Buying a used car to cover lots of short trips- which is best for £3000?

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Buying a used car to cover lots of short trips- which is best for £3000?

I’m looking to buy a new car to cover lots of short trips. Overall, I drive 12 times a day, but only cover 20 miles. We have £3000 to spend and the car must be big enough for the family and have a bit of performance. We’d prefer a diesel, but want to avoid DPFs. What do you recommend?

Asked on 19 September 2013 by smyt

Answered by Honest John

If you had a bit more money the answer would be an early KIA Cee'd or Hyundai i30 1.6CRDI because they are strong, low maintenance (chain cam) and did not get DPFs until 2010. Avoid the Ford Focus 1.6TDCI 110. Almost all VAG 1.9TDIs did not have DPFs and are more reliable than VAG 2.0TDIs.

Tags: fuel economy buying a used car dpf

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Hyundai i30 (2007 - 2012)

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Designed for Europe. Built in Slovakia. Excellent 1.4 and 1.6 petrol and 1.6 diesel engines. Decent quality and handling. Seven year powertrain warranty.