Recommend me a diesel car.

razor425

Hi guys,

Looking to get a new car in the next few months and hoping for some recommendations.

Budget - 5000 - 6000 for car alone
Fuel - Diesel(mainly motorway driving)
Year - Probably 2004 - 2007 based on budget

Have been looking at Honda Accords, VW Passats, Jettas and Golfs, BMW 320s, Audi A4, Saab 9-3s and would have no problem with any of these. Are there any other models I should consider(I don't like Mondeo's so please don't suggest them).

Also which of the above are the most reliable and keenly priced. From what I can see the 9-3 seem to be priced the best. Not sure with regard to reliability but there does seem to be some issue with the Passats and the Accords.

All help much appreciated.

Bpmull

Skoda Octavia all day long have 2 of them there great cars. Very reliable economical comfortable. There 1.9 tdi. For 6000 you would get a 2007 at a push have a look and drive one before making your decision. I'm sure the passat and golf will be recommended the most here but that doesn't mean there the best. Vw is just popular in Ireland.

razor425

Thank you, Octavia on the list now. Any other suggestions??

vengeance52

as you car year range is pre 2008, then its on the old tax rate so maybe go with 1.8 focus diesel as it will be in your price range and spec level.

Also I own a 2004 accord diesel and I find it a great car, but 2.2 may be a bit hefty on tax for ya.

razor425

I really like the Accords but have heard there are many problems with them, is this true?? Will add the Focus to the list but it seems difficult to find a nice one. Out of interest what is the tax on the 2.2 Accord?

vengeance52

razor425 wrote: »

I really like the Accords but have heard there are many problems with them, is this true?? Will add the Focus to the list but it seems difficult to find a nice one. Out of interest what is the tax on the 2.2 Accord?

Well you would be looking at the 7th gen accord. there is a pre facelift version which is prior to 2006 and then the facelift which is 2006 - mid 2008.

On the prefacelift models there was an issue with cracked manifolds but there is extended warrenty on those and honda will fix for free.

Also on some accords there was moisture in the headlights, but that was a recall and honda fitted better clips and sorted it too. apart from that there are no big issues. I had injector probs, but that was due to dirty diesel.

Check out http://typeaccord.co.uk/forum/topic/2410-accord-check-list-for-newbies/ for great info on accords and also my thread when I was choosing a car before
http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=53029470

Also, tax would be €925 a year
https://www.motortax.ie/OMT/motortaxinfotype.do

discombobulate

Also have a look at the Alfa Romeo GT JTD. Don't suffer from any great reliability issues. Love my own. Should get an 06-07 for around the 7k mark. Main thing to look out for on them is that the timing belt is done at required intervals and a good service history

razor425

vengeance52 wrote: »

Well you would be looking at the 7th gen accord. there is a pre facelift version which is prior to 2006 and then the facelift which is 2006 - mid 2008.

On the prefacelift models there was an issue with cracked manifolds but there is extended warrenty on those and honda will fix for free.

Also on some accords there was moisture in the headlights, but that was a recall and honda fitted better clips and sorted it too. apart from that there are no big issues. I had injector probs, but that was due to dirty diesel.

Check out http://typeaccord.co.uk/forum/topic/2410-accord-check-list-for-newbies/ for great info on accords and also my thread when I was choosing a car before
http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=53029470

Also, tax would be €925 a year
https://www.motortax.ie/OMT/motortaxinfotype.do

Thanks for all that info, very helpful. Tax is a little high on the 2.2s but I might be able to afford it.

dgt

Irelands most expensive Peugeot 406 is within your criteria (budget, fuel and year). I can't link it as I'm on a mobile....

vengeance52

discombobulate wrote: »

Also have a look at the Alfa Romeo GT JTD. Don't suffer from any great reliability issues. Love my own. Should get an 06-07 for around the 7k mark. Main thing to look out for on them is that the timing belt is done at required intervals and a good service history

These are actually fun car to drive and good power from the diesel. Make sure the timing belt is done for defo, as if not and it snaps, it will wreck the water pump too.

razor425

vengeance52 wrote: »

These are actually fun car to drive and good power from the diesel. Make sure the timing belt is done for defo, as if not and it snaps, it will wreck the water pump too.

Very helpful again but I'm not a big Alfa fan so I may pass on this.

vengeance52

vengeance52 wrote: »

These are actually fun car to drive and good power from the diesel. Make sure the timing belt is done for defo, as if not and it snaps, it will wreck the water pump too.

....... If the belt snaps it could bend lots of valves, the water pump wouldn't be overly bothered.

Max Power1

Theres a few Rover 75 auto diesels around for that budget and year OP
Just sayin...

razor425

Max Power1 wrote: »

Theres a few Rover 75 auto diesels around for that budget and year OP
Just sayin...

Thanks for the suggestion but I'm looking for a manual(probably should have mentionned that earlier).