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The most economical commuter cars in the Arnold Clark Value Range

Faced with a daily commute? This selection of economical all-rounders will get you there, and you can snap them up for under £8,000.

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.

Hatchback hero: Vauxhall Astra

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

Astra deals

Sensible supermini: Ford Fiesta

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

Fiesta deals

Have more fun: The Volkswagen up!

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

up! deals

City slicker: ŠKODA Citigo

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

Citigo deals

Sport appeal: Mazda 2

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

Mazda 2 deals

Looking for more bargains under £8,000?

Search the Arnold Clark Value Range.

Value Range

About the Author

Lucy Sweet

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