My New Motor?

vengeance52

Rite all,

Ive been searching a good bit for a few weeks for a new motor and Ive (hopefully) narrowed it down to a choice of 4. Each choice I feel is different, differernt handling, economy, power etc but each of them I like.

But now my prob is which one to choose.

Start with the mondeo. Ive currently got an 01 zetec TDDi and i love it, but i wish there was less wind and tire noise. The engine too is harsh sounding.

The passat looks great, is pretty refined but has some slight electrical issues and the turbo is not as reliable as other cars. its very quite inside but i find the handling lacking.

The Alfa, and im not starting another alfa discussion thread here, but i find the 166 a tasty car, seems to have improved reliability from older alfas, and its a great drive. Downside is the extra care needs to be taken and service can be expensive.

The Accord is a nice car, decent looks, good power, but the engine doesnt get great mpg (30mpg according to sites) compared to the other cars like the passat or mondeo.

So there it is. My short list, well at the moment anyway.

What does people think?

-Matt

ninty9er

2002-05 Alfa Romeo 166 2.0 Lusso

I voted for the Honda, because it's probably the best all rounder and you're likely to get a few more toys.

Funny story about a 166:

Was on work experience in a Fiat/Alfa dealership in Limerick a few years ago and was re-arranging the frontline line-up with the secondhand salesman.

Me: why don't you put the 166 there out the front...that looks a very clean car

SHS: only one problem there, doesn't have an engine

It was only about 18 months old at the time...I didn't ask questions, but as for improved reliability, just make sure everything is perfect if you decide on the 166

louie

Honda as well, and Passat as a second choice with Alfa last.

junkyard

2002-05 Alfa Romeo 166 2.0 Lusso

Honda, Honda, Honda, there is no competition here.:)

ZiabR

2002-05 Alfa Romeo 166 2.0 Lusso

Honda for sure. I am going for the 2.0i Honda Accord in 2 months, but i am going petrol because i don't do huge mileage.

JHMEG

2002-05 Alfa Romeo 166 2.0 Lusso

Bear in mind that the Accord 2.2 CTDi comes only in Executive trim in this country, meaning it has everything including a gorgeous leather interior.

In addition you'll have the tick-tock reliability you won't have with the others.

bazz26

The Accord diesel gets alot better fuel economy than 30mpg, even the 2.0 litre petrol can do better than that. Granted there are more economical diesel engine in this class but that engine is a very refined unit and ultra quite for a diesel. Also the spec is probably one of the best for the money. leather electric seats, cd changer, etc all standard. The Accord is also a nice drive with a comfortable ride, reliability and resale value is also good with them.

The Mondeo ST220 TDCi would probably be my second choice. The performance would be a major plus as well as the economy of a diesel. Other plus points are that they are reasonably priced in the UK and the ST220 is very rare here. The body kit is nice yet subtle and the large wheels give it a bit more presence than lesser Mondeos, they are pretty well speced too and have a sporty drive. Only downside is resale value if that is important.

vengeance52

2002-05 Alfa Romeo 166 2.0 Lusso

well the car i would be buying will be imported from the uk as i did this with my last motor and saved nearly a grand. I love the look of the mondeo St kit and it a solid car, but the engine noise and tyre noise let it down.

I dont have much experience with the accord apart from banging my knee in one at a motor show 2 years ago when i hit it of the steering column gettin out. i think thats what put me off it until now

vengeance52

2002-05 Alfa Romeo 166 2.0 Lusso

found an accord that seems to be up to spec. only prob i see is lot a much leg room in the back, and the steering is reported to be light on twisty roads

http://atsearch.autotrader.co.uk/www/CARS_large_image_popup.jsp?id=200710274242702&channel=DEALERPAGE&adcategory=cars&largeId=488802601

vengeance52

2002-05 Alfa Romeo 166 2.0 Lusso

had a look around a passat today and i was impressed with it. Only thing i didnt like was the electric handbrake button thingy. Otherwise very tempted

Stephen

2002-05 Alfa Romeo 166 2.0 Lusso

My ould fella drives an Accord iCTDI and does very high miles with it (say 500/week). According to the onboard computer it consumes about 5.6l/100km on those trips

According to my friend google calculator that's about 50.4 mpg in UK gallons.

crosstownk

2002-05 Alfa Romeo 166 2.0 Lusso

Don't worry about the electric handbrake on the Passat - you'll get used to it. The Passat is a nice motor - but it is frought with problems - fuel pump (affects most Passats and leaves you stuck on the side of the road), turbo, heated rear window, handbrake motor problems, radio problems, and a few others I can't think of right now. Passats, the new type, are trouble at the moment. I'm a big fan of VWs, tbh, but in your case I'd go with the Honda - as reliable as sunrise! The Honda gets my vote.

Sandwich

vengeance52 wrote:

had a look around a passat today and i was impressed with it. Only thing i didnt like was the electric handbrake button thingy. Otherwise very tempted

Then you're going against the verdict of the Boards! - clear majority for the Honda.

And probably an even clearer majority % if you remove 5 or 6 votes from each option where people are supporting the car they have themselves rather than evaluating all 4 objectively (and fewer Hondas out there than Mondeos or Passats so less likely to be fanboys voting).

Seinas

2002-05 Alfa Romeo 166 2.0 Lusso

ahh the Honda!!!!! have you looked into getting a sports version of the Accord?? it's a real machine

vengeance52

2002-05 Alfa Romeo 166 2.0 Lusso

Im looking at the 2.2TDCI honda hopefully tomorrow. Only looked at the passat today by chance as it was in a mate garage and i took a look about.

The honda is top of my list at the mo, but ive only seen the outside of one. need to find out what the inside is like and how it drives.

crosstownk

2002-05 Alfa Romeo 166 2.0 Lusso

Just go with the Honda - it won't let you down. It will also hold it's value and prove easy to sell when the time comes to change it.

colm_mcm

2005/6 VW Passat 2.0 TDI S

I reckon the Honda is the best, and has the best image of all the cars listed.

vengeance52

2002-05 Alfa Romeo 166 2.0 Lusso

Goin to look at a mondeo st2.2 2005 for 13k tomorrow. Then checking out the honda on monday hopefully. So maybe have a new motor next week.

The mondeo looks great so for, 32k on the clock and still under warrenty hmmmm

C_Breeze

2002-05 Alfa Romeo 166 2.0 Lusso

the honda hands down, i have driven a 2.2ctdi before and its very very nice, if not a bit laggy.

Didnt it win diesel of the year at some stage or some award?

vengeance52

2002-05 Alfa Romeo 166 2.0 Lusso

C_Breeze wrote:

the honda hands down, i have driven a 2.2ctdi before and its very very nice, if not a bit laggy.

Didnt it win diesel of the year at some stage or some award?

Ive read reviews that the honda engine was much more refined than the mondeo. What i need to see is how the handling and suspension does on the windy roads i take to work. The mondeo is supprisingly good and very little body roll.

PoleStar

2005/6 VW Passat 2.0 TDI S

I have (or HAD and Alfa 166, my other half now drives it)

Great car, best drivers car Ive had. Loads of kit and very sporty engine. Although theyre a crap new buy, if you get a good price on a scone hand one, 4 years old or more, its a great bargain, lots of car for the money and someone else has taken the massive depreciation hit for you!

As for reliability, Ive never had any problems apart from minor things which you get on any car from suzuki to BMW. My bro had a 156 and also he never had any trouble so I dont think the reliability is such a problem like it used to be.

Still though as others have said, its a car I love myself but wouldnt recommend to a friend! (that fear of it blowing up or something will always be there ha!)

what_car

Seinas wrote:

ahh the Honda!!!!! have you looked into getting a sports version of the Accord?? it's a real machine

i too am looking at getting the accord.. changing from an avensis diesel 06

i was thinking of going for the type S auto... but colour hard decision to decide?

my next point, am i mad changing from diesel to petrol just to get auto?
the reason i came to decide on the accord, is the reliability and also their auto is 5 speed, where as toyotas are only 4 speed, plus the accord doesent look like a priest's car!!

im buying new and the new s type auto costs €38,075 and the diesel exec
€43800 thats a difference of €5725!
i dont see any other cars that i like at the minute in the 38500 max price range..

hewlett

2002-05 Alfa Romeo 166 2.0 Lusso

what_car wrote:

i too am looking at getting the accord.. changing from an avensis diesel 06

i was thinking of going for the type S auto... but colour hard decision to decide?

my next point, am i mad changing from diesel to petrol just to get auto?
the reason i came to decide on the accord, is the reliability and also their auto is 5 speed, where as toyotas are only 4 speed, plus the accord doesent look like a priest's car!!

im buying new and the new s type auto costs €38,075 and the diesel exec
€43800 thats a difference of €5725!
i dont see any other cars that i like at the minute in the 38500 max price range..

Just so you know, Honda are now selling a 'Sport' version of the diesel which costs around €39000

Lex Luthor

1. Honda
2. Mondeo
3. Alfa
4. Passat

You will find it very difficult to find a 166 after 2002/3 over here. Very rare.

The Honda would be my weapon of choice and I currently have an Alfa

vengeance52

2002-05 Alfa Romeo 166 2.0 Lusso

Took this for a test drive after work. Its a 2005 2.2iTDCi with 42k on the clock. there lookin for 33k for it.

Ok

Mondeo ST2.2TDCi

Pros
Great Power
Firm sharp handeling
Lots of Leg Room front and back
6 CD Player
Air Con / Climate Control
Cruise Control
Remote Electric Windows
Partial Heated Leather seats
Sun Glasses Holder above rear view mirror
Timing Chain

Cons
Engine very loud
Loud Tyre Noise
Manual Car Seat recline knob annoying


Accord 2.2iTDCI

Pros
Great Engine, very refined
Larger Rev Band
Electric seat adjustment
Clearer displays
Better MPG
Full Leather heated Seats
6CD Front Loading CD changer
Cruise control
Air Con / Dual Climate Control
Sun Roof

Cons
Less Leg room in front
Much less in back but acceptable
Smaller Boot and Glove box
Slightly more expensive service costs


I can see what people are saying about the honda. Its a great car and very comfortable. There is just enuff leg room for me drivin, its ok, not uncomfortable, but i would prefer an two or three inches more like the mondeo has.

Now to justify spending 33k on a car

vengeance52

2002-05 Alfa Romeo 166 2.0 Lusso

ohhhhhh http://www.donnellygroup.co.uk/advsearchresults.asp?ActionType=1&style=N&location=0&Make=10&Fuel=&Model=2554&Gearbox=&min_pr=&max_pr=&body=&Year=

vengeance52

2002-05 Alfa Romeo 166 2.0 Lusso

Arrrgggggg.

Finally got most of my funds for the new car, found the perfect car in a dealer in cookstown, and test drove it last thurs. I loved it.

Rang today to put a deposit on it, and the guy said someone put a deposit on it an hour before i rang. DAMN.

vengeance52

2002-05 Alfa Romeo 166 2.0 Lusso

Ok guys,

I got my motor. Just picked it up and can i say that the poll for this thread was spot on. This car is fantastic, and ive never been happier with a car. The comfort is excellent, the suspension is nice, the ride comfy and the engine is very refined. And the power is sweet.

Thanks to all for the help selecting the car and its my pride and joy.

New Car 1.jpg

New Car 2.jpg

DSC01575.JPG

what_car

vengeance52 wrote:

Ok guys,

I got my motor. Just picked it up and can i say that the poll for this thread was spot on. This car is fantastic, and ive never been happier with a car. The comfort is excellent, the suspension is nice, the ride comfy and the engine is very refined. And the power is sweet.

Thanks to all for the help selecting the car and its my pride and joy.

New Car 1.jpg

New Car 2.jpg

DSC01575.JPG

niceone enjoy.........it looks very fresh nice colour too...tell me how did u put up the pics of the car? tell me how and ill stick up a pic of my new stype auto 155 BHP ,,,

there a well put together motor arnt they?

unkel

Best of luck with your new motor

vengeance52

2002-05 Alfa Romeo 166 2.0 Lusso

what_car wrote:

niceone enjoy.........it looks very fresh nice colour too...tell me how did u put up the pics of the car? tell me how and ill stick up a pic of my new stype auto 155 BHP ,,,

there a well put together motor arnt they?

Fantastic motor. Im so happy. When you post a reply, use the post reply bottom at bottom left of the page, then in the message window, use the paperclip icon to attach the images.

unkel wrote:

Best of luck with your new motor

Thanks, there a top car and im glad i change from the mondeo.

what_car

ill take some snaps of the motor later on in the wk, and put them up here.....
have to wash it first...


the exec spec is the business... i noticed that your car has the bigger wheels on it than the exec spec sold here in the south..........

niceone...

vengeance52

2002-05 Alfa Romeo 166 2.0 Lusso

what_car wrote:

ill take some snaps of the motor later on in the wk, and put them up here.....
have to wash it first...


the exec spec is the business... i noticed that your car has the bigger wheels on it than the exec spec sold here in the south..........

niceone...

yup, the tan leather is nice, and i got the touch screen sat nav too. Tasty

bazz26

Best of luck with it. Lovely motor.

gyppo

Many happy miles with it - very nice.

ZiabR

2002-05 Alfa Romeo 166 2.0 Lusso

vengeance52 wrote:

Ok guys,

I got my motor. Just picked it up and can i say that the poll for this thread was spot on. This car is fantastic, and ive never been happier with a car. The comfort is excellent, the suspension is nice, the ride comfy and the engine is very refined. And the power is sweet.

Thanks to all for the help selecting the car and its my pride and joy.

New Car 1.jpg

New Car 2.jpg

DSC01575.JPG

Can i ask the year, the miles and also what you paid for it?

I am picking up my 2.0i Accord soon and just can't wait. Also changing from my 99 Mondeo :P

junkyard

2002-05 Alfa Romeo 166 2.0 Lusso

Lovely car, good luck with it.

MercMad

I reckon the Honda is the best, and has the best image of all the cars listed.

Are you serious ??

It would be the last car of that bunch that I would pick, especially if image was to be considered !

yop

2005/6 Honda Accord 2.2 CDTI

Dont know about image, I wud prefer the Titanium Mondeo, has a "Grrrrr" about it!!!

Best of luk with the motor lad, looks v well.

Where did u buy?

vengeance52

2002-05 Alfa Romeo 166 2.0 Lusso

its a late 04 Accord i-CTDI 2.2 Exc Sat Nav. Its got 45k Miles on the clock and full honda service history. I paid 12900 sterling for the car in JC Hamilton motors in Rostrevor near Newry. it was advertised for 13999 so not too shabby, esp for the price of them in the south.

Guys in the dealers were gents and they have a saturday club where ya can book your car in for a full Valet Service free of charge and as often as ya want.

ZiabR

2002-05 Alfa Romeo 166 2.0 Lusso

vengeance52 wrote:

its a late 04 Accord i-CTDI 2.2 Exc Sat Nav. Its got 45k Miles on the clock and full honda service history. I paid 12900 sterling for the car in JC Hamilton motors in Rostrevor near Newry. it was advertised for 13999 so not too shabby, esp for the price of them in the south.

Guys in the dealers were gents and they have a saturday club where ya can book your car in for a full Valet Service free of charge and as often as ya want.

You not have to pay VRT on it?

vengeance52

2002-05 Alfa Romeo 166 2.0 Lusso

Im living between the north and south at the mo. Im live in the north during the week where my car is reg, and i come home at weekend. Ive bank accounts and bills in the north so i can produce them if needs be

ZiabR

2002-05 Alfa Romeo 166 2.0 Lusso

vengeance52 wrote:

Im living between the north and south at the mo. Im live in the north during the week where my car is reg, and i come home at weekend. Ive bank accounts and bills in the north so i can produce them if needs be

Ah ok . I would love to be able to buy in the North or UK but the VRT would cripple me, not worth it on the 04-05 Accord.

vengeance52

2002-05 Alfa Romeo 166 2.0 Lusso

filled up the tank the other day and reset the trip readout.. I do about 40miles a day in the car and its not city driving. Doing 4th and 5th gear driving.

looked at the needle and the trip and was happy so far.

Dash.JPG

done 180 miles and still 3/4 of a tank left. I know when i filled to brim theres more than the needle shows but im still smiling love this car

what_car

vengeance52 wrote:

filled up the tank the other day and reset the trip readout.. I do about 40miles a day in the car and its not city driving. Doing 4th and 5th gear driving.

looked at the needle and the trip and was happy so far.

Dash.JPG

done 180 miles and still 3/4 of a tank left. I know when i filled to brim theres more than the needle shows but im still smiling love this car

i get about 600km from about €55 euro of petrol... full tank..

NOTE:!! the fuel guage goes down rather quickly once its below the half full range.. can be a bit deceptive!. overall a nice jammer to drive..

neacy69

vengeance52 wrote:

filled up the tank the other day and reset the trip readout.. I do about 40miles a day in the car and its not city driving. Doing 4th and 5th gear driving.

looked at the needle and the trip and was happy so far.

Dash.JPG

done 180 miles and still 3/4 of a tank left. I know when i filled to brim theres more than the needle shows but im still smiling love this car

Put on your seat belt!!!:D

vengeance52

2002-05 Alfa Romeo 166 2.0 Lusso

what_car wrote:

NOTE:!! the fuel guage goes down rather quickly once its below the half full range.. can be a bit deceptive!. overall a nice jammer to drive..

Ive noticed that too. Im gettin close to 500miles on a tank, and that with air con on.

neacy69 wrote:

Put on your seat belt!!!:D

Yessur officer. no i wasnt drinkin. no thats wine gums ya can smell on my breath.

what_car

vengeance52 wrote:

filled up the tank the other day and reset the trip readout.. I do about 40miles a day in the car and its not city driving. Doing 4th and 5th gear driving.

looked at the needle and the trip and was happy so far.

Dash.JPG

done 180 miles and still 3/4 of a tank left. I know when i filled to brim theres more than the needle shows but im still smiling love this car

attached my car..pics at last ..trip computer showing 36mpg

vengeance52

2002-05 Alfa Romeo 166 2.0 Lusso

the car looks well. Nice colour. I love mine more and more everyday. Is so nice to drive and i never get any pains from long trips

vengeance52

2002-05 Alfa Romeo 166 2.0 Lusso

i remember someone here mentioning that i should use a certain type of oil, or i could damage the Turbo. Anyone remember the name of it?

what_car

vengeance52 wrote:

i remember someone here mentioning that i should use a certain type of oil, or i could damage the Turbo. Anyone remember the name of it?

yeah ur right... i have the honda oil guide in my car which covers the 2.2 diesel ... i will check it out... and post here later...

on another point.. i was looking to get a litre of oil for my petrol car
it specifies to use genuine honda oil... so i visited a couple of honda dealers..

both honda garages i visited didnt have the genuine oil.. they had oodles of the cheap stuff on their shelves..........

erm,.. makes me wonder.,.. if i leave my car into a man dealer is that the crap they put in the car?