Commuting

Maser Sod

Member
Messages
1,962
Right, I've just started a commute from Bristol to Slough, which is something of a PITA but mitigated to an extent by the fact that I am doing it for the time-being in my Abarth 500 (I don't yet have a proper Motorway Mile Muncher in my fleet).

I'd be interested to know what you guys drive, as I am trying to work out whether to trade in the Abarth (noooo...) and get something more sensible/fit for purpose. I expect I'll be doing this 220 mile round trip rather a lot, so I guess economy is going to be an important factor. Although depreciation is always a killer too, when you do a lot of miles.

Here are my stats.
Car: Abarth 500
Price New: 14.5K
Economy: 45-50 mpg
Depreciation per 10K: 2,000 quid?

Would love to see your stats to help me decide on my new Dullsmobile. :(
 

GeoffCapes

Member
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14,000
I've just bought a Mercedes E350 AMG Sport. Effortlessly munches miles.
Yes I could have bought a 220 or a 250 as they are more fuel efficient, but I like a bit of oomph! when I need it.

Mines a W212 (2012 onwards) you can get them from 14k upwards second hand.
Brand new you're looking at a 50k car. 3 years later they're less than a third of the price.
Depreciation - Not much I wouldn't have thought. Most has been done.
Economy - 50 mpg (even in my beast!)
Depreciation per 10k - £1000?
 

dem maser

Moderator
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34,221
I do 300 mile trip every other week, economy was top of my list. I get 60 mpg driving at 80mph on the M1 with bad weather, heaters on etc and the car handles and drives excellent and still feels sporty when you want it to.
 

drewf

Member
Messages
7,159
That's not the same as doing it every day Dem - you are talking about 600 miles per month on your long drives, not >4000 as Maser Sod is!

Still, I agree with you that a 320d is a fine choice for the long commuting. It's the depreciation that's the absolute killer for high mileage commuting. Since Diesel engines retain a good bit of value when they are over 100k, it has to be a Diesel.
 

NickP

Member
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1,623
Is diesel even a thing still? Many petrol engines are virtually as economical, hybrids even more so, petrol is cheaper. I think you want a Ghibli.
If doing loads of miles other considerations are layout / comfort of cockpit, decent stereo / travel system. I drive an A6 Avant, I've been looking at Jags....
 

dem maser

Moderator
Messages
34,221
I get it Drew. I do more miles then that im just saying that's my motorway miles not including my town commuting in the month but yes your right Pat will be doing an awful lot more miles.

At 12k for a 2012 70k 320d you wont loose too much in 3 years......
 

drewf

Member
Messages
7,159
Exactly - that's just the sort of vehicle I'd recommend. It has already lost a relative fortune in depreciation, will still look and drive almost like a new car, and can stand the 40k+ miles in a year without being worthless at the end of it. I wouldn't personally run one for 3 years at that rate of miles though.

Until I decided I'd had enough of going to the office every day earlier this year, I had the 180 or 240 miles per day deal, depending on which of my offices I went to. I offset some of it by using the train when going to London, but that's for convenience rather than cost - it's significantly more expensive than driving the Beemer. I did the commutes for a while in the Cayenne Turbo, which was a splendid piece of transport; however, since my name isn't linked with the Al-Saud family, a more fuel efficient method was required.

I've put 60k on the Beemer, and according to current prices of similar cars, that has cost me £5k in depreciation, so apparently £1k ~ 12000 miles.
For variety though, I've always interspersed using one of the other cars as the fancy took. Makes the commute more interesting from time to time.

It all became a lot different when I stopped going to the office every day though :) Quite fancy an Interceptor now...
 

D Walker

Member
Messages
9,827
Bought my Passat (1.9 Tdi) new 2005 £13.5k (£5k off as new model due)
So far done 165k miles, in that time I have changed a MAS and a Lambda Sensor, rest of cost has been normal servicing etc - could do with a radiator (rad weld - 2 years!!!!)
Owes me nothing I believe, would be nice to get it to 2018 so only £1k a year depreciation but i think its going to struggle.

I agree with Drew, once you get over the heavy miles Diesels seem to retain more - funny how I think Diesel was about 6p a liter cheaper when I bought my car!!!
 

voicey

Member
Messages
660
I would get something with air suspension (Audi A8, Jag, etc) - the difference is incredible. If you're worried about depreciation then buy something older that has done most of its depreciating.
 

midlifecrisis

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Messages
16,102
A tesla could do that sort of mileage. Costs to recharge overnight would be miniscule compared to your petrol costs. They're a big luxury car too and any depreciation would offset the maintenance and petrol cost.
 

Contigo

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18,376
A Tesla can do 220 at a push BUT you would need a home charger install and that ain't gonna happen.
 

safrane

Member
Messages
16,749
Using a MB C class derv for my similar drive from Bristol to central London. Although its a new car via a rental co. I have been impressed with the great economy and comfort...if I had to do it in my own car then this type would be on my list.
 

Andyk

Member
Messages
61,040
Pat, any modern BMW 3/5, Merc c class type car would be ideal as these cars are made for this type of journey. The Lexus IS is great on fuel and looks good if you get the sport model......Its a hybrid so cheaper to run...

I do a 100 mile trip a day and work has given me a pool car while I'm waiting for mine.....Its a BMW 116d which has the 2.0 litre engine and must say I rather like it....I know its small but its comfy and in sport mode surprisingly quick for what it is and actually a lot of fun. Get around 50 plus to the gallon.
 

dem maser

Moderator
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34,221
don't agree with the Lexus Andy, droveo ne, terrible car and the hybrid is juicier than the diesel they do!!

they are all much the same but what drew me to a BMW is I owned a few of them in the past and generally found them reliable but my model in particular beats the others in almost every category.
0-60 is quicker
economy is better
ride is comfortable etc
 

Andyk

Member
Messages
61,040
Gotta say, that is tempting. What's the worst that can happen?

It could break down.....Not sure I would take an Alfa for your 200 mile round trip.....Maybe its because I have been burnt twice with Alfa and although I love them I have no faith in the product to be honest.