1.4, longing for more

padyjoe

I currently have the old VW 1.4 in 86 HP disguise, which has not let me down yet but she'll be 10 years old in a couple of months. Where to get from here?
It's a Skoda compact, the Rapid looks larger but not by much. I like the engine, it's on the soft side, I could use something more brisk.
Leaning towards the hatchback or estate shape. I don't need too big, just one step up, the current one is 3992mm long.
Looked at Mazda 3, very few in petrol, Seat Leon, same applies, price jumps up very quick. Honda don't do the Civic in 1.8 anymore.
So I'm in 2 minds: the current one would need at least brake disc replacements both on front and rear, maybe bushings and tie rods, because I'm fussy, like them shiny and looks like the sump seal should be refreshed. That's a couple of hundred quids.
Or go upgrade, something better, stronger, larger and up on the years as well, current one is '09, should aim for at least 141 and there are 2 of us at the moment. So, I have to make up my mind. I can get the aforementioned bits changed, early NCT, get it for nearly 2 years. Or I can get an ugrade.
I can't fault the current car. What would you do?

bazz26

Nearly anything made this decade will inherently feel more powerful than the ancient 1.4 engine your driving now.

colm_mcm

Is your current car a Fabia?

padyjoe

Yes, it is. ;-)

colm_mcm

Think of the rapid as an elongated fabia.
It’s slightly bigger all round, like if you compare a rapid sport back or whatever it’s called (the regular hatchback type as opposed to the mini Octavia type one) it’s a tiny bit bigger but still not as big as the likes of a Golf.

What’s your budget?

padyjoe

I'd say up to 15K. The less the better. I'm even willing to get away from the VW stable. Browsing through the selection in the north as well, they seems to be cheaper with the VRT on top. Yearly mileage not more than 15k kms, considering this diesel is not option.
I wonder going for a non-turbo engine, would make my life less complicated?

commited

How about a Hybrid?

142 Auris Hybrid like below is in budget:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201804115428986
That would be home for about €13500 including VRT.

or if you want a posher frock:
141 Lexus ct200h
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201804145551620
About €15k home including VRT

gooner99

Toyota Auris or Avensis 1.6 valvematic?

Supposed to be reliable, give good fuel economy and I think the tax is reasonable post 08.

Best of all it's four cylinder and has no turbo.

peter barrins

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peter barrins

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peter barrins

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gooner99

I wonder will these small capacity turbo eptrols be as robust as a NA engine as the miles rack up. The earlier 1.2 and 1.4 tsi's had lots of chain issues. The 1.0 ecoboost had a catastrophic issue with a cooling pipe that would fry the engine in a flash.

I have the 04 1.4 vag 75hp from new with almost 230k miles on it, not one engine issue bar 4 coil packs. TBH never really found it to be too bad, but then I don't drive it too hard. Decent enough on fuel.

Also I don't think the 1.0 ecoboost is that fuel efficient. A friend has one and it burned half a tank from Donegal to Dublin, which is about the same as my golf would do (maybe slightly more than the half tank, but not a lot). But maybe the focus tank is much smaller, not sure. The benefits would seem to be lower tax and less emmisions rather than real world economy. The VAG engines are supposed to give better real world economy.

Philb76

Those newer vag tsi engines seem to be reliable and they are quite efficient and drive well if u r looking at an ecoboost check has that coolant pipe been replaced how about Mazda 3 with the 2 litre petrol

bazz26

peter barrins wrote: »

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I wouldn't consider 130bhp from a 1.6 litre n/a petrol engine gutless. It's no rocket but will feel like one compared to what the OP is used to now. Its also not a complex engine that doesn't depend on an expensive turbo being strapped to it in order to push it around.

padyjoe

Thanks for your tips! It's not an easy choice when the design needs to be approved by other half! :-)
The Auris doesn't have the look, but the Mazda 3 2.0 or the Leon 1.4 ACT fits the bill. For those one must be UK bound as Ireland is all about small petrols and diesels. I know very well, it's a small market but why an Average Joe can't have a choice when they are made in the same factory?
When you look for something tasty, won't find other than only ol' oil burners. :-(