Cyberevo

iTrader: (1)

I need a bit of help,

I've got £5-£6k to spend on a new weekday car, here are the pre-requisites.

Must be not break down every 200 yards (no itialian cars)

Needs to cover 300 miles without making me feel tired (this is no 1 priority)

Ideally Diesel as I cover big distances

Preferably lots of toys

No older than 5 years

I have shortlisted the new shap Vectra 2.2 DTi and the old shape 406 GLX 2.2 136bhp Diesel.

The only problem is that I am finiding it a little difficult to find many Vectras with low ish miles and the 406 is looking a little dated in the inside compared to the Vectra.

I have driven both in the past, I found the Vectra to be very comfy and less fatiguing that Passats, Mondeo, Laguna, C5. I drove the 406 a few years back and remember it being very good on the motorway too.

So, what are you views guys/gals?

NotoriousREV

Depends on what mileage you consider high. I've seen 80-100k mile VW Boras with the PD130 engine in that price range. I've just bought a 40k miler for £7500, it's currently averaging low 50's mpg and goes pretty well (will go better after a remap ) I reckon a PD engine is good for 200,000 miles and the rest of the car is well built too.

msi

Saab 9-5 just for the seats

Cyberevo

iTrader: (1)

the Bora is too small and I was not too keen on the Passatt, good engine though, shame about the rip off poor sealer service.

Bubba po

Skoda Octavia?

Puff The Magic Wagon!

iTrader: (2)

Volvo V70 D5

Although I prefer the XC70 for the ride, the seats are gorgeous & loadsa toys...

eldudereno

I very much doubt you'll get a V70 D5 for that price but you might get an S60 D5.

brickboy

You could get one of the "new shape" A4 Tdi110 from the late 90s for a bit less than that sort of money .... the 110 is an older engine but it is a good 'un, if anything more economical than the PD motors.

Also around £300 to remap it to a reliable 135bhp / 230 ft-lb of torque with Jabba or Revo.

Might be able to get a Mondeo TDCi for that sort of money too.

MattOz

How about a Passat pd130. Plenty around at that money and a cracking, often overlooked car.

Matt

TheBigMan

Passat TDi.

Andy Tang

iTrader: (3)

I agree with the TDI Passat. You will be pleasently surprised.

Cyberevo

iTrader: (1)

Can't stand VW's, they are unreliable in my opinion, and I did not find the drive in the passat I hired relaxing. Not a patch on the Vectra.

My Golf GTi (150bhp), needed a new clutch after less than 70k miles and the leccy windows would not work, air bag light kept comming on, bulbs kept blowing.

VW's a the bottom of the german cars when it comes to reliability. My Mk golfs had loads of problems too. Jap cars can not be beat, Honda all the way.

I may look at a 406 2.2 HDI got goo reviews.

NotoriousREV

You're saying a clutch should last longer than 70,000 miles?

Good luck with your french car, I'm sure it will be no trouble at all!

fatherpierre

"Jap cars can not be beat, Honda all the way.

I may look at a 406 2.2 HDI got goo reviews."

That's one of the strangest things I've read on here lol

TopBanana

I've heard of lots of Mk IV Golf problems. My Passat was OK though

TheBigMan

Anyone else noticed how Mk4 Golf's always have a rear light out?? Everytime I see a Mk4 Golf one of it's rear lights doesn't work.

Have a look - it's madness.

Cyberevo

iTrader: (1)

Yes, I'm saying a clutch shouls last longer, my current Mondeo which has been in the family since 15k miles has never had a clutch replaced, the car has now covered 165k miles. We are talking a ford here not German engineering, so in theory the VW's clutch should outlive.

Cyberevo

iTrader: (1)

Don't take the pi$$, they have very good reviews, I for one am secptical about french cars, I've had a couple of 306's which were ragged and had head gasket problems, however these were the 1.9 engines. The 2.2HDI is apparently a decent engine.