Ultra reliable cars
Discussion
Ghost91 said:
Monkeylegend said:
My current E220 has a DPF, but as long as you give it a decent run every couple of weeks to allow it to reach regeneration temp they should be ok. You will notice a slight improvement in mpg compared to the 500 as well 
Engine noise is a different matter though.
I do a fair few miles so should be okay - I suppose it's about buying one that hasn't been used for popping to the shops in, so perhaps one with a few miles on the clock is a better used buy? I bought a low mileage alfa diesel and that was a bad idea.... Engine noise is a different matter though.
The noise of the 500 is very addictive I have to say!
Servicing and sensible driving is the key to longevity in my experience. All mine have always been serviced by Mercedes as per their recommended schedule and although I could probably have saved a bit of money on servicing by going elsewhere, long term it's a false economy.
I have looked at the SL500 a few times as a retirement car but have always chickened out. It's one step to far tech wise for me. the beauty of the diesel E class is that it is still a relatively straight forward car mechanically.
One day..................
RobinBanks said:
I'm not sure that the Ford or the Mercedes were actually that good at not breaking down. They weren't bad, admittedly.
The Mercedes is known for being of generally tough and serviceable construction rather than never developing faults.
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Depends on the model. The 250D and 300D are undoubtedly one of the most reliable cars ever built, they are still running about as taxis in a lot of places. A facelift 6 cylinder petrolwith a 5 speed box and potential loom issues, not so much. The Mercedes is known for being of generally tough and serviceable construction rather than never developing faults.
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BGarside said:
Mazda 323.
Toyota Landcruiser (early models)
Definitely agree. Had an 1990 323F GT and it was totally reliable. Toyota Landcruiser (early models)
Full size Land Cruisers are legendary. Colorados not so much having had one and broken down twice.
I'd also add pre Ford Volvos and Audi A8 in 4.2 Quattro form with the 4speed auto (aside from front suspension arms)..
SuperHangOn said:
Depends on the model. The 250D and 300D are undoubtedly one of the most reliable cars ever built, they are still running about as taxis in a lot of places. A facelift 6 cylinder petrolwith a 5 speed box and potential loom issues, not so much.
That's reasonable. As I said, they're not unreliable cars, but I don't think they compare to a Toyota Carina of the same era.That said, I'd still have the Mercedes without a second of thought. I'd also have it over the equivalent Lexus of the time.
80s - 90s Vauxhall Cav and Astra. No, seriously. It disappoints me that they have so comprehensively dropped the ball. A banger owning mate had a string of shonky Astras and Cavs that he bought for loose change and then killed, in many cases over the course of years. One he bought from me - I had taken it from 75k to 155k, he did 40k plus before the speedo cable broke and another ~10k after that. It eventually got sold sans MoT. The major mechanicals were bulletproof, but by then it needed a clutch, radiator, petrol tank, wiper mechanism, tyres...
The Astra of the same time was very reliable too. Both these cars were the taxi of choice in the 90s, the 2.0 petrol Cav in particular.
These days a 1.9 Skoda Octavia seems to be nigh on indestructible, if given taxi mileages. The only things that pack up are brake consumables and clutches, both of which are so what issues for taxi drivers. They seem to last less well under more normal use.
The Astra of the same time was very reliable too. Both these cars were the taxi of choice in the 90s, the 2.0 petrol Cav in particular.
These days a 1.9 Skoda Octavia seems to be nigh on indestructible, if given taxi mileages. The only things that pack up are brake consumables and clutches, both of which are so what issues for taxi drivers. They seem to last less well under more normal use.
My MX5 was reliable despite being abused on track regularly and always driven very hard for 30,000 miles. I even bolted a turbo to it and did another 10,000 miles and yet more trackdays without any real issues other than a broken exhaust. Not many 20 year old, high mileage cars that you'd want to try that with.
To be fair though, my Astra company car has never had an issue in close to 100,000 miles...even mediocre cars are pretty reliable these days.
To be fair though, my Astra company car has never had an issue in close to 100,000 miles...even mediocre cars are pretty reliable these days.
Pete317 said:
High mileage Saabs are prone to their sump oil strainers clogging up and causing oil starvation and consequent bearing failure, if the oil hasn't been changed regularly and fully synthetic oil used.
Other than that particular weakness, they're wonderfully reliable cars.
Especially the 900's and 9000's :-) Your weakness applied to the later models.Other than that particular weakness, they're wonderfully reliable cars.
Boosted LS1 said:
Pete317 said:
High mileage Saabs are prone to their sump oil strainers clogging up and causing oil starvation and consequent bearing failure, if the oil hasn't been changed regularly and fully synthetic oil used.
Other than that particular weakness, they're wonderfully reliable cars.
Especially the 900's and 9000's :-) Your weakness applied to the later models.Other than that particular weakness, they're wonderfully reliable cars.
Edited by Pete317 on Thursday 27th August 20:31
DoctorX said:
On my second Honda CRV and absolutely nothing has ever gone wrong with either.
I've jinxed it now though!
Agreed.Things did go wrong with it but it never let us down in seven years.I've jinxed it now though!
We bought it with 142k on the clock and it managed to pass 200k before the MOT man printed off a big list.
Boosted LS1 said:
Especially the 900's and 9000's :-) Your weakness applied to the later models.
I found the newest saab I've had to be the most trouble, which was an 05 plate 9-5 vector sport 2.0t... The others have been spot on though, 2000 9-3 convertible being the most surprisingly good for 950 quid.
I find it quite annoying when people dismiss the later ones completely though, for having some GM parts - there are plenty of vauxhalls on the road, they're not particularly shoddy albeit a little cheap feeling, and Saab only improved them.
I am very surprised no one has come in with the default VAG gang, maybe that's because deep down they know they are not very good. I own a Range Rover and would never ever say it is a reliable car, because they generally aren't. As already mentioned the MK1 Ford focus is a good shout and MK1 Nissan primera's were always strong. I'll stick my neck on the line as a former mechanic for over 20 years and say the MK1 Laguna was a trusty old barge.
battered said:
These days a 1.9 Skoda Octavia seems to be nigh on indestructible, if given taxi mileages. The only things that pack up are brake consumables and clutches, both of which are so what issues for taxi drivers. They seem to last less well under more normal use.
Sitting in the passenger seats of minicabs from time to time the Octavias all sound like nails when they get some miles on as do Passats, 406's and 407's are much, much quieter and a high mileage Avensis will still be almost silent at the same and higher mileage. marmitemania said:
I am very surprised no one has come in with the default VAG gang, maybe that's because deep down they know they are not very good. I own a Range Rover and would never ever say it is a reliable car, because they generally aren't. As already mentioned the MK1 Ford focus is a good shout and MK1 Nissan primera's were always strong. I'll stick my neck on the line as a former mechanic for over 20 years and say the MK1 Laguna was a trusty old barge.
Having had a skoda and two VW's, including the Bora we currently have, I can safely say (bar the skoda, which I didn't have long) they have been the most unreliable two cars I've ever had. The golf served its purpose though really as its among the most refined smallish older cars out there if buying used and on a budget, and it did the job, just cost a small fortune during my ownership.
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