New/nearly new car for 86 mile total daily commute

I'm a married 36 year father of two young children and returning to the UK after 12 months in Australia. Our previous cars in the UK were an Audi TT and a BMW 523d but both are now costing money and in excess of 11 years old.

I am returning to a job involving a daily total commute of 86 miles (2 x 43 miles) and am happy to consider all options for the cheapest costs per mile - electric, hybrid or conventional engines. I want a car that is enjoyable to drive, responsive and reliable and, for preference, it needs to be able to take 2 adults + 2 children occasionally.

Asked on 11 May 2015 by Matt B

Answered by Honest John

86 miles is pushing the range of any electric car long-term (except a Tesla) because as the car gets older its range reduces. So, unless there is a charging point at your place of work, an electric car could leave you stranded on your way home. If there is a charging point, then I'd go for a Renault Zoe. You could go hybrid (not plug-in hybrid), in which case a Toyota Auris HSD is probably your best bet. Or, since you're looking at more than 20k miles a year, you could go diesel. If you go diesel, a Mazda 3 2.2 Skyactiv D 150 SE-L Nav is probably your best bet because that meets EU6 without the need for AddBlue and should give you 60mpg.

Tags: hybrid buying a used car electric cars

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