18 Years Old, Long Commute

LTTRG2

Hello Everyone,

I started a very good job a few months ago which I enjoy greatly and it gives me good options to work towards to future goals. There is only one caveat with the job, being I have to commute around 50 miles each way daily, 4 days a week. This commute is really taking its toll on my tiny 1.4L 16 year old hatch, it also just gets 30MPG and is costing me an arm and a leg in fuel.

I am 18 and have been driving for close to 18 months now so am looking to get something a bit bigger. I have been looking at some of the newer (>2012) BMW 1 series diesels, as well as diesel (Primarily BlueMotion) Golfs, these are all around £7-8,000 in value and hover around 60MPG on average.

My after tax monthly wage works out to around £1300, I also have a good (Around 950 on experian) credit score and will likely attempt to get a personal loan (If I can get anything close to my banks promised 3%, that is) to purchase the car.

Another thing to note is I am a big car fan, I consider cars a big hobby of mine and am willing to spend that bit more to find something fun to drive with good performance.

My questions to put forward to everyone, however, are the following:
A) Would purchasing a larger diesel hatch be more effective for my long commute?(Suggestions for other vehicles appreciated)
Is a personal loan the most effective way to purchase the car? Would PCP or similar be a better choice?
C) What is the likelihood of me being able to obtain any finance for this sort of vehicle?

I appreciate you taking the time to read this through, Thanks.

photome

A diesel would be more fuel efficient than your petrol as you are doing approx 24000 miles a year at 500 miles a week and prob more reliable than your 16 year old car if you are going for a newer model.


IMO PCP is for new cars not used


as for the personal loan, why dont you apply for one and then you will know


The selling garage may offer a good finance package, but again you would need to ask


Having said that my wife drives a 1.4l hatch and I would have no qualms driving that 100 miles every day

Nodding_Donkey

Watch out for manufacturers mpg figures if that is an important part of your calculations. https://www.honestjohn.co.uk/real-mpg/ will give you an idea of the figures that can be achieved in the real world. Also check out insurance costs. Sometimes, as a young driver, insurance can be lower cost on something a bit different purely because not many young drivers insure that particular model so there isn't the disastrous claims record that the smaller hatches have.


ETA If you are doing a number of quotes on comparison sites remember to clear cookies in your browser between quotes.

Nick_C

18 and you want a BMW or a golf? Check what the insurance would be before you commit to anything!

My current car is a 10 year old diesel, bought new, economical and reliable. But I occasionally work in London and its going to cost me about £22 a day to drive there once the emissions charge kicks in. Other cities are considering these charges. I won't be buying another diesel.

loskie

you would be better off looking at a Fabia or Ibiza diesel if you want something from the VAG stable. You are looking at costly cars to boost your image, they will also drain your wallet.

Herzlos

I do a similar commute, at twice your age and budget.

Drop your budget to about £4k and buy the smallest bodied diesel you can find locally that's not a premium brand. It probably won't be great to drive but it'll save you a fortune.

Then put what you save in an account and treat yourself to something nice when the insurance won't destroy you.

onomatopoeia99

Can't think why a 1.4l hatchback would struggle with a 50 mile commute to be honest. I used to commute in an 875cc car and it was fine.

forgotmyname

50 mile commute taking its toll on a 1.4 Hatchback??? WHY???

I used to do just shy of that each day with a 1000cc mini. I did the journey 7 days a week. I replaced it with a 1300cc car a few years later. Had that car for about 8 years.

foxy-stoat

I wouldnt be sinking over half of my nett salary into a car that will do 15 miles more to a gallon.

Stay will your current car and save a few thousand and buy another car in a few years time.

bigisi

I'd question why a 1.4 is only getting 30mpg on a 50 mile commute. My commute is eight miles of stop start traffic and even I get 39 out of my 1.4 (Civic). You should be getting between 35-40 at the very least and if you're not there's something wrong with your car or your driving (or both).

fred246

I used to buy whatcar for some unknown reason. They would often review a small hatchback and say things like "will run out off puff on the motorway". I imagined being stuck on the hard shoulder waiting for the AA. "It's out of puff". The other stupid one was "can't keep up on the motorway".