a bit though, including those badged as VW.

alexyarm wrote: »

I swapped my car for a Kawasaki er-5 motorbike.

Not everyone is into the idea of a bike. I know I am crap in terms of things like balance, and am sure I'd fall off a motorbike and end up underneath a lorry, so avoid it. Riding one also needs much more forethought, and defensive riding skills than driving a car. It's all well and good filtering down the motorway until you come across someone who's decided they need the next exit.

patman99

When I was carrying-out some work to my house, I bought a big old LDV convoy to use as a 'workshop'. I was very surprised when the insurance (without any NCB) was just £473. I was expecting double that and then some.

Do your research and look for a car/van that runs on waste veg oil (my 'X'-reg Octavia will if I can find a supply) and your fuel bills will drop massively.

paddedjohn

bikebarbie wrote: »

You obviously do not ride then :shocked:

For a 60m commute you will struggle with a 50cc scooter witout even taking into account his built. Also dangerous if he is going on fast A roads and cant go on motorways.

I doubt very much the Insurance for a new rider will be £140 a month.
You definitely wont get reliable scooter (125CC) for £200 . ADD HELMET AND PROTECTIVE CLOTHING/FOOTWEAR ETC will cost MORE than the scooter itself!

Ive been riding for over 25 years actually and i get about 100mpg out of my px125, ins £58/year and £16 tax. If you read my post ive stated he will save about £180 a month on the insurance as i reckon it would cost him about £20/month(not £140)
Ive quoted £200 for a scoot as a minimum that he would be able to buy a 125 for, i bought a yamaha for a friend in the same situation only last month which will last him a couple of months until he can afford a better one.
I did indeed forget about the safety gear but even this neednt cost the earth.