Help me decide what to buy!
Discussion
I need a 2nd hand diesel car which will keep me reasonably safe and comfortable for 25000 miles per year, but has a bit of character and some mild sporting pretensions. It's got to be a diesel.
I'm considering a Jaguar X-type or an Alfa JTD. I have about £7500 to spend, maybe a little more. What do you think?
I'm considering a Jaguar X-type or an Alfa JTD. I have about £7500 to spend, maybe a little more. What do you think?
I was in the same boat and bought a 156 JTD. It's a facelift one with the 2.4 multijet engine - makes a surprisingly nice noise for a diesel, great spread of torque, cruises nicely too. The 1.9 is a bit more economical and slightly cheaper.
For that money you'll have plenty of 2004/2005 cars to choose from, especially if you want a saloon rather than sportwagon. I spent a bit more for my 2004, but it is a sportwagon, Veloce, and does have the rather nice sports leather (recaro) interior.
For that money you'll have plenty of 2004/2005 cars to choose from, especially if you want a saloon rather than sportwagon. I spent a bit more for my 2004, but it is a sportwagon, Veloce, and does have the rather nice sports leather (recaro) interior.
I've put 3 people into the 2.4 JTD and all off them say they will never sell them due to the mix of economy, power and sportiness.
I personally like the 1.9 multijet facelift model as it seems to be a great all rounder to but with more economy.
Having said that my wife has a 2005 facelift 1.8 petrol which surprised me as to how nippy it is and returns around 36mpg.
I personally like the 1.9 multijet facelift model as it seems to be a great all rounder to but with more economy.
Having said that my wife has a 2005 facelift 1.8 petrol which surprised me as to how nippy it is and returns around 36mpg.
My first Alfa was an Alfa 156 JTD.
They really are superb, the steering turn in/feel is unbelievable (I have driven a number of BMW's, Mercs e.t.c - they just dont have the same feel!!!)
I had the very first 2.4 JTD 136BHP version, and the engine had bags of torque, was quite a high revver, and sounded surprisingly good ! (like a bear roaring).
The rest of the car is lovely(improved dash in 02/03, then the body facelift in 04). I had a Alfa 156 2.0 JTS 2005 after this one, which had the facelift body and interior...and that was even more stunning !, though still prefer the back end of the first series.
Only problem - you become an Alfa addict, and end up with one of their cars with the gorgeous Alfa V6 engine (as I have learnt!) hehe
They really are superb, the steering turn in/feel is unbelievable (I have driven a number of BMW's, Mercs e.t.c - they just dont have the same feel!!!)
I had the very first 2.4 JTD 136BHP version, and the engine had bags of torque, was quite a high revver, and sounded surprisingly good ! (like a bear roaring).
The rest of the car is lovely(improved dash in 02/03, then the body facelift in 04). I had a Alfa 156 2.0 JTS 2005 after this one, which had the facelift body and interior...and that was even more stunning !, though still prefer the back end of the first series.
Only problem - you become an Alfa addict, and end up with one of their cars with the gorgeous Alfa V6 engine (as I have learnt!) hehe
The jag is really just a facelifted mondeo - the alfa feels a bit special. Mate of mine has a 2.4 JTD which he had a few snags with (serves him right for buying off the cuff knowing there were problems with the turbo).
Buy a good one and you really won't regret it and will spread the word.
Buy a good one and you really won't regret it and will spread the word.
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