Another Diesel Car thread

Carb

Hi all,

My head has gone full circle on this and I'm starting the second orbit.

Basically my commute is in the region 50,000 km per year. I have managed to get 60k out of my 11 year old C5 that I bought for Stg 950 18 months ago but it is starting to indicate that it wants money spent and I don't think it is worth it. Obviously this is probably the most cost effective way of doing such mileage, but given I depend on the car, I'm a little reluctant to roll that dice again.

So my question is, what is the sensible option. I could probably stretch up to 15k for a second hand car which will give me any number of options in D & E segment cars of varying ages, but am I buying at an age where things start to go wrong, major services due etc, or I am increasingly swayed by upping the budget with some finance for a new C segment , something like an i30 as the 5 year warranty would give some comfort.

My requirements are clear - comfort, toys, reliability, fuel efficient and reasonable servicing costs (in no particular order). In truth, if the 2.7 HDI in the Citroen C6 was a little more efficient I would be on the first flight to the UK for a 2008 one. I just struggle to have any enthusiasm for passats, mondeos, a4s, Avensis of the world. I like the Insignia but their issues have been brought up before. I know a new C segment car is no more exciting, but its scores on a lot of other points - my concern would be the comfort side.

So if it was your money where would it go.

Thanks.

Meso Harney

1k into another xud / tdi and enjoy another year of cheap motoring. Rinse and repeat. You're doing an ugly commute. Buy cheap, maintain well enough, if its getting expensive throw it away and start again.

Carb

Meso Harney wrote: »

1k into another xud / tdi and enjoy another year of cheap motoring. Rinse and repeat. You're doing an ugly commute. Buy cheap, maintain well enough, if its getting expensive throw it away and start again.

TBH, I'm tired of bangernomics. I would have no issues if my mileage was smaller and I could run a fully loaded barge, but 10 -12 year old diesels, with 200k miles, worn interiors and next to zero comfort features are just not a nice place to sit for 20 hours a week. My current car has leather, climate control, electric everything, but I had to go a 2.2 to get the spec, which isn't that economical and the tax is not much fun.

I guess my requirements go beyond just cheap motoring

BdaraB

Would a Skoda Superb be of any interest, they're not the most interesting cars, but extremely comfortable and great for big milages or are you looking for something more exciting?

Carb

BdaraB wrote: »

Would a Skoda Superb be of any interest, they're not the most interesting cars, but extremely comfortable and great for big milages or are you looking for something more exciting?

Your last line probably sums up my dilemma. I want something more exciting/different, but I'm not convinced it exists for my needs, at least without some big drawbacks or its newer and outside budget.

Regarding the Superb, it is one I've always considered, but I do struggle to like the saloon, and the estate is much bigger than I need (plus limited choice in estate form with some questionable colour choices).

To give an example of my tastes if I wasn't as constrained by mileage and budget, I would consider buying a C6 as mentioned/DS5/V40 RDesign/various Alfas/Jag XFs/A5 (maybe). And as a complete curveball I like the Yeti.

Some Mazda 6/Avensis (in estate form/2010/11 vintage) have caught my eye, and I guess the Passat CC ticks a lot of boxes except perhaps value for money.

I am leaning more towards the 10 - 15k price bracket rather than a new smaller car.

Moneymaker

Volvo S60 D5, give one a spin.

Does about 40-45mpg, supremely comfortable, well equipped, safe and a hell of a sleeper.

My family has had one since 2006, all clocked over 300,000km and never gave any trouble. We're on our 3rd one now.

I hear the Civic 2.2 is a lovely drive, might be worth checking out too.

Carb

Moneymaker wrote: »

I hear the Civic 2.2 is a lovely drive, might be worth checking out too.

This one is growing on me. although would probably warrant a trip to the UK for choice. Something to think about. Thanks.

bazz26

10-15k budget would probably get you a decent spec 2009/2010 Accord I-DTEC landed from the UK.

Carb

Not to leave a thread hanging.

A long trip to a client with my MD opened up a discussion on my fuel costs etc., and after a number of further discussions, the option of a company car was offered.

Picking up a new Mazda 3 Platinum with leather on Friday. Going to be some change after 7 years of 10 year old cars.

Thanks all for your input.