BMW / VAG / Alfa Romeo Diesel 3-5k - Page 1 - Car Buying

Original Poster

10 posts

93 months

Wednesday 22nd July 2020

Looking for a new (old car) as i got bored of the 2 i already have. Narrowed it down to a diesel. Options are :

1) BMW 3 series (320D) - 2006-2010 (old 2006-2007 are said to be more reliable - newer ones are better value and have fewer miles)
2) VAG cars - Looking at Skoda Octavia 2 VRS, Seat Leon, Audi A3 or A4 (all 2007-2010) 2.0 TDI (not sure if the 140 or 170 BHP engine - and i don't really care as i can upgrade later on)
3) Alfa Romeo 159 - 1.9 or 2.0 Diesel - love the way it looks and it's in the same price bracket.

Can be any other sedan or larger hatch, 2.0 or smaller engine - 140-150 BHP min (with room to improve)

Now for the criteria :
- horsepower is no issue, all cars are in the same range and can be upgraded to a stage1 or stage 2 easily
- must be sporty (i like a stiffer suspension and nice handling) - the BMW clearly wins here but i'm not a fan of the badge so... the BMW is ok stock. the Octavia VRS has sporty suspension, the Seat Leon FR also has it. Not sure how about the standard A3 or A4 (does the S-Line have anything to do with suspension)? Suspension can be upgraded anyways so it won't be a problem - but having it done from the factory would be a plus
- must be quiet (i hate a noisy car) - not talking about the engine, but wind noise, sound insulation - stuff like that - which one is the most quiet?
- folding rear seats (not a must but would be great to have) - the hatchbacks have them, not sure about the A3, 3 Series or the 159

Extra questions :
- VAG cars - which one is the most quiet, is there a huge difference between the A3, A4 and Octavia?
- which one is the most reliable (engine / drive train related) : i know they all have issues with injectors and fuel pumps and stuff - i don't plan on doing more than 35k miles in this car (2-3 yrs), so if it's good when i buy it and it lasts for 30-40k, then that's what i need.
- most of them have around 100-150k miles (i don't mind an old car, my lexus is turning 250k in a few days) - if it has been properly serviced and maintained, they should last - i'm going to get the car properly inspected before i buy - but which one ages without too many expensive flaws?

stevemcs

10,263 posts

122 months

Wednesday 22nd July 2020

Your looking at a 10-13 year old used car, none of them are going to be trouble free. BMW's still have the risk of timing chain, EGR valves and DPFs as well has turbos

VAG cars, all of the above plus you will no doubt need a cambelt and pump change, clutch and flywheel are week - even more so if you remap. Brake calipers seize, A4s eat front suspension, and shock absorbers leak.

Personally you would get a newer better car if you looked at a focus or Astra

If it has to be out of those 3 for reliability - mechanically it would be Alfa, BMW, VW for me.

Original Poster

10 posts

93 months

Wednesday 22nd July 2020

stevemcs said:

Thanks for your input.

Yea, that's what i was afraid of regarding the BMW - timing chain, EGR and also the turbo (plus the fuel pump and injectors).
With the VAG cars - cambelt and pump change are not an issue (stuff i can do myself - i'm into cars, i have the tools and the parts are not that expensive). The clutch is also cheap(ish) - but the flywheel, yea i heard they go bad and they're kinda expensive. Shocks and bushings are ok to replace - not a problem in terms of work or parts.

Don't like the astra (or the insignia) - as for the ford, not sure if the engine what i want (if i can get it around 170 horses, then yes, a focus would be an good option too).

clockworks

7,602 posts

174 months

Wednesday 22nd July 2020

I've owned (or had as company cars) quite a few diesels over the last 20 years.
Only 2 have ever impressed me:

Vauxhall Vectra with the 1.9 common rail engine. fast enough, never went wrong in over 120k miles, and was a revelation as my first decently powerful small diesel.

BMW 525 E61 with the "small turbo" 3 litre 6. Very smooth and quiet for a diesel, and fast enough to overtake other cars. The VAG 3 litre V6 I had in a Touareg was more powerful, but not as smooth and effortless.

Given the choice, I'd always take petrol now - unless it was a BMW 6 pot, or a massive SUV.

stevemcs

10,263 posts

122 months

Wednesday 22nd July 2020

These should go over 200bhp

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2009-Ford-Mondeo-2-2-TD...

ZX10R NIN

30,514 posts

154 months

Wednesday 22nd July 2020

Original Poster

10 posts

93 months

Wednesday 22nd July 2020

not sure if i mentioned this :
- engine must be 2.0 or smaller
- must have 4/5 doors

ZX10R NIN

30,514 posts

154 months

Wednesday 22nd July 2020

Original Poster

10 posts

93 months

Wednesday 22nd July 2020

thanks for the options :

- the mercs are great, however all the diesel engines are larger than 2.0
- i hate vauxhalls (decent cars, but don't know why i hate them)
- the mondeo is simply too big for my needs

the laguna GT looks interesting - owned a megane 3 and it was dead silent at speed, decent handling - so this might me an option...

ZX10R NIN

30,514 posts

154 months

Wednesday 22nd July 2020

In that case the Giulietta or Laguna's are the pick.

stevemcs

10,263 posts

122 months