Fast diesel around €7/8k

NewApproach

Hi I'm looking for a relatively fast diesel car which won't cost an arm and a leg in maintenance (my big worry about a BMW).

I saw on autotrader a Toyota Avensis T180, which I could import for around 7-7.5k. Has 175bhp, 45ish mpg and good spec (leather, sat nav etc).

Also it would need to be insurable for a 21 year old. The badge isn't too important, but it would need to look kinda nice.

How does that Toyota sound, or any other decent alternatives?

Thanks!

Drummerboy08

The insurance on that Toyota might be hairy for a 21yr old.

What about a MK1 Focus 1.8TDCi Sport? Basically a diesel ST from the outside, only had 115bhp from the factory but they can be mapped up to a more respectable figure....Probably easier to insure too.

YouTookMyName

2.2 engine has head gasket problems.

NewApproach

Drummerboy08 wrote: »

The insurance on that Toyota might be hairy for a 21yr old.

What about a MK1 Focus 1.8TDCi Sport? Basically a diesel ST from the outside, only had 115bhp from the factory but they can be mapped up to a more respectable figure....Probably easier to insure too.

Quinn said it would be an extra ~€120 on my policy (only just started). That Focus is a good shout alright I'll research it a bit. In a way tho I think I might like a bigger car, have had a hatchback since I started driving.

YouTookMyName wrote: »

2.2 engine has head gasket problems.

. I'll research forums and stuff to see how bad it is. Do you know any more details on it?

Drummerboy08

Happy days so. I still think a diesel Avensis for a 21yr old is a bit premature.....:pac:

YouTookMyName

NewApproach wrote: »

. I'll research forums and stuff to see how bad it is. Do you know any more details on it?

Toyota owners club avensis forums. few pages on it. Same engine in the Lexus IS220 and they go ping. New enough engine.

Drummerboy08

YouTookMyName wrote: »

Toyota owners club avensis forums. few pages on it. Same engine in the Lexus IS220 and they go ping. New enough engine.

They also gave injector problems IIRC

NewApproach

Drummerboy08 wrote: »

Happy days so. I still think a diesel Avensis for a 21yr old is a bit premature.....:pac:

Yeah thought about that. Don't want to buy a BMW coupe for the sake of it though and not be able to afford to run it.

Drummerboy08

NewApproach wrote: »

Yeah thought about that. Don't want to buy a BMW coupe for the sake of it though and not be able to afford to run it.

The Toyota will take as much maintaining as the BMW. Remember, Toyota's need to be serviced every 15k, where as the BMW's are longer (Up to 30k in some cases) so straight away your servicing costs could double. You could also have the same potential problems with the Toyota (DPF, DMF etc).

It's worth the risk IMO, just pick out a healthy one.

NewApproach

Drummerboy08 wrote: »

The Toyota will take as much maintaining as the BMW. Remember, Toyota's need to be serviced every 15k, where as the BMW's are longer (Up to 30k in some cases) so straight away your servicing costs could double. You could also have the same potential problems with the Toyota (DPF, DMF etc).

It's worth the risk IMO, just pick out a healthy one.

Oh didn't realise that about the service intervals. I'd just be worried about the possibility of 4 figure bills out of the blue from the beemer, but I guess that's a possibility with any modern diesel. I love the E46 coupe though, I'll look at the prices of them.

Also I just had a look at the toyota owners forum, every third thread seems to be about replacement T180 engines, think I'll scratch that idea!

puddinboxxx

skoda fabia vrs...that is all

challengemaster

depending on what year BMW you go looking at (if you change your mind) be very careful. Pre-04 e46 had swirl flap issues, and I mean unpredictable catastrophic issues.

Basically, the swirl flaps were screwed in and over time, the engine vibrations shook them loose. Next thing you know, there's screws and swirl flaps being ingested by the engine and you need a new engine.

Doesn't matter if the car has Full BMWSH, can still happen. Only way to be certain it wont is to blank them with blanking plates.

Obviously turbos can go, so you'd need to make sure it's working alright - pulling well in all the gears on a test drive, and even better if you can get to see the turbo, try look for any signs of a refurb, if you can get the intercooler pipe off try check for any lateral movement. (don't forget to put it back on if you do).. Replacment of the crankcase breather filter helps prolong the life of the turbo, depending on the year of the car it could need to be done every 15-20k miles but the parts are cheap to buy. There's a better filter(vortex) you can buy that lasts longer, but only available for later year models.

Other issues are front suspension (mainly wishbone IIRC) problems, they tend to wear out very quickly, and check all the springs as they can cause problems too.

Oh, and silver ones tend to rust quite a bit more than other colours for some reason, so make sure to get a good look, especially around the arches and the likes.

And don't wait as long as the service intervals say for a service

(edit: having said all the above, I've a "new" e46 coupe sitting outside )

YouTookMyName

NewApproach wrote: »

Also I just had a look at the toyota owners forum, every third thread seems to be about replacement T180 engines, think I'll scratch that idea!

Only the 2.2. The 2L is a fine engine.

bazz26

Drummerboy08 wrote: »

The Toyota will take as much maintaining as the BMW. Remember, Toyota's need to be serviced every 15k, where as the BMW's are longer (Up to 30k in some cases) so straight away your servicing costs could double. You could also have the same potential problems with the Toyota (DPF, DMF etc).

It's worth the risk IMO, just pick out a healthy one.

I would not leave a modern day diesel engine go for 25/30k without at least an oil and filter change irrespective of the longer intervals manufactures put on them these days.

NewApproach

Yeah I've heard about the swirl flap issue on the E46, that's what puts me off. Is there any preemptive measures you can take against the problem?

As for the 2.2 Head Gasket problems, it seems Toyota have a 7 year, 112k guarantee on the engines. Would still put me off.

How about a Honda Accord? Surely they are reliable, even the diesels? http://www.carzone.ie/search/Honda/Accord/2.2I-CTD/201130203570762/advert?channel=CARS

YouTookMyName

Accord is chain and Manifold problems.

YouTookMyName

Drummerboy08 wrote: »

The Toyota will take as much maintaining as the BMW. Remember, Toyota's need to be serviced every 15k, where as the BMW's are longer (Up to 30k in some cases) so straight away your servicing costs could double. You could also have the same potential problems with the Toyota (DPF, DMF etc).

It's worth the risk IMO, just pick out a healthy one.

Wouldn't leave oil in a engine for more than 10000miles.

NewApproach

YouTookMyName wrote: »

Accord is chain and Manifold problems.

Is anything reliable these days?

166man

Alfa 147 diesel? Nippy enough engine along with a great looking car..

Are you doing the miles to warrant a diesel car or just looking to save on fuel costs?

YouTookMyName

NewApproach wrote: »

Is anything reliable these days?

Reliable is a very expansive word. The most reliable car maker in the world means nothing if a car hasn't been proper mantained.

challengemaster

NewApproach wrote: »

Yeah I've heard about the swirl flap issue on the E46, that's what puts me off. Is there any preemptive measures you can take against the problem?

Yup, as I said, they can be blanked

http://www.pmwltd.co.uk/?page_id=155

bridgemond

All cars have problems. All you can do is get a car with a good service history and look after it. The diesels that I would drive would be

02 shape kitted A4
Mk4/5 golf tdi
Kitted Accord
E46 320d

NewApproach

166man wrote: »

Alfa 147 diesel? Nippy enough engine along with a great looking car..

Ha, I have a 147 petrol for 3.5 years now, fancy a change

opinion guy

YouTookMyName wrote: »

Reliable is a very expansive word. The most reliable car maker in the world means nothing if a car hasn't been proper mantained.

Those have been known to have steering issues......

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2056393168

bazz26

Ford Mondeo ST TDCi:
http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/2534511

Pretty reliable as modern diesels go and very torquey engine but insurance maybe a problem for a 21 year old.

NewApproach

bazz26 wrote: »

Ford Mondeo ST TDCi:
http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/2534511

Pretty reliable as modern diesels go and very torquey engine but insurance maybe a problem for a 21 year old.

Thanks, didn't think they were in budget! I'll check the story with insurance tomorrow.

166man

NewApproach wrote: »

Ha, I have a 147 petrol for 3.5 years now, fancy a change

Insurance may be an issue but still..

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Volvo/S60/D5-SPORT/201134204036431/advert?channel=CARS

supersparkz

Would you consider a 2l passat say 05 up. a good quick bus. or the octavia with the same engine maybe a bit cheaper?

Hiace.

NewApproach wrote: »

Is anything reliable these days?

Not really, it's called planned obsolesce. It's a major money spinner for the large manufacturers.
VAG are the worst offenders at the minute.

YouTookMyName

166man wrote: »

Insurance may be an issue but still..

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Volvo/S60/D5-SPORT/201134204036431/advert?channel=CARS

Serious bus for a man of 21!

NewApproach

166man wrote: »

Insurance may be an issue but still..

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Volvo/S60/D5-SPORT/201134204036431/advert?channel=CARS

Really like these. In black with the right alloys and lights they look class imo.

bazz26

NewApproach wrote: »

Thanks, didn't think they were in budget! I'll check the story with insurance tomorrow.

It might also be worth looking for the Mondeo 2.2 TDCi Ghia X/Titanium X, same engine as the ST but may not be as high risk with insurance companies.

NewApproach

YouTookMyName wrote: »

Serious bus for a man of 21!

I've an odd taste in cars

edit: Don't say these don't look class:

Pdfile

why not just get a VAG diesel and admit defeat ?

YouTookMyName

Pdfile wrote: »

why not just get a VAG diesel and admit defeat ?

Because he;s not a sheep?

supersparkz

Hiace. wrote: »

NewApproach wrote: »

Is anything reliable these days?

Not really, it's called planned obsolesce. It's a major mone
y spinner for the large manufacturers.
VAG are the worst offenders at the minute.

Even toyota vans......

Pdfile

you don't have to be a sheep, the sheeps are the ones who bought them during the tiger and got robbed.


the sharks are the ones buying them for half nothing

challengemaster

The reason nobody wants to buy VAG diesel anymore:








(pics straight from google of "felt spec", not going to the hassle of blocking a reg tbh")

Pdfile

oh yes, i know their are some Serious yokes... but keep it completely stock ( or as close exterior wise as possible ) remap + front anti roll bar and any other cheap bits n peices you can tart her up with and im sure you're onto a winner ??

supersparkz

supersparkz wrote: »

Would you consider a 2l passat say 05 up. a good quick bus. or the octavia with the same engine maybe a bit cheaper?

2l ones of that era are potentially very troublesome.

keithclancy

challengemaster wrote: »

The reason nobody wants to buy VAG diesel anymore:


(pics straight from google of "felt spec", not going to the hassle of blocking a reg tbh")

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jGpcKu7kLuY

PARKHEAD67

NewApproach wrote: »

Hi I'm looking for a relatively fast diesel car which won't cost an arm and a leg in maintenance (my big worry about a BMW).

I saw on autotrader a Toyota Avensis T180, which I could import for around 7-7.5k. Has 175bhp, 45ish mpg and good spec (leather, sat nav etc).

Also it would need to be insurable for a 21 year old. The badge isn't too important, but it would need to look kinda nice.

How does that Toyota sound, or any other decent alternatives?

Thanks!

Golf TDI. All you need.

PARKHEAD67

keithclancy wrote: »

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jGpcKu7kLuY

Jayzes. I support Celtic and drive a Volkswagen. Must make me a skanger:D

EPM

PARKHEAD67 wrote: »

Golf TDI. All you need.

Eh no. Most are only the 1.9 too and that's not fast.

A big +1 on the Mondeo ST idea though. Nice spec, decent poke and rare enough too.

supersparkz

RoverJames wrote: »

2l ones of that era are potentially very troublesome.

What kind of trouble?? Was considering one myself.

keithclancy

EPM wrote: »

Eh no. Most are only the 1.9 too and that's not fast.

A big +1 on the Mondeo ST idea though. Nice spec, decent poke and rare enough too.

Mondeo is a bit big for someone of that age i'd think.

What about something like this ?
http://www.carzone.ie/search/SEAT/Leon/Sport-1./201135204259002/advert?channel=CARS

si_guru

If you're importing... then get an Astra 1.9CDTi with 150bhp - easy remap to 210bhp... or the Vectra if you want a bigger (but slightly heavier) car.

Oh and btw, the fastest production diesel car was a VAG 1.9tdi. Really. And the most powerful is a VAG too!


...mad choice. Doblo Cargo and remap to 175...

Ardennes1944

si_guru wrote: »

If you're importing... then get an Astra 1.9CDTi with 150bhp - easy remap to 210bhp... or the Vectra if you want a bigger (but slightly heavier) car.

Oh and btw, the fastest production diesel car was a VAG 1.9tdi. Really. And the most powerful is a VAG too!


...mad choice. Doblo Cargo and remap to 175...

i dont know would you get 210 from that engine, 190 is the max ive seen from the guys on AON. they also have swirl flap problems but still a fine engine.

get a 159 jtdm OP

PARKHEAD67

EPM wrote: »

Eh no. Most are only the 1.9 too and that's not fast.

A big +1 on the Mondeo ST idea though. Nice spec, decent poke and rare enough too.

Ive a 1.9 Golf and trust me its a fabulous car. I dont get all this anti-VAG stuff. The car is as reliable as fcuk-no trouble whatsoever.It drives brilliantly, has a lot of power.(Trust me, its got more power than a lot of the s****y Bmws that pollute our roads).My advice to the op-forget all the anti VAG brigade.Get a 1.9 TDI Golf. Youll never look back.;)

EPM

I can only assume you're trolling tbh. The 1.9 tdi is fine for a diesel hack, but considering that the OP is looking for something relatively powerful its performance is not going to meet this requirement unless you do a remap or something.

PARKHEAD67

EPM wrote: »

I can only assume you're trolling tbh. The 1.9 tdi is fine for a diesel hack, but considering that the OP is looking for something relatively powerful its performance is not going to meet this requirement unless you do a remap or something.

Im not trolling. The TDI Golf is a pretty powerful yoke (by Irish standards). I have no problem overtaking cars in it anyway;).If your comparing it to a Porsche-then fair enough it cant compete. But by Christ its better than any pov spec bmw on the road today.