Which economical car for 15,000 miles per year mixed driving?

I live in the countryside and drive 250 miles a week to the office and back, mostly on B-roads, and also use the car for the usual things, including travelling by motorway to visit friends around the country, so am averaging around 15,000 miles a year. Which car would be the most comfortable and economic, especially in terms of petrol consumption as well as the other running costs, for me to buy? I'm inclined towards a petrol Polo or Golf 1.4 but also wondering about the BlueMotions. And would it be better to buy new, if I can afford it? Any suggestions gratefully received.

Asked on 3 March 2012 by KJ, Diss,

Answered by Honest John

A Bluemotion Polo or Golf will be more economical on fuel, but also more likely to give trouble in years three to six from failed DPFs, failed DMFs, blocked EGRs and they will need the timing belt replaced every four years. You'd be better off with a Polo or Golf with the 1.2TSI 105 or 1.4TSI 122 petrol engines, which aren't as economical but are probably cheaper to run, with all costs taken into consideration.

Tags: running costs fuel economy dpf dual mass flywheel diesels egr valves reliability

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