IggyRB320

iTrader: (9)

I'm on the lookout for a diesel estate or decent hatch.
I need decent MPG, be able to carry my Ridgeback dog in the back with a guard & be more importantly be a reliable 3rd car, that I can put plenty miles on!!

I've been looking at either a;
Ford Mondeo TDCI 130bhp or 155bhp,
Saab TiD Vector 150bhp,

Any info on what to look out for, or known faults etc.....

Having owned nothing but Impreza's for the last 9 or 10 years, I really don't know much about oil burners, so any help appreciated!
I'll consider other makes, but as it'll be my 3rd motor i'm only looking at spending maybe £2.5-£3k! And looking to buy February - March!!

Cheers
Iggy

Brun

TDCi is all good but like many other oil burners, DMF is an expensive fix! You say plenty of miles - would there be a fair mix of mway/dual carriageway in that as short journeys are not the greatest thing for spot checkers!

IggyRB320

iTrader: (9)

DMF?

I say plenty of miles...but maybe only 10k miles per annum!
If I pick up a decent one, i'll be keeping it for a few years.

Brun

Dual mass flywheel £750 and upwards to sort! 10k miles is fine as long as the car isn't short journeys only!

IggyRB320

iTrader: (9)

Ah ok... It won't be all short journeys.
Any particular make/model for the DMF issue?

bustaMOVEs

iTrader: (31)

Accord est? The newish ones

TonyBurns

iTrader: (3)

Most new common rail diesels suffer the same issue with DMF's, not overly common but it does happen.

Tony

IggyRB320

iTrader: (9)

Maybe more than what I want to pay...!

IggyRB320

iTrader: (9)

Ok, thanks.
Looking at motors with 100k miles, fully serviced though!

bustaMOVEs

iTrader: (31)

Maybe high ish mileage ones but can be had and go for ages 54on 2.2cdti

IggyRB320

iTrader: (9)

Ok thanks, i'll have a look

bustaMOVEs

iTrader: (31)

BMW 3 series est
Toyota avensis est
Focus etc newest poss for your budget
Volvo v70 est
Etc

marky-b

Just thought i would point out that some of the older oil burners have a DPF. On long run's they are usually fine, but on short trips they can block up. The cost of a new DPF can run into the hundreds and sometimes over a grand. Also, some DPF cars use a special oil that need refilling at around 50k, (I speak from experience here), so if poss, avoid anything with a DPF. I think the mondeo is ok up until the current shape 2007?. Not sure about the focus etc. I have a Citroen C8 2.2 hdi with a dpf. It's a 2002, got all the bells and whistles on it BUT the Dpf/anti-pollution system is a pain. had nothing but problems with it. NEVER again. I bought it as a cheap tip/dog/winter car, so I could keep my scooby off the road during the winter. Wish I had bought a mondeo estate instead. Lot's of them about and cheap to fix. Reckon I will replace the C8 at some point with a mondeo.
And I think you can replace the DMF with a non DMF flywheel, if you need a new clutch?
Anyway,
good luck.

greenonedave

Saab 9-3 estate is worth a look, its a common shared engine with Alfa and Vauxhall, the ERG valve can clog but most people just blank it off, or as my son did clean it yourself, The nice thing about the Saab is that there is no lip between the boot lid and the floor so the dog will find it easier to jump in.The price DMF will vary for my Alfa I have been quoted £750.00 all in for a 3 part clutch and DMF ( incl fitting) the prices have come down.

tez7431

Passat Estate 140 bhp automatic.Had mine 4 years, 45,000 miles, averaged 50 mpg and never faulted once, Pxed for my 05 wrx and do i notice the difference in fuel costs. £250 pm compaired to £80. Had to buy a citroen zx at £600. Paid for its self it 3 months.

Matteeboy

My Astra has the 1.9cdti 150 engine; it was okay but died at 38k with swirl flap failure. Fixed under warranty but dealt with very badly

It's the same unit that Alfa and Saab use.

IggyRB320

iTrader: (9)

Cheers all..

How about an Audi A3 TDI?

I know it's not an estate, but maybe just enough room for the dog??

Mattygreg

Avoid the 1.6 engine that is in focus and peugeots, it has awful oic circulation and eats turbos for fun.
The audi or and vw pre 08 is a good option as the PD engine is very good and has planty of go, as stated above they also have a dual mass problem but hey what doesent!

IggyRB320

iTrader: (9)

UPDATE;

I went for a Volvo SE D5, FVSH, in silver with black leather interior.

I'll be running this for a year, while I save the pennies for a MY11 or MY12 GTR R35!!

Cheers
Iggy

dpb

Like you do