Which diesel car for economical long-range commuting?

I commute 150 miles a day, mainly on the M25. I need a car that is very economical on fuel, with minimal annual tax, petrol or diesel costs, for my use only. What would you recommend?

Asked on 22 September 2012 by MO, via email

Answered by Honest John

For that sort of mileage still a diesel, ideally the new BMW F30 320d ED. A colleague reported 66mpg on the meter over around 1000 miles - some of it 80mph on the motorway, some of it stuck in traffic jams. I have since averaged 67.5mpg over 1540 miles in one. But it costs £28,000.

The other way to go is with a £6000 Nissan Pixo or Suzuki Alto that will still do 50-60mg on petrol, costs £20 a year to tax and can’t lose you more than £6000 in depreciation because that’s all it cost in the first place.

Tags: buying a new car diesels high mileage road tax

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Nissan Pixo (2009 - 2013)

Cheap to buy new, low CO2 emissions and high economy mean it's cheap to run. Available with an automatic gearbox. Nicer seats than near identical Suzuki Alto.