eldudereno

4 choices so far,

1) Golf GT TDI (130) or (150)

2) Seat Leon TDI SE (130) Lower mileage

3) Seat Leon Cupra TDI (150) Higher mileage

4) New shape Focus 1.6tdci (110)

Not too keen on the Skodas.

Really don't know what to do.

Help!!!

brickboy

Are you decided on a Golf / Focus sized hatch?

For best handling / driving pleasure, the Focus is best. One of the "old" shape TDCi 115bhp models would be a good buy and probably comfortably under your budget.

The VAG PD130 motor is a cracker for grunt, throttle response & economy (get it with the 6-speed box if you can as it's higher torque and the gearing matches very well) but it is NOT refined.

There's also the nagging doubt with the PD motors that the previous owner/s have not used the proper PD-spec oil, which will mean new cams & followers. Even main dealer stamps don't guarantee the right stuff's been used. Cambelt at 60K is expensive too -- budget £300+ at an independent.

eldudereno

A Golf/Focus size hatch is all I really need as I haven't got any kids and will rarely be carrying more than one passenger. Good mpg and decent performance is high up on my list. I was considering the old shape 1.8tdci Focus which is a cracking car but decided to also consider the new shape 1.6tdci as it's suprisingly within my budget. I had thought about some of the bigger diesel enginned cars but put my sensible hat back on as this will basically be a second car. (had even thought about a Saab9-3)

Wasn't aware of the wear issues though in the case of the wrong oil being used on the PD engines.

thanks

Andy Tang

iTrader: (3)

I went for the Golf TDI 150 and despite the number of scare stories (much the same as getting car jacked or broken into for your keys as a Subaru owner) I don't regret it.

It is silly fast, as it has been chipped and can show up lots of "performance" petrol cars!

That said if you are only carrying yourself and maybe one passenger, it may be worth looking at the Seat Ibiza. A friend has one with the PD 130 engine and it handles fantastically and is nearly as quick as his wife's Seat Leon PD 130 which has been chipped by Revo.

Maz

iTrader: (34)

Another vote for the Golf. Quick and comfortable with fantastic economy.

TonyBurns

iTrader: (3)

Has to be the focus really, isnt the best car in its class for nothing and ford diesels have come along way in the last few years, unlike some other companies

Tony

PS, you could look at the latest shape astra, great diesel engine in there

Matteeboy

Try an Astra - but only the 1.9CDTi, not the 1.7.
120/150bhp and a really cracking chassis.
£8k should just about get you something decent.

I tried the Focus but compared to the 150 Astra, it was a bit slow and not half as solid.

Seat build quality no good (had two new ones break down on me) and the Golf has diabolical handling. Mk5 (140bhop 2.0TDI) is slower but handles about 5132356236 times better.

lozgti

Any reason?

Wife ran a Fabia vRS for three years..Great fun,great drive,great insurance,great mpg.Nice subtle car.Hard to fault it really (obviously our view!)

Bonus having the Skoda badge too...free thief deterrent

PPP Wagon

Id also go with a Fabia vRS, good all rounder & decent performance!
Beltin performance with a chip (0-60: 7secs).

If not, id go with the Golf GT TDi. All comes down to personal preferance

Andy M3

I bought a low mileage Alfa 156 Lusso - all the trimmings, and not quite 3 years old for less than £8k

Matteeboy

Bet you don't tell your mates it has the same engine as an Astra though...!

Andy M3

I have never liked Vauxhalls, but I am certainly no snob when it come's to car's. I think me saying I have Vauxhall engine is better than saying a Fiat engine though

Matteeboy

Indeed - It's funny having a Fiat block - but then Saab use it too.

For some reason (no idea why) the Vauxhall 150 unit has slightly more torque than the Alfa or Saab.

Just call it a GM engine - that'll fool most people!

Devildog

Possibly intake/exhaust or just engine mapping differences.

Another vote here for the 1.9 GM unit in the Astra

An 8k VW Golf will probably be a Mk4 with some miles and most likely have some big service bills ahead.

Matteeboy

I would have thought £8k would buy a pretty mint mk4 Golf TDI - Or are they STILL hanging onto their value?!

To be honest my Astra (05 reg 150 CDTI Estate, all the trimmings,two years old, 38k miles) probably isn't worth much more than £8k - Weep weep.

Looks like we'll keep it for a while though - does exactly what it's supposed to with no fuss.

eldudereno

Am confused as ever now.

Choices choices.

I suppose I'm still edging towards the Focus though as that would probably be the newest car. My dad has got the old shape Mondeo (2005) 2.2tdci and that's a great drive and Ford do seem to be producing some superb cars these days. The Golf gets many recommendations but they do seem to be overpriced and I have heard comments about soft suspension.

Might try out an Astra though.

thanks

RAJ27

Why not go for something else like a E39 530d or a 330d?