Cheap Reliable Diesel car...?

BnA

Hi all.

I'm thinking of picking up a cheap reliable diesel car in the next few weeks.

I'm doing around 20k miles a year and I would be using it for work.

It's a second car so it doesn't have to be that flash. But then at the same time, I will be spending a fair ammount of time in it, so I would like it to be be comfortable and nice(ish) to drive.

I have gone the UK route a few times before and would probably go the same way again unless I picked up something very cheap here. I would hope to spend only about 2k (ish) on it.

I was thinking about a 1990's Mercedes C220 like this..

http://search.autotrader.co.uk/es-uk/www/cars/MERCEDES-BENZ+C+CLASS/Ne-2-4-5-6-7-8-27-44-49-53-61-64-67-103-133-146-236,N-51-62-240-4294967218-4294967262/advert.action?R=200843321832759&distance=240&postcode=AB25+2XR&channel=CARS&make=MERCEDES-BENZ&model=C+CLASS&min_pr=&max_pr=&max_mileage=&vehicleYearOfManufacture=1995&vehicleRegLetter=N

Anyone any opinions on the C220's or suggestions for other cars ?

Ferris

Citroen C5's are great value, the 110hp is alright on the road and economical. Hydraulic suspension costs 1k every 60kmls but it will give you the most comfortable ride going.

C class diesels are slow and thirsty from my experience although they are comfortable and reliable. That one you're looking at is a NA diesel, i.e it has no turbo.

boredatwork82

I drive a skoda octavia 1.9 tdi 00. I bought it for 4 k 2 yrs ago, so I could imagine they would fall into the 2k bracket now. Grand cars, and get around 55mpg between town and distance driving. And apart from the skoda label inside, you wouldn't know the difference between them and passats.

I am looking at ford mondeos at the minute, you can pick those up cheap enough too, and I know a few people who have them and have no problems.

Mycroft H

+1 for the octavia - the 90 or the 110 tdi are pretty good

bazz26

How about this:
http://www.driving.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=1244934

I'd say you could get this for around €2,500 cash, the 406 is a good and very comfortable car and the HDi engines are generally reliable and have plenty of poke.

That Merc looks very expensive for a 14 year old car imo to be honest.

BnA

Thanks for that. I didn't realise there was a non-turbo version. The turbo version should be ok though. According to Parkers that does 47mpgs and has 120bhp. I will struggle to get one for close to 2k though. All the ones I was looking at on Autotrader in my price range are non-turbos.

Hadn't thought of the C5. A work collegue of mine had one back when they were newish and he loved it. I traveled in it as a passanger a few times and it was a fine comfortable car. Definately one to consider.

R.O.R

BnA wrote: »

Hadn't thought of the C5. A work collegue of mine had one back when they were newish and he loved it. I traveled in it as a passanger a few times and it was a fine comfortable car. Definately one to consider.

We've had terrible trouble with the C5 and the sister car the 407 (and currently have a couple of the 1.6Tdci Focus's off the road needing engines) so I'd stay away from that.

If it were me, it would definately be a Mondeo. I've done big miles in one and it was a very comfortable place to be (Zetec Spec at least), and we get them back here with crazy high mileage so they are more than capable of lasting with no big bills.

homer90

bazz26 wrote: »

That Merc looks very expensive for a 14 year old car imo to be honest.

+1

Could be got here for that money, without the hassle of vrt etc (IMO)

JJJJNR

2k!

SEAT Toledo

http://www.driving.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=1183254

VW Passat (high mileage but only 1 owner)

http://www.driving.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=1050576

If its a second car would you not be better off having a van.

kluivert

JJJJNR wrote: »

2k!

If its a second car would you not be better off having a van.

I would be thinking along the same line here as well. Getting a car van rather than a small van.

but43r

Toyota Avensis - They just go forever and it is comfortable and has good fuel ecenomy.

http://www.driving.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=1302968

Id say you could pick that one up for near enough 2k