9K To Spend Which Car ?
Discussion
Hope you can help me to make a decision on my next car, I'm having a nightmare trying to decide what to go for, I do approx 18,000 miles a year and so have decided to go for a diesel but hopefully something that will be a little entertaining to drive whilst being fairly frugal and with decent load carrying ability.
After looking around for ages the 3 cars I've come up with are the Octavia VRS, BMW 320d Touring and a Honda Civic ( all diesels ), these all seem to have fairly good fuel economy whilst being decent drives as well, I'd ideally like the Octy with the new common rail engine be think this may be outside the budget other than a high miler.
Any thoughts appreciated and other recommendations I may of somehow overlooked.
Cheers Andy
After looking around for ages the 3 cars I've come up with are the Octavia VRS, BMW 320d Touring and a Honda Civic ( all diesels ), these all seem to have fairly good fuel economy whilst being decent drives as well, I'd ideally like the Octy with the new common rail engine be think this may be outside the budget other than a high miler.
Any thoughts appreciated and other recommendations I may of somehow overlooked.
Cheers Andy
Alfa 159 Sport Wagon.
Never driven one but I imagine it's pretty quick and handles well. I'd happily do 18,000 miles sat in that car
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3610380.htm
Never driven one but I imagine it's pretty quick and handles well. I'd happily do 18,000 miles sat in that car
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3610380.htm
How about a SEAT Exeo ST - i think you could get one within budget, or perhaps adding a little to it - it's essentially an Audi A4, but has had a few tweeks in the suspension & steering so handles better than the Audi. Plus it has the Common Rail VAG 2.0 TDi in 143/168bhp guises. Perhaps not as big as an Octavia, but on par with the BMW.
I've test driven the VRS Facelift with the DSG box and it's a fun car.
Bit of an anecdote:
I was having a stroll in Marbella and came across the Skoda showroom, with a black VRS sitting on the forecourt.
Always fancied a go in these, so asked for a test drive.
The sales guy handed the keys to me, I started the engine, let it idle a bit and asked him if it was the petrol version. I was in for a surprise!
I couldn't believe that I was sitting in an oil burner, the new engines seem to be so much more cultivated and refined than the "old" PD Diesels!!
Certainly ticked the right boxes and I was seriously tempted. But I ultimately prefer Petrol engines.
The facelift's probably out of budged. But I can imagine that the older model delivers the same sporty-but-still-saving-on-the-petrol package. With a bit of added Diesel rattle in the mornings!
I'd say go for the VRS.
Bit of an anecdote:
I was having a stroll in Marbella and came across the Skoda showroom, with a black VRS sitting on the forecourt.
Always fancied a go in these, so asked for a test drive.
The sales guy handed the keys to me, I started the engine, let it idle a bit and asked him if it was the petrol version. I was in for a surprise!
I couldn't believe that I was sitting in an oil burner, the new engines seem to be so much more cultivated and refined than the "old" PD Diesels!!
Certainly ticked the right boxes and I was seriously tempted. But I ultimately prefer Petrol engines.
The facelift's probably out of budged. But I can imagine that the older model delivers the same sporty-but-still-saving-on-the-petrol package. With a bit of added Diesel rattle in the mornings!
I'd say go for the VRS.
Edited by Sub5s on Friday 10th February 15:14
PaperCut said:
How about a SEAT Exeo ST - i think you could get one within budget, or perhaps adding a little to it - it's essentially an Audi A4, but has had a few tweeks in the suspension & steering so handles better than the Audi. Plus it has the Common Rail VAG 2.0 TDi in 143/168bhp guises. Perhaps not as big as an Octavia, but on par with the BMW.
Only seen saloons in my price range and no good for the load carrying.Mr Roper said:
Alfa 159 Sport Wagon.
Never driven one but I imagine it's pretty quick and handles well. I'd happily do 18,000 miles sat in that car
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3610380.htm
This was my original no.1 choice but it appears in the real world even the 1.9 jtdm struggles to get beyound 40 mpg....shame !Never driven one but I imagine it's pretty quick and handles well. I'd happily do 18,000 miles sat in that car
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3610380.htm
Sub5s said:
I've test driven the VRS Facelift with the DSG box and it's a fun car.
Bit of an anecdote:
I was having a stroll in Marbella and came across the Skoda showroom, with a black VRS sitting on the forecourt.
Always fancied a go in these, so asked for a test drive.
The sales guy handed the keys to me, I started the engine, let it idle a bit and asked him if it was the petrol version. I was in for a surprise!
I couldn't believe that I was sitting in an oil burner, the new engines seem to be so much more cultivated and refined than the "old" PD Diesels!!
Certainly ticked the right boxes and I was seriously tempted. But I ultimately prefer Petrol engines.
The facelift's probably out of budged. But I can imagine that the older model delivers the same sporty-but-still-saving-on-the-petrol package. With a bit of added Diesel rattle in the mornings!
I'd say go for the VRS.
The VRS is the one that seems to tick most of the boxes but again I really want one with the new CR engine, I've seen the odd one for sale but higher mileage.Bit of an anecdote:
I was having a stroll in Marbella and came across the Skoda showroom, with a black VRS sitting on the forecourt.
Always fancied a go in these, so asked for a test drive.
The sales guy handed the keys to me, I started the engine, let it idle a bit and asked him if it was the petrol version. I was in for a surprise!
I couldn't believe that I was sitting in an oil burner, the new engines seem to be so much more cultivated and refined than the "old" PD Diesels!!
Certainly ticked the right boxes and I was seriously tempted. But I ultimately prefer Petrol engines.
The facelift's probably out of budged. But I can imagine that the older model delivers the same sporty-but-still-saving-on-the-petrol package. With a bit of added Diesel rattle in the mornings!
I'd say go for the VRS.
Edited by Sub5s on Friday 10th February 15:14
frosted said:
You don't have to buy the VRS for the fast diesel , most Audis and some passats have the 170 engine.
Somehow it seems the BMW diesel get better mpg , I find that hard to believe but many owners on here are saying 60mpg. My 170 tdi estate can get 50mpg @ 80 mph
The ones in my budget appear to be the older PD engines though which seem a bit agricultural.Somehow it seems the BMW diesel get better mpg , I find that hard to believe but many owners on here are saying 60mpg. My 170 tdi estate can get 50mpg @ 80 mph
MonkeyMatt said:
Mazda 3 or 6 2.2d Sport
Don't reckon the 3 would have enough boot space, the 6 I had considered but only in the 2.2d Sport guise and they are a bit too much dosh !Try a PD engine ???
CR engines have only been introduced from 2008 iirc , my car is 2008 and its a PD
It depends what you want , when I bought my car 2008 170 tdi passat sel with 60k I looked at all sorts, tbh the only other car that was better value for money was a new shape accord estate , that started at 15k iirc. Mine was 11.5k this was roughly 2 years ago . I only had one problem on my car and that was the lift pump in the tank which happened shortly after returning from a 8k trip around Europe, its on 100k now and going strong
CR engines have only been introduced from 2008 iirc , my car is 2008 and its a PD
It depends what you want , when I bought my car 2008 170 tdi passat sel with 60k I looked at all sorts, tbh the only other car that was better value for money was a new shape accord estate , that started at 15k iirc. Mine was 11.5k this was roughly 2 years ago . I only had one problem on my car and that was the lift pump in the tank which happened shortly after returning from a 8k trip around Europe, its on 100k now and going strong
Edited by frosted on Friday 10th February 18:16
A lex said:
Perfect if you enjoy throwing away money in depreciation.How about a Jaguar X-type. Either a saloon or estate. The 2.2d should be good for 45-50mpg and they are a good steer as well as comfy and a nice place to sit.
As a more oddball option how about a Citreon C6? 2.7 V6 diesel or a 2.2 if you want more frugal. Lovely inside and out and loads and loads of features. More of a relaxed cruiser than B road basher though. But in its own way this might make it appeal more for 18,000 miles a year.
As a more oddball option how about a Citreon C6? 2.7 V6 diesel or a 2.2 if you want more frugal. Lovely inside and out and loads and loads of features. More of a relaxed cruiser than B road basher though. But in its own way this might make it appeal more for 18,000 miles a year.
A lex said:
Oh dear, somebody else with the usual crap.
I think you'll find the Alfa has depreciated at the same rate as any other large engined diesel in its class, and will continue to do so.
I love alfa's as much of the rest of us but don't see the point in taking the hit for what essentially is a daily hack.I think you'll find the Alfa has depreciated at the same rate as any other large engined diesel in its class, and will continue to do so.
Thanks for all the replys, I actually really like the Alfa 159 but as I mentioned previously the mpg isn't great otherwise I wouldn't hesitate and what ever I get It will be looked after and certainly not treated as a hack !
Frosted, how do you find the PD engine, not to clattery or difficult to drive in traffic as I've heard the turbo suddenly kicks in where as the CR is a lot smoother.
Mate at work has Volvo V50 which he likes, the 2.4, reckon the V70 would be bigger than I'd need, not considered the C6 so I'll take a look, does no one rate the Civic as this was near the top of my list ?
Frosted, how do you find the PD engine, not to clattery or difficult to drive in traffic as I've heard the turbo suddenly kicks in where as the CR is a lot smoother.
Mate at work has Volvo V50 which he likes, the 2.4, reckon the V70 would be bigger than I'd need, not considered the C6 so I'll take a look, does no one rate the Civic as this was near the top of my list ?
If you're talking about the civic 2.2 cdti then I can wholeheartedly recommend you to avoid it like the plague if you take any pleasure in driving.
I'm using one on a hopefully short term basis until I order my next company car, and it is dreadful.
A completely souless car that I can find nothing good to say about it, however it is so dreary that it doesn't even have any faults that could make it quirky. Oh apart from a pointy dashboard that is systematically trying to destroy my left kneecap every time I get in the car!
Awful, dreary, boring, sucks the very joy from driving!
I'm using one on a hopefully short term basis until I order my next company car, and it is dreadful.
A completely souless car that I can find nothing good to say about it, however it is so dreary that it doesn't even have any faults that could make it quirky. Oh apart from a pointy dashboard that is systematically trying to destroy my left kneecap every time I get in the car!
Awful, dreary, boring, sucks the very joy from driving!
antspants said:
If you're talking about the civic 2.2 cdti then I can wholeheartedly recommend you to avoid it like the plague if you take any pleasure in driving.
I'm using one on a hopefully short term basis until I order my next company car, and it is dreadful.
A completely souless car that I can find nothing good to say about it, however it is so dreary that it doesn't even have any faults that could make it quirky. Oh apart from a pointy dashboard that is systematically trying to destroy my left kneecap every time I get in the car!
Awful, dreary, boring, sucks the very joy from driving!
Well thats certainly a decisive no vote for the civic then, what is it you have had or driven peviously that has given you this impression of it, I'm intrigued ?I'm using one on a hopefully short term basis until I order my next company car, and it is dreadful.
A completely souless car that I can find nothing good to say about it, however it is so dreary that it doesn't even have any faults that could make it quirky. Oh apart from a pointy dashboard that is systematically trying to destroy my left kneecap every time I get in the car!
Awful, dreary, boring, sucks the very joy from driving!
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