Diesel vs Petrol (estate) advise please

kenmc

Looking to get a 'new' (to me) car this year after driving my almost-18-y.o golf for the last 12 years - it owes me nothing at this stage, but it's beginning to cost me money, took I think 7 goes at the last NCT in 2009, due up again in July

I've always wanted an estate for hauling stuff around - bikes, camping stuff, looking to get back into windsurfing etc, so would be looking to get one finally.

Don't tend to do a whole lot of mileage, I usually cycle to work, but on the days I might drive it'd be 2x20km each way. Throw in a trip to the inlaws - 60km return a couple of times a month, usual trips to the shops etc and maybe 10 weekends away during the year - I'd say I probably barely top 10k km a year, and my wife has a MX5 of her own which she'd be more comfortable driving day-to-day, so the car would be mostly sitting in the drive during the week. But also thinking longer term, and hoping that we'll have to use a bigger car for buggies etc in the nearish future. I'd expect to keep it at least 4 or 5 years, but not 11 or 12 like the golf

So, my options.
- Diesel is obviously cheaper at the pump than petrol, and reportedly gets more MPGs, but I get the impression that it isn't happy unless it's doing serious milage - is that right? (If so what's the problem)
- Should I go for an 08 to take advantage of the (probably) lower motor tax based on emissions?

I've always wanted a Volvo or an Audi estate, but realistically, my budget is around 10-12k (could "afford" to spend a fair bit more, but for the amount of driving I/we do, I don't see the point), so I'm thinking more along the lines of an Octavia at the moment. Haven't driven any estates yet though, so not "set" on anything yet - would like heated leather seats though, spoilt with the MX5 in the winter

So, in short
- Petrol or Diesel?
- 08 or 06/07?
- suggestions for 10-12k (from a main dealer preferably, but do have a good mechanic who could check out a private sale), and assume that my golf is only worth the petrol in the tank
Cheers
K

Anan1

Petrol. Subaru Legacy estate. Pre-2008.

kenmc

Anan1 wrote: »

Petrol. Subaru Legacy estate. Pre-2008.

I see. What colour is your one then?

mathepac

Skoda Octavia or if you need even more space a Skoda Superb

kenmc

mathepac wrote: »

Either a Skoda Octavia or if you need even more space a Skoda Superb

That's cheating! I said that first!
TBH I'd rather narrow it down to year and fuel first, then find the make and model to fit that.

Anan1

kenmc wrote: »

I see. What colour is your one then?

I don't have one, but I think it'd suit the OP perfectly.:) They're not expensive to buy, they're roomy, versatile, safe and reliable, and they tend to last forever. The OP will spend a little more on tax, but nothing like what all the €302-chasers pay on purchase. Fuel costs shouldn't matter too much either at 10k kms pa.

langdang

Anan1 wrote: »

Petrol. Subaru Legacy estate. Pre-2008.

Yup, or Outback or Forester. I'm in the same position as yourself ken and they are the cars I'd have, really only need to use the car for outdoor pursuits or hauling stuff hers can't carry. Can cycle/walk to work.

Great value going depending on the year.

kenmc

Anan1 wrote: »

I don't have one, but I think it'd suit the OP perfectly.:) They're not expensive to buy, they're roomy, versatile, safe and reliable, and they tend to last forever. The OP will spend a little more on tax, but nothing like what all the €302-chasers pay on purchase. Fuel costs shouldn't matter too much either at 10k kms pa.

Cheers for that, I am the OP.

Anan1

kenmc wrote: »

Cheers for that, I am the OP.

Sorry!:D

kenmc

Anan1 wrote: »

Sorry!:D

No worries. Just out of interest, why did you recommend petrol? Also, are there any 'dogs' in the range I should avoid?

edit: eek. just looked on carzone, nothing less than 10 years old for less than 18k!

Anan1

Just to add - I've a Forester myself, and much as I love it it's not the outright biggest car ever. If I were thinking along the lines of two babies then a Legacy/Outback might be a better bet. Also, you might want to give it a bit before buying - Subaru prices rose quite noticeably when the bad weather hit.

langdang

Ya, I was cursing the bad weather, I knew there'd be less decent Subaru estates left after it. There was a good few around a few months ago!

Anan1

kenmc wrote: »

No worries. Just out of interest, why did you recommend petrol? Also, are there any 'dogs' in the range I should avoid?

The whole country is mad about diesel at the moment, and you'll be competing against buyers doing 30-40k kms and more pa. They make relatively greater savings from diesel and therefore push prices up to the point where it's not justified for you. If you do go for a Subaru, they only launched their first diesel in 2008 - everything prior to that is petrol. It's a very good diesel, but still above your budget. Any Legacy/Outback/Forester is an inherently good car, but some will have lived a hard life. I'd steer away from Japanese imports and turbocharged cars modified for performance. Take your time, and make sure there's a full service history and you should be fine. I'd buy privately myself, as I feel you can tell a lot about a car from the owner. If you do want to buy from a dealer, Castle Subaru in Bray are very helpful and with the feel of a family-run business.

langdang

kenmc wrote: »

No worries. Just out of interest, why did you recommend petrol? Also, are there any 'dogs' in the range I should avoid?

edit: eek. just looked on carzone, nothing less than 10 years old for less than 18k!

Diesel didn't become available until relatively recently, doubt your 10k would get you anything especially with diesel being the new black

windsurfer99ie

I'm facing the same conudrum at the moment, and here is my thinking.


Post 08 diesels in Ireland are priced at unrealistic levels at the moment (the tax saving is only worth about Eur300 per annum, dealers in Dublin are pricing 08 Focus's at anything up to Eur13,000.

In Ireland, diesel is the cheaper option. It is cheaper at the pump and in addition you achieve better mpg (e.g. for a Focus 20% around better).

In the UK there is less point to have a diesel - it is more expensive at the pump and there is no tax incentive. Consequently, an 08 Focus diesel in the UK is around STG 6,000 - 7,000 for ex fleet. The revenue commisioners value this at around Eur10,000 and charge 16% = Eur 1600 VRT to import.

So if I import from the UK, I will buy an 08 diesel. If I buy in Ireland, I will buy a (probably older) petrol. I'd be interested in hearing other peoples views.

windsurfer99ie

windsurfer99ie wrote: »

I'm facing the same conudrum at the moment, and here is my thinking.


Post 08 diesels in Ireland are priced at unrealistic levels at the moment (the tax saving is only worth about Eur300 per annum, dealers in Dublin are pricing 08 Focus's at anything up to Eur13,000.

In Ireland, diesel is the cheaper option. It is cheaper at the pump and in addition you achieve better mpg (e.g. for a Focus 20% around better).

In the UK there is less point to have a diesel - it is more expensive at the pump and there is no tax incentive. Consequently, an 08 Focus diesel in the UK is around STG 6,000 - 7,000 for ex fleet. The revenue commisioners value this at around Eur10,000 and charge 16% = Eur 1600 VRT to import.

So if I import from the UK, I will buy an 08 diesel. If I buy in Ireland, I will buy a (probably older) petrol. I'd be interested in hearing other peoples views.

Sorry - I mean't to say that my pricing is for ESTATES, and when I say UK I mean England - I am looking at prices from a fleet seller in Leeds. My pricing is current (this weekend) and, I believe, accurate.

kenmc

have you a link for a website you're using as reference?

windsurfer99ie

kenmc wrote: »

have you a link for a website you're using as reference?

For Ireland, I'm using carzone.ie (I don't know whether this is a good site to use). For England I'm using exchange and mart and a fleet site with outlets at Leeds and London called autoquake.com (I've never heard of them - I'm asking someone to check them out for me).

Rgds.

Lex Luthor

Anan1 wrote: »

Petrol. Subaru Legacy estate. Pre-2008.

+1

kenmc

Sorry to drag this up from the grave, but my trusty ould vw golf appears to be on it's last legs, gearbox/driveshaft issues this afternoon with all sorts of clunks, clicks and smoke, so need to step up the search from passive to active
Not seen any octavia estates coming through carzone in the last couple of weeks so broadening the horizons a bit. How about the Fabia Combi (2008, E9,500)? The thing that's scaring me is it's a 1.2, so wonder if it'll have the power to pull me out of bed.... Otherwise there's a V50 (2006, E10k) nearby I might look at also, what's the opinions on that one?? Haven't seen anything else from the suggestions passing through either.
Ta
K

Seweryn

Anan1 wrote: »

Petrol. Subaru Legacy estate. Pre-2008.

Another vote for the above car. I can't see any better car for the job.

kenmc

ok, and how about something that's actually available then?

Anan1

kenmc wrote: »

ok, and how about something that's actually available then?

You keep your cars for a long time, taking the time to find the right one is a wise investment. Good Subaru estates are hard to find secondhand - they're a bit of niche product, and owners tend to be reluctant to part with them. To a perhaps lesser extent, though, this is true of all cars - it generally takes me about a month to find a good car.

kenmc

in the meantime though I'm carless or sharing my wifes mx5, which isn't great for carrying bikes!

Anan1

If you're stuck for something right now then here's an honest-looking Forester 2.5XT: http://www.driving.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=201048200402170. It's €935pa to tax, it likes a drink, and it's probably a whole lot faster than you need. On the other hand it's not expensive to buy, it'll do everything you want, and it'll last forever.

peasant

kenmc wrote: »

- bikes, camping stuff, looking to get back into windsurfing etc, so would be looking to get one finally.

Don't tend to do a whole lot of mileage...

Have you ever considered a campervan?

http://www.donedeal.ie/for-sale/campers/1931199

Lex Luthor

kenmc wrote: »

Sorry to drag this up from the grave, but my trusty ould vw golf appears to be on it's last legs, gearbox/driveshaft issues this afternoon with all sorts of clunks, clicks and smoke, so need to step up the search from passive to active
Not seen any octavia estates coming through carzone in the last couple of weeks so broadening the horizons a bit. How about the Fabia Combi (2008, E9,500)? The thing that's scaring me is it's a 1.2, so wonder if it'll have the power to pull me out of bed.... Otherwise there's a V50 (2006, E10k) nearby I might look at also, what's the opinions on that one?? Haven't seen anything else from the suggestions passing through either.
Ta
K

Boot is tiny in the v50

TheAceFace

If you're interested in a decent Subaru I've a 2007 Legacy for sale, 2 litre auto, 58,000 klms. One small problem though, it's a saloon!!

VolvoMan

Feck the idea of a diesel V50, buy this T5!: http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/1932285