£4k budget, diesel estate with high spec.
Discussion
I'm looking to get a cheaper motor to free up some cash for a house renovation and so I'm looking at the potential of an estate with good load space and a decent amount of extras.
Current commute is 90 miles but shift work so about 13-15k a year. If it can tow and is a good car, then it may mean I'll keep it a bit longer as planning to buy a caravan within 18 months.
Looked the obvious German stuff A4 S Line, 3 series E9x, Mondeo Titanium, Honda Accord tourers, Volvo V50 Sport and Passat R Line. Not so keen on the idea of anything French of that vintage, certainly nothing Italian.
Previously I've always bought with less than 70k on the clock, often with less than 50k but this purchase is likely going to be with over 100k on the clock. Am I overly worrying about mileage? I'll buy on condition, I like private sales as you can see where you're buying it from but that seems to be pretty rare now.
Anything I really need to consider or avoid?
Current commute is 90 miles but shift work so about 13-15k a year. If it can tow and is a good car, then it may mean I'll keep it a bit longer as planning to buy a caravan within 18 months.
Looked the obvious German stuff A4 S Line, 3 series E9x, Mondeo Titanium, Honda Accord tourers, Volvo V50 Sport and Passat R Line. Not so keen on the idea of anything French of that vintage, certainly nothing Italian.
Previously I've always bought with less than 70k on the clock, often with less than 50k but this purchase is likely going to be with over 100k on the clock. Am I overly worrying about mileage? I'll buy on condition, I like private sales as you can see where you're buying it from but that seems to be pretty rare now.
Anything I really need to consider or avoid?
OP - just wondering why you are going specifically diesel?
I'm in same boat as you for our second car to double as a low-miles family hack and occasional tow car for our small caravan.
Everything diesel I've looked at of a similar vintage has scared me with potentially costly DPF and/or turbo issues. I've come to the conclusion that petrol, although more expensive at the pumps, will be a lot less of a headache in terms of total running costs. Especially so when expected VED changes come in for diesels.
Only trouble is that because of the widespread popularity of diesel in this sector in the last 10 years, petrol versions are much less prevalent on the used market.
I'm in same boat as you for our second car to double as a low-miles family hack and occasional tow car for our small caravan.
Everything diesel I've looked at of a similar vintage has scared me with potentially costly DPF and/or turbo issues. I've come to the conclusion that petrol, although more expensive at the pumps, will be a lot less of a headache in terms of total running costs. Especially so when expected VED changes come in for diesels.
Only trouble is that because of the widespread popularity of diesel in this sector in the last 10 years, petrol versions are much less prevalent on the used market.
Not fussed about nav, I would like cruise and a decent sound system plus full electrics. Sunroof and heated leather a bonus.
Purely looked at diesel as petrol engines generally don't have the torque for pulling caravans as well. I'm looking at around 1350kg of caravan so not overly heavy.
Purely looked at diesel as petrol engines generally don't have the torque for pulling caravans as well. I'm looking at around 1350kg of caravan so not overly heavy.
Chicken Chaser said:
Not fussed about nav, I would like cruise and a decent sound system plus full electrics. Sunroof and heated leather a bonus.
Purely looked at diesel as petrol engines generally don't have the torque for pulling caravans as well. I'm looking at around 1350kg of caravan so not overly heavy.
Yup my SAAB has full heated leather, cruise, and 10 speaker harman kardon. Purely looked at diesel as petrol engines generally don't have the torque for pulling caravans as well. I'm looking at around 1350kg of caravan so not overly heavy.
Check out a Jag XType estate. Smart looking, lots of toys if you get Sport Premium or Soverign spec and diesels last for ages. People slate them for Mondeo chassis and engine - that means its a really good car to drive. I owned a 2.2d XType saloon for 6 years and sold it on to my mate. 130k on it and still going strong.
Mammasaid said:
I was looking at Volvo V50 diesels in the 60-80k miles ballpark but was very much put off by this threadhttps://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=13...
That said, there are videos on YouTube to show how the DIY-er might do it (70 quid for an official kit from Volvo) but it looks a right ballache without access to a proper lift, probably one of those jobs best left to the indys.
Having never owned a modern diesel all of these nuances - DPF issues, some horror stories on Dual Mass Flywheels etc really put me off a diesel of this miles as a used buy. Just my fears of course - I could be looking at worst cases.
Edited by PurpleTurtle on Wednesday 16th August 17:54
I can recommend one of these E270/320d Avantgarde they come loaded with kit the straight 5/6 & 5 speed box are pretty much bulletproof a map will see them in the mid 40's on the motorway & will tow with ease.
E320 85k
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...
C220 Sport 90k
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...
C270 Avantgarde SE this would be my pick out of the C Classes:
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...
Insignia Elite 2.0d Auto 90k
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...
E320 85k
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...
C220 Sport 90k
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...
C270 Avantgarde SE this would be my pick out of the C Classes:
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...
Insignia Elite 2.0d Auto 90k
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...
Edited by ZX10R NIN on Wednesday 16th August 20:30
I just found a great car on Auto Trader:
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...
I just found a great car on Auto Trader:
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...
I just found a great car on Auto Trader:
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...
Higher spec versions do come up and the old hdi is a reliable unit, hence all the minicabs back in the day
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