Diesel Saloon/Estate - reliable without DMF/Timing belt issues!

samo · 14-02-2015 02:31PM #1

This is probably a bit of an impossible question but having just had an 08 Mondeo die a death thanks to timing belt issues (the infamous wet belt

) so starting to look for a 2nd hand diesel (ideally in year 09-10) but with the major need for reliability.

Can anyone recommend a solid diesel saloon or estate that will stand up well to around 800-1000km per week (mix of motorway/country driving) without DPF/Clutch, Flywheel/Timing belt issues - If my googling is accurate, I don't believe any of the modern diesels are fitted without a DMF (maybe with the exception of Honda Accord which seemed to have a different type of design on the DMF, but its probably out of the price-range anyway) as looking to spend maybe 12-13k.

Had considered a Passat/Avensis but not so sure in terms of reliability so any advice much appreciated.

cheers!

MuppetCheck · 14-02-2015 03:15PM

A traditional automatic won't have a dmf. Other than sticking to intervals the timing belt shouldn't be a worry.

Soarer · 14-02-2015 03:52PM

Does it have to be a diesel?

NIMAN · 14-02-2015 04:17PM

Soarer wrote: »

Does it have to be a diesel?

I think at 1000km per week its going to have to be diesel.

samo · 14-02-2015 05:12PM

Yep, unfortunately the kind of mileage makes it a must - have been thinking of Cargiant in the UK as well as even with VRT, the Passats/Avensis/Skodas/Hondas look like a better spec and a little cheaper than here.

That said though, reading a lot of the reviews on honestjohn etc seems to throw up the potential for problems in quite a few of the newer diesels versions (we didn't do our homework with the 08 mondeo getting it 5 years ago and hadnt anticipated such a massive jump in clutch replacement costs and timing belt replacements!) and maybe we were just really unlucky with the mondeo not going the distance, but I guess trying to make sure not going into getting a replacement blind this time!

Soarer · 14-02-2015 08:43PM

NIMAN wrote: »

I think at 1000km per week its going to have to be diesel.

Didn't see that on my skim over it.

Was gonna suggest one of the Lexus hybrids with the CVT gearbox. Maybe sacrifice the few miles per gallon for the reliability?

Special Circumstances · 14-02-2015 09:07PM

MuppetCheck wrote: »

Other than sticking to intervals the timing belt shouldn't be a worry.

Apart from these wet belts. Never seen one but people seem to cross themselves any time they mention one.
And BMW *20 chains... well...

wildefalcon · 14-02-2015 09:11PM

Volvo V70 diesel auto?

The d5 has a very long timing belt interval, 100k miles or 10 years. Cracking engine.

Injectors and intercoolers are the weakspots - all fairly fixable.

tinofapples · 14-02-2015 09:20PM

samo wrote: »

Yep, unfortunately the kind of mileage makes it a must - have been thinking of Cargiant in the UK as well as even with VRT, the Passats/Avensis/Skodas/Hondas look like a better spec and a little cheaper than here.

That said though, reading a lot of the reviews on honestjohn etc seems to throw up the potential for problems in quite a few of the newer diesels versions (we didn't do our homework with the 08 mondeo getting it 5 years ago and hadnt anticipated such a massive jump in clutch replacement costs and timing belt replacements!) and maybe we were just really unlucky with the mondeo not going the distance, but I guess trying to make sure not going into getting a replacement blind this time!

What miles was on the Mondeo when the belt went ? And had the belt ever been done ?

bazz26 · 14-02-2015 09:56PM

Only Ford used that stupid wet belt set up afaik and that engine has since been retired from production. Everything else like VAG diesels have a standard timing belt that has a set mileage/age change interval and nothing complicated and definitely not worth avoiding . However VAG DSG/Stronic boxes still use a DMF just like the manual versions. Toyota Avensis diesel automatics are rare and the majority around have that retched 2.2 litre engine.

Opel Insignia auto might be worth looking at. Hyundai i40 is available with a traditional torque converter too but you won't buy a decent one for €13k.

samo · 14-02-2015 11:38PM

tinofapples wrote: »

What miles was on the Mondeo when the belt went ? And had the belt ever been done ?

Car itself was on 240km, with timing belt last done at 180km IIRC (cost around 900 to get the belt done

) ..fairly high mileage I know but was coming from an 01 Mondeo that did 250k (miles) with never a bother to it and was still going strong but good to hear the wet belt retired

Really appreciate the feedback, interesting to hear about the V70, wasn't one I had considered (same for the Hyundai) and just one other question on the VAG ...whats a typical cost for getting the DMF replaced?

bazz26 · 15-02-2015 03:15PM

It really depends on the VAG make/model/engine type and who does it but on average from about €800 to €1200 for fitting the flywheel and clutch kit.

tinofapples · 15-02-2015 03:34PM

samo wrote: »

Car itself was on 240km, with timing belt last done at 180km IIRC (cost around 900 to get the belt done ) ..fairly high mileage I know but was coming from an 01 Mondeo that did 250k (miles) with never a bother to it and was still going strong but good to hear the wet belt retired

Really appreciate the feedback, interesting to hear about the V70, wasn't one I had considered (same for the Hyundai) and just one other question on the VAG ...whats a typical cost for getting the DMF replaced?

Christ , you're right to feel pi$$ed off after only getting 60 'ish km outta the belt replacement. I got the belts done on my wifes 09 1.8 Focus last August at about 190km at €600 and would be hoping to get another 100k km outta it

AMKC · 15-02-2015 04:45PM

Are Toyota"s not supposed to be one of the most reliable cars around. You could look at a Skoda Octavia or Superb depending on the size of the car you want. They should both have 1.9tdi and 2.0 tdi engines. A Seat Exeo is worth a look too. Its basically an Audi A4 with a slightly different front and back and a different interior. Its the interior out of the Audi A4 open top. Its quite nice too. You should be able to get it with a 1.9tdi or 2.0 tdi engine.
Or you could try a Kia Optima. Very stylish car. They come with a 1.7crdi engine and a 2.0 crdi engine. Should be very reliable too. You might be able to get a 2011 or 2012 one maybe.

Diesel Saloon/Estate - reliable without DMF/Timing belt issues!

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