donny_daz

Now then, i currently own a terzo3 and a t plate punto van. Ive only got a medical to go then im in the fire service which means 100 miles a day. The scoob is a no no and although the van is good on diesel its loud and a bit for 100 miles a day. At the moment im thinking of the newer shape punto diesel car? What else is there out there that will do 50 mpg is reliable?

Gear Head

iTrader: (2)

Nissan Micra?

hades

Plenty of the smaller / mid sized turbo diesel hatches. Obvious ones include the 306, MG ZR/Rover 25 (surprisingly competent), older VAGs with the 90 or maybe 110 if you're lucky TDi, etc.

My choice? I've said it before and will probably say it again - when I was commuting 160 miles a day for ~6 months, I got a 306 DTurbo. Nice seats and a few sporty add ons, the best chassis in the class making for a decent drive, decent reliability from the diesels (Ok the focus was v. good too but you won't get a TDCi which is the decent Ford diesel engine at your money). The old 1.9 might not make 50mpg (mine averaged 46 ish) but are supposedly the most reliable engine out there, v cheap and easy to service and can tweak to 110-115bhp for ~£100. The newer 2.0 HDi is more likely to give 55mpg ish, smoother etc and are now just available within £2k.

jjones

mk3 golf tdi, 55mpg

*2.0hdi*

it will have done a lot of work and will be very baggy

i would look at a citroen aswell as 306, they are basically the same car,
and xsara models are now verygood value as they are not a trendy car, but very competent vehicle with good reliability
wouldn't get a focus
engines are poor, £600 secondhand engine!!, means theres a demand for them! and diesel pumps are a problem, recon units £600
primera diesel
406 diesel

PPPRob

I'm on the look out for a 406 as well. It seems you can get a 406 for the same price as a 306 spec wise.

More car for your money and on a journey that long I know I'd like a bit more room inside.

406s have no resale value coz no-one likes them, so you get a lot for your money.