I need a commuting car with a budget of €7,000.

What would be the most suitable fuel-efficient car (diesel) to do circa 1,800km per month (five-door preferably with space for a buggy in the boot)? I have a budget of about €7,000.

Susan Dillon (Foxrock)

Sep 2014 Filed under: choosing used car

---

Expert answer

Hi Susan,

For your budget, you could consider an Audi A3 1.9 TDI five-door. Classy, good to drive and very economical. Perhaps not the most spacious car in the world in the back and boot, but it will take a buggy.

Or, how about a car based on the same mechanical package as the A3, but with the boot space to be able to handle a whole creche's worth of kiddy clobber? I speak of course of the Skoda Octavia. A brilliant car, with tonnes of space, and your budget would get you a 2008 model with the 1.9 TDI diesel engine in range-topping 'Elegance' trim. So, comfy then.

Skoda not your thing? Want something classier? I have just the thing... How about a 2008 Volvo V50 estate with the 1.6-litre diesel engine? An easy 50mpg, family practicality thanks to the estate body and your mind will be forever at ease on the safety front.

What do you think?

Neil Briscoe - Complete Car Adviser
@neilmbriscoe