Keeping distance

I commute 50k per year (90% motorway) and need to replace my current car, a 2003 Mondeo TDCi Zetec S with 168k. I’m looking for diesel/reliability/mpg/re-sale, budget: approx. £10k -/+ part exchange of current workhorse (FSH - inc. all receipts). Any ideas? I’ve looked at: 05/06 Audi A4 TDi; 05/06 Jag X-Type. (I drive 10 miles country lanes, 80 miles motorway and 10 miles London roads each day.)

Asked on 1 May 2010 by D.M., via e-mail

Answered by Honest John
Classic need for a diesel. An X Type is the same as you've got in a Saville Row suit that will get ruined doing 50k miles a year. An A4 is less reliable and belt cam with the same sartorial problem. What might be quite interesting is a Hyundai i30 1.6CRDI with balance of 5 year unlimited mileage warranty. You just have to think of a car the value of which you will destroy almost completely. So paying extra for flash is stupid. But you still have to live with the thing, so can't go too cheap and nasty.
Similar questions
I read your advice regarding the choice between an Audi A4 and a BMW 520d in Telegraph Motoring in August. I agree that the 520d is a heavier and bigger car than the A4 (just try sitting in the back seats)....
I need an economical saloon for commuting and visiting a sick relative on a regular basis. I want something that has prestige, torque, is economical and well built. My budget is £6000 tops. I have narrowed...
I am thinking of buying a Jaguar X-Type in 2012. I only drive 4000 miles a year with many short journeys. I could spend up to 10k. Prefer automatic but manual OK. Petrol or diesel? AWD or not? 20k miles...
Related models
High quality interior with plenty of space. Excellent steering and handling. Available with quattro four-wheel drive. Frugal 2.0 TDI. Improved for 2012 with more efficient engines.
Well equipped. Refined. Good ride and handling. Economical. Available as a 1.6 diesel auto, which is rare. Five-year unlimited mile warranty.
Compact Jaguar, launched as V6 only with four wheel drive. Held price well at first.