One doth need a new motor (another what car thread....!)

[haddock82]

Ok so one of my fun cars has now gone (leaving me with 1 in the garage)

So i'm now on the look out for a new motor

Budget is pretty limited though! Up to £1250

Needs to be:

- Comfy
- Capable of long distance if needed
- Will be mainly used for 15 mile (each way) commute to work
- Ideally something that'll hit 35mpg(ish)
- I prefer larger saloon type cars

Any ideas?

I've been offered an MG ZT 1.8T, 2005, 120k for under £900 - these any good? I'd prefer the diesel version of the ZT i think, but they are a bit more dosh!

Not too bothered about travelling if it's the right car, obviously the more local the better (i'm near Cambs)

Hit me with your best shot! :-)

[parabolica]

ZT always seems to get well rated regardless of what engine is in it. A Saab 9-5 would also fit the bill; reckon the 2.3 LPT would get 35 easily; even the Aero would get there (or thereabouts).

[billzeebub]

Saab 9-3/9-5

[haddock82]

hmm do like the Saabs and oddly the insurance on them is slightly cheaper than the ZT

Not sure i like the interior of the Saab as much though...

Def worth a shout though

[haddock82]

Whats the 9-3 diesel like?

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2014...

[parabolica]

The 2.2 (Isuzu I think) was well past its prime even when the car was new - slow (120bhp) and noisy, but bullet proof I understand. The 1.9 is more modern/refined but comes with the usual diesel issues. They did a 3l V6 diesel in the 95 though - quite a rare beast.

[haddock82]

There are a couple of the 3.0L diesel on Autotrader

Any views on Passats?

Mainly had VAG cars so i'm not adverse to getting another

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/v...

[Fattyfat]

parabolica said:

ZT always seems to get well rated regardless of what engine is in it. A Saab 9-5 would also fit the bill; reckon the 2.3 LPT would get 35 easily; even the Aero would get there (or thereabouts).

Nope. I've owned both a 2.0LPT and a 2.3LPT and 32 was a realistic figure for the 2.0, about 27 for the 2.3. Pretty crap really but the flipside is they are super comfy and cheap to buy. My 3.0 Alfa is working out at a tank average of 28mpg as a comparison.

[haddock82]

this looks good value too even if it is that 2.2 engine

I'm not overly fussed about it being fast, just comfortable for cruising :-)

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/s...

[haddock82]

Well.....

After not a lot of deliberating...!

and a nice test drive

i got this for a princely £849

1.8 T - Just had new turbo, new Head Gasket, New Cambelt, 2 tyres, New Clutch hydraulics and clutch bearing, new front suspension arms, full service and FSH....

Hopefully a billy bargain!