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What's a good commuter car for £25k?

My wife begins a new job in a month as an executive head of two rural primary schools in Cumbria. Her commute to one school in Penrith will require a mainly motorway round trip of 100 miles (2 days) and to the other school in Hawkshead on A roads for 3 days per week of around 60 miles. My wife is a nervous motorway driver so would prefer a 'higher riding' car with a boot big enough for 4 small dogs to fit at weekends. We have a budget of up to £25k.
Please can you recommend a suitable car? We are open minded to an EV and have space for home charging if required.

Asked on 8 August 2025 by wednesday48

Answered by Matt Robinson
At that budget, the Skoda Karoq is an excellent choice, with a large boot which can be expanded dramatically on models with the 'Varioflex' rear seating, which can independently slide forwards and backwards, fold or be removed completely. Should you want to try an EV, its electric equivalent is the Elroq. However, it's a very new model and thus still quite expensive on the used market. The larger Enyaq has been around for longer, and can be bought much more cheaply. You'll have plenty of choice for your £25,000 budget.
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