Diesel car ~3k

the_man · 03-12-2013 8:25am #1

Folks, time for a change and was looking for some opinions.

Do 16k per year so definitely going diesel. Mix of bad country roads and motorway every day. Must be 4 or5 door. Budget round the 3k mark.

I know most of the issues with the cars on the list so really looking for opinions rather than reviews.

Current shortlist

Audi a4/a6 pd 130 03/04
Mondeo zetec or ghia 130 6 speed 05
Hyundai tuscon 05 crdi
Honda accord 04/05 (hard to get one sub 180k)
Skoda superb but very difficult to get a non 100bhp base spec

Possibly a civic ima but are these underpowered?

Anything elsre worth looking at. Note have had a b5.5 passat so thats off list. Have owned plenty french so not adverse to them but think c5 hydraulic susp will crumble on the baclk roads I drive and a 407 is a no no. Have owned 406 so thats off list. 2.2 is def highest tax.

Any opinions?

colm_mcm · 03-12-2013 12:11pm

The civic ima are slow enough alright. Theyre also made out of very thin metal so repairing panels is tricky. Seats dont fold down either.

Very hard to find nice spec tdis in good condition

One oddball suggestion would be a galant td. Now its old school but Youll get one well below budget

PN14 · 03-12-2013 12:23pm

Bit left of field but what about a Rover 75. 2 litre BMW diesel engine without the turbo & swirl flaps issues. Reliable cheap and comfortable. Should be got under budget. MGZT diesel for bit sportier version of same car these are harder got in Ireland though.

Fatswaldo · 03-12-2013 12:35pm

+1 for the Rover 75

ottostreet · 03-12-2013 12:47pm

Is 16k miles a lot?

I didn't think it was

Fatswaldo · 03-12-2013 1:33pm

Depends on the individual I suppose. For me, its about 3 months driving, unfortunately!

the_man · 03-12-2013 2:19pm

PN14 wrote: »

Bit left of field but what about a Rover 75. 2 litre BMW diesel engine without the turbo & swirl flaps issues. Reliable cheap and comfortable. Should be got under budget. MGZT diesel for bit sportier version of same car these are harder got in Ireland though.

Currently driving a 75 would u believe. Great car in fairness bar an odd bit of trim coming unstuck. Good cruiser and decent mpg. Time for a change though.

debabyjesus · 03-12-2013 2:24pm

You'll find it hard to get a decent audi in those years for 3k

Idbatterim · 03-12-2013 2:44pm

how about a 320d?

http://www.carzone.ie/search/BMW/3-Series/320D-SAL/37913857577866890/advert?channel=CARS

tin79 · 03-12-2013 2:51pm

I would get the mondeo. Get one with a flywheel already done. You might be best to go for a 115 ps. less injector trouble

the_man · 03-12-2013 3:10pm

ottostreet wrote: »

Is 16k miles a lot?

I didn't think it was

Not a lot but inside diesel territory imo. Maybe just about. Have been driving diesels a while now and will prob do so unless the mileage decreases. Only thong against it is the diesels in budget fall more into the unminded than minded cat.

kagni · 03-12-2013 3:43pm

Will be looking for a similar car myself soon enough.
Have you considered the Volvo S60, they look like great value in that price range.

the_man · 03-12-2013 4:02pm

ottostreet wrote: »

Is 16k miles a lot?

I didn't think it was

Not a lot but inside diesel territory imo. Maybe just about. Have been driving diesels a while now and will prob do so unless the mileage decreases. Only thong against it is the diesels in budget fall more into the unminded than minded cat.

the_man · 03-12-2013 4:02pm

PN14 wrote: »

Bit left of field but what about a Rover 75. 2 litre BMW diesel engine without the turbo & swirl flaps issues. Reliable cheap and comfortable. Should be got under budget. MGZT diesel for bit sportier version of same car these are harder got in Ireland though.

Double post

bazz26 · 03-12-2013 4:14pm

Citroen C5:

media?xwm=y&id=a185898a-82e5-4bc4-956a-902b57c2d022&width=400&height=300

http://www.driving.ie/used-cars/Citroen/C5/110-HDI/31813581624839250/

Old diesel · 03-12-2013 7:21pm

the_man wrote: »

Currently driving a 75 would u believe. Great car in fairness bar an odd bit of trim coming unstuck. Good cruiser and decent mpg. Time for a change though.

If the 75s going well and is currently been good reliability wise - id be very much inclined to keep it.

Would say all the rest of the cars on the list would be a step back from a good 75.

Have never been in a 75 on the move - but they have a very good reputation for ride comfort - and as you know - that interior is pretty nice.

Dark interiors don't suit them too well - but they look fantastic inside with a light coloured interior.

If yours is dark coloured inside - and that's why your keen on a change - id consider seeing if a 2nd hand interior - perhaps a leather one if you currently have cloth - could be sourced.

Ebay might be a place to look - or the owners club/forum (forget the exact name - but there is one for the Rover 75 and the MG ZT)

Otherwise - the S60 is worth consideration if you don't mind the fact that the diesel version is a 2.4.

D5 version in euro 3 version seems to have a very good reputation - even though it has some issues - it seems more reliable and durable then most modern engines.

And the Euro 3 version is very good on fuel (for a 2.4).

Tax is the curse though.

Unfortunately with the introduction of the euro 4 version in around 05 Volvo went a bit backwards - they fitted a DPF (not good) and for some reason the Euro 4 version is 10 mpg worse on fuel then the euro 3.

If your interested in the S60 - then have a look on the Volvo section of the Uk forum pistonheads - some D5 S60 owners one there and a big tread on these cars running to over 30 pages last time I looked.

Can't see how its worth changing otherwise tbh

Old diesel · 03-12-2013 7:34pm

Couple of threads from the Volvo section of the pistonheads forum - on D5 S60s - you will need a nice cup of tea, biccys and plenty of time for the first one - its 39 pages long lol

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&f=156&t=878859&mid=379997&nmt=S60+D5%2E%2E%2E+owners

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&f=156&t=1186539&mid=379997&nmt=So%2C+these+D5+things%2E%2E%2E%2E

Not saying the S60s the most amazing car in the world - but they are probably worth consideration if you really want a change.

Even if you don't want an S60 - if you like cars - Pistonheads is well worth joining in its own right - its a general car site - but its so massive that it has dedicated sections for all the different car makes

the_man · 03-12-2013 8:30pm

Old diesel wrote: »

If the 75s going well and is currently been good reliability wise - id be very much inclined to keep it.

Would say all the rest of the cars on the list would be a step back from a good 75.

Have never been in a 75 on the move - but they have a very good reputation for ride comfort - and as you know - that interior is pretty nice.

Dark interiors don't suit them too well - but they look fantastic inside with a light coloured interior.

If yours is dark coloured inside - and that's why your keen on a change - id consider seeing if a 2nd hand interior - perhaps a leather one if you currently have cloth - could be sourced.

Ebay might be a place to look - or the owners club/forum (forget the exact name - but there is one for the Rover 75 and the MG ZT)

Otherwise - the S60 is worth consideration if you don't mind the fact that the diesel version is a 2.4.

D5 version in euro 3 version seems to have a very good reputation - even though it has some issues - it seems more reliable and durable then most modern engines.

And the Euro 3 version is very good on fuel (for a 2.4).

Tax is the curse though.

Unfortunately with the introduction of the euro 4 version in around 05 Volvo went a bit backwards - they fitted a DPF (not good) and for some reason the Euro 4 version is 10 mpg worse on fuel then the euro 3.

If your interested in the S60 - then have a look on the Volvo section of the Uk forum pistonheads - some D5 S60 owners one there and a big tread on these cars running to over 30 pages last time I looked.

Can't see how its worth changing otherwise tbh

I change every 12 to 18 months. Nice to sit in something different. In the 3k budget u dont tend to get too badly hit in the change money wise. Few bits and pieces that needed doing lately with rover prob made me keener to change but only matter of time. I was considering buying the 2.0t s60 and investing in lpg but nowhere close enough stocking. Not sure if I can stomach the tax but do like the s60s.

the_man · 03-12-2013 8:33pm

bazz26 wrote: »

Citroen C5:

http://www.driving.ie/used-cars/Citroen/C5/110-HDI/31813581624839250/

Thanks bazz. Would hope to get a facelifted version for the budget - much better looking imo. have driven a few c5s and they are a nice drive but not sure if the hydraulic suspension will last with the brutal quality of the roads round here?

bazz26 · 04-12-2013 12:02am

the_man wrote: »

Thanks bazz. Would hope to get a facelifted version for the budget - much better looking imo. have driven a few c5s and they are a nice drive but not sure if the hydraulic suspension will last with the brutal quality of the roads round here?

I think you will struggle to find a facelifted model on your budget that doesn't have interstellar mileage on it. With a limited budget I'd concentrate more on finding a decent clean example more than on looks. Also do all models of that C5 have the hydraulic suspension? I thought it was only reserved for top spec models.

Old diesel · 04-12-2013 12:05am

bazz26 wrote: »

I think you will struggle to find a facelifted model on your budget that doesn't have interstellar mileage on it. With a limited budget I'd concentrate more on finding a decent clean example more than on looks. Also do all models of that C5 have the hydraulic suspension? I thought it was only reserved for top spec models.

Thought it was on the new 08 model that they only had hydraulic suspension on the top model

Mycroft H · 04-12-2013 12:40am

bazz26 wrote: »

I think you will struggle to find a facelifted model on your budget that doesn't have interstellar mileage on it. With a limited budget I'd concentrate more on finding a decent clean example more than on looks. Also do all models of that C5 have the hydraulic suspension? I thought it was only reserved for top spec models.

All the first gen (2001-2008) C5s had hydropneumatic suspension. It was only on the second generation did the bog standard models loose out to springs.

Hydropneumatic suspension is ideally suited to Irish roads, ironing out the bumps wonderfully. I wouldn't worry too much about them being not up to it, it was designed with bad roads in mind

Once you realise that they're routine service items where the do lose there effectiveness and must be occasionally replaced. They're not like normal springs which you wouldn't consider service items.

It used to be every 70-80,000 miles or so that the spheres needed recharging/replacing on the xantia but it's a lot longer on the C5 (3rd gen Hydractive). On the original set with 150,000 miles on the clock on my c5 and it's still as comfy as ever.

ldxo15wus6fpgm · 04-12-2013 1:12am

Can I ask why you won't consider a 406? Just don't want to own the same car twice or what?

dougie-lampkin · 04-12-2013 1:13am

Likewise, I'm approaching 125,000 miles and still as floaty as it was in 2003. Bear in mind the sphere does the work of a spring and a shock on a conventional setup. It wouldn't be unusual to have to replace shocks at these kinds of miles. However, mine passed the NCT last month with a 2% imbalance front and rear. It's also worth considering they're roughly the same price to replace as a conventional shock, and are easier to replace, requiring no tools whatsoever.

3k would be very stretching it for a facelift, unless you want a 1.6 hdi with galactic mileage and a world of problems. You'd be better off going for a pre-facelift 90 bhp 2.0 hdi, no DMF or DPF worries. They can be easily remapped to a more adequate power if needed. I have my 110 mapped to ~145 with no issues. 2k should get you something very respectable with all the extras, and with change left over in case anything does go bang.

Old diesel · 04-12-2013 10:46am

Elyse Clean Bathroom wrote: »

Can I ask why you won't consider a 406? Just don't want to own the same car twice or what?

That's exactly it - hes rejected the Passat for the same reason I think.

Tbh - I can see wheres his coming from - the only thing I would say is that a good 406 will be a better purchase then some of whats on his list.

If you could get a nice 1.9 tdi 130 Superb with leather - id say it could be a nice car.

I think the so called lack of refinement of the 1.9 tdi is a bit overegged on the B5.5 Passat - I assume the Superbs the same

The 2.0 tdi Superb in Mk 1 form wasn't great I understand.

Now that I think about it - I must have a think and see can nice B5.5 Passat estates be got still.

Not really looking for that big a car - but what f:mad::mad:ks me off on saloons whether its a 406, Passat, Mondeo or whatever - is the rear visability when reversing into a parking space in a car park.

Wondering how an Estate would help that issue.

Anyway that's of no help - just thinking aloud

the_man · 04-12-2013 11:27am

Elyse Clean Bathroom wrote: »

Can I ask why you won't consider a 406? Just don't want to own the same car twice or what?

Just the change tbh. Great car but id like to look at something different.

the_man · 04-12-2013 11:29am

dougie-lampkin wrote: »

Likewise, I'm approaching 125,000 miles and still as floaty as it was in 2003. Bear in mind the sphere does the work of a spring and a shock on a conventional setup. It wouldn't be unusual to have to replace shocks at these kinds of miles. However, mine passed the NCT last month with a 2% imbalance front and rear. It's also worth considering they're roughly the same price to replace as a conventional shock, and are easier to replace, requiring no tools whatsoever.

3k would be very stretching it for a facelift, unless you want a 1.6 hdi with galactic mileage and a world of problems. You'd be better off going for a pre-facelift 90 bhp 2.0 hdi, no DMF or DPF worries. They can be easily remapped to a more adequate power if needed. I have my 110 mapped to ~145 with no issues. 2k should get you something very respectable with all the extras, and with change left over in case anything does go bang.

Thanks for the info. The 110 has dmf and dpf right? What are u getting in real mpg?

the_man · 04-12-2013 11:33am

Another question on car ive never driven in diesel what are the 1.3 & 1.7 cdti astra like. Presume 1.3 needs a lot of work albeit with 6 speed box. Both of these wouldnt have the swirl flap issue of the fiat 1.9 but would the 1.9 be nicer to drive?

Mycroft H · 04-12-2013 11:40am

the_man wrote: »

Thanks for the info. The 110 has dmf and dpf right? What are u getting in real mpg?

I wouldn't be too worried about the particulate filter; as long as there is time for the car to get up to temperature and occasionally driven hard, they wont cause trouble.

dougie-lampkin · 04-12-2013 4:27pm

the_man wrote: »

Thanks for the info. The 110 has dmf and dpf right? What are u getting in real mpg?

The 110 has just a DMF, but I replaced mine with a solid conversion. The DMF itself was fine at 110k miles when I bought it, but the clutch was slipping. All the facelift diesels have both DMF and DPF, in the series 1 the 2.2 has both also. I'm getting 46-50 day to day with a good mix of town, rural and motorway driving. On a good run on the motorway at 100 km/h it will do 60 mpg.

bigroad · 04-12-2013 5:09pm

Here is a few op.Saab 9-5 2.2tid poss leather ,they are good value and have a chain driven engine.Toyota avensis d4d ,hard to get clean.Volvo s 60 , very good.Hyundai sonata 2.0crdi rare.Bmw 525d manual.Tax is much the same as a 2.2.Last of the omegas 2.2 dti.Mercedes e class 2.2 cdi,plenty around and plenty of comfort.

Diesel car ~3k

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