Cars to consider for frequent distance driving.

[DanceswithUnix]

Careful with timing belts if that is a metric, it is after all just a fancy elastic band and hence will perish with age. Most of my cars get the belt replaced at the 5 year or whatever interval, long before the mileage limit.

Always staggers me that people are happy to spend thousands on buying a car, of which a good proportion will disappear as depreciation, yet they won't spend a few hundred on basic maintenance. They then leave it on the driveway, so they can put a £150 lawn mower in the garage. Nation of crazy people I say!

Edit to add: D'oh, beaten to it again

[ehhhhhhh]

Shame it's auto!

I had the same view for quite a while. I owned 3 automatic Bimmers since then and now I prefer them over manuals. It's a must have for "frequent distance driving" I think.

[kalniel]

I had the same view for quite a while. I owned 3 automatic Bimmers since then and now I prefer them over manuals. It's a must have for "frequent distance driving" I think.

If you have to go near a city, certainly. My commute's cross country and the opposite applies as I find manuals far more predictable in bad conditions, especially snow.

[Vini]

Uh oh................ It's not a bimmer.

[dave87]

BMW wise 530d is rather good for long distances, and I doubt it would cost much more than an Audi to maintain.

Otherwise, if the long trips are only a couple of times a month (so long journeys a consideration but not massive miles per year) 530i? Petrol engines in the e60 are less complex than the diesels so usually less expensive if they go wrong (for example, no turbo). MPG won't be fantastic like on the diesel, but you'll get a better one in your budget.

Alternatively, the same applies to the 3 series, and the e90 330i is supposed to be a peach....


LCI 530i: http://www.pistonheads.com/classifie...e-2007/1210440

e90 330I: http://www.pistonheads.com/classifie...er-etc/1532586

higher spec 330i: http://www.pistonheads.com/classifie...--2007/1549498

manual 330i: http://www.pistonheads.com/classifie...t-2007/1492944



Edit - one from a main dealer (though worth checking if it is a BMW AUC) http://www.pistonheads.com/classifie...r-auto/1517581

[Tumble]

I like the Focus, and have had a MK1 and MK2 myself. I don't really like the internal/external design of the MK3. But thats by the by. After a few years, they just seem to lose their ride comfort... Perhaps Sheffield just kills them, or perhaps it's me not looking after them, but the road noise just starts to creep in and every bump starts to feels like a crater... I'm after a car that has a bunch of workmen living inside, who are always a few miles ahead of you, who can fill in the bumps and make the ride a bit nicer!
I read a review on the S40 that also confirmed what I currently get with the Focus, presumably as it's one and the same. That there's no foot rest to the side of the clutch, which means you plant it on the floor, or as I do, on the clutch!! This is a nightmare...

I have a foot rest in mine.....

[Apex]

Alfa 159 or a Mazda 6 if you want a left field choice.

[Vini]

Vauxhall Insignia 2.0L SE Nav (160) CDTI

[kalniel]

Oh my eyes! Not sure the world needs to see that many photos of the insignia (Granted, it looks better than that in the flesh - especially if you avoid the horrible silver colour shown)

[Vini]

Oh my eyes! Not sure the world needs to see that many photos of the insignia (Granted, it looks better than that in the flesh - especially if you avoid the horrible silver colour shown)

I took out the S40, the 320D and the Sig.

The S40, was fun to drive, but felt very Focus like, despite liking it, it didn't feel like much of a change and the boot was not Hockey Kit friendly.

The 320D in my price range at the dealers, were all basic models and high mileage. I took one out and sat in a couple. I couldn't get the seating position right and even with the seat to the floor was scraping my Jedwood weave on the roof...!

The Insignia, was the 'sensible' option unfortunately, but it came in well under budget and literally has ALL of the options included, except bizarrely Bluetooth, which I will retrofit.

The exterior continues to grow on me, as seemingly, does the number of them on the road. They're a bit like dog $. But never mind, it meets and exceeds my 'wishlist', I look forward to giving it a decent test this week, which is full of motorway miles!

[kalniel]

Seriously, good choice - the ride quality is meant to be excellent - good long distance cruisers.

[bytejunkie]

i had one for 6 weeks as a courtesy car after someone killed our lasses megane, i loved it. i seriously contemplated buying one, but in the end, didn't have 12k. good cars though. my dad loves his. apart from the cost of 19" tyres.

[Vini]

...apart from the cost of 19" tyres.

Yes, can't say I'm looking forward to that!

[abaxas]

Reps/salepeople seams to be driving bluemo golfs.

Just go with the herd.

[Vini]

Reps/salepeople seams to be driving bluemo golfs.

Just go with the herd.

I did, I got an Insignia. Since putting pen to paper, I'm amazed at how many there are on the road! I guess you get blinkered though when you're unconciously looking for them.

[1stRaven]

Yes, can't say I'm looking forward to that!

Well, to make you feel better, I am in the process of booking my audi in for its 70k service, including timing belt and brake fluid change. On top of that, its recommended to change the water pump and thermostat. On top of those, it also needs 4 tyres which are 275/35/R20's.

See, it could be worse