Sporty Diesel under £3k?

[Johnny Barnes]

Hi, I’m looking to change my car next month. Currently have a 2003 Megane 1.6 petrol.

Had a VW Bora PDT DI 150 before this, however my situation changed in work – less miles so opted to get a “cheaper” car to run.

Strangely enough I’m lucky to get the same mpg doing same journeys as the Bora, and that’s with me driving a lot slower!

Anyway, my miles will be going back up so looking to get another diesel. Will get around £1500-1700 for mine and I’ll have up to £1500 to put on top so say £k or less. Currently like the look of these;

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2309084188...84.m1438.l2...

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/search/u...dy-type/sal...

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classifi...11rq?logcod...

First choice would be the Leon, as delivers more mpg and a lot less of these around (the 150 version). Question is, are there any others I should consider? Must have;

4/5 doors, saloon/hatchback
Quick, but no more than group 15 insurance
6 speed
Sub 140,000 miles

Thanks for any replies!

[Disco You]

I am surprised that you expected a megane 1.6 to be cheaper to run than a PD powered bora. If you want a cheap car to run, get something with the VAG 1.9 tdi. It's just the way to go.

The links you posted in the OP are all broken for me I am afraid.

[CaptainSlow]

Alfa 156 2.4JTD. That's what I bought.

[eltax91]

Octavia with a PD in? Mine will be up for sale soon, if this week's planned purchase goes right. It's 88k miles, elegance spec, has the PD 130 in it and it mechanically perfect. It'll go under your £3k budget I imagine, easy.

[rijmij99]

the fiat/alfa 1.9jtd unit is very impressive in the power to efficiency stakes. but i guess i'll just get shot down as everyone believes the hype about the unreliability of alfas

[Deanno1dad]

The early Skoda Fabia VRS will suffice..Not looked at prices but 54 plates cant be too far from 3k

[Johnny Barnes]

Always been told patrols are cheaper to run on short journeys? Obviously now I know that ain't the case!

First one was a Leon Cupra TDI 150, 2003. Other 2 we're BMW 320d 2003/4 138,000 on clock.

What other cars have the PD engine? Do mis that Bora!

Like the sound of the Skoda, won't be buying mine till Feb 25th at earliest though.

[Johnny Barnes]

rijmij99 said:

the fiat/alfa 1.9jtd unit is very impressive in the power to efficiency stakes. but i guess i'll just get shot down as everyone believes the hype about the unreliability of alfas

What models should I be looking at?

Re the Fabia, it's a bit too small (soon to have 3 kids) thanks all the same.

[Disco You]

rijmij99 said:

the fiat/alfa 1.9jtd unit is very impressive in the power to efficiency stakes. but i guess i'll just get shot down as everyone believes the hype about the unreliability of alfas

Or just knows that this engine (or rather its dual mass flywheel, and cooling system) like to throw up bills. In 9-3s and Vectras at least.

[C.A.R.]

Peugeot 406 2.0 HDi.

Ford Mondeo TDCi 130.

Cheap motoring. Peugeot is a firm favourite for cab drivers - if you're worried about reliability...

[C.A.R.]

anonymous said:

[redacted]

The 406 was popular because they're solid, reliable cars. Aside from some electrical niggles (which may or may not manifest themselves) they're good for 200k+

The probable reason for this is their simplicity, aside from an EGR system they have a solid flywheel, no silly DPF, variable turbo etc. they are BASIC. The 407 which replaced it was all-singing all-dancing. And it was crap by comparison.

I am obliged to say that is my opinion and not fact...!

[Johnny Barnes]

406 not really sporty though, I'm only 32 haha!

[C.A.R.]

406 Diesel, £1700 will buy you a 70-80k mile example. Stable, reliable.

£1300 will buy you a very nice MK1 Mx5 if it's sporty you want.

I know 2 cars isn't always practical, but at least both cars will be without compromise.

Oh, btw, a 406 is just-as sporty as a Bora/Golf....

[mikey P 500]

just sold my old leon cupra tdi for just under £3k. Was a very good car, and i would have another if I didnt get a company car.
One of the fastest diesels hatches around for that budget and a nice all round car to drive (no doubt similar to your old bora).

[Johnny Barnes]

How many miles did yours have, are they the PD engine too? What I like about them over the BMW's apart from mpg is there isn't that many of them about. Beautiful cars them.

2 cars not an option, my insurance is sky high as it is!

[mikey P 500]

think mine had about 127k when i sold it (only had it a year to fill a gap while my wife was off work on maternity leave) so prob covered about 12k in it with no problems other than a failed temp sensor (that cost about £30 to fix).
Might be tight with 3 children though.

[RP1]

How about a really nice example of a 306 HDI and enough change for a holiday? Cracking handling, decent poke and good economy.

[Johnny Barnes]

Not been in one yet but latest one due in a couple of months so should be alright (my eldest only with me on a weekend).

Not keen on 306 tbh, well not the 5 door one anyway. Had a 306 TD back in the day, was a beast!

[lightthefuse]

rijmij99 said:

the fiat/alfa 1.9jtd unit is very impressive in the power to efficiency stakes. but i guess i'll just get shot down as everyone believes the hype about the unreliability of alfas

Not by me, had that lump in a 1750kg 9-5... it did fantastically well in that barge. Great engine and wouldn't hesitate. EGR valves and swirl flap actuators being the weak spots, but think that's a common modern diesel thing.

Chipping it will get it on for 180hp too...

[joema]

How many miles do you do? If its short then servicing of modern diesels can soon out do the mpg savings. Spend a thousand on a focus st170 and enjoy shed motoring. 2k is a fair few miles in petrol.

If you opt for the pd go for the lower power versions. 150 has problems. But my brothers 115 has turbo problems....

I had a 156 2.4 20v diesel. Had good fuel economy, fast and a bargain but come service time things can get expensive. I was lucky. But suspension is a weak point on these.

Maybe a 147 diesel if you must.

Now have a larger petrol engine and missing the fuel economy of diesels a bit but not missing diesel noise!