What is life like with your car? Let us know and win £500 in John Lewis vouchers | No thanks

Buying a cheap reliable commuter - help please.

I'm looking to replace my Mrs' Ford Ka with a diesel car for commuting longer journeys.

The car needs to be reliable, comfortable, efficient and pratical to soak up all the labours that my MINI wont be able to handle.

I'm thinking along the lines of a Volkswagen Passat 1.9tdi, BMW 320d, or Ford Focus 1.8tdci, but as I only have around £3k to spend I was hoping you could better advise which of the above (or other options) would be the best to go for - what should I look out for on the car you think would be the most suitable?

Value for money is key here.

Asked on 19 January 2012 by Keano04

Answered by Honest John
Probably a Mondeo 2.0TDCI 130. But any diesel car for £3,000 can be a disaster.
Dear Honest John,

Please help me choose my next car. I would like it to have:
    Select a few terms below
Similar questions
Time to replace my ageing Mk1 Ford Galaxy 2.3 auto. It's been pretty good but soulless and it eats drivetrain components and tyres. I don't really like the 'sitting on it' feel of MPVs and the ride isn't...
I'm 6ft 4, could you recommend a good car with plenty of drivers leg room for around £4000. I've been told that a Citoenn C5 or a Peugeot 406 has plenty of leg room. In the past I've had a Rover 75 which...
I am thinking of buying a used car. I want a somewhat long car. My budget is £5000. I would prefer a manual though automatic would be a last resort. Based on information from friends/neighbours etc....
 

Value my car

Save £75 on Warranty using code HJ75

with MotorEasy

Get a warranty quote

Save 12% on GAP Insurance

Use HJ21 to save on an ALA policy

See offer