Family Hatch, Saloon or a small estate diesel under £3000

[BecauseDervCar]

The initial message was deleted from this topic on 18 March 2014 at 18:41

[Matt UK]

BecauseDervCar said:

Golf 4 pd130 but im struggling to find a low mileage example

Hi Tom, welcome to PH

I think you are on the right lines with the pd130 engine - good mix of reliability, mpg and shove.

But Golfs are sought after - your OP says saloon, so have a look at the Passat or in particular the Bora. Less sought after, lower prices.

[BecauseDervCar]

I find the passat a bit gutless, and really boring, only 21 so trying my best to avoid a 1.6 zafira, personally I would love a Bora but the mrs is threatening me with a testicle removal over one of these, long story, but I've always had a soft spot for them, especially with the GLi bumpers or whatever the american fancy spec was called, we've not long sold our toy, a b16 ej9 running some nice mods, but I suppose I wouldnt be no good dad being wrapped round a tree and that car encouraged an asbo worthy behaviour lol, I do know that the pd130 can be quite frugal when mapped, just thinking if there is any gems I've missed while on the hunt for the new car

[Matt UK]

Octavia?

I think that the best way to get 'value' is to identify the oily bits that appeal and then work out what they are installed in which is 'not a mainstream option' (like the Golf).

There is then less demand and prices are softer.

[Sensibleboy]

What sort of miles are you doing? Local short runs? Or longer distance?

If you are doing short runs a simple 1.6 petrol engine is most cars (Focus/Astra/Golf etc) is perfectly adequate and is cheaper than a diesel. Likely to be cheaper In the long run overall too.

A 5 door 1.6 Civic could be ideal.

[Hell27]

What's wrong with the focus? Great family car.

[BecauseDervCar]

its got to be a diesel, last year I've done 25k without any major trips, and as for the focus its time to part with it, I've considered a bigger engined variant but wouldnt mind a change as being 6'1" the high seating position of the focus isnt the best