Cheap motorway barge

[Zirax]

Never really paid much attention to this area of the market so kinda lost. I am currently doing about 20k per year in my petrol Focus. It's actually fine as the M11 and A1 are quite smooth roads and it's a nice plod along. I've been aware of the limitations of the Focus for a while (no cruise, harder suspension as it's the Zetec). I do enjoy throwing the car around a bit, but I have the MR2 for that really.

Deciding point was 220 miles each way down the A14, M6, M5. The roads are just too buggered really through volume of traffic. It's a 4.5 hour drive and the car is fine, but I'm rather shaken.

I'm now going to be doing 25k minimum a year. Petrol has just crossed 104.9 around here (thats before VAT goes back up). Hence it could be time to go for Detrol
I mean a DIEtrol
DIE.... bugger it a tractor.

I paid 3.5k for the Focus around 4.5years ago so it was a bargain. Due to twonks in car parks it now has lots of dents. Due to having to leave the car in car parks I'm loathed to spend proper money and just go bargain bucket. Another reason if it's cheaper then it's more likely to be there when I get back.

Requirements:-
Climate
Leather seats (I like them).
Cruise control (deal breaker)
A barge
Good MPG (due to 25k /year minimum)
Reliable! - Due to working away all week

In my mind the more prestigious brands are out BMW,Audi et el. While it's possible in theory to get a reasonable one of those for the money, it's just not going to happen. Not really scared on mileage, under 150k and had the belts done correctly is my main cause of concern.

Cars I'm thinking about:-

Pug 406 Executive/SE/GLX -> around 100k for under 2k is doable
Pug 607 SE -> Merc E-class levels. Not sure but a few popped up. Probably costly to run?
Mondeo TD -> Iffy years for the diesels 2001->2003
Mitsubishi Galant

Some volvo or something?


Anyone who knows me buying cars will know there is probably a fair bit of procrastinating required before actually buying the thing. No real budget but cheaper the better. If I swap the bumper and wing I reckon I could get 1k for the Focus. 93k and all belts done. Got a few test drives lined up..... so any suggestions really?

[Del Lardo]

Volvo 850/V70 with LPG conversion.

[Jonny69]

Had you considered the Golf? We used to have Golf tdi estates as the pool cars at Dyson and they did about 50-55mpg on the motorway and just sat effortlessly between 80 and 100.

[Zirax]

Volvo 850/V70 with LPG conversion.

The V70 is a possible, I will keep my eyes peeled for an LPG one and then go for a drive.

Had you considered the Golf? We used to have Golf tdi estates as the pool cars at Dyson and they did about 50-55mpg on the motorway and just sat effortlessly between 80 and 100.

Never thought about Golf's as they are the same class as the Focus. I was thinking of something bigger but I'll take one out for a spin.

[Burble]

Never thought about Golf's as they are the same class as the Focus. I was thinking of something bigger but I'll take one out for a spin.

Having owned a few Golfs and driven various Focusses over various distances I'd say that the Golf makes a better motorway cruiser.

The longest journey I've done in a Golf was from Milan to Rome, some 360 miles or so and even after battling the mad Roman traffic to get to my destination I was relaxed - the Golf was a very comfortable car.

By comparison I was getting back ache and becoming grumpy about 200 miles into the 500 or so mile drive from Paris to Munich.

If you're looking at a 1.9PD Golf then double check the service history. They have a problem with worn camlobes because a lot of garages didn't use the right oil. Normally that starts showing itself about 80K.

My 1.9PD was at about 95K when I sold it and it never missed a beat, despite being remapped for about 80K.

[volospian]

Saab 9-5?

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1188831.htm or similar

Laguna?
Passat?

[Zirax]

Saab is possible. However that's a bit thirsty, although it seems you can get a fair amount of car for not much. No to the Laguna or the Passat.

[A Place of Light]

Bora TDI.
They tend to be cheaper than the equivalent Golf, for no other reason that everyone wants the Golf.

[Flibster]

Saab's also have a habit it seems at the moment of eating turbos.

I know several people with 93's and 95's - all made in the last 7 years. All have needed at least 1 turbo replacement with one 95 on it's 3rd

Which is a shame, I really liked the previous shaped Saab's.

[Vertex]

Pug 406 maybe?