So I currently own a 1.25L petrol 2013 ford fiesta. It works and it’s fully serviced but I fucking hate it. I commute 60 miles a day all motorway and it’s just so uncomfortable for it. I can feel every bump and the road noise inside is so bad. At 70mph it’s over 3000 revs and it just feels like the engine is straining to much so I’ve lowered my speed because it sounds like I’m going to kill the engine.
I can spend approx £15k on a car. Would you change it in my position or just get on with it with the fiesta?
If I were to change it, keep in mind good fuel consumption, reliability and I have a wife and 2 kids under 5 years old … what would you recommend?
Thanks!
Edit - thanks for all of your suggestions, I’m going to test drive some of these you’ve recommended. Not going to lie I’m pretty excited to not be in the fiesta. Don’t get me wrong it’s done me well and it’s reliable etc it’s just not for me anymore
You can find a Volvo V40 for under $15k, with low mileage and a 2L engine that has good specifications. I got mine when I was spending three hours on the road every day, and I loved it. It’s spacious enough for a small family, and it’s a Volvo, so it even comes with airbags for pedestrians you might run into!
A used Toyota Corolla Hybrid is a great option; you often see them as taxis, which speaks to their reliability and fuel efficiency. I’ve seen a 69 plate with 42k miles going for £13k, and there are quite a few available within your budget.
VW Passat. BMW 320d/330d or even 520d/530d. Mercedes C200/220d. Volvo V40/V70. Toyota Avensis/Prius. Subaru Forester/Legacy. Any new Skoda (Octavia/Superb etc). Audi A4/A5. These all just to name a few run of the mill, comfortable and inexpensive commuters all of which you’ll be able to find within your budget.
I love cars. By all means feel free to PM me to discuss.
What you need to consider is: Fuel economy, tax, insurance, maintenance cost and just how much you want to pay for comfort. Hell, you can pick up Rolls Royces now for 5-6k but maintenance on a silver spirit from the 80s will cost you an absolute bomb.
If you go German, generally they’ll be more reliable but when they go, they cost more. Parts cost more.
BMW? Pure performance. Audi? Cornering. Mercedes? Comfort.
Don’t underestimate the difference in ease of travel a larger engine will give you, too. I’m a big fan of 3L straight 6 engines. Get the right gearbox in a higher end saloon and you can be sitting at 70 at 1500rpm in 8th gear and not even feel like you’re moving. There is a whole WORLD of automobile joy out there that you haven’t even touched on and 15k is a highly respectable budget that will buy you an older top end performance car, OR a much much newer sensible commuter (E.G. Mercedes C36 AMG with 500bhp or a 2018 approx BMW 320d with 170bhp but warranty and low miles etc). SO many options.