Can I do any better than what I have?
Discussion
A thinly veiled what car, I know!
I love my Alfa 159, it feels very PH, it averages 45 to the gallon, it's punchy and very comforthable. All this in a diesel.
The downside, is looming bills - come January, it's due cambelt, major service and I'm likely to do tyres and brakes too, as they're getting low and I do a lot of miles. It's turning to 70k which isn't too bad and it's 5 years old.
I've set aside 2-3k to get everything done - this also includes emergency money for things like DPF/EGR issues, common gearbox problems and other modern diesel horrors.
So, can I do any better with the money available? My car is worth 5k, and I have 3k on top. I'd like petrol, less chance of vast expense for component failure, I need similar MPG, so 40-45 combined, I'd like leather (though this isn't essential), it has to be 5 door with a reasonable boot, yes I'm a parent, but no, I don't need a 4x4 or estate. Yearly mileage is 15k.
TL;DR? 8k to spend, comfortable, 45mpg, preferable sub 10 second to 60, but reliability > performance, 5 door, preferably petrol and I'd like some PH points, I do enjoy cars.
The best I've come up with is a 2007/8 Civic 1.8 Vtec (yo), I've found a handful with leather, panoramic roof, they do 44 MPG and by all accounts are nice handling.
I love my Alfa 159, it feels very PH, it averages 45 to the gallon, it's punchy and very comforthable. All this in a diesel.
The downside, is looming bills - come January, it's due cambelt, major service and I'm likely to do tyres and brakes too, as they're getting low and I do a lot of miles. It's turning to 70k which isn't too bad and it's 5 years old.
I've set aside 2-3k to get everything done - this also includes emergency money for things like DPF/EGR issues, common gearbox problems and other modern diesel horrors.
So, can I do any better with the money available? My car is worth 5k, and I have 3k on top. I'd like petrol, less chance of vast expense for component failure, I need similar MPG, so 40-45 combined, I'd like leather (though this isn't essential), it has to be 5 door with a reasonable boot, yes I'm a parent, but no, I don't need a 4x4 or estate. Yearly mileage is 15k.
TL;DR? 8k to spend, comfortable, 45mpg, preferable sub 10 second to 60, but reliability > performance, 5 door, preferably petrol and I'd like some PH points, I do enjoy cars.
The best I've come up with is a 2007/8 Civic 1.8 Vtec (yo), I've found a handful with leather, panoramic roof, they do 44 MPG and by all accounts are nice handling.
Given your criteria, you could save yourself about £6k and downgrade to an Alfa 156 2.4JTD.
Less worries about component failure, 40-45mpg, most have leather, family friendly etc.
Although given your set of circumstances, I would stick with the 159. Better the devil you know! I suspect you are just a little bored with the 159 and getting itchy feet!
Mike
Less worries about component failure, 40-45mpg, most have leather, family friendly etc.
Although given your set of circumstances, I would stick with the 159. Better the devil you know! I suspect you are just a little bored with the 159 and getting itchy feet!
Mike
I am not bored, no itchy feet, I truly adore the Alfa.
Let me come clean - After a recent minor repair at the dealership, they suggested a very light whine at speed is likely to be an early indicator of worn bearings in the gearbox, and that within a year, it'll need attention.
Their quote (main dealer) 3.5k for new 'box, or 2k for 2nd hand one.
With this in mind, does what weigh the scales differently? I can fix it, within my emergency budget, but factor in cambelt, tyres, brakes, service and potential recon'd box and all my money is gone - my dilema, is should I throw said fund at another car.
Family/friends (all A-B car types) say get rid, too much potential for horror, me, I want to keep her!
Let me come clean - After a recent minor repair at the dealership, they suggested a very light whine at speed is likely to be an early indicator of worn bearings in the gearbox, and that within a year, it'll need attention.
Their quote (main dealer) 3.5k for new 'box, or 2k for 2nd hand one.
With this in mind, does what weigh the scales differently? I can fix it, within my emergency budget, but factor in cambelt, tyres, brakes, service and potential recon'd box and all my money is gone - my dilema, is should I throw said fund at another car.
Family/friends (all A-B car types) say get rid, too much potential for horror, me, I want to keep her!
As above, get 2nd opinion on gearbox whine and if its confirmed then why not trade in for a newer and lower mileage 159.
If not then I reckon all the work you will need will be no more than £1200 from a decent indie. Go on some indie websites, they give fixed price costings on things like cambelt, brakes etc..
Lookling at your profile you will lose nearly £2k since you bought the car last August. have you factored in that?
If not then I reckon all the work you will need will be no more than £1200 from a decent indie. Go on some indie websites, they give fixed price costings on things like cambelt, brakes etc..
Lookling at your profile you will lose nearly £2k since you bought the car last August. have you factored in that?
Brakes, you can get the parts for about £200, £300 tops and learn how to do them, they are so easy, its like doing Lego, just with more dust and swearing.
Cambelt, what, £300
Tyres * 4 £600
Gearbox, common box, shared with Vauxhalls and other stuff, might be worth getting the oil changed and also ont hat one I think it is recommended that less oil is put back in which improves the shift quality, to preserve it, dont batter it from a standstill (not saying you do) or throw all the torque at it all the time, I have had boxes last indefinitely with various noises, have had noises come and go.
You seem to be assuming it will hammer your wallet, garages pick up on this and it becomes a self fulfilling prophecy.
I reckon a grand could cover what is needed, whatever you buy may still need money spending fairly soon.
Cambelt, what, £300
Tyres * 4 £600
Gearbox, common box, shared with Vauxhalls and other stuff, might be worth getting the oil changed and also ont hat one I think it is recommended that less oil is put back in which improves the shift quality, to preserve it, dont batter it from a standstill (not saying you do) or throw all the torque at it all the time, I have had boxes last indefinitely with various noises, have had noises come and go.
You seem to be assuming it will hammer your wallet, garages pick up on this and it becomes a self fulfilling prophecy.
I reckon a grand could cover what is needed, whatever you buy may still need money spending fairly soon.
Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff