306 hdi replacement?

[MMA4life]

Hi all
I have 2k in savings at the moment, and looking at getting a new car to replace the current 306 2l Hdi.
It must be diesel, relatively cheap insurance (1 years NCB), 5 doors. Ive looked at a mk1 Fabia Vrs which look good ( 1.9 Tdi, 130hp, 228lb/ ft torque). What others would be a suitable replacement?
Cheers

[Pentoman]

Well this really depends on what you (think you) want. Do you like the 306? What do you like about it? Do you fancy a change? Do you have any other requirements than the above?

[eltax91]

Octavia. That's what I did. It's amazing how much less time I spend fixing the daily.

[MMA4life]

Pentoman said:

Well this really depends on what you (think you) want. Do you like the 306? What do you like about it? Do you fancy a change? Do you have any other requirements than the above?

I dont mind it, but feel it is a bit lagging in terms of power and refinement compared to some of the newer diesels. I do like how it handles, and that it sits fairly low (no modifications btw, just how it sits normally)
Erm... can either be FWD or RWD (AWD would be nice though) could stretch bit more on the money to 2.5k-3k. Engine size up to 2.5l (as long as will be half decent on insurance still), age? preferably something 2002 onwards.

[iangex]

If it is mainly power issues, a remap may cure them. Having been in both standard and remapped versions, a remap makes a BIG difference.

[VolvoT5]

MMA4life said:

I dont mind it, but feel it is a bit lagging in terms of power and refinement compared to some of the newer diesels. I do like how it handles, and that it sits fairly low (no modifications btw, just how it sits normally)
Erm... can either be FWD or RWD (AWD would be nice though) could stretch bit more on the money to 2.5k-3k. Engine size up to 2.5l (as long as will be half decent on insurance still), age? preferably something 2002 onwards.

The VAG 1.9 TDIs certainly have more power (130 or 150 options available), but they are anything but refined and doubt they handle as well as the 306 either.

Not sure I would want to swap a working car for a sub 3k diesel; could be hiding many issues. But if you are keen to change then what about an Ibiza, Leon or Toledo TDI cupra/sport.

[hotmelt]

Stick and invest in 306 hdi, you will not find anything better, and 2.0 hdi is known for its longevity too.

[roscopervis]

I've just changed from a 306 HDi to PD130 Seat Leon. This handles better than I expected and no worse than the HDi. It is more refined, less rattly and overall is a better car. MPG is a bit down, about 4 I'd say but it's better on the motorway with the long 6th gear.

I'm more than happy with the change.

[300bhp/ton]

MMA4life said:

Hi all
I have 2k in savings at the moment, and looking at getting a new car to replace the current 306 2l Hdi.
It must be diesel, relatively cheap insurance (1 years NCB), 5 doors. Ive looked at a mk1 Fabia Vrs which look good ( 1.9 Tdi, 130hp, 228lb/ ft torque). What others would be a suitable replacement?
Cheers

ok, some obvious but often overlooked questions:

1. Why must it be diesel? Is there any reason (the sound, the power delivery, etc.), or are you working to a fuel budget? If so, what is it? Or rather how many miles per month and how much ? I ask as it might be likely that there are many petrol powered cars that might do the job for the same fuel costs. Remember diesel is on average 10p litre more than petrol.

2. Why 5 doors? Is there a need for this? If so to do what and is a compact hatchback really the best answer if you are lugging people about in it often?

3. Are you looking at 2k all in? What's you're upper and lower budget to look at?

4. Is there anything you want or desire from a car?

[RizzoTheRat]

eltax91 said:

Octavia. That's what I did. It's amazing how much less time I spend fixing the daily.

Same here, when the 306 started leaking coolant in to the drivers footwell. The Octavia's quite a bit bigger than the 306 though.