£7-8k car, 155 miles a day

ChrisD. · 23 Feb 2017 at 13:38

Any VauxhallOver the next few weeks one of two things will happen, either I'll be getting a job 2 miles from home, in which case this thread will become largely redundant, or I don't get it and I end up carrying on where I am. Well there is a third thing which involves 80 miles a day but a 4 day week, so criteria for that would be somewhat different.

My Focus just doesn't cut it anymore, so I'm after something that can soak up the miles and is reasonable to run, but most of all reliable.

Ideally I am after the following:

Cruise control
Xenons
Auto (not necessary, as 90% is dual carriageway/motorway)
750 mile tank range (probably not possible?)
Decent sound system with Bluetooth streaming/voice (I do have a Parrot kit I can fit)
Practical, as in I can fold the rear seats down
Heated leather seats

Do not want:

Anything French
Any Vauxhall

I would consider something NA petrol with the idea that it may cost less to maintain than a diesel, however due to the mileage I think a diesel is the only option here? I realise that 750 miles is out of the question!

I don't mind spending a little extra on fuel if it's going to be a much nicer car than the Focus.

Any ideas?

Please no comments about get a job closer to home, stay overnight at work etc. Only interested in car suggestions.

Howard · 23 Feb 2017 at 13:41

Get a Mondeo Titanium X Sport with the black around the stereo

ChrisD. · 23 Feb 2017 at 13:44

Howard said:
Get a Mondeo Titanium X Sport with the black around the stereo

Like this?
http://www2.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201701311844783

Still not a fan of the buttons, but I guess it's not much worse than mine.

Del Lardo · 23 Feb 2017 at 13:46

Something like this would be a Superb choice IMO
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201701101182771

Or a slightly newer one, with 100K miles on depending on what your thoughts are on high mileage cars.

Howard · 23 Feb 2017 at 13:46

Yeah, although that's too expensive - you can spend the same amount on a facelift with a slightly more refined centre console:

http://www2.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201612210751896

ChrisD. · 23 Feb 2017 at 13:49

I must admit I prefer the Superb interior over the Mondeo, that said the facelift Mondeo one is much, much better.

All I know is whenever I get into a taxi that's a Mondeo I always cringe at the silveryness and headunit, they just look stuck in to me and don't seem to integrate well into the dash.

Del Lardo said:
thoughts are on high mileage cars

I would prefer something with under 60k to be honest.

Armageus · 23 Feb 2017 at 13:57

Seat Exeo?

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201701181418732

ChrisD. · 23 Feb 2017 at 13:59

Exeo, is that a Passat basically?

Armageus · 23 Feb 2017 at 14:10

ChrisD. said:
Exeo, is that a Passat basically?

Audi A4 (B7) basically

Vita · 23 Feb 2017 at 14:10

ChrisD. said:
Exeo, is that a Passat basically?

Built on the Audi A4 platform IIRC. Might be wrong though.

Gaygle · 23 Feb 2017 at 14:11

For something that can do that sort of mileage, I think the closest you'll come to hitting your prerequisites will be an E92 BMW 320d. Xenons, auto, CC, sound system is alright, folding seats and leather. You may get lucky and find one with heated leather, but unlikely.

Something like this: http://www2.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201612140601454?

It even comes with Brembo brakes...

*cringe*

ChrisD. · 23 Feb 2017 at 14:17

Armageus said:
Audi A4 (B7) basically

Vita said:
Built on the Audi A4 platform IIRC. Might be wrong though.

I had a 59 plate A5 and found the seating position really odd, it felt as if my feet were over to one side compared to my body. Is it going to be the same with the Exeo?

Gaygle said:
For something that can do that sort of mileage, I think the closest you'll come to hitting your prerequisites will be an E92 BMW 320d. Xenons, auto, CC, sound system is alright, folding seats and leather. You may get lucky and find one with heated leather, but unlikely.

What will a 320d offer me that something like a Superb or Mondeo can't?

Armageus · 23 Feb 2017 at 14:34

ChrisD. said:
I had a 59 plate A5 and found the seating position really odd, it felt as if my feet were over to one side compared to my body. Is it going to be the same with the Exeo?

Maybe - I can't say for sure, although the A5 is actually a different platform to the A4 (B7) / Exeo

ChrisD. said:
What will a 320d offer me that something like a Superb or Mondeo can't?

Entry to the elite and sometimes snobbish owners circle on here

inflames · 23 Feb 2017 at 15:03

Any VAG, so a Passat, Audi A4 or A6 will be at the top of my list.

Does it matter how old it is?

grudas · 23 Feb 2017 at 15:06

I'd get a lexus but it wont be THAT great on economy.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201702222564052?make=LEXUS&model=GS 450H&logcode=p

inflames · 23 Feb 2017 at 15:07

This would certainly be a comfy ride and all the toys in the world.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201611240061622?postcode=nr66jn&onesearchad=Used&onesearchad=Nearly New&onesearchad=New&model=PHAETON&make=VOLKSWAGEN&advertising-location=at_cars&radius=90&sort=price-asc&page=1

grudas said:
I'd get a lexus but it wont be THAT great on economy.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201702222564052?make=LEXUS&model=GS 450H&logcode=p

Great car i almost brought a GS300LE last year, shame in the 450H you can't put the back seats down in the Hybrid and the boot is small

Can you please edit existing posts rather that replying to yourself - Thanks, Armageus

ChrisD. · 23 Feb 2017 at 15:19

inflames said:
Any VAG, so a Passat, Audi A4 or A6 will be at the top of my list.

Does it matter how old it is?

Age, no, not really but I'd obviously like something more modern inside and to look at than my mk2 Focus.

grudas said:
I'd get a lexus but it wont be THAT great on economy.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201702222564052?make=LEXUS&model=GS 450H&logcode=p

Really not liking the look of that.

inflames said:
This would certainly be a comfy ride and all the toys in the world.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201611240061622

That's really not nice inside!

Vita · 23 Feb 2017 at 15:24

Why not just get a decent accord cdti?

inflames · 23 Feb 2017 at 15:25

ChrisD. said:
That's really not nice inside!

It does have a slight whiff of pipe and slippers. But a good car. What kind of size car you after? a Focus sized hatch back, Passat size saloon or larger?

Gaygle · 23 Feb 2017 at 15:26

ChrisD. said:
What will a 320d offer me that something like a Superb or Mondeo can't?

W...well you said you didn't want a Mondeo...? Also, the BMW is more likely to come with xenons, heated leather and an auto box. And it looks nicer.