What car under 4.5k, coupe/ nice hatch, diesel, reliable???

[digger_R]

I've completely run of ideas and I have a few days to buy a car if I'm going to change my E39 in the next 6 months.
So I'm looking for ideas - I'd prefer something coupe like, I've owned a dc2 multiple E39 BMWs and would like something diesel.
I don't do too much mileage but it's nearly 40 cents per liter cheaper in Europaland where I do a lot of driving.

I'd prefer something reliable, other than a BMW 330cd there is really nothing that comes to mind, so I'm throwing this out to the PH masses.
It doesn't have to be the last bastion of driving pleasure but something that is not as dull as ditchwater would please me

So give me an idea of what to spunk my hard earned on!

[k15tox]

If you really must go diesel, id say a 330cd but for your budget your going to get a leggy one.

Plenty of hatches to choose from,

Golfs, Astra's, Etc.

Id put in a shout for an Alfa GT for a coupe, plenty around your budget. And pretty reliable. (loads 100k plus)

Bought mine last year and its been great, not exactly the ultimate driving machine, but it handles ok, well screwed together, looks good and economical.

Mines for sale atm, around your budget.

But theres plenty too choose from just make sure the 'important things' have been done. (belts water pump)

[digger_R]

Alfa GT was the only one that could tempt me away from the BMW - coming from the E39, nearly 5 bags seems a lot for an E46!

Any links to look up common issues with them and what I should be looking out for?

[k15tox]

digger_R said:

Alfa GT was the only one that could tempt me away from the BMW - coming from the E39, nearly 5 bags seems a lot for an E46!

Any links to look up common issues with them and what I should be looking out for?

If you go on Alfa Owner common problems are on there.

There all minor bar the cambelt and water pump. (make sure its been changed) although failure seems to affect the petrols more. Its the same engine used in Astra's and Sabb's.

EGR valve.
Perished turbo hoses.
Wishbones.
Creaky doors.

Apart from that there pretty solid. Return around 40mpg round town 50 on a run.

Edited by k15tox on Wednesday 4th April 16:20

[digger_R]

Anyone else care to throw in their two pence worth?

Am really short on ideas here!

[stinkysteve]

Leon Cupra Diesel?

[StottyZr]

Fabia VRS with a remap

[PaperCut]

Alfa GT would have been my suggestion too. Great cars.

How about a Mercedes CLK 270 CDi Coupe?

They are actually quite reliable and sound, as long as you get on with service history. Top of the budget for a good one, but there are plenty of 04/05 models with average miles.

Alternatively theres the C-Class Sport Coupe with the 220 CDi? More of a hatch/coupe.

[crostonian]

I'd go for the GT, check for evidence of recent cambelt/water pump change or allow £300 to get it done at an indy. Rest is just common sense get the tidiest car you can find as there are a few sruffy ones out there. Leather and 17" alloys best for resale, silver and light blue be the cheapest. Avoid 18" alloys, they ruin the ride, tramline and create a lot of road noise. The earlier JTD badged cars as opposed to JTDm badged cars seem to be more reliable as they have a simpler emmissions control system so works better for you on your budget.