DodgeT

the first to mind is pug 306 td, had one before, cracking car.
Just wondered what else to consider as a good economical car.

Duck_Pond

Rover 420 TD. Mine is a 1997 "Di" - I assume the "ck" fell off, before anyone says anything...

Does 50mpg, 0-60 in 10.5 secs, 120ish, with a tail wind, top speed. Does about 480-500 miles on a tank before the light comes on... and even then there is about 10 litres of fuel still in it, so a reserve of about 130 miles!

It's okay for the moment, though temptation on a Fabia vRS might get the better of me in 6 months...

Bought for £1000 back in Feb, with 68k on it.

slim_boy_fat

Over budget but i just bought a 2002 Almera 2.2Di Sport+ for £3000. A very nice car, goes well with a tuning box attached. I sold a 95 Golf TDI with 190,000 on it for £500. I would say the golf probably had another 50k miles in it easy!!!! Mk 3 golf is what i would be looking for.

TonyBurns

iTrader: (3)

Just bought a renault megane classic DT with 117k on the clock, needs a few bits (glow plugs, alternator belt and rocker cover gasket) but at 300 quid you cant complain (plus has service history )
Should add i also have a 306 td, the megane is a little quicker

Tony

waynev

dont get a rover . the pug is the best but a 406 is a cracker . i got a 97 19td thats done 211k and stii gives 50+ MPG WITH NO PROBLEMS . bit more comfort than 306 . you can find a blinder for a grand with air con and stuff

TonyBurns

iTrader: (3)

Have to mention about the pug, they can suffer from a few problems like cracked cylnder heads so look out for that, its more common than you think, and avoid the dny engine (97 year cars) as these have more problems than most (they blow up ) dnx engines are alright
FSH is what your after really.
406 wise, the 2.1 is a belter, 6 cyl 110 bhp diesel turbo, rare but worth getting
HDI 90 also worth looking at (2ltr)

Tony

birtywrx

pugs are prone to leaking oil! i have got a R plate mk3 astra td, not very quick, but cheap and reliable! done 130k know aswell!

Senior_AP

Peugeot, Citroen. Xsara or something. Cheap as chips.

wrx-kris

i have a citroen zx td volcane (sports model) for sale if you are intrested after 600ono lreg 85k 2 owners red 3dr c/l e/l e/s/r red and bloody quick. same engine as in the pug (92bhp) can have the turbo and fuel turned up to 130bhp

brickboy

Another vote for a Citroen ZX TD .... mate bought an estate in Advantage trim for £500 a few months back, M-reg and 80k miles. No blue smoke (only a bit of soot when he boots it ), not a rust spot on it and the interior's still in good shape.

It's a light car, loads of torque and feels quick when you drive it. Oh, and 45mpg all day long too.

birtywrx

yeah them volcane things are posh to be honest!!!!!! anyone know how to turn the boost etc up on an astra??!

wrx-kris

if it's got an isuzu engine then yes BUT if it's the gm dont bother or it will blow pm me for a full guide

Colinj

Mondeo - loads available & it will run for as long as you need it & not cause you any grief!!

lightwave693

rover 825 sdi, cracking motor, used the VM2.5 turbo found in alfas, jeeps and ford scorpios, aswell as boats. brilliant cars had one b4 the scoob for 6years with no major probs, 180k on clock when sold and still as strong as ever!

Rich

carl

Omega 2.5TD? Uses the BMW 6-pot, IIRC.

RS Grant

Yes, the Omega does use the 2.5 6-Cyl from BMW..... but you'll struggle to get one for £1000.

I'd be looking at an Escort/Mondeo or 306/406 for that sort of money.


Cheers,
Grant

hades

Not quite. Standard tweakery of adjusting the wastegate and fuelling will get you around 110-115bhp comfortably, but rarely over 120 without uprating the intercooler or similar to allow a bit more boost safely. Still, depending on which type of fuel pump and which type of turbo you have, it's a very easy DIY tune to get the 110 or so.

In same boat a couple of months ago, I opted for the 306 D Turbo, has been good at 8-900 miles/week since. Maybe not quite as quick as some alternatives, but there isn't a lot in it between all of them. Chassis etc quite pleasant. Others I considered were Rover 200 Di and Golf TDi, but more nice pugs were about than the others.