Recommend a diesel

RedRag

Hey was thinking of changing car soon wouldn't spend more than €12 grand tho. what would you recommend in a diesel, must be powerful. Was thinking of A4 or Passat both 1.9 TDI. Any ideas?

siralfalot

RedRag wrote: »

Hey was thinking of changing car soon wouldn't spend more than €12 grand tho. what would you recommend in a diesel, must be powerful. Was thinking of A4 or Passat both 1.9 TDI. Any ideas?

ehhhhh, whats your opinions on Italian cars?........;)

RedRag

As long as its reliable country of origin doesn't bother me, I like italian cars bar Fiat.

cashmni1

is the 12k including the trade in or straight purchase price?
VW cars overrated but engiines are great alright. TDI is out on its own, but the rest of the car isn't a patch on a Mondeo or a 406 for steering, brakes and suspension.
Alfa is a good option second hand. The jtd is a belter too.

siralfalot

RedRag wrote: »

As long as its reliable country of origin doesn't bother me, I like italian cars bar Fiat.

Alfa 156 2.4JTD just as reliable as any VW diesel, way more powerfull than any VW diesel

2nd shameless plug today!!

prospect

Well, if reliability is your main concern, I would steer away from VW & Audi.

http://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/Toyota/Avensis/2.0-D/958626/

http://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/Mazda/Mazda6/2.0-TDI/951939/

cashmni1

prospect wrote: »

Well, if reliability is your main concern, I would steer away from VW & Audi.

http://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/Toyota/Avensis/2.0-D/958626/

http://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/Mazda/Mazda6/2.0-TDI/951939/

The daelers don't half know how to chrage, wow, 13k for a 5 year old car with 130,000 miles done !!

cashmni1

siralfalot wrote: »

Alfa 156 2.4JTD just as reliable as any VW diesel, way more powerfull than any VW diesel

2nd shameless plug today!!

That is a lovely car alright !!
Are you the seller?

prospect

cashmni1 wrote: »

The daelers don't half know how to chrage, wow, 13k for a 5 year old car with 130,000 miles done !!

Yeah, I was just looking for pictures really.
I reckon 9.5K cash would have that Avensis in a snap.

RedRag

Realistically looking for something 2.0 or less. Reliability is not my main concern, it must look good also. I like the Mazda, but even though the avensis would be a great car i think its a bit bland. Thanks for responses tho.

siralfalot

cashmni1 wrote: »

That is a lovely car alright !!
Are you the seller?

yeah, sure am, I'm a bit peeved at having to sell it, but building my new house is a tad more important (or so the wife to be tells me!!)

JHMEG

siralfalot wrote: »

2nd shameless plug today!![/URL]

What's the story with that wheel arch kit - I don't see any others with it? Is it aftermarket?

siralfalot

JHMEG wrote: »

What's the story with that wheel arch kit - I don't see any others with it? Is it aftermarket?

no its the factory kit, it was an optional extra on 156 cars

it can be fitted aftermarket if you want to spend €2.5 - €3k doing it :eek:

GERMAN ROCKS

my choice would be
1st peugeot 406
2nd vw passat
3rd citroen c5
all very big comfortable cars and very reliable

groupb

prospect wrote: »

Well, if reliability is your main concern, I would steer away from VW & Audi.

http://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/Toyota/Avensis/2.0-D/958626/

http://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/Mazda/Mazda6/2.0-TDI/951939/

Or if you've any interest in driving.
BTW Siralfalot sacrifice the new kitchen and keep that Alfa.
OP surely having seen that Alfa , you've given up any thoughts of buying the VAG white goods.

colm_mcm

GERMAN ROCKS wrote: »

my choice would be
1st peugeot 406
2nd vw passat
3rd citroen c5
all very big comfortable cars and very reliable

Are you on drugs :eek: ?

E92

The Toyota and the Mazda would be an excellent choice for the OP. They would be my choices too. Even with that kind of mileage, being diesels and Japanese, I would expect that you could easily put on double the mileage currently on them provided they are serviced properly. Look after the car and it will reward you.

I wouldn't be keen on that Avensis though. For a start, the seller says it's the Strata model(it's not, it's the entry level Aura), and the car kit suggests to me this is an ex company car, which probably means it's had a hard life(though company cars also mean 99% of the time a car with Full Service History), though being a Toyota it can deal with it a lot better than most other cars can.

groupb

colm_mcm wrote: »

Are you on drugs :eek: ?

You're right .
The passats an overatted bucket of S...te.

colm_mcm

E92 wrote: »

I wouldn't be keen on that Avensis though. For a start, the seller says it's the Strata model(it's not, it's the entry level Aura)

Well spotted. though it has had the correct alloy wheels and front foglights added to it. the only thing missing is the rear electric windows.

meathstevie

Buy a german ( including skoda ) or a jap

E92

groupb wrote: »

You're right .
The passats an overatted bucket of S...te.

In YOUR opinion. It is a completely overrated car for reliability anyway though, IMO:D.

groupb

Does that mean you agree with me?

Timmaay

The A4 1.9tdi is a lovely car, a little overpriced maybe but it holds it's value very well. Just make sure its a 130bhp, and you might have to consider picking one up from the north/uk if you want a few extras.

GERMAN ROCKS

colm_mcm wrote: »

Are you on drugs :eek: ?

no fortunately im not. but i genuinly think these 3 look much better than any any avensis or 6 or accord but that just MY OPINION

bazz26

Alfa Romeo 156 1.9 diesel:
http://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/Alfa-Romeo/156/1.9-16V/961943/

L1011

RedRag wrote: »

As long as its reliable country of origin doesn't bother me, I like italian cars bar Fiat.

Which would be? Fiat Group SPA own effectively all the rest

Redsoxfan

bazz26 wrote: »

Alfa Romeo 156 1.9 diesel:
http://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/Alfa-Romeo/156/1.9-16V/961943/

That's a sweet car, especially if it is indeed the Ti version-shame there's no pictures of the interior. The 156 facelift is a rare enough car on the roads as well.

bazz26

Redsoxfan wrote: »

That's a sweet car, especially if it is indeed the Ti version-shame there's no pictures of the interior. The 156 facelift is a rare enough car on the roads as well.

It does have the Ti 17" alloys, side skirts and Ti badges on the side wings just below the indicator, so I would image it's the real McCoy.

groupb

Timmaay wrote: »

The A4 1.9tdi is a lovely car, a little overpriced maybe but it holds it's value very well. Just make sure its a 130bhp, and you might have to consider picking one up from the north/uk if you want a few extras.

A very average car that happens to have the "right badge" to some people.
What makes it "lovely"? The handling and ride are light years behind the likes of a 3 series or mondeo. Its cramped inside and if you go by any of the reliability surveys its sure to break down.

E92

The A4 is a very comfortable motor to travel in(rides well, has nice firm German seats, is quiet) and feels extremely solid inside(dunno what it's like to drive though), but the 2.0 petrol sounds horrible at low revs, as if it's a paraffin stove, I know that.

@groupb: I agree that the Passat is over rated(I'm thinking of reliability in particular), but I don't think it's a "bucket of sh1te" either;)!

groupb

i've had an A4 and a passat - never again. If Hoover made cars they would be like the A4. White goods on wheels. If you just want transport these cars are fine , but if you enjoy driving they should'nt even be on your radar.

JHMEG

130bhp 1.9TDI is a weapon don't forget.:D

JHMEG

A4 1.9TDI (130ps). 0-60 in 9.6s
Passat 1.9TDI (130ps). 0-60 in 9.6s
Mazda 6 2.0d (143ps.. there is also a 136ps). 0-60 in 9.2s (10.1 for 136ps)
Mondeo. Very complicated, so I'll just focus on 130ps 2.0TDCi which does 0-60 in ~9.5s, or the 2.2 155ps which does 0-60 in 8.4s.
Alfa 1.6 2.4JTD. Several versions, but in summary if it's Multijet it's 175bhp and 0-60 in 8.0s; otherwise it's between 136 and 150bhp and 0-60 in 9.1 or 9.2s.

Based on that I'd go for 156 Multijet 1st, and 2.2 Modeo 2nd.

PaulKK

cashmni1 wrote: »

VW cars overrated but engiines are great alright. TDI is out on its own, but the rest of the car isn't a patch on a Mondeo or a 406 for steering, brakes and suspension.

I'm sorry but what exactly is wrong with VWs brakes? My passat has excellent brakes, far superior to any other cars i have driven, granted I have not driven the Mondeo or 406, which I'm sure are fine also. Most models have got pretty big disc brakes allround ffs. I've seen 08 cars of different makes with drums on the back.

It seems to me that along with all the Alfa bashers etc there is just a core group of VW haters which pop up in every second thread with the same old lines of being "overratted" and "not reliable".

To the OP:
I can recommend the passat, as after owning mine for a year and doing 25k miles in it so far, it has never let me down, nothing has gone wrong, and I get 50MPG. Quiet, smooth and refined on the motorway, plenty of punch for overtaking, and mine is the "crappy" old 90ps. Its not a rocketship but it does the job. If you want more power you could always get a 110ps or a 130ps. I prefer it to my fathers A4.

Eoin

At the risk of upsetting the anti-BMW crowd, I'll suggest a BMW 320d. You'll get a 2000 - 2001 model for 12K. That has the 136bhp engine - sounds rougher than the later 150bhp one, but still a very nice drive.

JHMEG

Just after reading what Fiat/Alfa mean by multijet. From the Alfa website:

during each engine cycle the number of injections is increased compared to the two injections normally used. The same amount of diesel is burnt, but it is delivered in several parts, with a more gradual combustion.

Some manufacturers have chosen not to even have 2 injections, never mind multiple, for the strain and wear it puts on the injectors.

JHMEG

eoin_s wrote: »

At the risk of upsetting the anti-BMW crowd, I'll suggest a BMW 320d. You'll get a 2000 - 2001 model for 12K. That has the 136bhp engine - sounds rougher than the later 150bhp one, but still a very nice drive.

Was gonna suggest the 330d, but they seem to be just out of range pricewise.

Was reluctant to suggest a 320d after reading on another thread about how they all seem to eat turbos and fuel pumps, up till 2004 or so.

Eoin

JHMEG wrote: »

Was gonna suggest the 330d, but they seem to be just out of range pricewise.

It'll certainly be older and have more mileage than other cars in the same range, but it's still in range. Edit - sorry, just saw you said 330d. Yeah, that would be a nice one, seem quite rare though.

JHMEG wrote: »

Was reluctant to suggest a 320d after reading on another thread about how they all seem to eat turbos and fuel pumps, up till 2004 or so.

The early 150bhp engines were prone to this, the earlier 136bhp ones didn't have the same amount of problems.

JHMEG

eoin_s wrote: »

The early 150bhp engines were prone to this, the earlier 136bhp ones didn't have the same amount of problems.

You've managed to persuade me that it's a bad choice: overpriced, old, noisy, underperforming, slow, and possibly problematic!

PaulKK

eoin_s wrote: »

At the risk of upsetting the anti-BMW crowd, I'll suggest a BMW 320d. You'll get a 2000 - 2001 model for 12K. That has the 136bhp engine - sounds rougher than the later 150bhp one, but still a very nice drive.

+1. Drove a couple E46s in petrol and diesel varities they are a lovely machine

colm_mcm

GERMAN ROCKS wrote: »

no fortunately im not. but i genuinly think these 3 look much better than any any avensis or 6 or accord but that just MY OPINION

but the OP is looking for reliability.

Biro

JHMEG wrote: »

A4 1.9TDI (130ps). 0-60 in 9.6s
Passat 1.9TDI (130ps). 0-60 in 9.6s
Mazda 6 2.0d (143ps.. there is also a 136ps). 0-60 in 9.2s (10.1 for 136ps)
Mondeo. Very complicated, so I'll just focus on 130ps 2.0TDCi which does 0-60 in ~9.5s, or the 2.2 155ps which does 0-60 in 8.4s.
Alfa 1.6 2.4JTD. Several versions, but in summary if it's Multijet it's 175bhp and 0-60 in 8.0s; otherwise it's between 136 and 150bhp and 0-60 in 9.1 or 9.2s.

Based on that I'd go for 156 Multijet 1st, and 2.2 Focus 2nd.

You won't get the A4 or Passat with the 130bhp diesel to 60 in less than 10 seconds. That 9.6s figure is definately over estimated.

Eoin

JHMEG wrote: »

You've managed to persuade me that it's a bad choice: overpriced, old, noisy, underperforming, slow, and possibly problematic!

I certainly wouldn't consider it underperforming or slow. Yes, the 136bhp is noisier than a petrol equivalent, but the driving characteristics more than make up for it for me. The 150bhp is quite a bit more refined and was used in the 320cd, but early iterations had problems. 8 years is old enough I suppose, but I think the car has aged well.

You've made your feelings for BMW (and diesel) cars abundantly clear in numerous other threads, so I don't think anything I say will make any difference.

Ferris

eoin_s wrote: »

The early 150bhp engines were prone to this, the earlier 136bhp ones didn't have the same amount of problems.

+1 the lower output engine is extremely reliable and easy on diesel. Only available in the saloon and estate. There was also a 115hp 318d available but its still the 2.0L engine. Same 115hp engine was used in the Rover 75.

RedRag

A lot to think about there, thanks for your opions. Paul KK is steering me towards a Passat though.

HashSlinging

http://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/SEAT/Altea/1.9-TDi/802890/

if you could bargain the person down, this is a seriously good car and safer than the passat.

Eoin

Ferris wrote: »

115hp engine was used in the Rover 75.

And one of the Landrovers I think.

JHMEG

eoin_s wrote: »

You've made your feelings for BMW (and diesel) cars abundantly clear in numerous other threads, so I don't think anything I say will make any difference.

As I said I was going to suggest a 330d or a 320d, but what you said about the 320d made all the difference. Who wants an old, slow, noisy yoke with high miles? Despite my "feelings" about BMW and diesel I was going to recommend one until you put me off it. The 156JTD or Mondeo 2.2 TD are much better buys.

cashmni1

PaulKK wrote: »

I'm sorry but what exactly is wrong with VWs brakes? My passat has excellent brakes, far superior to any other cars i have driven, granted I have not driven the Mondeo or 406, which I'm sure are fine also. Most models have got pretty big disc brakes allround ffs. I've seen 08 cars of different makes with drums on the back.

It seems to me that along with all the Alfa bashers etc there is just a core group of VW haters which pop up in every second thread with the same old lines of being "overratted" and "not reliable".

To the OP:
I can recommend the passat, as after owning mine for a year and doing 25k miles in it so far, it has never let me down, nothing has gone wrong, and I get 50MPG. Quiet, smooth and refined on the motorway, plenty of punch for overtaking, and mine is the "crappy" old 90ps. Its not a rocketship but it does the job. If you want more power you could always get a 110ps or a 130ps. I prefer it to my fathers A4.

The VW brakes are not bad but there are better systems in operation....may I present the Peugeot 406/7. Have a look at the rear brakes on a diesel 406 or 407 the next time you see one. Then compare to a VW.
Anyway I am not bashing the VW. I own a lovely Passat 130 sport 6 speed (04) that I imported last year. The car I had before that was a 406 HDI STDT (01). The 406 was superior in a lot of ways to the Passat.
Brakes, suspension, steering and driving position. All of which make for a good driving experience (to me). The engine however is a different box of frogs. The HDI wouldn't hold the coat of the TDI performance wise. Granted.
The 406 gave me one problem (fuel feeder(lifter) pump failed @ 130k miles). The other maintenence was rear passenger bushings which had to be replaced, (normal enough ware and tear) at about 90k. Other that that I really loved the peugeot.
The Passat I have has a front baring that needs replacing (only 66k on the clock), its eating the inside drivers tyre (tracking and alingment done) and I just cannot get the driving position correct. I find myself constantly re-adjusting the seat and I am never satisfied with the way it handles the bumps (although the sport is 10mm lower than normal), but still.
Different people want different things from cars.
I want a 407 with a TDI engine, and maybe tonights lotto numbers......??

worded

prospect wrote: »

Well, if reliability is your main concern, I would steer away from VW & Audi.

http://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/Toyota/Avensis/2.0-D/958626/

http://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/Mazda/Mazda6/2.0-TDI/951939/

Do you really think reliability is an issue with Audi and VW? Ive a a4 tdi

prospect

worded wrote: »

Do you really think reliability is an issue with Audi and VW? Ive a a4 tdi

Not saying that at all.
IMO, VW & Audi are average for reliability.

If the OP's main concern is reliability, then he/she should be aiming for above average. And to be fair, Honda, Mazda & Toyota have that sown up.