Quick diesel hatchback for less than 4k

[arkeye]

Currently looking for something to replace my st170 as my commute just increased somewhat. I've been looking at 3 cars so far:

Audi a3 2.0tdi 140bhp
Golf gt tdi 140bhp
Seat Leon sport (can't remember which 'mk' it is) 140bhp
Or the older Leon FR/cupra 150bhp

All these can be remapped to around 180bhp

I need a hatchback as I do a lot of mountain biking and it's nice to be able to get the bike in the back and all my gear. I do want it to be fairly quick and do plan on remapping what ever I buy but at the moment anything is better than the 25mpg I'm currently getting from my ST and I can't justify giving the government £285 a year tax

[Burrito]

Go with a Golf GT 170 and don't bother with the remap, which will probably stuff your insurance.

[arkeye]

Reckon I'll be pushed getting a 170 for my budget. Plus does the 170 have issues with injectors? This is why I was thinking of the 140 and remapping,.

Insurance isn't really an issue being over 30

[Baryonyx]

Does it have to be a hatchback? Why not an estate if load space is your thing?

[Swoxy]

My cousin is selling his Astra 1.9 CDTi SRi 150 for £4,250.

[arkeye]

Baryonyx it does really, estate is too big for daily driving, I prefer smaller cars plus the wife has the bigger car if need be

[Upatdawn]

why a diesel? whats your annual mileage?

[Welshbeef]

Fabia vRS mk1 LE 1.9 TDI 130 bhp


Next.

[Burrito]

arkeye said:

Reckon I'll be pushed getting a 170 for my budget. Plus does the 170 have issues with injectors? This is why I was thinking of the 140 and remapping,.

Insurance isn't really an issue being over 30

Good point on the cost.

My insurance was over double with my e91 remapped (over 30).

[Welshbeef]

Leon Cupra TDI 150 bhp 1.9

[arkeye]

I just like diesels, the way they drive, cheaper road tax etc. tuneability. I do roughly 14k a year

[arkeye]

Leon cupra 150 is nice but around 100k miles and 3.5 - 4k price tag or audi a3 same miles and 3 - 3.5k. Think I'd take the audi ?

[Duke147]

Alfa 147 Ducati Corse... 1.9 JTD engine, 170BHP and manages nigh on 50 mpg on the motorway. My old one averaged about 37.77mpg in mixed driving conditions and a heavy right foot... Her new owner is somewhat lighter footed and is averaging 50...

[arkeye]

I really like that Alfa however over budget I'm afraid

[Duke147]

There is a 150BHP version of the 147 which, I think, can be acquired for less because it isn't a special edition...

[Burrito]

Mondeo ST TDCi?
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/f...

[Uncle John]

Yep just picked up a 147 JTDm Lusso for just over 3k. Mines 8v and 120 brake but only 12lb/ft down on the 16v, remaps to 150 if you really want to however pulls really well as you know it's the torque that these things thrive on.

Drives like an Alfa should, terrier like handling and the engine loves to rev and sounds half decent as well!

Lovely place to be, leather, climate, comfy ride.

Overall a good looking fun little car that can cruise all day long at 80 mph/50 mpg.

Edited by Uncle John on Wednesday 9th July 22:38

[arkeye]

I do like the Alfa. Do they have any reliability issues that the older ones are known for?

[Mr SFJ]

Fiat Grande Punto Sporting JTDM?

rapid enough everyday, and with a few tweaks is pretty fast, and judging on the Fiat Forum, not a lot of problems post map.

[Bradley1500]

Welshbeef said:

Fabia vRS mk1 LE 1.9 TDI 130 bhp


Next.

This.

With a remap circa 170bhp and 280ft lbs. Quick enough, fantastic MPG and the PD130 engines are bullet proof.