Is there an obvious automatic version of our current car?

[mikeyr]

Hi all - currently have a high mileage '09 Civic 2.2CDTI which does everything need of it (reliable, enough space for dogs/humans, not too big). It might not be a fun drive but the engine is great and it is well screwed together.

Might need a car for commuting (c3 days a week, 28 miles each way, 35 minute drive when quiet, mainly dual carriageway, quite hilly - likely to become less in the future as more working from home potential). Don't really want to spend much more than £2k on something and the Civic would be perfect BUT an automatic would be less stress for those days when it's all snarled up and crawling.

Assumed there was going to be loads of auto diesel civics of that age. But nope. None. Did they REALLY not make a diesel auto version? So, what's another option to look at? Diesel not essential but like the torquey nature, should I just bite the bullet and swap over to a petrol auto version instead?

In summary, auto, decent on motorway, reasonable on fuel, not too big, reliable, hard wearing, hatchback or estate. With a good service history. Nearer £2k than £3k. Basically the dullest search of all time.

Or recommend me a Vel Satis. Your choice PHers.

[ZX10R NIN]

C270 Avantgarde SE bulletproof drivetrain & a nice place to be:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202105132...

220 Avantgarde SE

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202105072...

C Coupe 220 SE

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202104161...

[colin79666]

If you want to stick with Honda also consider the Jazz. Boring but reliable, just avoid those with the cvt.

[mikeyr]

Thanks Z-N, don't fancy a saloon as need to transport doggos. The coupe looks nice but again prefer something with four doors. In my head Mercs of that era are rusty arches and pricey parts, should I consider them though? Never been on my radar really!

[mikeyr]

Colin, big fan of the Jazz, will consider

[ZX10R NIN]

mikeyr said:

Thanks Z-N, don't fancy a saloon as need to transport doggos. The coupe looks nice but again prefer something with four doors. In my head Mercs of that era are rusty arches and pricey parts, should I consider them though? Never been on my radar really!

Rust won't be an issue on any of those unless it's been in an accident.

Mercedes B Class

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202104101...

Peugeot 3008 Sport

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202103120...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202104221...

Astra SRI

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202104302...

[MrGTI6]

Just a warning on the 3008 that has been recommended above. It's a very good car, but avoid the EGC automated manual 'box which comes with the 1.6HDI. If you want a diesel auto one, get the 2.0HDI which comes with a six-speed torque-converter auto. I believe the later (about 2015-on) version comes with a slightly more powerful version of the 1.6HDI with 120bhp (up from 110bhp). At that point, they ditched the EGC automated manual in favour of a torque-converter. But earlier 1.6HDIs with the EGC 'box are worth avoiding at all costs.

[mikeyr]

Well there is some food for thought!

Thanks both - had no idea a Merc B class was so affordable (not a car that has EVER been on my radar really). Tell me more about them, have seen some decent ones locally, they reliable?

As for the 3008, also in the running, have had a couple of Pugs in the past and they were durable enough. But point noted about gearbox!

[andburg]

~9000 miles in what is likely to be heavy stop/start
I'd not exclude petrol cars, a decent small auto petrol should see you get 40mpg average.

[mikeyr]

Fair point, I'm not fussed petrol or diesel really, as long as it's not as bad as my old Subaru for fuel

[ZX10R NIN]

mikeyr said:

Well there is some food for thought!

Thanks both - had no idea a Merc B class was so affordable (not a car that has EVER been on my radar really). Tell me more about them, have seen some decent ones locally, they reliable?

As for the 3008, also in the running, have had a couple of Pugs in the past and they were durable enough. But point noted about gearbox!

With the 3008 it seems there are two types a conventional auto found on the 2.0d's & the automated manual on the 1.6d.

The only downside to the B Class is the CVT Auto which if not looked after can be troublesome.

[mikeyr]

Just missed out on a sub 50k sub £3000 B Class with fsh and clean MOT history. Was only down the road too but sold within hour of being listed.

Gutted! The search goes on

[mikeyr]

Just to close this thread off, having not even considered a Merc before we then ended up buying a 2009 C Class estate! Bigger and more expensive than the original brief but in great condition and like new inside. Only a basic diesel but feels like a quality piece of kit compared to previous cars. Thanks for everyone's help.

[ZX10R NIN]

Glad you got sorted the W203 Mercedes are pretty much bulletproof, as a side note if you don't have any receipts showing the gearbox fluid has been changed in the last 40k, then I'd book it in to get done.

[Sheepshanks]

colin79666 said:

If you want to stick with Honda also consider the Jazz. Boring but reliable, just avoid those with the cvt.

I know the point is moot now, but how is that going to work if he wants an auto?! They did have a i -Shift automated manual for a while but it was awful and they quickly went back to CVT.

[Sheepshanks]

ZX10R NIN said:

Glad you got sorted the W203 Mercedes are pretty much bulletproof, as a side note if you don't have any receipts showing the gearbox fluid has been changed in the last 40k, then I'd book it in to get done.

2009 will be a w204. Have a good look at the rear subframe for corrosion. I believe MB have been quielty covering them recently but they come and go on this sort of thing.

[mikeyr]

Thanks both, have note of fluid change being done in last couple of years so that's good news. Car really is immaculate condition, by far the cheapest car they were selling so presume someone had pxed it for a Range Rover.

Funnily enough one of the door handles stopped working when it was being valeted so they are getting that fixed for us before we collect. Believe it's a weak point!

Didn't see us as a Merc owning type of family but it really is lovely, got it for just over £5k which considering condition, spec and service history seemed decent value.

Can't wait to get it on Friday

[Sheepshanks]

If you fold the rear seat down, extend the middle seat belt out and secure it (can be wrapped around the headrest if it's in place). They're notorious for jamming if you don't do this.

On the model numbers, as it's an estate a lot of people refer to them as S204, but strictly it's still W204, same as the saloon.


How do intend to maintain it? if you haven't seen it, there's a list of indies at the top of the Mercedes sub-forum - see your location is Hampshire which is lucky as there's at least a couple, if not more, well regarded ones there. They're not complex cars but diagnosis is lot more precise using StarDiagnose or there's a newer one, I think, and the indies have these.

[eldar]

Sheepshanks said:

If you fold the rear seat down, extend the middle seat belt out and secure it (can be wrapped around the headrest if it's in place). They're notorious for jamming if you don't do this.

On the model numbers, as it's an estate a lot of people refer to them as S204, but strictly it's still W204, same as the saloon.

Also check the drain points at the rear of the front wings. They can get blocked and water gets into the heater fan housing and knackers the fan. £250 + repair. Poke the drain with a bit of wire to make sure its clear.

[mikeyr]

Great tips guys, I'll check out the Merc indys