25, need advice on sub 2k fairly economical nippy Diesel!

[ZX10R NIN]

If you're now looking at a bigger car now then the MG ZT is a good shout with it's detuned (a map should see you upto around 140bhp) BMW 2.0d engine:

MG ZT 63k

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

MG ZT 70k 135bhp model

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

Mondeo 2.2d Titanium X 67k

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

[Mcluvinyamom]

I haven't seen anything that screams " buy me now!!!" So il keep looking, I'm literally addicted to finding new cars lol

[Defconluke]

As suggested before, anything with the PD130 lump will be ideal.

The Polo GT is a bit more of a plain Jane compared to the Fabia VRS, the Ibiza FR is best in facelifted guise as you get smarter bumpers, a few nicer touches on the inside and an aux in on the stereo. You've also got the Bora which comes in Highline spec if you want something with leather and more traditional 3 box saloon shape. Most places can remap them with ease and parts can be had reasonably cheaply.


A slightly left field choice would be an Alfa Romeo 147 with the 1.9 JTDM unit - for me they were significantly more to insure but the looks almost swayed it.

[Mcluvinyamom]

I would love the 147 it's a beaut, do they suffer with reliability issues?

[Willy Nilly]

Mcluvinyamom said:

I haven't seen anything that screams " buy me now!!!" So il keep looking, I'm literally addicted to finding new cars lol

You've got 2 thousand pounds to spend, you can't be too picky.

Petrol and Japanese is your friend.

[Mcluvinyamom]

Why would I spend 2k on something I don't want? I can be as picky as I like.

[TooLateForAName]

I looked at accords a while ago - lots with clutchs / flywheels gone. very common on the 2.2 apparently.

[mcg_]

Lupo TDI with open air roof.

Edit: This looks decent http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Volkswagen-Lupo-1-4TDI-P...

Sure people will laugh, I used to have a 1.4 sport which was 100bhp, it had a set of coilovers, new cat back exhaust and a GTI interior, I loved it ha

Edited by mcg_ on Monday 3rd July 11:02

[MorganP104]

For £1,500-£2,000 and DERV-flavoured, I'd say the best bang for your buck will be with the Spaniards.

That's right, an oil burning SEAT. Lots about, some hotter than others, most fairly nice looking.

As an added bonus, SEAT has a reasonably youthful image, and their cars handle as well as anything from the VAG stable.

Also, remapping/tuning possibilities are endless (again, the benefit of being VAG-based).

[JS2808]

Skoda Fabia VRS. I bought one 2 months ago, 100k miles, full service history and it had just had waterpump and belt change. £1500. Buy private and haggle hard, mine was advertised for £2k.

[Mcluvinyamom]

What about a civic diesel 2.2 with 140k and fsh? Are they expensive to maintain?

[dionbee93]

For that sort of budget I'd be looking at two types of cars:

1st would be a 1.9 pd VAG group car, polo, fabia, golf, ibiza etc. Maybe even buy for a little less and map upto 150/160 bhp for a bit of poke. The PD engines are very good (bombproof nearly) if you look after them. Check out suspension/bush play and arms etc.

Second option would be around 54 plate/2005 BMW 320D compact e46 or similar age. Very good cars for the price.

Dion