Really don't know what car to get!
Discussion
Hi,
So I currently own a MK1 Ford Focus RS which when purchased I was doing minimal mileage and was able to afford.
However, my photography has taken a turn for the better and I am clocking up more mileage now. To summise if I go to the Peak District its between 80-100 mile round trip, I do this once/twice a week. Lakes/Wales are between 300-350 miles round trip. I'd be doing this once/twice a month (knock a peaks trip off if I do this).
This all starts adding up, especially as I go walking in the Peaks/Lakes/Wales also.
I get about 22mpg normal driving style with a couple of trips to the Peaks included in that...so thats 230 miles roughly per tank. If I go to the Lakes I get 33mpg and this equates to 350miles per tank. At £63 per tank on super unleaded its not good.
All the above has made me decide I need to sell just so I can get out more, which the RS is stopping me doing.
I have been looking at replacement cars but just so unsure what to get. Given the above mileage I am looking to do plus odd trips to Scotland diesel is screaming at me, but all I read is horror stories with new engines.
I personally don't mind diesels, used to own a Ford Focus 1.8TDCI and while having the RS spent 2 months in a 308 HDI which did 600 miles to a tank on a heavy foot when commuting.
So far I've been looking at Mazda 6's but hear their diesel engines are pretty much the worst out there. So what I started looking at next was a Vauxhall Signum with a 1.9 cdti 150bhp. They're nice and roomy (i'm 6ft7), they can carry all my walking gear and others if people go with me. I can chuck a push bike in the back easily etc etc, this car just seems to say buy me! But I'm worried that it'll be costly to repair.
Does anyone have any suggestions as to what car I can get for about 6k (i'm lowering what I spend on a car) and fors and against diesel for me personally (i've read all the other posts and googled!!). From what I've read, anything common rail can and more than likely go wrong. However for the size of car I wish to get I don't see petrol being viable.
As for repair costs...I have an RS....wear and tear isn't that cheap either so I'm used to it!
Thanks,
Granty
So I currently own a MK1 Ford Focus RS which when purchased I was doing minimal mileage and was able to afford.
However, my photography has taken a turn for the better and I am clocking up more mileage now. To summise if I go to the Peak District its between 80-100 mile round trip, I do this once/twice a week. Lakes/Wales are between 300-350 miles round trip. I'd be doing this once/twice a month (knock a peaks trip off if I do this).
This all starts adding up, especially as I go walking in the Peaks/Lakes/Wales also.
I get about 22mpg normal driving style with a couple of trips to the Peaks included in that...so thats 230 miles roughly per tank. If I go to the Lakes I get 33mpg and this equates to 350miles per tank. At £63 per tank on super unleaded its not good.
All the above has made me decide I need to sell just so I can get out more, which the RS is stopping me doing.
I have been looking at replacement cars but just so unsure what to get. Given the above mileage I am looking to do plus odd trips to Scotland diesel is screaming at me, but all I read is horror stories with new engines.
I personally don't mind diesels, used to own a Ford Focus 1.8TDCI and while having the RS spent 2 months in a 308 HDI which did 600 miles to a tank on a heavy foot when commuting.
So far I've been looking at Mazda 6's but hear their diesel engines are pretty much the worst out there. So what I started looking at next was a Vauxhall Signum with a 1.9 cdti 150bhp. They're nice and roomy (i'm 6ft7), they can carry all my walking gear and others if people go with me. I can chuck a push bike in the back easily etc etc, this car just seems to say buy me! But I'm worried that it'll be costly to repair.
Does anyone have any suggestions as to what car I can get for about 6k (i'm lowering what I spend on a car) and fors and against diesel for me personally (i've read all the other posts and googled!!). From what I've read, anything common rail can and more than likely go wrong. However for the size of car I wish to get I don't see petrol being viable.
As for repair costs...I have an RS....wear and tear isn't that cheap either so I'm used to it!
Thanks,
Granty
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1658787.htm
Preferably the facelift on an 05 - I can vouch for them, I like mine...
Preferably the facelift on an 05 - I can vouch for them, I like mine...
Skoda Octavia. The estate would make most sense and for your money you should be able to get a facelift which is (I think) based on the Golf mk5 chassis which is perfectly fine in itself, but obviously very tweakable if you're not averse to modifications. If you go for something with the 1.9 it won't be very refined but it should last forever if cared for.
What budget are you spending?
The Mazda6 diesel is a cracking motor, although not particularly economical but then it is dragging round a big heavy car. It does go pretty well. Fast driving average around 42mpg. Can get above 50mpg if very gently.
I had a Vectra a few years ago. Again cracking motor, and responded very well to a Tuning box. Very quick, pretty frugal, although when on Forum's it did seem after high mileage the bills started mounting.
Haven't got a tuning box yet for the Mazda as they are about £350 currently.
granty88 said:
So far I've been looking at Mazda 6's but hear their diesel engines are pretty much the worst out there. So what I started looking at next was a Vauxhall Signum with a 1.9 cdti 150bhp.
I have quote this bit as I currently drive a '58 plate Mazda 6 2.0 diesel, and had before a Vectra 1.9CDTI 150bhpThe Mazda6 diesel is a cracking motor, although not particularly economical but then it is dragging round a big heavy car. It does go pretty well. Fast driving average around 42mpg. Can get above 50mpg if very gently.
I had a Vectra a few years ago. Again cracking motor, and responded very well to a Tuning box. Very quick, pretty frugal, although when on Forum's it did seem after high mileage the bills started mounting.
Haven't got a tuning box yet for the Mazda as they are about £350 currently.
Gassing Station | General Gassing [Archive] | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff