Recommend me a diesel

MarkR · 21-01-2012 5:30pm #1

I'm currently driving a 2004 Avensis Diesel. 222k miles on it now. I've had it for four years, from 89k miles.

Got leather seats from a scrap yard, car running find. New clutch and flywheel. Fuel pump replaced. Serviced every 10k.

Wife hates here car. Wants rid of it. Likes mine.

I'm thinking of trading in her 2005 C-Max petrol. 83k miles. Very good condition.

I'm looking to put 6-8k with hers towards a newer diesel and let the avensis retire gracefully, rather than my original intention of driving it into the ground. Seems it's impossible.

Requirements

Diesel. I do 30+k miles a year.
Comfort. I could be anywhere from Gortahork in Donegal to Caherciveen in Kerry. 4-5 hour trips not uncommon
Leather. Sweat stains on seats are not attractive. Particularly if it's thre previous owner.
Tax. Currently paying 600 odd on a 2L Avensis. Don't want to go over that really. So maybe have to be 2008
Reliability. I've had a lot of trouble free miles, and would like to continue the tradition as far as possible.
Economical. I get 450(ish) miles to a tank now. Would like similar or better
Bells and whistles. I like them. Bring on the bluetooth and built in sat nav. Parking sensors would be nice.

What I've Looked at

08 Honda Accord
07 Honda Accord. Stupid tax
07 Octavis VRS
08 Toyota Avensis (this ones an estate. Not bad, but would prefer hatch)

Hatchback probably, and I think a dealer. Otherwise I'll have to sell the C-max privately. Which is doable if a good private sale available.

Any suggestions I may have missed?

Not really into the passats.

veetwin · 21-01-2012 6:02pm

Seeing as your trading in a Ford have you considered the Mondeo?

This one is a bit over priced maybe but a nice spec;

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Ford/Mondeo/2.0-TDCI/713237759000880/advert?channel=CARS

166man · 21-01-2012 6:09pm

veetwin wrote: »

Seeing as your trading in a Ford have you considered the Mondeo?

This one is a bit over priced maybe but a nice spec;

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Ford/Mondeo/2.0-TDCI/713237759000880/advert?channel=CARS

Nice car, but jaysus some arse on that yoke...:D

On a related note another Avensis might be an option or a Citroen C5 HDI.

Matthewjohn · 21-01-2012 6:16pm

I know you prefer hatches but this is nice......
http://www.carzone.ie/search/Volvo/V50/2.0-D-SE/713233335663960/advert?channel=CARS

MarkR · 21-01-2012 6:24pm

It seems the wife will divorce me if I bring home another ford. Her interior is quite plasticy. Heard a lot of trouble from them as well. Then again, you only hear about the trouble.

Citroen wasn't my cup of tea, but thanks.

MarkR · 21-01-2012 6:36pm

Matthewjohn wrote: »

I know you prefer hatches but this is nice......
http://www.carzone.ie/search/Volvo/V50/2.0-D-SE/713233335663960/advert?channel=CARS

Didn't like it, but did make me think of the S40's

There's one near where I work, I'll have to have a look.

Leonard Hofstadter · 21-01-2012 6:39pm

What about the Skoda Superb, the old model? The 1.9 TDIs are anything up to 130 bhp so should have plenty of poke, plus that engine is bombproof. Electrics may not be as good as a Toyota's though, but I have never heard of any complaints about the reliability of the old model.

I think the Superb is a far more comfortable car than the Avensis too, plus they all have plenty of gadgets. Otherwise, get another Avensis, it's a real pity your missus doesn't like Fords, because ye are denying yerselves the best car in that category.

Matthewjohn · 21-01-2012 7:17pm

Also like this great value for a Jag:)
http://www.carzone.ie/search/Jaguar/X-Type/2.2-D-SE/713263867330270/advert?channel=CARS

maxer68 · 21-01-2012 8:12pm

I'd look S40 too - great MPG on the diesels, good comfort.

Another to look at is the Passat, bigger than the Octavia (great car too) but smaller than Superb which maybe a little too big for herself.

moodrater · 21-01-2012 10:12pm

Superb is a cracking car if looking at the s40 bear in mind that theres a lot of ford engines and gearboxes in them there so your wife may kill you anyway

S40 dash board bling bling not my cup of tea, C5 not an upgrade on the plastic front really.

MarkR · 22-01-2012 7:40am

Is the mondeo that good? Hate to ignore a car on a preconception if it's really that good. thanks for all the suggestions.

pred racer · 22-01-2012 9:08am

How about an alfa 159.
Doing well in the reliability surveys,
Lovely place to sit.
Lots of toys

My 08 cost 8k
Tax 447
Only downside is the economy, at the moment im driving mine like i stole it
So i dont know what the mpg is going to be like but looking on the alfa forums it seems low 40s is the best you can hope for.

Oh yeah, and it goes like a scalded cat (to me anyway):p

JJJJNR · 22-01-2012 9:58am

'08 2.0 TDi Bora stunning car and very well put together either pd or cr engine.

Lex Luthor · 22-01-2012 10:10am

vectra · 22-01-2012 10:11am

JJJJNR wrote: »

'08 2.0 TDi Bora stunning car and very well put together either pd or cr engine.

Don't you mean Jetta? which in turn is an overpriced Octavia

Wudyaquit · 22-01-2012 4:03pm

I'm in a similar boat to the OP (minus the kids).
How about an '08 Mazda 6:
http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/2881950

or Saab '93:
http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/2861657

Either would come in under 10K with VRT, but wondering which people would reckon is the better car?? Or whether better off going for an '06 Accord?

Recommend me a diesel

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