Best automatic diesel?

kgroarke

I am looking to buy a reliable Automatic Diesel as I do a lot of mileage. I have 9k Euro to spend. I dont know much about cars so I am looking for advice on which automatics are the most reliable.

It would need to be relatively cheap on tax <500 and nothing older than '08. I am not fussy about the car as long as it is reliable and good on fuel mpg.

So far I have considered passat, Audia4, LexusIS200, focus, mercadez e220
Any advice from someone in the know about Automatics would be greatly appreciated?
I have heard the focus gearbox is not that reliable...

colm_mcm

Do you do a lot of motorway driving?

I can't see you getting a cheap tax luxury branded automatic for €9k.

How much mileage are you doing?

I'd go for a Prius unless you're doing a lot of motorway.

bazz26

Have you looked at any of the cars you mentioned as you're not going to get much of a 08+ Audi A4 or Merc E Class diesel for 9k. Also the Lexus IS220d was never sold in automatic.

If the low mileage on this Passat can be verified then it's worth a look:
http://www.driving.ie/used-cars/Volkswagen/Passat/SPORTLINE-2.0/201014641023282900/

This Volvo S40 is worth a look at too if you don't need a lot of room:
http://www.driving.ie/used-cars/Volvo/S40/2.0D-SE/200814648594559770/

Kirk Van Houten

Have a look at the Skoda autos. Superb or Octavia.

grogi

kgroarke wrote: »

I am looking to buy a reliable Automatic Diesel as I do a lot of mileage. I have 9k Euro to spend. I dont know much about cars so I am looking for advice on which automatics are the most reliable.

It would need to be relatively cheap on tax <500 and nothing older than '08. I am not fussy about the car as long as it is reliable and good on fuel mpg.

So far I have considered passat, Audia4, LexusIS200, focus, mercadez e220
Any advice from someone in the know about Automatics would be greatly appreciated?

Mercedes has been making automatic cars for decades and are pretty good at it. An E-Klasse might be a very good option, but I know very little about the engines nor bodywork (rust might be an issue with MB from that age AFAIK).

Any Ford with 2.0 HDI TDCI from 2008 would be paired with a Powershift gearbox (aka MPS or Getrag 6DCT450). It is a reliable dual clutch gearbox. Previous to that they were paired with 6-speed Aisin - a reasonably good gearbox. You can check which one particular car has at www.etis.ford.com.

Similarly to Fords, Citroen and Peugeot paired 2.0HDI with Aisin gearbox. I like C5 very much - it is a very comfortable barge.

I don't have a PhD on VW diesel codes, but I think the 2.0 diesel from that years might be a PD (Pumpe Düse) engine - and it is not the best engine from VW. The gearbox on its own (DSG6 aka DQ250) is a good box as well.

Laguna 3 2.0dCi is paired with Jatco transmission - very good combination. And because of Laguna 2 very well priced.

Audi will come with a multitronic gearbox, not known for its reliability.
Lexus IS200 is a petrol. A thirsty even for a petrol...

I have heard the focus gearbox is not that reliable...

Lol, I just love generalizations like that. With every engine and generation there is probably a different gearbox - some bad (like the CVT paired with 1.6 diesels), some good (like the Powershift)...

-- TLDR --

The most reliable automatic with diesel-like economy is Prius. You should be able to get a nice one for the money you have...

If you don't like hybrids, Ford 2.0 TDCI would be a good option, and a VW 2.0 TDI (provided it is CR, not PD engine) as well. Laguna3 2.0 dCi, Peugoet 508 and Citroen C5 2.0HDI are worth considering.

I've just came across this Laguna this morning: https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/08-renault-laguna-tax-09-16/12610354

kgroarke

Thanks for the advice. I may need to up it to 10k or go lower in years.
Just didnt want to go lower in years with the insurance being the way it is (15 y/o etc)

That passat looks very clean, cheers for the link, is there a way to get mileage verified?

The focus gearbox was a generlisation because when i googled '08 gearbox there were a lot of bad reviews!! could be wrong

Drove a prius and they are just very flat to drive

colm_mcm

Easiest way to verify mileage is to confirm the service history. A vehicle history check might throw something up too.

kgroarke

So a ford focus 2.0 tdci has a reliable gearbox? are there different types or will any 08 - 2010 be the same

colm_mcm

Reg check says that Passat is a comfortline rather than a sportline.

kgroarke

would the 08 passat have the multitronic gearbox or would it be a reliable one??

bazz26

Strange spec on that Passat, it has Highline seats and the aluminium trim trin on the dash would suggest it's not a Comfortline either. That Passat has a DSG gearbox which would be more reliable than Audi's multitronic box.

Ginger83

grogi wrote: »

Mercedes has been making automatic cars for decades and are pretty good at it. An E-Klasse might be a very good option, but I know very little about the engines nor bodywork (rust might be an issue with MB from that age AFAIK).

Any Ford with 2.0 HDI TDCI from 2008 would be paired with a Powershift gearbox (aka MPS or Getrag 6DCT450). It is a reliable dual clutch gearbox. Previous to that they were paired with 6-speed Aisin - a reasonably good gearbox. You can check which one particular car has at www.etis.ford.com.

Similarly to Fords, Citroen and Peugeot paired 2.0HDI with Aisin gearbox. I like C5 very much - it is a very comfortable barge.

I don't have a PhD on VW diesel codes, but I think the 2.0 diesel from that years might be a PD (Pumpe Düse) engine - and it is not the best engine from VW. The gearbox on its own (DSG6 aka DQ250) is a good box as well.

Laguna 3 2.0dCi is paired with Jatco transmission - very good combination. And because of Laguna 2 very well priced.

Audi will come with a multitronic gearbox, not known for its reliability.
Lexus IS200 is a petrol. A thirsty even for a petrol...



Lol, I just love generalizations like that. With every engine and generation there is probably a different gearbox - some bad (like the CVT paired with 1.6 diesels), some good (like the Powershift)...

-- TLDR --

The most reliable automatic with diesel-like economy is Prius. You should be able to get a nice one for the money you have...

If you don't like hybrids, Ford 2.0 TDCI would be a good option, and a VW 2.0 TDI (provided it is CR, not PD engine) as well. Laguna3 2.0 dCi, Peugoet 508 and Citroen C5 2.0HDI are worth considering.

I've just came across this Laguna this morning: https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/08-renault-laguna-tax-09-16/12610354

Hi, i'm looking for similar advice. I have to change my car due to a recent disability. I would need a diesel auto with push button start and possible electric seat. Budget up to 15k.

grogi

Ginger83 wrote: »

Hi, i'm looking for similar advice. I have to change my car due to a recent disability. I would need a diesel auto with push button start and possible electric seat. Budget up to 15k.

With high driving position? c-max.

Ginger83

grogi wrote: »

With high driving position? c-max.

I'm not sure about drive position. Are there other options?

Atlantic Dawn

Lexus don't make diesel automatics.

My vote would go with Volvo S80/S60 or Skoda Superb.

colm_mcm

Do you need a high driving position ginger83? What sort of disability do you have?

Do you have issues with grip? Just wondering about the push button start.

Ginger83

colm_mcm wrote: »

Do you need a high driving position ginger83? What sort of disability do you have?

Do you have issues with grip? Just wondering about the push button start.

I have Motor Neurone Disease so the push button would be very much needed further along as I progress.

colm_mcm

I'd look at a Lexus CT200h or a Prius if you don't need an overly high seat. Reason being everything's automatic, the gears are an electronic switch so no effort, plus you often get stuff like a parking camera or even self parking which would really help. The Lexus is likely to have electric memory seats.
They both have push button start.

These are hybrids, they're economical, but aren't diesel.

Ginger83

colm_mcm wrote: »

I'd look at a Lexus CT200h or a Prius if you don't need an overly high seat. Reason being everything's automatic, the gears are an electronic switch so no effort, plus you often get stuff like a parking camera or even self parking which would really help. The Lexus is likely to have electric memory seats.
They both have push button start.

These are hybrids, they're economical, but aren't diesel.

Thanks very much for your help. I live in a rural location and do quite a few miles. Would a hybrid suit this?

colm_mcm

They're very good for speed up/slow down driving. Where they're not as good is sitting at 120kmph all day.

How much driving will you realistically be doing?

grogi

colm_mcm wrote: »

They're very good for speed up/slow down driving. Where they're not as good is sitting at 120kmph all day.

Where is this coming from?

Prius will return around 5.5l/100km when doing 110-120kmh. It is not unusual to see economy of 3.x/100km when driving around 70-80kmh.

colm_mcm

It's coming from having had one as a company car and having sold them new and used.
There are situations where a diesel is a better option.

richardsheil

To the Op,

I have just bought an 08 c class with auto with 107000 miles.

I was planning on keeping it about 6 months but if you gave me 8 k I would sell it,

It is 750 to tax but the excellent condition would make the extra tax palatable seeing as over two years the extra 500 in tax would be made up for in the price.

You should get a mechanic to look at it if interested

Ginger83

colm_mcm wrote: »

They're very good for speed up/slow down driving. Where they're not as good is sitting at 120kmph all day.

How much driving will you realistically be doing?

I go from Cavan to Dublin a bit to appointment so would be doing motorway journeys. I say around 20k miles a year.

The plan behind my thinking is my condition is progressive so as I get worse I will need more automation, electric start, auto gears, keyless entry, etc. All this will help me keep my independence before we've to consider a wheelchair accessible vehicle.

selectamatic

Ginger83 wrote: »

I go from Cavan to Dublin a bit to appointment so would be doing motorway journeys. I say around 20k miles a year.

The plan behind my thinking is my condition is progressive so as I get worse I will need more automation, electric start, auto gears, keyless entry, etc. All this will help me keep my independence before we've to consider a wheelchair accessible vehicle.

Sorry to hear of your illness, a prius shold suit you just fine especially when driven at a leisurely pace 120kph is no problem it's bombing along at 130 -50kph with the tdi boys where the prius gets thirsty. A good one should be very reliable too which should be another burden off your mind. You should also consider retrofitting a easy access swivel seat too I know one was a great aid for a family member of mine that had motor neuron.

Ginger83

selectamatic wrote: »

Sorry to hear of your illness, a prius shold suit you just fine especially when driven at a leisurely pace 120kph is no problem it's bombing along at 130 -50kph with the tdi boys where the prius gets thirsty. A good one should be very reliable too which should be another burden off your mind. You should also consider retrofitting a easy access swivel seat too I know one was a great aid for a family member of mine that had motor neuron.

Thanks, was a shock at 31. I'll look into the swivel seat. What did your family member drive?

selectamatic

Ginger83 wrote: »

Thanks, was a shock at 31. I'll look into the swivel seat. What did your family member drive?

An 08 corolla saloon so reasonably similar to a prius in layout.
A well spec'd prius should however have more of the electronically aided features you are after.

Ginger83

selectamatic wrote: »

An 08 corolla saloon so reasonably similar to a prius in layout.
A well spec'd prius should however have more of the electronically aided features you are after.

Great, never drove a hybrid. At what stage does it switchover to petrol?

grogi

Ginger83 wrote: »

Great, never drove a hybrid. At what stage does it switchover to petrol?

It does it constantly, switching the engine on and off depending on the power request. The transition is completely seamless, you don't realize when the petrol engine is running and when not.

colm_mcm

Yep, the car is more clever than us so will switch between electric, petrol, or a combination of both.

Ginger83

colm_mcm wrote: »

Yep, the car is more clever than us so will switch between electric, petrol, or a combination of both.

Does it run electric up to a certain speed or how does it work? It could be very suitable for me if the specs suit me.

colm_mcm

Not always, for example when the engine is cold it will warm up regardless.
On the 04-09 Prius you could run it in EV mode, which meant you could manually disable the engine and let the car just run on battery. This isn't the most efficient way of doing things though. I don't know if the Lexus or the newer Prius even has this option now. It was a bit of craic driving around silently though!
There are a good few videos out there explaining how hybrid synergy drive works. The way I look at it is that the engine works best when it's not under stress. The hybrid motor takes the stress off the engine. So if you're going up a hill, the electric motor gives the petrol engine a hand, when you're going back down the hill, the battery charges back up using the forward motion of the car.
You then have more complex ideas like regenerative braking and using the electric motor for low speed manoeuvring. A bit like stop/start only a step further.

Ginger83

colm_mcm wrote: »

Not always, for example when the engine is cold it will warm up regardless.
On the 04-09 Prius you could run it in EV mode, which meant you could manually disable the engine and let the car just run on battery. This isn't the most efficient way of doing things though. I don't know if the Lexus or the newer Prius even has this option now. It was a bit of craic driving around silently though!
There are a good few videos out there explaining how hybrid synergy drive works. The way I look at it is that the engine works best when it's not under stress. The hybrid motor takes the stress off the engine. So if you're going up a hill, the electric motor gives the petrol engine a hand, when you're going back down the hill, the battery charges back up using the forward motion of the car.
You then have more complex ideas like regenerative braking and using the electric motor for low speed manoeuvring. A bit like stop/start only a step further.

Its very clever, and good mpg too.

grogi

colm_mcm wrote: »

You then have more complex ideas like regenerative braking and using the electric motor for low speed manoeuvring. A bit like stop/start only a step further.

Stop-Start is sometimes referred as Micro-Hybrid - so your comparison is not far fetched

colm_mcm

I seem to remember posting about Suzuki having a "mild hybrid" in the new baleno. Can't remember the details, but it seemed a bit hokey.

kgroarke

does anyone know if the 2008 BMW 3 series have a good automatic gearbox?

Trying to figure out which is the most economical between Focus 2.0, Passat or BMW320 in Automatic???????
I am doing a lot of weekly mileage

colm_mcm

Aside from fuel economy you need to factor in the cost of servicing/maintenance and likelihood/cost of repairs.

selectamatic

Don't forget to factor in the original purchase price too.
With the bmw the timing chain issues should take priority when searching for one to buy.

https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/volvo-s80-diesel-2008-tax-01-17-nct-01-18/13209267

What about a volvo with the excellent d5 engine think they're around 750 to tax but the gearbox and engine are a pretty reliable design I think. (Just posted the above as an example there isn't many on DD)

Ginger83

selectamatic wrote: »

An 08 corolla saloon so reasonably similar to a prius in layout.
A well spec'd prius should however have more of the electronically aided features you are after.

What about a Nissan Leaf, budget maybe a 141 model. I've read they're automatic, keyless entry, push button start. And a range of around 150km.
Is the handbrake a button?

selectamatic

Ginger83 wrote: »

What about a Nissan Leaf, budget maybe a 141 model. I've read they're automatic, keyless entry, push button start. And a range of around 150km.
Is the handbrake a button?

Don't know much about the leaf tbh but many that own them have positive things to sat about them. If the range suits you it could definitely be a runner. Check how prices suit you and as for the hand brake I'd imagive they have a park gear so it shouldn't really be an issue although I assume they have an electric parking brake too