Recommendations for trading up to a Diesel...

yak

Hi All,

I hoping to buy a new car in the next few weeks... The only decision I have made is that it has to be a diesel (probably 1.9/2.0) I travel 20-30K a year so something economical is important... As is reliability - I don't want a car that's going to keep eating into my pockets!

I was Originally thinking of an 02/03 Audi A4 or possibly 05 Passat but I'm starting to have second, third and fourth thoughts at this stage... So all recommendations are welcome, I'm hoping to keep the cost below 10k.

I know there are some good deals to be found in the north from a price perspective but what are the other advantages/disadvantages of buying a car outside ireland...

Thanks for all the help in advance :-)

eyesofvenus

Passat is probably a good option, can be got cheap enough
http://www.cbg.ie/Car_Detail.aspx?ID=3164380

What about a mondeo?

EPM

Skoda Octavia or Skoda Superb?

Octavia is based on a Golf with a bigger body. The Superb is a lengthened Passat (was actually developed as a model called the Passat Plus before VW canned it and Skoda robbed it).

Plus as you're buying cash the UK *may* be of use. You could probably get a 07 Focus 1.6 diesel in for that kinda money too

colm_mcm

yak wrote: »

something economical is important... As is reliability - I don't want a car that's going to keep eating into my pockets!

I'd steer clear of VW then, it's not that they're inherently bad, or that they all give trouble, but in my experience they're not all they're cracked up to be. I'd sooner have a Mondeo or Avensis than a Passat, a Corolla 2.0 D-4D or Focus 1.6 TDCI than an A3 1.9 TDI.

yak

Just looked at a couple of Mazda 6's seem impressive enough... probably more powerful 120bhp than a standard passat 100bhp... anyone know how that would effect the fuel efficiency... or would it make much of a difference?

colm_mcm

Mazda 6 diesels (old shape) are a no go area. avoid at all costs.

dmcar02

If you are looking for a Diesel, I would have a good look at this site

http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/

Also, there is no disadvantage to buying a car in the north etc, the only thing is that you have to pay VRT. The only other thing is that cars have decreased in price dramatically in the last number of months, so don't accept second best on any level, especially if you are buying with cash. If you are not happy, walk away. It is vitally important in this day and age that the car has a full service history, (unless of course you're buying the car from a friend etc and you trust them)

http://www.revenue.ie/en/online/vrt-calculator.html

Personally I think VW's are fine and I'd take one over a mondeo diesel any day, but at least have a good look at the site above.

Good luck

yak

colm_mcm wrote: »

Mazda 6 diesels (old shape) are a no go area. avoid at all costs.

Cheers for that :-) I take it its the 05 version your talking about.

colm_mcm

yak wrote: »

Cheers for that :-) I take it its the 05 version your talking about.

Yeah, the 2002-2007 model, they have a completely un-mazda-like appetite for turbos and injectors. which is a shame because the rest of the car is quite good.

yak

Thanks for the info :-)

Just had a look at a Volvo S40 this morning... Does anyone know much about them? From what I can find out on the net the 2.0ltr diesel S40 isn't very economical 43mpg ish but the 1.6 version is a lot better... is that the case, or is the 1.6 just not powerful enough to do the job!?!

eyesofvenus

yak wrote: »

Thanks for the info :-)

Just had a look at a Volvo S40 this morning... Does anyone know much about them? From what I can find out on the net the 2.0ltr diesel S40 isn't very economical 43mpg ish but the 1.6 version is a lot better... is that the case, or is the 1.6 just not powerful enough to do the job!?!

Depends on what type of driving you're doing. The 1.6 will be hard pushed to do 40mpg in urban driving. Whereas if its mainly N roads should do 45-48mpg. Generally the diesel should give you more mpg...

yak

out of my 350miles/tank at the moment...

200ish are motorway
100ish are national primary
50ish are urban/suburban

From what i understand a diesel will be more economical on the motorway/primary roads and much the same for urban/suburban driving...

eyesofvenus

yak wrote: »

out of my 350miles/tank at the moment...

200ish are motorway
100ish are national primary
50ish are urban/suburban

From what i understand a diesel will be more economical on the motorway/primary roads and much the same for urban/suburban driving...

If you're doing distance driving then a diesel is the way to go. What car you choose though is mainly up to what you feel comfortable in most. Try a few test drives in mondeo's, passat's, s40's.

Maybe a Citroen C5 might even be a consideration?
http://www.cbg.ie/Car_Detail.aspx?ID=3130233

Cars&cars

Saab are very good value for money:

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Saab/9-3/Sportwag/200922192936178/advert?channel=CARS

eyesofvenus

Cars&cars wrote: »

Saab are very good value for money:

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Saab/9-3/Sportwag/200922192936178/advert?channel=CARS

Only problem there is the example is nearly 6k over his budget...:p

riverstick

id recommend a peugeot 407

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Peugeot/407/1.6-SR-H/200919192738827/advert?channel=CARS

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Peugeot/407/1.6-HDI-/200916192531664/advert?channel=CARS

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Peugeot/407/1.6-ST-H/200911192148389/advert?channel=CARS

otherwise a citroen c5

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Citroen/C5/1.6-HDi/200921192847496/advert?channel=CARS

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Citroen/C5/1.6-HDi-/200921192850187/advert?channel=CARS

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Citroen/C5/1.6-HDi/200918192668460/advert?channel=CARS

Cars&cars

oh dear you could try asking for €6k off -

eyesofvenus

Cars&cars wrote: »

oh dear you could try asking for €6k off -

Good luck with that...

vengeance52

I would go with a mondeo with the TDCI engine or a honda accord 2.2 which i currently have.

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Honda/Accord/2.2-i-CT/200848191009646/advert?channel=CARS

Sqaull20

Octavia VRS or Honda Accord would be my first choices, then Mondeo!

http://atsearch.autotrader.co.uk/ni/cars_popup.jsp?searchform=&modelexact=1&lid=search_used_cars_full&photo=1&state=block&sort=&hassearched=Y&make=SKODA&min_pr=75&source=0&model=OCTAVIA&max_pr=&miles=1500&agerange=&mileage=&postcode=m52ty&variant=vrs&bodyid=0&trim=&fuelid=2&colour=&transmissionid=0&keywords=&ukcarsearch_full.x=0&ukcarsearch_full.y=0&start=6&distance=162&adcategory=CARS&channel=CARS&id=200924336195010

laura.

I currently have a 2.0 D-4D Corolla hatchback for sale if your interested....really dont want to sell it, only reason being i cant afford to tax the damn thing. It's 2003 needs NCT and tax hence price going like a dream and easy on the pocket.....drove to Kerry few weeks ago and down and up to Donegal again cost me €70 not bad eh...

vengeance52

Sqaull20 wrote: »

Octavia VRS or Honda Accord would be my first choices, then Mondeo!

http://atsearch.autotrader.co.uk/ni/cars_popup.jsp?searchform=&modelexact=1&lid=search_used_cars_full&photo=1&state=block&sort=&hassearched=Y&make=SKODA&min_pr=75&source=0&model=OCTAVIA&max_pr=&miles=1500&agerange=&mileage=&postcode=m52ty&variant=vrs&bodyid=0&trim=&fuelid=2&colour=&transmissionid=0&keywords=&ukcarsearch_full.x=0&ukcarsearch_full.y=0&start=6&distance=162&adcategory=CARS&channel=CARS&id=200924336195010

Ohh i forgot the VRS. Its very nice. The accord has more comforts and toys, but the VRS has 30bhp more for a smaller engine, which means less tax to pay.

Tragedy

Except the price is near enough €10,000 without VRT or tax, Expect at least €16k landed.

Sqaull20

Tragedy wrote: »

Except the price is near enough €10,000 without VRT or tax, Expect at least €16k landed.

VRT is only 2.5k, they are in the 20% bracket.All in would be about 13k including tickets!

xxx3

A Seat Toledo 1.9tdi ya pick 1 up cheapish enough they go forever an volswagon built engine so veryy similar to a passat only cheaper:D

sean1141

xxx3 wrote: »

A Seat Toledo 1.9tdi ya pick 1 up cheapish enough they go forever an volswagon built engine so veryy similar to a passat only cheaper:D

toledo is more similar to a bora or golf than a passat. both are based on the mk4 platform. problems with passat or a4 (both are same platform) are link rod in the front suspension which wear very easy and are expencive to replace. keep in mind the resale value of the car you are going to buy. you will sell a vw with high miles quicker than most other makes. toyota are a good car too and very comfortable but a little bland for my taste.

bazz26

yak wrote: »

out of my 350miles/tank at the moment...

200ish are motorway
100ish are national primary
50ish are urban/suburban

From what i understand a diesel will be more economical on the motorway/primary roads and much the same for urban/suburban driving...

I have a 1.6d S40 and I get around 960km range from a tank of diesel. It is good on diesel averaging about 45 - 48mpg depending on my driving. Will not win any races but will cruise happily at 120/130kph on motorways with ease.

johnwise

laura. wrote: »

I currently have a 2.0 D-4D Corolla hatchback for sale if your interested....really dont want to sell it, only reason being i cant afford to tax the damn thing. It's 2003 needs NCT and tax hence price going like a dream and easy on the pocket.....drove to Kerry few weeks ago and down and up to Donegal again cost me €70 not bad eh...

how much you want for car??? please no dreamer carzone/autotrader private sale Telephone number prices......:mad:

JHMEG

yak wrote: »

Just had a look at a Volvo S40 this morning... is the 1.6 just not powerful enough to do the job!?!

The consensus from what I've read is that the 1.6D is very slow. A quick look shows 0-60 in 11.6 seconds, which is a bit slower than a 1.3 Yaris.

unkel

JHMEG wrote: »

The consensus from what I've read is that the 1.6D is very slow. A quick look shows 0-60 in 11.6 seconds, which is a bit slower than a 1.3 Yaris.

What concensus? I'd say 11.6 seconds is faster than the average small family hatchback sold in this country. So calling it "very slow" is way off the mark. And what's the point comparing it to a supermini that no one buys in this country (Yaris 1.3)? Most standard superminis (including the Yaris) take 16-18s to go to 100km/h...

Tragedy

http://www.parkers.co.uk/cars/specs/Detail.aspx?deriv=28228
http://www.parkers.co.uk/cars/specs/Detail.aspx?deriv=29688
http://www.parkers.co.uk/cars/specs/Detail.aspx?deriv=30670

Yes, it's positively geriatric compared to other cars.

Sqaull20

Tragedy wrote: »

http://www.parkers.co.uk/cars/specs/Detail.aspx?deriv=28228
http://www.parkers.co.uk/cars/specs/Detail.aspx?deriv=29688
http://www.parkers.co.uk/cars/specs/Detail.aspx?deriv=30670

Yes, it's positively geriatric compared to other cars.

Compared to Octavia VRS and Accord's etc it is!!

unkel

Tragedy wrote: »

http://www.parkers.co.uk/cars/specs/Detail.aspx?deriv=28228
http://www.parkers.co.uk/cars/specs/Detail.aspx?deriv=29688
http://www.parkers.co.uk/cars/specs/Detail.aspx?deriv=30670

Yes, it's positively geriatric compared to other cars.

For anyone too lazy to check those links, it shows the S40 1.6D, the Octavia 1.9D and the Passat 1.9D. Acceleration times are near identical between the three...

bazz26

unkel wrote: »

For anyone too lazy to check those links, it shows the S40 1.6D, the Octavia 1.9D and the Passat 1.9D. Acceleration times are near identical between the three...

Yes, it will not win any races thats for sure.

But at least it will be alot quieter and more refined than the VAG 1.9 TDi and slightly cheaper to tax too.

yak

Thanks for all the help!

Bazza what sort of revs to does your S40 do when you tipping along at 120/130?

Is there any 'ideal' horse power for likes of mondeo/accord/passat? i.e optimum between fuel efficiency, acceration potential and handling...

yak

vengeance52 wrote: »

I would go with a mondeo with the TDCI engine or a honda accord 2.2 which i currently have.

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Honda/Accord/2.2-i-CT/200848191009646/advert?channel=CARS

Any particular reason for prefering the TDCI Mondeo engine over the others available?

vengeance52

yak wrote: »

Any particular reason for prefering the TDCI Mondeo engine over the others available?

The TDDI engine was on the 01 - 03 mondeos i think, and I had one. there are loud diesels and sounds like a tractor. I was once asked was my car broke it was so loud. The TDCI just sounds like a normal diesel which is why i was suggesting it.

JHMEG

unkel wrote: »

What concensus?

Some of the sites where owners comment on their cars, like carsurvey. Motoring press also. I was looking an S40 a while back for someone and the 1.6D caught my eye.

unkel wrote:

And what's the point comparing it to a supermini that no one buys in this country (Yaris 1.3)?

The same reason you make any comparison! So people can compare to something they are familiar with! The Yaris 1.3 would be popular enough, and certainly more popular than the S40 1.6D. The Yaris is slightly faster than the Volvo.

Point is generally for any given engine size diesel will usually be slower, and to be aware of it.

Tragedy wrote:

Yes, it's positively geriatric compared to other cars.

Anything will look good against stone age VAG 1.9 TDIs.

Matt Simis

unkel wrote: »

What concensus? I'd say 11.6 seconds is faster than the average small family hatchback sold in this country. So calling it "very slow" is way off the mark. And what's the point comparing it to a supermini that no one buys in this country (Yaris 1.3)? Most standard superminis (including the Yaris) take 16-18s to go to 100km/h...

Not again! :pac:
Over 11 seconds is slow. Cut it anyway you like, but thats a slow car. And Ive seen 1.3 Toyotas about.. unless they are changing badges in an I've a TDI A4 but its really an RS4 sort of way.

OP, I would be looking at the Accord, less common than the Passat, possibly more reliable (though I think VAGs are "ok" reliability wise), looks more expensive but likely costs less.
The Stock version's 140bhp is a little disappointing (for a 2.2l Turbo Diesel), but the Type S version's 180bhp (and still gets 48mpg) is far more intriguing. (Edit: Crap, the Type S is not available in the year range mentioned)

IMO, Mondeos are too bland, Passats too common and the old style Citroen C5s look about 15years old.

JHMEG

Matt Simis wrote: »

The Stock version's 140bhp is a little disappointing (for a 2.2l Turbo Diesel), but the Type S version's 180bhp (and still gets 48mpg) is far more intriguing. (Edit: Crap, the Type S is not available in the year range mentioned)

I was driving a remapped standard one for a few days recently, and when the turbo is spooled up it is very fast. Without a rolling road I would put it at maybe 170 or 180bhp, but that's really a guess.

But, there is bad news! The power band is so narrow (about 1500rpm) it's not possible to keep it on the boil (I'm told the 6-speed box mitigates this a lot), and the power delivery is so non-linear that it's questionable as to whether it's actually usable.

Matt Simis wrote:

Over 11 seconds is slow.

I would have thought so too....

colm_mcm

riverstick wrote: »

id recommend a peugeot 407

otherwise a citroen c5

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Citroen/C5/1.6-HDi/200921192847496/advert?channel=CARS

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Citroen/C5/1.6-HDi-/200921192850187/advert?channel=CARS

They're both disasters of cars, do you dislike the OP that much?

The 407 was 147th out of 152 cars tested in the 06 Topgear survey (only ones worse were
Citroen C8
Renault Megane
Peugeot 307
Renault Espace
Peugeot 807 - all French!)

:Matt Simis wrote:

Over 11 seconds is slow.

JHMEG wrote:

I would have thought so too....

It's real life figures like 30-70 or how easily you can overtake that matter, 0-60 tells a story, but it doesn't tell everything, and a petrol that does 0-60 in 11 seconds will generally be a lot harder work than a diesel with the same figure

JHMEG

colm_mcm wrote: »

a petrol that does 0-60 in 11 seconds will generally be a lot harder work than a diesel with the same figure

The 11 second petrol will be only a 1.3, so tis only to be expected!

laura.

johnwise wrote: »

how much you want for car??? please no dreamer carzone/autotrader private sale Telephone number prices......:mad:

looking for €5000.....no offers please, as its a reluctant sale as it is

Biro

colm_mcm wrote: »

Mazda 6 diesels (old shape) are a no go area. avoid at all costs.

Wrong.

eyesofvenus

Biro wrote: »

Wrong.

lol