Buying a diesel for the first time

[Toyoda]

Having always been a petrolheader I'm leaning more towards a diesel for my next car as I'd like something that returns a decent MPG for my roughly 12k annual commute, whilst still providing a bit of poke.

Looking at spending £10k max, ideally less, for a mid sized hatch and frontrunners include the "warmer" diesel offerings of Focus, Leon, V40 , Guilietta but I'm welcome for any recommendations or anything with a little bit of driving excitement. Not a fan of Audi or BMW or Minis. Are any of those listed above known for being particularly problematic e.g. with DPFs etc, as I remember for example Toyota's D4D being known for problems, plus VAG's dieselgate recalls resulting in power losses.

I suppose an average MPG of 45 or better would be the aim. The 12k a year is a mix of approx 1 third motorway miles, 2 thirds A/B roads, with a bit of city driving. If there's a decent petrol option that would achieve that then I'd be happy to stick with petrol!

Edited by Toyoda on Monday 6th January 14:41

[ZX10R NIN]

Firstly if you're looking at a Leon then you might as well include the Golf/A3/Octavia as they all share the same platform & drivetrain.

If you want a good handling diesel hatch then the Focus in ST-1/2 form is the pick of the bunch but they're right at the top of your price point, you'll have to haggle hard.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Another very worthy alternative is the 308 in GT 180 form:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

The one below is very cheap so do your checks but could turn out to be an absolute bargain:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Giulieta Veloce/Sportiva/Exclusive 175

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

DS5 Sport 175

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Astra GTC Limited Edition

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

D4 V40 R Design Lux 190

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Leftfield:

Q50 Sport

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

[Toyoda]

Thanks for those suggestions. Should have mentioned I'm looking at manual only but even so there's some good options there. Giulietta or Focus looks like the pick of the pack to me!

[ZX10R NIN]

For me it would be the ST/308 GT (I know they're auto but you should try one) they're a very good steer, then the (they're 150 in manual form) Giulietta.