Buying a car to do a 500 mile weekly commute - what would you recommend?
Having been a motorcycle rider exclusively for 10 years, I now need to buy a car to get to and from work. I have a £4500 budget and while I am not overly concerned about model/age/make, the car must be reliable, comfortable, relatively spacious and fairly efficient.
I would look to hold onto the car for as long as possible so resale value is not a huge concern at the moment either.
I have looked at a couple of VW Golfs but with no baseline knowledge in the four wheeled department, was wondering what you would suggest?
I would look to hold onto the car for as long as possible so resale value is not a huge concern at the moment either.
I have looked at a couple of VW Golfs but with no baseline knowledge in the four wheeled department, was wondering what you would suggest?
Asked on 6 December 2011 by Tom W
Answered by
Honest John
You might be tempted by a diesel because of the economy, but take great care. You don't want one with a diesel particulate filter or any fuel economy benefit will be more than swallowed by repair and replacement costs. I'd look at a Toyota Yaris. Either a 1.3 petrol or a 1.4 D-4D. All chain cam engines, so no need to fork out £500 for a fresh timing belt every 4 years as you have to with a Golf.
Our honest used car pricing is a little bit different to all the others. You can get to our values through make or model - you don’t have to follow a prescribed route. Plus, it’s live, which means we can react to changes in the market quicker than any printed price guide.
Honest Used Car Prices
Our Fuel Cost Calculator shows you which will be the best choice for you.
Compare the running costs of petrol, diesel and electric cars to make the right choice for you.
Similar questions
We are trading down from our Mercedes-Benz CLK to a smaller car at my wife’s request. We would like four doors, a manual transmission, a diesel engine, a bit of get-up-and-go and more of a hatch back than...
I' planning to buy either a Toyota Yaris (2009-2011) or Ford Fiesta (2008 onwards).
Which of the two do you recommend for reliability, holding its value well, build quality and running costs. I'm planning...
My wife is a GP, returning to work after maternity leave. She's looking for a small family car suitable for carrying an extended rear-facing child seat (i.e. up to the age of 4) and a buggy, but must...
Related models
.jpg?width=115&height=75&rmode=crop)
Fairly big boot by class standards, tempting hybrid option, Toyota has an epic reliability record.
Elsewhere on 
.jpg)
