Need a diesel for the missus, 4-6k to spend, recommendations?
14 March 2011, 03:36 PM
#1
Need a diesel for the missus, 4-6k to spend, recommendations?
Hi
As title really. We already have a Focus diesel but it's starting to get a little tired now with 200k miles approaching.
Was thinking about another Focus, but a newer model, this one has been a brilliant car.
Or she would like a Honda Civic.
Any others to consider for 4-6k to spend. We have a daughter so 4 door would be best & also a hatchback.
Cheers,
As title really. We already have a Focus diesel but it's starting to get a little tired now with 200k miles approaching.
Was thinking about another Focus, but a newer model, this one has been a brilliant car.
Or she would like a Honda Civic.
Any others to consider for 4-6k to spend. We have a daughter so 4 door would be best & also a hatchback.
Cheers,
14 March 2011, 03:55 PM
#2
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I'd go for another Focus - the TDCi unit is a good un, cheap to maintain and run, decent handling, well specced for the money.
Been a lot of issues with Honda diesel clutches and gearboxes.
Been a lot of issues with Honda diesel clutches and gearboxes.
14 March 2011, 08:52 PM
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14 March 2011, 09:10 PM
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14 March 2011, 09:18 PM
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http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classifi...ge/1?logcode=p
14 March 2011, 09:33 PM
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At that budget, Focus all the way.
14 March 2011, 09:41 PM
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My dad has owned a Golf Estate TDi and a Skoda Superb TDi previously, both with the 1.9 engines and never had a break down, I own a Leon with the 2 Litre TDi Engine with no issues other than the Intercooler hose coming off once due to a corroded clip, cost about £2 to sort.
The main issues I am aware of is with the 170 bhp engines and the Dmf Sensor they have, that won't effect the OP as that engine is well out of his budget in any case
The main issues I am aware of is with the 170 bhp engines and the Dmf Sensor they have, that won't effect the OP as that engine is well out of his budget in any case
14 March 2011, 09:42 PM
#11
Interior of the Civic is better than them all IMO. All the VAG/BMW interiors are very well put together and functional, but so dull.
I considered just about all of the above cars and the styling of the Type S (exterior and interior) is what swung it for me.
Never heard of a problem with the Civic gearboxes, but I agree I've taken a risk on the clutch. Re-maps are pretty much a no-no unless you uprate it to one that isnt very nice to drive with. Though if you do up-rate them, 200bhp and a mountain of torque is easy to achieve
I considered just about all of the above cars and the styling of the Type S (exterior and interior) is what swung it for me.
Never heard of a problem with the Civic gearboxes, but I agree I've taken a risk on the clutch. Re-maps are pretty much a no-no unless you uprate it to one that isnt very nice to drive with. Though if you do up-rate them, 200bhp and a mountain of torque is easy to achieve
14 March 2011, 09:47 PM
#12
14 March 2011, 09:53 PM
#13
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bought my misses a c4 vts hdi for 4250 we got 56 mpg cocking about so should be easy over 60 mpg and all the goodies with it like leather seats jbl sound system and directional xenon lights
15 March 2011, 04:19 PM
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As said, Awesome engines and would love another one. My BMW just doesn't compare. (2008 E90 320D M Sport)
15 March 2011, 04:46 PM
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You think a mk4 PD150 is BETTER than a 320d? 
Explain how - yes the PD150 was one of the first "fast" diesels but it was rough as hell and the car itself had diabolical handling. I tested one after selling my mk4 R32 and was shocked at how appalling it was (this had 8k miles on the clock and was from a main dealer) after the pretty good R32.
Current 2.0TDIs are actually a step backwards too IMO - not very refined, not great on fuel, not that quick, even in 170PS form. The 20d unit is one of the all time greats for power/efficiency and the decent RWD set up is excellent once you ditch the runflats. "M Sporting" a 320d is a bit pointless though - all show, not much go...
Anyway all four pot diesels are very very "dieselly" - all sound horrific. Six pots are a billion times nicer, be they from BMW, Audi or Merc.
Not BMW fanboyness - just experience backed up with FACTS.
Explain how - yes the PD150 was one of the first "fast" diesels but it was rough as hell and the car itself had diabolical handling. I tested one after selling my mk4 R32 and was shocked at how appalling it was (this had 8k miles on the clock and was from a main dealer) after the pretty good R32.
Current 2.0TDIs are actually a step backwards too IMO - not very refined, not great on fuel, not that quick, even in 170PS form. The 20d unit is one of the all time greats for power/efficiency and the decent RWD set up is excellent once you ditch the runflats. "M Sporting" a 320d is a bit pointless though - all show, not much go...
Anyway all four pot diesels are very very "dieselly" - all sound horrific. Six pots are a billion times nicer, be they from BMW, Audi or Merc.
Not BMW fanboyness - just experience backed up with FACTS.
15 March 2011, 05:35 PM
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You think a mk4 PD150 is BETTER than a 320d?
Explain how - yes the PD150 was one of the first "fast" diesels but it was rough as hell and the car itself had diabolical handling. I tested one after selling my mk4 R32 and was shocked at how appalling it was (this had 8k miles on the clock and was from a main dealer) after the pretty good R32.
Current 2.0TDIs are actually a step backwards too IMO - not very refined, not great on fuel, not that quick, even in 170PS form. The 20d unit is one of the all time greats for power/efficiency and the decent RWD set up is excellent once you ditch the runflats. "M Sporting" a 320d is a bit pointless though - all show, not much go...
Anyway all four pot diesels are very very "dieselly" - all sound horrific. Six pots are a billion times nicer, be they from BMW, Audi or Merc.
Not BMW fanboyness - just experience backed up with FACTS.
Explain how - yes the PD150 was one of the first "fast" diesels but it was rough as hell and the car itself had diabolical handling. I tested one after selling my mk4 R32 and was shocked at how appalling it was (this had 8k miles on the clock and was from a main dealer) after the pretty good R32.
Current 2.0TDIs are actually a step backwards too IMO - not very refined, not great on fuel, not that quick, even in 170PS form. The 20d unit is one of the all time greats for power/efficiency and the decent RWD set up is excellent once you ditch the runflats. "M Sporting" a 320d is a bit pointless though - all show, not much go...
Anyway all four pot diesels are very very "dieselly" - all sound horrific. Six pots are a billion times nicer, be they from BMW, Audi or Merc.
Not BMW fanboyness - just experience backed up with FACTS.
Matteeboy- Any experience with the BMW 123D? I know its still a four-pot but twin turbo and great power/economy figures!
Sorry to steer off-course from op!!
Last edited by mattvortex; 15 March 2011 at 05:38 PM.
15 March 2011, 06:07 PM
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Yes I do. Seeing as I have had long term ownership of BOTH then I think I am rightly qualified.
The PD engine has superior power and torque to the BM with a lot less effort needed to drive it. It also returned much better MPG than the BM. 50+ as opposed to high 30's BOTH sound like a 4 pot diesel as, this is what they are!
The BM is smoother in it's delivery as opposed to the PD's Kick you in the back after 1900rpm. But, I preferred that as that power delivery bought a grin to my face every time.
The BM is more refined and kind of more comfortable (Even with M Sport suspension) than the Golf. But, I found the Golf to be a more fun drive with more usable power.
The PD engine has superior power and torque to the BM with a lot less effort needed to drive it. It also returned much better MPG than the BM. 50+ as opposed to high 30's BOTH sound like a 4 pot diesel as, this is what they are!
The BM is smoother in it's delivery as opposed to the PD's Kick you in the back after 1900rpm. But, I preferred that as that power delivery bought a grin to my face every time.
The BM is more refined and kind of more comfortable (Even with M Sport suspension) than the Golf. But, I found the Golf to be a more fun drive with more usable power.
15 March 2011, 06:08 PM
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Matt - almost! I had a 120d (but the "normal" shape) M Sport as a loan car for two days. TBH I was very impressed indeed - handling was superb, it was genuinely quick. Compact inside, slightly lower rent interior than a 3er or 5er but a great allrounder and very chuckable.
From what I've heard, the 123d is similar but a fair bit quicker - I can also confidently state that bi-turbo diesels are superb - that flat spot you usually get at low revs simply isn't there - ideal!
From what I've heard, the 123d is similar but a fair bit quicker - I can also confidently state that bi-turbo diesels are superb - that flat spot you usually get at low revs simply isn't there - ideal!
Last edited by Matteeboy; 15 March 2011 at 06:14 PM.
15 March 2011, 06:12 PM
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Yes I do. Seeing as I have had long term ownership of BOTH then I think I am rightly qualified.
The PD engine has superior power and torque to the BM with a lot less effort needed to drive it. It also returned much better MPG than the BM. 50+ as opposed to high 30's BOTH sound like a 4 pot diesel as, this is what they are!
The BM is smoother in it's delivery as opposed to the PD's Kick you in the back after 1900rpm. But, I preferred that as that power delivery bought a grin to my face every time.
The BM is more refined and kind of more comfortable (Even with M Sport suspension) than the Golf. But, I found the Golf to be a more fun drive with more usable power.
The PD engine has superior power and torque to the BM with a lot less effort needed to drive it. It also returned much better MPG than the BM. 50+ as opposed to high 30's BOTH sound like a 4 pot diesel as, this is what they are!
The BM is smoother in it's delivery as opposed to the PD's Kick you in the back after 1900rpm. But, I preferred that as that power delivery bought a grin to my face every time.
The BM is more refined and kind of more comfortable (Even with M Sport suspension) than the Golf. But, I found the Golf to be a more fun drive with more usable power.
Are you comparing chipped to non chipped then?
BM of your age would be 177bhp I believe. How is that less powerful than 150bhp?
And I've owned a fairly pokey FWD diesel (with a better chassis than the Golf) and even that with 235lbs-ft often wriggled and writhed about, understeered and wheelspan for England.
Anyway I'm not into four pot diesels any more.
Yes the Landy has one (2.4 litre) but that doesn't count as it's more or less a truck
20 March 2011, 05:26 PM
#24
Never heard of a problem with the Civic gearboxes, but I agree I've taken a risk on the clutch. Re-maps are pretty much a no-no unless you uprate it to one that isnt very nice to drive with. Though if you do up-rate them, 200bhp and a mountain of torque is easy to achieve
you couldn't make it up. Reckon the previous owner had felt a couple of slips and traded in sharpish.Dealer has been great though, picking up tomorrow under their warranty.
May not be the first replacement its had either.
22 March 2011, 07:09 PM
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Are you comparing chipped to non chipped then?
BM of your age would be 177bhp I believe. How is that less powerful than 150bhp?
And I've owned a fairly pokey FWD diesel (with a better chassis than the Golf) and even that with 235lbs-ft often wriggled and writhed about, understeered and wheelspan for England.
Anyway I'm not into four pot diesels any more.
Yes the Landy has one (2.4 litre) but that doesn't count as it's more or less a truck
Are you comparing chipped to non chipped then?
BM of your age would be 177bhp I believe. How is that less powerful than 150bhp?
And I've owned a fairly pokey FWD diesel (with a better chassis than the Golf) and even that with 235lbs-ft often wriggled and writhed about, understeered and wheelspan for England.
Anyway I'm not into four pot diesels any more.
Yes the Landy has one (2.4 litre) but that doesn't count as it's more or less a truck
BM is the last of the 163bhp models.
23 March 2011, 11:18 PM
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I'd go Leon TD mk 1....had the FR 170 TD mk2 nice mota but a tad out of ya budget at the mo.....chipped to 205bhp
but still returned 35mpg round the town!! Torq was some 320+....
but still returned 35mpg round the town!! Torq was some 320+....
24 March 2011, 12:48 AM
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Because they are cheap as hell
Im with Matteeboy here, seen far too many engine failures on vw units (not just the 150/170's either), we are talking relatively low mileage, 60k and popped a piston out the side of the engine, just seen another one at a dealer (skoda), my mate runs a seat leon 140 (2ltr tdi) only had 20 odd k on the clock and just outside the warranty, injector went (900 quid to replace
) garage said they would pay for that and my mate pay for the 400 quid labour.
Most commonly seen broken down diesel on the hard shoulder? VW...
Where as the tdci engine is not faultless, the later versions are more reliable than the earlier models, and prices on these are very good.
Tony
Im with Matteeboy here, seen far too many engine failures on vw units (not just the 150/170's either), we are talking relatively low mileage, 60k and popped a piston out the side of the engine, just seen another one at a dealer (skoda), my mate runs a seat leon 140 (2ltr tdi) only had 20 odd k on the clock and just outside the warranty, injector went (900 quid to replace
) garage said they would pay for that and my mate pay for the 400 quid labour.Most commonly seen broken down diesel on the hard shoulder? VW...
Where as the tdci engine is not faultless, the later versions are more reliable than the earlier models, and prices on these are very good.
Tony
Last edited by TonyBurns; 24 March 2011 at 12:50 AM.
24 March 2011, 01:43 PM
#30
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It was only a few weeks ago and this topic came up. Im sure that someone said, maybe Matteboy, I cant remember, that the 4 pot BMWs were fairly unreliable and the good ones are the 6 pots. In an ideal world yes I would love to get a 325d, 330d, 335d but finances dont allow it anymore unfortunately unless I look at a 175k miler. With 320d coming in at around 80k miles is there anything I should be concerned with?