These commuter cars won't only save you money on the road – they're all available for £5k or less!
These commuter cars won't only save you money on the road – they're all available for £5k or less!
Want a decent commuter car on a bus pass budget? You don’t have to spend a fortune to get a reliable, fuel efficient car for your daily drive. In fact, we’ve found plenty of commuter cars under £8,000 that still deliver great fuel economy and style.
Here’s our round-up of the best cars from the Arnold Clark Value Range to enlist for your commute.
If you’re looking for a serious all-rounder, consider the Astra. Lauded by critics for its superior driving experience, it’s also fantastically frugal. Equipped with the 1.6-litre CDTi ecoFlex engine, expect economy of 85.6 mpg and CO2 levels of 82g/km. Then settle in for a comfortable drive.
As used Astras are often ex-fleet cars, mileage may be motorway miles, meaning that even cars with higher mileages will still have lots of life in them. You can pick one up for under the £6000 mark.
We found: Vauxhall Astra 2011 1.4 Exclusiv 5 dr
Looking for a smart-looking supermini? Look no further than everyone’s favourite, the Ford Fiesta, which is as reliable as is it well-reviewed.
This 2013 model will cost just £30 road tax per year due to its 120g/km CO2 emission rating, and delivers a respectable 54.3 mpg. Plus, you get a comfortable ride with some respectable specs, including daytime running lights, manual air conditioning and a leather-trimmed steering wheel for some executive style.
We found: Ford Fiesta 2013 1.25 S82 Zetec 3dr
If you’re feeling like life is all work and no play, up your commuting game with Volkswagen’s fun baby hatchback. Capable of 62mpg and delivering just 105g/km of C02, you get the great design and efficiency that Volkswagen is known for, without the big price tag.
With a 5-star Euro NCAP rating, DAB radio and air con you’ll feel safe, comfortable and entertained in your commuter cocoon - and your monthly payments won’t put a fork in the road, either.
We found: Volkswagen up! 2014 1.0 Move Up 3dr
If you’re commuting through city traffic, then you need to get your hands on a Citigo, which is skilled at zipping in and out of traffic without giving you a bumpy ride. There won’t be any surprises for your wallet, either, thanks to its nimble 1.0-litre engine capable of 62mpg.
While 5-door versions tend to go for over £5k, you can pick up a lovely shiny 3-door number for just under that.
We found: ŠKODA Citigo 2015 1.0 MPI SE 3dr
If you need a car that’ll get you to work reliably without being dull to drive, then the Mazda 2 is a champ. Automatic climate control and smooth gears make it a comfortable all-rounder, and although it’s relatively small, it can fit three passengers happily in the back if you have to do the school drop-off before work.
Overall, it’s well-built, capable of around 55 mpg and offers a well-balanced drive. In the Value Range, you can find some models with great sporty specs like this one, including sat nav, sports seats and rear spoiler.
We found: Mazda 2012 1.3 Venture Edition 5dr
