Buying second hand car for commuting for up to 8K

issaa

I have max 8K to spend.
As you can see from my list I am not pushing to spend whole 8K I have available.

I am looking for a reliable car. My commute is 100 miles a day. In the morning roads are virtually empty so only ever stop at lights. Afternoon traffic isn't too bad but the last 8 miles is a lot of stops at the traffic.
Most of the journey is on dual carriage way and some M25/M3 though. Wel return traffic on M25 can be slowish too.

I do a bit of driving around home with shopping and dropping kids and those are short - max 3-8 mile. But weekend drive can add up to 50-60 miles in total. I am averaging 27-30K/year

I know I can't expect miracles but am hoping to choose and excuse me if my choice of cars is too eclectic for your taste. :rotfl:

I am not interested in anything but reliability. My current Vectra has died at 140K with broken Turbo and I think it is not economical to replace it. I was getting 40-43 mpg from it's 1.9 diesel. If I can get better than that I would be quite pleased.

Here is my current list:

£5,800 - 2005 Volkswagen Passat 2.0 TDi SPORT 140 70000 miles

Metallic Silver, 36 months warranty, 12 months MOT, Full service history,Sporty and practical with built in Volkswagen quality, Sports Seats, Dual zone climate control, Cruise Control, Upgraded Sport Alloys, Traction Control, ABS, 6 speed, Curtain airbags, Reversing sensors, Remote Central Locking, Electric Windows, Electric Mirrors, Privacy Pack, Full service history including cambelt change, This car is Autovillage Assured with FREE 3YR WARRANTY
Experian auto check clear

£5,495 2008 MAZDA2 1.4D TS2 5dr 1 owner - 40000 miles
SILVER, mazda 12 month warranty, Manual air conditioning, 15" alloy wheels, Electric front windows + drivers one touch, Single play CD/radio with MP3 compatability, Power Steering, Thatcham category 1 alarm+immobiliser, Auxiliary input socket, Steering wheel mounted audio controls, Electric adjustable/heated/folding door mirrors, Height adjustable driver's seat. 5 seats

£4,253 2006 Honda Civic 2.2 i-CTDi SE 5dr, FREE 12 MONTH WARRANTY, 79845 miles
LADY OWNER, 12 MONTHS MOT 16" alloy wheels, Electric front/rear windows, RDS stereo radio/CD player, Climate control air conditioning, Tilt/telescopic adjustable steering wheel, Vehicle stability assist, Perimeter alarm, Steering wheel mounted audio controls, Electronic Control Unit immobiliser,
ALL HPI CLEAR, Road Tax Opt


Vw was recommended by car mechanic
Mazda2 - honest john mentions it a lot for motorway driving without much fuss
Honda Civic recommended by a colleague. I would love to afford newer one but I know that I can't get much for my budget.

Please comment on my choices and suggest other models if you have any in mind. Or indeed if I would be best off spending more on any of those models.

Herzlos

I'd go for the Civic; the Mazda 2 is pretty small so might not be great for spending 30k miles a year in, you also mentions kids so it might not have enough space. The Passat would also be a great mile muncher but it's just dull; I've had one and whilst it's pretty good at everything and I had no complaints, it was just so dull. Civic should be pretty reliable, spacious enough and is a more interesting place to be.

issaa

I don't mind dull - as long as is reliable

StrugglingApprentice

Have you considered something older? Youl laugh, but the most reliable car ive ever owned was a rover 25 diesel. The engines are virtually bombproof, relatively frugal, and will set you back less than 1/8 of your budget

issaa

StrugglingApprentice :T I would, I am not fussy with brands etc.

I spend enough money on fuel so spending anything unnecessary on the actual car makes me :eek:

Simon08

whether it is possible to get the used car at good condition in chennai..

gabitzul

Honda - I have said on previous threads, bear in mind the very weak clutch, which is a known issue. Mine failed at 39k (4 years old), others have failed sooner.

£600 to replace at Honda, £1300 if it takes the flywheel to heaven with it as well.

Engine is very very good and reliable, chain driven as well.

Paint is very thin (water based) and chips very easily.

Ride is crashy and hard with the 17" alloys and tyres are over £100 a pop, try to get one with the 16" alloys as they take cheap 205/55 tyres. This is important for your mileage as you will probably change them at least once a year.

jimjames

issaa wrote: »

Here is my current list:

£5,800 - 2005 Volkswagen Passat 2.0 TDi SPORT 140 70000 miles

Metallic Silver, 36 months warranty, 12 months MOT, Full service history,Sporty and practical with built in Volkswagen quality, Sports Seats, Dual zone climate control, Cruise Control, Upgraded Sport Alloys, Traction Control, ABS, 6 speed, Curtain airbags, Reversing sensors, Remote Central Locking, Electric Windows, Electric Mirrors, Privacy Pack, Full service history including cambelt change, This car is Autovillage Assured with FREE 3YR WARRANTY
Experian auto check clear
.

I have a Passat Sport 2007 model, owned for last 4 years and it has been fantastic. I would question the price of it, although it has low miles (mine has 147,000) it is 2 years older and I wouldn't necessarily trust a 9 year old car that has done just over 7000 miles per year. High milers seem to take age better than low mile in my experience.

Also bear in mind that buying a low mileage car at a premium when you are doing a high mileage will quickly wipe out that premium and depreciate the car more than if you'd bought one with high miles initially.

DUTR

issaa wrote: »

I have max 8K to spend.
As you can see from my list I am not pushing to spend whole 8K I have available.
Here is my current list:

£5,800 - 2005 Volkswagen Passat 2.0 TDi SPORT 140 70000 miles

Metallic Silver, 36 months warranty, 12 months MOT, Full service history,Sporty and practical with built in Volkswagen quality, Sports Seats, Dual zone climate control, Cruise Control, Upgraded Sport Alloys, Traction Control, ABS, 6 speed, Curtain airbags, Reversing sensors, Remote Central Locking, Electric Windows, Electric Mirrors, Privacy Pack, Full service history including cambelt change, This car is Autovillage Assured with FREE 3YR WARRANTY
Experian auto check clear

Thats seems pricey, or I gave my 2005 GTI away last year ,

I wouldn't panic too much about diesel

arcon5

39mpg isn't great. My 13yr old petrol focus achieves 5 more than that!

Don't Passats have a known issue with the turbo or something - sure I read something about it a short while back.

Then again most cars will have 'known issues'

DUTR

arcon5 wrote: »

39mpg isn't great. My 13yr old petrol focus achieves 5 more than that!

Don't Passats have a known issue with the turbo or something - sure I read something about it a short while back.

Then again most cars will have 'known issues'

Around town? If you look at the display that was from start and only 7 miles, not after a big long run.

I do think the OP will require a cruiser though, all of which will give the urban or extra urban figure or approaching it.