Sub-£2k diesel saloon...
Discussion
...with a decent amount of power and a good ride quality.
My default answer when asked about a comfy, decently-powered diesel for cheap is usually a Volvo S60/V70 D5, but are there other options to consider? I'm not really a fan of the ubiquitous A4/Bora/Passat grouping, mostly because I don't really like the seats or styling.
I've also been looking at the late-model 156 2.4JTDM's, or even the 1.9 sport models (reliability concerns me there, is it an issue like the GM 1.9 is on Saabs?
Speaking of which, I've also been looking at the last-generation Saab 9-3 with both the 1.9 (which I'm told has quite a few problems) or the 2.2 which is a much older design.
Thoughts? The Alfa takes the looks and interior stakes imo, I know the Ovlov will be the most comfortable of the 3 with its fantastic seats and stereo, heated seats etc. The Saab is somewhere in the middle.
Use is 70 miles/day of an A-road commute, so comfort and having a decent engine to help overtaking are both important. If speed wasn't necessary I'd be straight in buying a Peugeot 406 or something Citroen.
My default answer when asked about a comfy, decently-powered diesel for cheap is usually a Volvo S60/V70 D5, but are there other options to consider? I'm not really a fan of the ubiquitous A4/Bora/Passat grouping, mostly because I don't really like the seats or styling.
I've also been looking at the late-model 156 2.4JTDM's, or even the 1.9 sport models (reliability concerns me there, is it an issue like the GM 1.9 is on Saabs?
Speaking of which, I've also been looking at the last-generation Saab 9-3 with both the 1.9 (which I'm told has quite a few problems) or the 2.2 which is a much older design.
Thoughts? The Alfa takes the looks and interior stakes imo, I know the Ovlov will be the most comfortable of the 3 with its fantastic seats and stereo, heated seats etc. The Saab is somewhere in the middle.
Use is 70 miles/day of an A-road commute, so comfort and having a decent engine to help overtaking are both important. If speed wasn't necessary I'd be straight in buying a Peugeot 406 or something Citroen.
nipsips said:
At this budget I'd tread carefully. The 1.9 in the Saab, Alfa and Vauxhall Vectra are all the same. All suffer with the same quirks.
All of them are likely to throw an expensive fault at some point. My money would be going on something 2.0 petrol which will still do 45-48mpg on a run and have less worry.
I thought as much! That sounds distinctly like an engine to avoid. To be honest I'd be very surprised if I could eke out that kind of economy from the petrol engines, at the moment I get a smidge over the combined mpg figures for the cars I've tried on the commute, and looking at the petrol equivalents of each model they're mid-30s combined at best.All of them are likely to throw an expensive fault at some point. My money would be going on something 2.0 petrol which will still do 45-48mpg on a run and have less worry.
I think we can lay to rest the idea of a petrol, so take the bickering elsewhere! 
I think I've settled on the Alfa or the Ovlov. Both have great-sounding 5 cylinders, I just need to drive the Alfa and decide which one I prefer.
Is the autobox in the Volvo a liability? I think I'll go for a manual, but it'd be interesting to know.
I think I've settled on the Alfa or the Ovlov. Both have great-sounding 5 cylinders, I just need to drive the Alfa and decide which one I prefer.
Is the autobox in the Volvo a liability? I think I'll go for a manual, but it'd be interesting to know.
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