Scooby finally sold......what the chuffing heck next???
10 August 2004, 02:32 PM
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Scooby finally sold......what the chuffing heck next???
Well, I guess it had to happen at some point. The car is finally sold (as I have always maintained, the first see it bought it! 
) and therefore am now on the market for something new.
As some of you may know, the reason I have sold the car is because I set up my own business 12 months ago and am subsequently doing a lot more motorway miles than I had expected. Also, although things are going even better than expected, I am trying to be as careful as possible for the first few years in terms of finances, and so given that the Scooby costs me best part of £500 a month, and a considerable fuel bill for the company, it needs to go for something more ' acceptable'.
So, a few caveats:
It has to have some kind of image. I work with some pretty impressive clients, and so I cant turn up in an old banger.
It has to have good fuel economy. Almost certainly a turbo diesel, although I have made an exception for the integra type r as it can do 30+mpg off-cam.
It has to be reasonably cheap to purchase. I have set a rough top price of £10k, although the car currently at the top of my list is 1/2 of that.
It has to be relatively dynamic to drive. I drive to have fun as much as to get somewhere, and whilst I will now probably buy a dedicated trackday car, I still want something that will be even slightly exciting when the road gets interesting.
It has to be reliable. My days tend to be mapped to the minute, and I really cannot afford to get into the car and it not start.
Which brings me nicely to the car at the top of my list, the Alfa Romeo 156 2.4 JTD Veloce. Already enough being said on the other thread concerning this car, but it seems to have everything except the reliability. That much car for that kind of price, perhaps I can live with coming to know my local AA man??
Anyway, here are my current thoughts, I would appreciate any advice or feedback from people who have owned or experienced them.
1. £4-6k Alfa 156 2.4 jtd
2. £5-7k 2001 VW Golf 1.9 tdi / Audi A3 tdi 1.9
3. 6-7k 2001 Seat lean cupra 20v turbo or tdi
4. 9k 2001 (old shape) bmw 320 d
5. 9k Renault clio 172 cup
6. 8-10k Honda Integra type r dc4
7. 9k Audi A4 (new shape) 1.9tdi
8. 12.5k Renault Clio 182 cup
Leftfield wildcard: porsche 944 / 968 s2 / turbo / cs etc. £5k - 10k
Somebody help me please before my brain explodes.
) and therefore am now on the market for something new.As some of you may know, the reason I have sold the car is because I set up my own business 12 months ago and am subsequently doing a lot more motorway miles than I had expected. Also, although things are going even better than expected, I am trying to be as careful as possible for the first few years in terms of finances, and so given that the Scooby costs me best part of £500 a month, and a considerable fuel bill for the company, it needs to go for something more ' acceptable'.
So, a few caveats:
It has to have some kind of image. I work with some pretty impressive clients, and so I cant turn up in an old banger.
It has to have good fuel economy. Almost certainly a turbo diesel, although I have made an exception for the integra type r as it can do 30+mpg off-cam.
It has to be reasonably cheap to purchase. I have set a rough top price of £10k, although the car currently at the top of my list is 1/2 of that.
It has to be relatively dynamic to drive. I drive to have fun as much as to get somewhere, and whilst I will now probably buy a dedicated trackday car, I still want something that will be even slightly exciting when the road gets interesting.
It has to be reliable. My days tend to be mapped to the minute, and I really cannot afford to get into the car and it not start.
Which brings me nicely to the car at the top of my list, the Alfa Romeo 156 2.4 JTD Veloce. Already enough being said on the other thread concerning this car, but it seems to have everything except the reliability. That much car for that kind of price, perhaps I can live with coming to know my local AA man??
Anyway, here are my current thoughts, I would appreciate any advice or feedback from people who have owned or experienced them.
1. £4-6k Alfa 156 2.4 jtd
2. £5-7k 2001 VW Golf 1.9 tdi / Audi A3 tdi 1.9
3. 6-7k 2001 Seat lean cupra 20v turbo or tdi
4. 9k 2001 (old shape) bmw 320 d
5. 9k Renault clio 172 cup
6. 8-10k Honda Integra type r dc4
7. 9k Audi A4 (new shape) 1.9tdi
8. 12.5k Renault Clio 182 cup
Leftfield wildcard: porsche 944 / 968 s2 / turbo / cs etc. £5k - 10k
Somebody help me please before my brain explodes.
Last edited by Edcase; 10 August 2004 at 02:46 PM.
10 August 2004, 02:36 PM
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I have to say the a4 is currently wavering very close to the top of the list having sat in a friends the other day. I was mightily impressed, particularly with the build quality / interior etc.
10 August 2004, 02:37 PM
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but then for the 15k i would need for the 2.5 I could get a integra dc5, do 35mpg for work and then 
in my playtime.....
in my playtime.....
10 August 2004, 02:44 PM
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OK, I've just run the list past the missus and she has pointed out that the whole point is saving money, and 15 isn't much less that the scooby, so I've cut the budget to 10k. That drops the 2.5 A4 and the DC5 integra, I wasn't bothered by the beemers anyhow, but still leaves the DC4 and 1.9 A4 options.
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10 August 2004, 03:22 PM
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200SX is a great motorway cruiser and excellent VFM. MPG is very good too.
Alos worth a look would be the accord type R, a bit more civilised than the DC2, which WILL **** you off on a motorway.
Or, a 406 V6 Coupe....
MB
Alos worth a look would be the accord type R, a bit more civilised than the DC2, which WILL **** you off on a motorway.
Or, a 406 V6 Coupe....
MB
10 August 2004, 03:25 PM
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This is a quote of a post I made back in May when I stil had mine as a company car:
I shall cut 'n' paste my experiences below:
These were posts I made here over the period of about 1 week.
I shall cut 'n' paste my experiences below:
These were posts I made here over the period of about 1 week.
People mention them having 'soul'...
Give me reliability over soul any day - since my last message I had another AA recovery
Mine sounds like a bag of nails again (like the bottom end has gone again) if it has that will be the 3rd time & a week before it goes back to the lease company.
In all my years of ownership I have been lucky I guess, & this car was the one to change that & make up for all the other reliabile ones I have had
My warranty bill (at this point) is considerably more than the car cost in the 1st place which is comical!!!
Quote:
I keep hearing that Alfa's quality problems are a thing of the past. I thought so too when I bought the GTV and was proven wrong. You can't knock their designs, but the execution leaves much to be desired - approach with caution and a big wallet!!
a VERY big wallet!
I have a list of warranty work for my car at work - I dont have the time to type it all out as it would literally take me hours!
The 'look' is good, the execution is beyond a joke bad!
Give me reliability over soul any day - since my last message I had another AA recovery
Mine sounds like a bag of nails again (like the bottom end has gone again) if it has that will be the 3rd time & a week before it goes back to the lease company.
In all my years of ownership I have been lucky I guess, & this car was the one to change that & make up for all the other reliabile ones I have had
My warranty bill (at this point) is considerably more than the car cost in the 1st place which is comical!!!
Quote:
I keep hearing that Alfa's quality problems are a thing of the past. I thought so too when I bought the GTV and was proven wrong. You can't knock their designs, but the execution leaves much to be desired - approach with caution and a big wallet!!
a VERY big wallet!
I have a list of warranty work for my car at work - I dont have the time to type it all out as it would literally take me hours!
The 'look' is good, the execution is beyond a joke bad!
10 August 2004, 03:28 PM
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Just to make sure you got that....
I'll dig out the exact amount for 3 yers ownership & really scare you off them
I'll dig out the exact amount for 3 yers ownership & really scare you off them
Every person who has an Alfa company car where I work (156's & 147's) have had nothing but problems.
We have about 25 within the group.
All are now at the end of thier 3 year cycle.
Not one car in the last 3 years has a warranty bill of less than £10,000 (mine and others are substantially more)
So if you can afford to run one, can be bothered when they literally break down weeky, remember to fill it with oil every week (im doing about 1.5 litre's a week) then yes it's for you.
But for everyone else it's the biggest, most unreliable heap of **** I have ever had to drive.
We have about 25 within the group.
All are now at the end of thier 3 year cycle.
Not one car in the last 3 years has a warranty bill of less than £10,000 (mine and others are substantially more)
So if you can afford to run one, can be bothered when they literally break down weeky, remember to fill it with oil every week (im doing about 1.5 litre's a week) then yes it's for you.
But for everyone else it's the biggest, most unreliable heap of **** I have ever had to drive.
10 August 2004, 03:29 PM
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What’s the fuel consumption going to be like for the Alfa, wouldn’t’ normally suggest one, but as youv’e said before it’s an awful lot for your money, and I doubt you’ll have any major problems with it, before you want to replace it. edit: I take that back now, based on above post
Hmmmm, if you can keep it off cam? DC4? Do you mean Dc2 or DC5 (or I’m I confussed)? You know my opinion on both of these – fantastic…If I had £10k to spend I would go out and get a red or black DC2 – no question, no choice! 
But I wouldn't want to have to do many miles on the motorway in the DC2 (5 gears and 9k revs - reach for the pain killers) - not sure about the DC5 never driven it (but too pricey anyway).
For your needs for next year or so I would personally go for the Audi or the Golf, but Audi has better image for business. My fav out of the Diesels would still be the Seat though, for the money it’s probably a more ‘sport’ orientated car overall. Have you tested a Leon yet? They’re very good, quite a nice cabin, lots for your money..
Don't bother with a Clio it might not be as expensive to buy/run as the Scoob, but you'll still end up rinsing it everywhere and every oportunity, and you know it, so you'll still go through the juice (tyres etc) and it wont' be as good a motorway runner as the others.
Why not spend £4k on an somethign sensible, and spend the change on a Westfield 1800 or a stripped out 205 GTI
It has to have good fuel economy. Almost certainly a turbo diesel, although I have made an exception for the integra type r as it can do 30+mpg off-cam
DC4? Do you mean Dc2 or DC5 (or I’m I confussed)? You know my opinion on both of these – fantastic…If I had £10k to spend I would go out and get a red or black DC2 – no question, no choice! But I wouldn't want to have to do many miles on the motorway in the DC2 (5 gears and 9k revs - reach for the pain killers) - not sure about the DC5 never driven it (but too pricey anyway). For your needs for next year or so I would personally go for the Audi or the Golf, but Audi has better image for business. My fav out of the Diesels would still be the Seat though, for the money it’s probably a more ‘sport’ orientated car overall. Have you tested a Leon yet? They’re very good, quite a nice cabin, lots for your money..
Don't bother with a Clio it might not be as expensive to buy/run as the Scoob, but you'll still end up rinsing it everywhere and every oportunity, and you know it, so you'll still go through the juice (tyres etc) and it wont' be as good a motorway runner as the others.
Why not spend £4k on an somethign sensible, and spend the change on a Westfield 1800 or a stripped out 205 GTI
Last edited by mynickers; 10 August 2004 at 09:21 PM.
10 August 2004, 03:34 PM
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Originally Posted by C
Just to make sure you got that....
I'll dig out the exact amount for 3 yers ownership & really scare you off them
I'll dig out the exact amount for 3 yers ownership & really scare you off them
10 August 2004, 03:37 PM
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Originally Posted by mynickers
What’s the fuel consumption going to be like for the Alfa, wouldn’t’ normally suggest one, but as youv’e said before it’s an awful lot for your money, and I doubt you’ll have any major problems with it, before you want to replace it. edit: I take that back now, based on above post
[qupte]It has to have good fuel economy. Almost certainly a turbo diesel, although I have made an exception for the integra type r as it can do 30+mpg off-cam
[qupte]It has to have good fuel economy. Almost certainly a turbo diesel, although I have made an exception for the integra type r as it can do 30+mpg off-cam
Yeah I've crossed the clio off in my mind. Doh, yeah I meant dc2 integra
Golf is an obvious favourite and I prefer it over the A3.
Seat I need to book a test as I've never driven one.
Alfa is scaring more and more
For 9k the A4 1.9 seems bloody good. I had one put its foot down on the mway in front of me earlier and until I reached 4500rpm it was just as fast...
10 August 2004, 03:41 PM
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so we're left with:
1. £5-7k 2001 VW Golf 1.9 tdi
2. 6-7k 2001 Seat leon cupra 20v turbo or tdi
3. 6-8k Honda Accord type r
4. 8-10k Honda Integra type r dc2
5. 9k Audi A4 (new shape) 1.9tdi
1. £5-7k 2001 VW Golf 1.9 tdi
2. 6-7k 2001 Seat leon cupra 20v turbo or tdi
3. 6-8k Honda Accord type r
4. 8-10k Honda Integra type r dc2
5. 9k Audi A4 (new shape) 1.9tdi
10 August 2004, 03:43 PM
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Seat dealer threw me the keys for a Leon Cupra 1.8T and told me it was the purple one in the forecourt, take it for as long as I wanted, I took it all afternoon and abused it.
I have read a few people in here who had the exact same experience form dealers, so sounds like it's a policy, go and take one out with the lady for an afternoon at the weekend, get used to it, go for drive in country bit of motorway driving, few b-roads, think you'll be quite impressed..
Audi otherwise eh!
Actually I like all the cars on short list, dont think you'll go far wrong with any..However, petrol, even VTEC will end up costing you more, unless you can show restraint, which you might do more sometimes than others, but at the end of the day, if you've got ATR that 6k cam zone will always be there teasing you! 1.8T Seat will cost you as much as a scoob in fuel!
Good thing about the Diesels from what owners in here have said, is that you can still give them a fair amount of stick and not see outrageous fuel bills, still higher than driving sensibly, but not 'Turbo petrol' expensive... Plus its power and torque lower down the rev ranges, which is where you are in traffic most of the time.. I'd love one..
God we're getting sensible(ish) in are old age ed, we'll be getting automatic next
I have read a few people in here who had the exact same experience form dealers, so sounds like it's a policy, go and take one out with the lady for an afternoon at the weekend, get used to it, go for drive in country bit of motorway driving, few b-roads, think you'll be quite impressed..
Audi otherwise eh!
Actually I like all the cars on short list, dont think you'll go far wrong with any..However, petrol, even VTEC will end up costing you more, unless you can show restraint, which you might do more sometimes than others, but at the end of the day, if you've got ATR that 6k cam zone will always be there teasing you!
1.8T Seat will cost you as much as a scoob in fuel! Good thing about the Diesels from what owners in here have said, is that you can still give them a fair amount of stick and not see outrageous fuel bills, still higher than driving sensibly, but not 'Turbo petrol' expensive... Plus its power and torque lower down the rev ranges, which is where you are in traffic most of the time.. I'd love one..
God we're getting sensible(ish) in are old age ed, we'll be getting automatic next
Last edited by mynickers; 10 August 2004 at 03:49 PM.
10 August 2004, 03:51 PM
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Originally Posted by mynickers
God we're getting sensible(ish) in are old age ed, we'll be getting automatic next
Cant stretch to 15k+ tho really.
Well I can, but as I have said would hardly be the point of the exercise....
10 August 2004, 03:52 PM
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Originally Posted by Edcase
so we're left with:
1. £5-7k 2001 VW Golf 1.9 tdi
2. 6-7k 2001 Seat leon cupra 20v turbo or tdi
3. 6-8k Honda Accord type r
4. 8-10k Honda Integra type r dc2
5. 9k Audi A4 (new shape) 1.9tdi
1. £5-7k 2001 VW Golf 1.9 tdi
2. 6-7k 2001 Seat leon cupra 20v turbo or tdi
3. 6-8k Honda Accord type r
4. 8-10k Honda Integra type r dc2
5. 9k Audi A4 (new shape) 1.9tdi
If you turn up at high end clients in a Honda Integra they will not be impressed.
Don't get me wrong, undoubtedly a good car, but what "we" think as a good car, may not be what they think is a good car, if you see what I mean.
I run my own business, and I think what you drive can make a big difference with certain people.
What about an old shape 5 series? Great bargains around at the moment, bombproof mechanicals, great image/resale if the spec/colour right, and leaves you with more money for the track car!!
10 August 2004, 03:59 PM
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RE: M5. I nearly mentioned old e-class merc for same reasons - my old man had one, and it was a fab D-turbo car, however, if there are problems, you have got larger bills to pay than other alternatives. Plus having old status symbol cars can almost be as naff as turning up in a hot hatch. All the second rate drug dealers around here drive around in old merc's and beemers!
Last edited by mynickers; 10 August 2004 at 07:45 PM.
10 August 2004, 04:01 PM
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Originally Posted by TopBanana
I've got a Passat 115 SE. It's cheap, roomy and comfortable. Get a high miler as they go on for ever.
Also, coming back to the Audi, where are you gonna find a new shape diesel A4 for 9K that is any good????
They book a lot higher than this, unless they have been round the world.
10 August 2004, 04:02 PM
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Originally Posted by Edcase
My ideal car at the mo would be the a4 2.5 tdi automatic
They dont' sell pipes any more, but they have a nice range of slippers!
The old man's A4 TDI auto/tiptronic effort is turning up next month, looking forward to a blat in it actually. I can totally understand it for long journeys and traffic, changing gear and lifting clutches in a massive line of traffic is not fun I can agree.
So Megabusa or Radical?
10 August 2004, 04:04 PM
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Originally Posted by Robert Rosario
Go for a golf, or if you think it is a tad too low on the image front, get the Audi.
If you turn up at high end clients in a Honda Integra they will not be impressed.
Don't get me wrong, undoubtedly a good car, but what "we" think as a good car, may not be what they think is a good car, if you see what I mean.
I run my own business, and I think what you drive can make a big difference with certain people.
What about an old shape 5 series? Great bargains around at the moment, bombproof mechanicals, great image/resale if the spec/colour right, and leaves you with more money for the track car!!
If you turn up at high end clients in a Honda Integra they will not be impressed.
Don't get me wrong, undoubtedly a good car, but what "we" think as a good car, may not be what they think is a good car, if you see what I mean.
I run my own business, and I think what you drive can make a big difference with certain people.
What about an old shape 5 series? Great bargains around at the moment, bombproof mechanicals, great image/resale if the spec/colour right, and leaves you with more money for the track car!!
10 August 2004, 04:07 PM
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Originally Posted by Robert Rosario
Also, coming back to the Audi, where are you gonna find a new shape diesel A4 for 9K that is any good????
I can stretch to just the other side of 10k but tbh I can feel a clean 01 golf tdi with a chip coming on....
10 August 2004, 04:08 PM
#26
As it's one of your wildcard possibilities, I would suggest the 944 Turbo (I replaced my RB5 with one). Economy is pretty good on long motorway runs - high 20's but will drop in town. Reliable - no major problems in 12 months. Image - questionable I guess. Varies from "nice car " to "oh you couldnt afford a 911 then". Price wise, a good one should be anywhere from £7-10k. Cheap ones are best avoided as there are a number of expensive-to-fix problems, such as best part of £1000 for a new clutch.
They are certainly enjoyable to drive, though a totally different experience to an Impreza obviously.
In the 12 months I have had mine it has cost me a fair amount less than my Impreza used to - cheaper insurance, much cheaper servicing, best of all virtually zero depreciation. Oh, and it's faster too
Steve
They are certainly enjoyable to drive, though a totally different experience to an Impreza obviously.
In the 12 months I have had mine it has cost me a fair amount less than my Impreza used to - cheaper insurance, much cheaper servicing, best of all virtually zero depreciation. Oh, and it's faster too
Steve
10 August 2004, 04:23 PM
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Originally Posted by Edcase
Hehehe, thats another thread entirely
Get a tow hook on your audi diesel and you can give me a lift to the track and we'll take turns lol
11 August 2004, 02:39 PM
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11 August 2004, 02:57 PM
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Originally Posted by Edcase
so we're left with:
1. £5-7k 2001 VW Golf 1.9 tdi
2. 6-7k 2001 Seat leon cupra 20v turbo or tdi
3. 6-8k Honda Accord type r
4. 8-10k Honda Integra type r dc2
5. 9k Audi A4 (new shape) 1.9tdi
1. £5-7k 2001 VW Golf 1.9 tdi
2. 6-7k 2001 Seat leon cupra 20v turbo or tdi
3. 6-8k Honda Accord type r
4. 8-10k Honda Integra type r dc2
5. 9k Audi A4 (new shape) 1.9tdi
The Accord is probably the best allrounder that you have listed there and I'm led to believe that they are very good even when not on cam
Ian Sadler just bought one so ask him for his opinion if you are considering one
11 August 2004, 04:12 PM
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If you can overcome any predjudice you may have, the Skoda Fabia VRS was voted No15 in the top 25 performance cars of the year. 130 TDI, 228 lb/ft, 6 speed, 144g/km emmisions, lists at under 12k I believe. As well as the scooby I've got the Octavia with the same 130 TDI engine....stunningly good!! I dont have a problem with the image because their light years ahead of the original Skodas. nuff said.