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Best 5-6 yr old 2 ltr diesel with leather seats

  • 22-01-2009 12:20am
    #1
    aka_Ciaran
    Closed Accounts Posts: 279 ✭✭


    Hi all, I'm in the market for a second hand car and need some opinions. I'm going to go north or across the water and my budget is around the 4k sterling mark max.

    I'm looking for a diesel up to 2 ltr with leather seats, basically something 5 or 6 years old that has a bit of space and comfort (or older if it's a good machine).

    So far I'm thinking of a Merc C or E 200, a BMW 520D, or a Jaguar X type. I see from autotrader that Jag X types are pretty cheap for 03/04 models...is there a reason for this? They look very comfortable and seem to be pretty economical..are they reliable and would they generally be considered a good buy? Any opinions on a good diesel Merc or BMW?

    All opinions appreciated...cheers


Comments

  • #2
    bazz26
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 51,363 ✭✭✭✭bazz26


    If you can find a BMW 520d for £4k in the UK please let me know as I will take one too. :)

    I reckon the only one mentioned that will come anywhere close to your budget is probably the X-Type:
    http://www.autoquake.com/vehicle/inspid=8979

    I think you may have to increase your budget I'm afraid. Would you consider a Saab 9-3 TiD?
    http://www.autoquake.com/vehicle/inspid=9349
    http://www.autoquake.com/vehicle/inspid=9276

    You may have to spend a bit more though to get leather.


  • #3
    mcwhirter
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,432 ✭✭✭mcwhirter


    aka_Ciaran wrote: »
    Hi all, I'm in the market for a second hand car and need some opinions. I'm going to go north or across the water and my budget is around the 4k sterling mark max.

    I'm looking for a diesel up to 2 ltr with leather seats, basically something 5 or 6 years old that has a bit of space and comfort (or older if it's a good machine).

    So far I'm thinking of a Merc C or E 200, a BMW 520D, or a Jaguar X type. I see from autotrader that Jag X types are pretty cheap for 03/04 models...is there a reason for this? They look very comfortable and seem to be pretty economical..are they reliable and would they generally be considered a good buy? Any opinions on a good diesel Merc or BMW?

    All opinions appreciated...cheers


    Rover 75 diesel has same engine as 520D, half the price, but bad image. More comfortable than all listed, suitable if you don't mind the badge.
    Check this link out.
    http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/carreviews/driver_power_2008/219582/rover_75.html


  • #4
    xt40
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 174 ✭✭xt40


    ive a twin headlight 75 connoisseur auto for the last 2 years . its brilliant and has never put a foot wrong.
    40-55 mpg and every toy you can think of. i did consider an x-type but most have a crap spec , cloth seats and wind up rear windows etc and diesels are only manual.

    edit -
    just noticed mcwhirters link points to a yukky facelift picture .
    this ones better
    http://www.parkers.co.uk/cars/gallery/?model=771&img=archive/Rover/75%20Saloon/bmr-0902-656_rover_75_limo.jpg


  • #5
    keefg
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,187 ✭✭✭keefg


    While neither of the 75's above look stunning from outside (IMO), I agree with xt40 on the interior.

    I was very surprised about how plush & well equipped the 75's are, all you need to do is get over the badge snobbery.


  • #6
    aka_Ciaran
    Closed Accounts Posts: 279 ✭✭aka_Ciaran


    bazz26 wrote: »
    If you can find a BMW 520d for £4k in the UK please let me know as I will take one too. :)

    I reckon the only one mentioned that will come anywhere close to your budget is probably the X-Type:
    http://www.autoquake.com/vehicle/inspid=8979

    Ya a 520 for 4k might be ambitious but you never know who might need the money the way the economy is going.

    That link above don't know where they're going with £6700, and it has 'small dents to both passenger side doors'...! Below is a Jag the same year, has more mileage alright but is £3990:

    http://url.ie/13uj

    Forgot to say I'm also considering the Audi A6 1.9 Tdi if anyone has experience / opinions on those.


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  • #7
    bazz26
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 51,363 ✭✭✭✭bazz26


    aka_Ciaran wrote: »
    Ya a 520 for 4k might be ambitious but you never know who might need the money the way the economy is going.

    That link above don't know where they're going with £6700, and it has 'small dents to both passenger side doors'...! Below is a Jag the same year, has more mileage alright but is £3990:

    http://url.ie/13uj

    Forgot to say I'm also considering the Audi A6 1.9 Tdi if anyone has experience / opinions on those.

    The Jag in those photos looks very tired looking for a car with only 78k miles imo. Either that or the owner could not be bothered posting proper photos.


  • #8
    cashmni1
    Closed Accounts Posts: 629 ✭✭✭cashmni1


    bazz26 wrote: »
    The Jag in those photos looks very tired looking for a car with only 78k miles imo. Either that or the owner could not be bothered posting proper photos.

    Yeah, the car isn't even washed. WTF?


  • #9
    Hartyk87
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 139 ✭✭Hartyk87


    Just a thought about the 520 Bmw's. I have driven the 520 bmw's quiet a bit and thought that the 320's E46 were alot nicer car to drive than the 520's. I own a 2002 320d SE and im thinking of selling it for a newer of the same model. the car has 86k miles and is in perfect condition with very high spec.


  • #10
    BillyGoatGruff
    Closed Accounts Posts: 364 ✭✭BillyGoatGruff


    Should be able to pick up a 2004 Accord Diesel in the UK for between 4-5k. The executive model comes with full leather and heated seats. It's a 2.2 though.


  • #11
    aka_Ciaran
    Closed Accounts Posts: 279 ✭✭aka_Ciaran


    Hartyk87 wrote: »
    Just a thought about the 520 Bmw's. I have driven the 520 bmw's quiet a bit and thought that the 320's E46 were alot nicer car to drive than the 520's. I own a 2002 320d SE and im thinking of selling it for a newer of the same model. the car has 86k miles and is in perfect condition with very high spec.

    Ya did consider the 320 alright, was thinking the 520 might have a bit more room. I have an 87 316 E30 at the moment which I'd never get rid of, but it's a bit cramped for long journeys and it doesn't like the cold. Gets really grumpy in the frosty weather...has a manual choke and need to give it loads on the cold mornings


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  • #12
    corkhero
    Closed Accounts Posts: 168 ✭✭corkhero


    Hartyk87 wrote: »
    Just a thought about the 520 Bmw's. I have driven the 520 bmw's quiet a bit and thought that the 320's E46 were alot nicer car to drive than the 520's. I own a 2002 320d SE and im thinking of selling it for a newer of the same model. the car has 86k miles and is in perfect condition with very high spec.

    how much are you selling that for?


  • #13
    Hartyk87
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 139 ✭✭Hartyk87


    Not sure tbh, whould mine geting about 9.5k for it or there abouts id consider any decent offer because i have my heart set on a new car already.


  • #14
    aka_Ciaran
    Closed Accounts Posts: 279 ✭✭aka_Ciaran


    bazz26 wrote: »
    I think you may have to increase your budget I'm afraid. Would you consider a Saab 9-3 TiD?
    http://www.autoquake.com/vehicle/inspid=9349
    http://www.autoquake.com/vehicle/inspid=9276

    You may have to spend a bit more though to get leather.

    Those Saabs look pretty good, never considered one. Are they any good...what are the engines like? There's another thread on here about a guy looking for a replacement engine for a 95, and a replier said that the engines blow up pretty regularly due to not being serviced properly:

    http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055469001


  • #15
    bazz26
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 51,363 ✭✭✭✭bazz26


    aka_Ciaran wrote: »
    Those Saabs look pretty good, never considered one. Are they any good...what are the engines like? There's another thread on here about a guy looking for a replacement engine for a 95, and a replier said that the engines blow up pretty regularly due to not being serviced properly:

    http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055469001

    The 9-3 is based on the Opel Vectra and the 1.9 TiD is a Fiat sourced diesel engine which is one of the best in it's class. The 9-3 is good value second hand especially in the UK, not as good as the old Saabs but definately far from the worst car you could spend your money on.


  • #16
    S.I.R
    Closed Accounts Posts: 2,837 ✭✭✭S.I.R


    nothing compares to the slightly older version 5 series...

    maybe the citreon c5.... Very comfortable... easy to drive... and somewhat reliablee...


    a good car for decent money.


  • #17
    aka_Ciaran
    Closed Accounts Posts: 279 ✭✭aka_Ciaran


    bazz26 wrote: »
    The 9-3 is based on the Opel Vectra and the 1.9 TiD is a Fiat sourced diesel engine which is one of the best in it's class. The 9-3 is good value second hand especially in the UK, not as good as the old Saabs but definately far from the worst car you could spend your money on.

    Didn't know any Saabs had Fix It Again Tomorrow engines...I'm no expert but they don't have the best reputations by any stretch.

    Going back to my original requirements of BMW or Mercs, it seems to be difficult to get a combination of 2 ltr engine with full leather so might have to drop one of them. Is an 01 or 02 520 petrol a good machine, would it be severe on juice? I also saw a lovely 97 525 diesel on autotrader but am wary of a 2.5 engine...are the 525 diesel engines severe on juice?


  • #18
    Eoin
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 21,263 ✭✭✭✭Eoin


    The FIAT diesel engine is one of the best on the market. People really should stop using that tired old cliche.


  • #19
    Armin_Tamzarian
    Closed Accounts Posts: 10,833 ✭✭✭✭Armin_Tamzarian


    Speaking from personal experience I'd go for a Tdi Passat or an A4.
    Just make sure you don't go lower than the 130Bhp model.
    They've got a great engine, are very comfortable and look pretty decent
    inside and out.


  • #20
    galwaytt
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,822 ✭✭✭✭galwaytt


    aka_Ciaran wrote: »
    Those Saabs look pretty good, never considered one. Are they any good...what are the engines like? There's another thread on here about a guy looking for a replacement engine for a 95, and a replier said that the engines blow up pretty regularly due to not being serviced properly:

    http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055469001

    That's a petrol - they're the engine that needs, well, keeping an eye on, but good if you do

    The diesel is completely different. I have 9-3 1.9Tid, 150 Vector Sport. Astonishing engine.

    Personally, I'm changing it, and going back to petrol, don't do enough mileage to justify the extra cost of buying the things. Petrol cars half the price, and auto, will do me nicely, tbh.

    That and I want a new bike as well :D

    Ode To The Motorist

    “And my existence, while grotesque and incomprehensible to you, generates funds to the exchequer. You don't want to acknowledge that as truth because, deep down in places you don't talk about at the Green Party, you want me on that road, you need me on that road. We use words like freedom, enjoyment, sport and community. We use these words as the backbone of a life spent instilling those values in our families and loved ones. You use them as a punch line. I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the tax revenue and the very freedom to spend it that I provide, and then questions the manner in which I provide it. I would rather you just said "thank you" and went on your way. Otherwise I suggest you pick up a bus pass and get the ********* ********* off the road” 



  • #21
    LoveDucati2
    Closed Accounts Posts: 379 ✭✭LoveDucati2


    mcwhirter wrote: »
    Rover 75 diesel has same engine as 520D, half the price, but bad image. More comfortable than all listed, suitable if you don't mind the badge.
    Check this link out.
    http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/carreviews/driver_power_2008/219582/rover_75.html

    xt40 wrote: »
    ive a twin headlight 75 connoisseur auto for the last 2 years . its brilliant and has never put a foot wrong.
    40-55 mpg

    Buy a Rover 75 Conn Se Diesel Automatic, these are superb cars with a better interior than BMW or X type


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  • #22
    aka_Ciaran
    Closed Accounts Posts: 279 ✭✭aka_Ciaran


    LoveDucati2 wrote: »
    Buy a Rover 75 Conn Se Diesel Automatic, these are superb cars with a better interior than BMW or X type

    Checked a few out last night, the more I see of them the more I like them, so a bit tempted alright. Hard to drag yourself away from BMs and x types.

    Head of Ford Ireland was on Today fm this morning saying there's as good a value in cars in the south as there is in the north or in England....what a joke.


  • #23
    VolvoMan
    Closed Accounts Posts: 3,309 ✭✭✭VolvoMan


    aka_Ciaran wrote: »
    Checked a few out last night, the more I see of them the more I like them, so a bit tempted alright. Hard to drag yourself away from BMs and x types.

    At the prices good 75's are fetching I wouldn't find it too hard personally. A 75 in Connoisseur trim with the BMW 2.0 litre diesel is a fabulous car, with one of the most opulent interiors you will come across of a car in that class.


  • #24
    LoveDucati2
    Closed Accounts Posts: 379 ✭✭LoveDucati2


    aka_Ciaran wrote: »
    Checked a few out last night, the more I see of them the more I like them, so a bit tempted alright. Hard to drag yourself away from BMs and x types.

    Head of Ford Ireland was on Today fm this morning saying there's as good a value in cars in the south as there is in the north or in England....what a joke.

    Ciaran, I will be in city tomorrow around between 3 and 5 ish and you are more than welcome to have a drive in mine to stop them silly BMW and Jag thoughts.


  • #25
    aka_Ciaran
    Closed Accounts Posts: 279 ✭✭aka_Ciaran


    LoveDucati2 wrote: »
    Ciaran, I will be in city tomorrow around between 3 and 5 ish and you are more than welcome to have a drive in mine to stop them silly BMW and Jag thoughts.

    Cheers Ducati but won't back in the city until tomorrow night. I might check out some dealers in Dublin to see if they have any and take one for a spin.


  • #26
    LoveDucati2
    Closed Accounts Posts: 379 ✭✭LoveDucati2


    aka_Ciaran wrote: »
    Cheers Ducati but won't back in the city until tomorrow night. I might check out some dealers in Dublin to see if they have any and take one for a spin.

    No worries Ciaran, but buy an automatic one


  • #27
    xt40
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 174 ✭✭xt40


    LoveDucati2 wrote: »
    No worries Ciaran, but buy an automatic one
    agree 100%
    the switchable auto in the 75 is brilliant. i had a spin recently in a friends bmw x5 and felt the gearbox was crap in comparison. no sport option in auto mode and the tiptronic wiggle the stick from side to side thing just felt wrong.


  • #28
    mcwhirter
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,432 ✭✭✭mcwhirter


    aka_Ciaran wrote: »
    Checked a few out last night, the more I see of them the more I like them, so a bit tempted alright. Hard to drag yourself away from BMs and x types.

    Head of Ford Ireland was on Today fm this morning saying there's as good a value in cars in the south as there is in the north or in England....what a joke.

    This garage in wales has one for sale as well as other good cars. I bought from him last year and is recommended.

    http://www.edwintaylorcars.co.uk/stocklist.htm


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