"Performance" diesel estate?
Discussion
Looking for an estate car as my daily driver. I've got a 964 for fun, and I'm currently running a Fiat Qubo diesel.
Budget is around £6k, maybe up to £8k for something interesting.
I need a bit of space in the back (with the seats down), and a reasonable turn of speed coupled with good economy on short runs (5 to 10 miles). Annual mileage around 6,000.
Insurance shouldn't be problem - 55, good area, full NCB.
I intend to keep the car for at least 3 years, maybe a lot longer.
First thought was a BMW 330d, but BMWs are surprisingly common down here in Cornwall. Must be where all the old bangers go to die.
Next idea was a C-class Mercedes.
What do you think?
Budget is around £6k, maybe up to £8k for something interesting.
I need a bit of space in the back (with the seats down), and a reasonable turn of speed coupled with good economy on short runs (5 to 10 miles). Annual mileage around 6,000.
Insurance shouldn't be problem - 55, good area, full NCB.
I intend to keep the car for at least 3 years, maybe a lot longer.
First thought was a BMW 330d, but BMWs are surprisingly common down here in Cornwall. Must be where all the old bangers go to die.
Next idea was a C-class Mercedes.
What do you think?
Not sure a 3.0tdi Allroad exists for £6k.
OP, with your low miles why do you want a diesel?
A similar age/mileage petrol model will be cheaper, more reliable and only slightly more per year on fuel. You could save the money to spend on future fuel, or buy a younger/lower mileage car.
Keep in mind also modern diesels don't like short journeys.
OP, with your low miles why do you want a diesel?
A similar age/mileage petrol model will be cheaper, more reliable and only slightly more per year on fuel. You could save the money to spend on future fuel, or buy a younger/lower mileage car.
Keep in mind also modern diesels don't like short journeys.
I like the effortless torque that you get from a diesel, although I guess it isn't that important with a bigger engine and 6- or 7-speed autos. I'd consider petrol, but it would have to be significantly cheaper up-front. Just breaking even over 5 years wouldn't do it for me - I don't mind spending out for the car, but I hate the monthly fuel bills.
I spent 25 years in company cars, mostly Cavaliers/Vectras and Mondeos. Competent cars, but I really don't want to be driving one by choice. It's time to have something just a little bit more "special", and I guess that means German.
I spent 25 years in company cars, mostly Cavaliers/Vectras and Mondeos. Competent cars, but I really don't want to be driving one by choice. It's time to have something just a little bit more "special", and I guess that means German.
The AA website said:
Diesel with DPF
We used to recommend a diesel engine for frequent short journeys as the engine works more efficiently earlier in the journey. Now though, the fitting of diesel particulate filters (DPF) means that diesel vehicles need regular long runs, some of which must be at high engine speed to clean (regenerate) the filter.
http://www.theaa.com/motoring_advice/fuels-and-environment/diesel-particulate-filters.htmlWe used to recommend a diesel engine for frequent short journeys as the engine works more efficiently earlier in the journey. Now though, the fitting of diesel particulate filters (DPF) means that diesel vehicles need regular long runs, some of which must be at high engine speed to clean (regenerate) the filter.
Stick with petrol if most of your journeys are short runs, repairs can easily exceed any savings (if any) in fuel.
clockworks said:
I like the effortless torque that you get from a diesel
A 3 litre petrol engine, of which many are in budget, also provides you with effortless torque especially wiht a decent autobox - it just doesn't develop it all at the flywheel at 2000rpm. The actual torque at the wheels is not dissimilar, if not greater, than the diesel alternative.I went for a 130hp 2.0 TDI C6 Audi A6 for long journeys and I can mirror the comments on here - for short journeys get a proper engine(petrol). My a6 only really shines when its hauling four blokes with clobber in comfort on long motorway trips. On your short trips of 10 miles or less you'd probably barely get above 30mpg and eventually end up replacing the dpf.
Bear in mind a lot of diesels don't have 'low down torque' these days - as a case in point my audi 2.0 tdi engine has almost nothing until about 2k rpm - this is halfway up the rev range! I'd have looked more closely at these if i did low miles - http://www.evo.co.uk/carreviews/evolongtermtests/6...
Bear in mind a lot of diesels don't have 'low down torque' these days - as a case in point my audi 2.0 tdi engine has almost nothing until about 2k rpm - this is halfway up the rev range! I'd have looked more closely at these if i did low miles - http://www.evo.co.uk/carreviews/evolongtermtests/6...
Again, for 6k/year 5-10mile journeys get a petrol. Big cc or turbo.
My diesel estate gets used as intended. motorways, frequent long-ish runs, always warmed-up, never just down to the shops etc.
It's gets a few workouts and has never done a 're-gen' since I've had it. Even so, after a fast drive to the Alps and back it was running much, much better and more eagerly than it normally does, which suggests that its normal use isn't enough to keep the DPF/EGR clean.
My diesel estate gets used as intended. motorways, frequent long-ish runs, always warmed-up, never just down to the shops etc.
It's gets a few workouts and has never done a 're-gen' since I've had it. Even so, after a fast drive to the Alps and back it was running much, much better and more eagerly than it normally does, which suggests that its normal use isn't enough to keep the DPF/EGR clean.
OK
Done a few sums, and running a 40mpg diesel (which may be optimistic on short journeys) instead of a 30mpg petrol will save me about £200 a year. With the risk of DPF problems on a diesel, there's probably nothing in it. If the equivalent petrol-engined car is cheaper, it probably makes sense to avoid diesel.
I'm not keen on Japanese cars. They still seem to be built to a price. My last company car was a Mazda 6 TS2 estate. A very competent car, but the interior wasn't as good as the Vectra that it replaced. Same with the MX-5 NC that I had until April - a bit flimsy.
I probably am becoming a "badge snob", as I do get a kick out of having the "best car" in the car park. Getting out of the 911 in my Sainsbury's uniform makes me feel good! A nice counterpoint to all the customers that treat us like rubbish.
Since nearly all the cars that have been sold in the last 10 years do a perfectly acceptable job, it all comes down to perceived quality/image, and how well a car stands up the rigours of everyday life.
Audi styling doesn't do it for me - VW in a fancy frock, plus they all look the same, and have done for many years.
I can't see any alternative to a BMW or Mercedes. How does a C-class compare to a 3-series?
Done a few sums, and running a 40mpg diesel (which may be optimistic on short journeys) instead of a 30mpg petrol will save me about £200 a year. With the risk of DPF problems on a diesel, there's probably nothing in it. If the equivalent petrol-engined car is cheaper, it probably makes sense to avoid diesel.
I'm not keen on Japanese cars. They still seem to be built to a price. My last company car was a Mazda 6 TS2 estate. A very competent car, but the interior wasn't as good as the Vectra that it replaced. Same with the MX-5 NC that I had until April - a bit flimsy.
I probably am becoming a "badge snob", as I do get a kick out of having the "best car" in the car park. Getting out of the 911 in my Sainsbury's uniform makes me feel good! A nice counterpoint to all the customers that treat us like rubbish.
Since nearly all the cars that have been sold in the last 10 years do a perfectly acceptable job, it all comes down to perceived quality/image, and how well a car stands up the rigours of everyday life.
Audi styling doesn't do it for me - VW in a fancy frock, plus they all look the same, and have done for many years.
I can't see any alternative to a BMW or Mercedes. How does a C-class compare to a 3-series?
clockworks said:
I probably am becoming a "badge snob", as I do get a kick out of having the "best car" in the car park. Getting out of the 911 in my Sainsbury's uniform makes me feel good!
So, assuming that you're not a 25 year old who lives with his Mum, you work at Sainsburys for the sole reason that it allows you to have a better car than your colleagues?! Just get the car that suits your needs and that you like to drive, who cares what other people think about it?
Edited by MC Bodge on Sunday 5th August 09:52
how about one of these, lots of room, fast....ish 180bhp
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2012...
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2012...
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