[Closed] Spec me a diesel estate. (Giving up on life content)

Mazda 6/626?
Toyota Avensis?
Vauxhall Vectra?

Google Ford Mondeo Injectors as a first point of call.
Hard to find modern , reliable , easy to fix uncomplicated Td's anymore.
I would say Octavia VRS 170 but probably too small .
V70 2.4 D5 from 2006 onwards appear to be up there with reliability.
Passat, good but elecy handbrake will probably fail at some point
A6 pay for the badge but well put together
C220 cdi , Has to be auto and the injector seals and / or injectors will fail.
Honda Accord 07- Facelift models look smart , but again not huge.
Forget Toyota Avensis , the one I test drove was a slug.

john_drummer
Toyota Avensis?

singletrackmind
Forget Toyota Avensis , the one I test drove was a slug.

Yeah, I drove a 2.2 D4D T3 a while back and it was uninspiring to say the least. Gearbox put me off the most though as it was like trying to communicate with the dead. I'd still consider one, but I'm not convinced modern Toyota build quality is any better than Kia etc

I've driven VRS diesels and they felt okay, but I think boot space would be the main issue, they seem too expensive for what they are too. I'll look into the Volvo. Accord could be on the list but very rare, my friends petrol one is nice and boot space seems good. A6 would be ideal but probably way out of my budget for a good one.

Legacy 2.0R? 160bhp, Will feel sluggish compared to any turbo subaru though.

martymac

Legacy 2.0R? 160bhp, Will feel sluggish compared to any turbo subaru though.

I had a 2.0 GLX na Legacy too. Power came in far too high up the rev range so constant shifting to get into the power band, lots of reving meant it was nearly as thirsty as the GT-B

Honda Accord - I am pretty sure the inector seal issue was earlier versions of the 2.2cdti and it was fixed in the mark 8 cars.

Yes they are boring, but you can remap them significantly - 170 and 190bhp remaps.

Check out the typeaccord forum.

Mine was comfortable, reliable, and economical, bought at auction and sold on after 6 months for a profit including the remap done to it.

These are the lads that did my remap

You could get the 3.0 Legacy as well, deep pockets for the fuel bill though

Quirrel

Honda Accord - I am pretty sure the inector seal issue was earlier versions of the 2.2cdti and it was fixed in the mark 8 cars.

Yes they are boring, but you can remap them significantly - 170 and 190bhp remaps.

It's definitely high up on the list.

You could get the 3.0 Legacy as well, deep pockets for the fuel bill though

Nah. I love them, but no. Variable valve timing makes them feel crap at low speeds, and you just need to thrash them to get going. Which compounds their drinking problem Also, the wife has never gotten on too well with my Subarus. I dunno why.

I hate the low down slug of torque you get with diesels tha gives you everything in the first 3k RPM then nothing after that. The only Diesel engine I've driven that has a more petrol engined power delivery characteristic, I.e. Smooth and progressive delivery through the entire Rev range, was a BMW 320d I had as a hire car. That gave a nice smooth power delivery right upto the 5 or 5.5k red line. It was lovely to drive.....apart from the rock hard suspension that made the surface of the M1 feel like a rock garden of a typical trail centre black route. And the deafening road noise being transmitted into the cabin that gave me Tinnitus for days after. Apart from that it was lovely to drive.

My bro has got an A6 with a CVT auto box which is also lovely to drive as when accelerating it holds engine revs constant and the CVT box smooths everything out for you.

So I'd say a BMW without the M pack or low profile tyres, or a car with a CVT box.

Octavia boot is huge, you tried one? it's cavernous.

Note that the current shape Honda Accord Tourer has a particularly small, badly shaped boot, probably the smallest capacity in it's class. Good car otherwise though. The previous shape Accord had a huge boot.

[img] [/img]

angeldust

The previous shape Accord had a huge boot.

I'd be looking at the older shaped one.

pictonroad

Octavia boot is huge, you tried one? it's cavernous.

I thought about buying one a few years ago, but back then I didn't have two kids, so boot space wasn't too much of a premium. I've assumed they were about the same size as an A4, ie silly small. Perhaps I'm wrong?. Back then I wasn't exactly overwhelmed by them, as they seemed more expensive and noisier than a similarly specced Passat, all diesel thrust with no real go, ropey brakes, tons of body roll and chronic understeer......but I guess that was then, my needs are quite different now.

Octavia is golf based. It does have a massive boot but the car is narrower than passat/a4/mondeo so getting three people is the back is a struggle. on the plus side its easier to park.

how much driving to you do a year? if you're not sold on diesel it really doesn't make sense unless your doing 15k miles per annum - you'll pay a premium for a given car in diesel compared to petrol.

I"d be looking at a mondeo - big, cheap , fast enough. or a mazda 6 which is the same as a mondeo but much nicer looking (to my eyes)

I bought an octavia last time, next time it will be a mazda 6.

Petrol might not be a difficult sell, have a look at the news stories from yesterday where political types are starting to thing the push to diesel is wrong for health reasons. A guess would be that in 2 or 3 years time the duty on it will rocket to discourage use and residuals are going to go through the floor. They will be harder to get rid of than herpes.

^ Doubtful.

You could just go for a Superb Estate -

Sandwich

Petrol might not be a difficult sell, have a look at the news stories from yesterday where political types are starting to thing the push to diesel is wrong for health reasons. A guess would be that in 2 or 3 years time the duty on it will rocket to discourage use and residuals are going to go through the floor. They will be harder to get rid of than herpes.

Who can say for sure though? I could see that happening but maybe not for 5 years or so. I'm in NI and diesel really is king here. Petrol cars are viewed with suspicion as high revving fuel guzzling money pits. There's also the consideration that a diesel might stop my ears from telling my brain to put my right foot down.

slackboy

I bought an octavia last time, next time it will be a mazda 6.

Is there a Mazda equivolent to the 2.2 tdci?

This is diesel and a good indicator that you have given up on life. Very capable, versatile, belongs to the VAG family for parts and quite dull.

[img] [/img]

Or a bigger variation of dull

[img] [/img]

[img] [/img]

TheArtistFormerlyKnownAsSTR

The part where I mentioned my budget...I don't think you saw it.

Haha - no, I didn't, sorry

Probably find one of these around your budget, but don't know how big the boot is - comes in 170 & 210 bhp flavours and lots of toys...

[img] [/img]

As much as I'd love to sell a kidney and buy a big Jag, RS Audi or AMG it's not going to happen any time soon unfortunately.

slackboy
how much driving to you do a year? if you're not sold on diesel it really doesn't make sense unless your doing 15k miles per annum - you'll pay a premium for a given car in diesel compared to petrol.

Never answered you earlier, I'd guess somehere between 10-15k a year. As an upper average or worst case scenario I reckoned on 12,500 but it could be quite a bit less.

heArtistFormerlyKnownAsSTR - Member

Probably find one of these around your budget,

That's lovely. But would I be replacing a highly strung, glitchy Subaru for a highly strung, unreliable Alfa? That looks like a real heart over head purchase. I'd guess without checking that there isn't a single one for sale in NI either.

I doubt a 2.0l or a 2.4l diesel engine is that highly strung - not sure about recent Alfa reliability though. Just trying to find you something that doesn't mean you've given up. That said, I'd consider a Mondeo ST though

Plenty of these around for under £6k - 2.2d, 163bhp...

[img] [/img]

I suggested this on another thread a couple of days ago.
MG ZT-T CDTi. You'll get a low-ish mileage facelift model for less than half your budget. Look for the CDTi rather than the CDT - 131bhp/300Nm. It's fairly easy to get 160+bhp with a remap/chip if you're that way inclined. Ignore the slightly chavvy image of the smaller MG hatchbacks and you'll find a superb car. It's very well built and has a slightly re-engineered BMW M47 engine for decent economy, reliability and parts availability.

Not quite the same but I recently bought the 2.5 V6 version and it's been a real eye opener. Very, very well put together, no squeaks or rattles despite being 13 years old, nice and comfy, plenty of "toys", loads of room (3 bikes in with back seats down, 2 with split rear seat down), and it actually drives really really well. I was expecting an intensely boring driving experience after my previous car (FD RX7) but it has been a very pleasant surprise indeed.

£6k might just about get you a Leggy diesel.
As you know there's plenty of family brake/suspension upgrades available...

I suggested this on another thread a couple of days ago.
MG ZT-T CDTi. You'll get a low-ish mileage facelift model for less than half your budget. Look for the CDTi rather than the CDT - 131bhp/300Nm. It's fairly easy to get 160+bhp with a remap/chip if you're that way inclined. Ignore the slightly chavvy image of the smaller MG hatchbacks and you'll find a superb car. It's very well built and has a slightly re-engineered BMW M47 engine for decent economy, reliability and parts availability.

Anyone any thoughts on Saab? Worth looking at or best avoided since they went belly up? I've always thought the 9-3 sportwagon was a good looking car, but that's about all I know of it.

What "theArtist" said.

I just bought the 1.9 JTDm 159 and it's great. Just returned from a 160m round trip with bike on e roof average z38mpg, normally hits 44.

A bit different from the norm, and has a lively "growl" despite being an oil burner. Mine was £6k at 75k miles all the toys full leather rails and tow bar etc. bonus is the inclusive fridge in the arm rest. The boot does have a lip but I can get a road bike and 26er straight in with wheels on and some minor jiggling mainly to get the saddle to clear the shape of the opening, my 29er is fine with the front wheel off.

[url= https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8680/16245671686_a54129e630_z.jp g" target="_blank">https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8680/16245671686_a54129e630_z.jp g"/> [/img][/url]
[url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/kryton1957/16245671686/ ]Untitled[/url]

Why not think a little out of the box

Honda Frv 2.2 cdti ...its a Honda so will last forever and a day , it carriers 6 peeps and when not carrying everyone the seats fold ala Jazz ,plus the ex model has all the leather and toys

suburbanreuben
£6k might just about get you a Leggy diesel.
As you know there's plenty of family brake/suspension upgrades available...

I could stick my BC coil overs on it and some Brembos 😆 but I think the word Subaru has become synonymous with trouble in this house.

kryton57
What "theArtist" said.

I just bought the 1.9 JTDm 159 and it's great. Just returned from a 160m round trip with bike on e roof average z38mpg, normally hits 44.

I really like it Kryton, but I don't think there will be any for sale anywhere near me. I'd be concerned with reliability and parts availability too.

stevedoc
Why not think a little out of the box

Well, no reason steve but I really like how estate cars look. Always have. I don't really need an mpv, so I'm not seriously considering one. I had a look at the S-Max 2.2 tdci but they are big money at the minute.

So far I think my short list would be Mazda 6/ Mondeo. Accord. Alfa. Octavia/Superb and maybe Avensis. There's a Mondeo 2.2 near me so I'll go and take a look at that first. I still like the Accord and I'm intrigued by the Alfa but both are like rocking horse poo over here.

Re Saab - avoid 9-3 plagued with problems, 9-5 much better - note 1.9 diesel is
life limited at about 140k - inlet manifold swirl flaps wear out, if you can find a late 3.0 9-5 diesel it could be a good bet early ones have all blown up by now.

I really like it Kryton, but I don't think there will be any for sale anywhere near me. I'd be concerned with reliability and parts availability too

In real life modern Alfa's are no less reliable than other makes. But they do come with more "heart" than some and aren't as common. Parts ar readily available.

Im close to being in the same boat , I have a spec B leggy saloon , I do love it but doing around 200 miles a month in it ,it seems pointless it being sat on the drive, the wife hates it ,to big to grunty to thirsty ,so looking to down size , weve had Hondas most of our driving lives , she wont have another type R and the accord and crv are to big , and a Jazz to small for me hense why im looking at a Frv

I wouldn't touch a LegacyD so many bad reports or clutch fail and engine over heading problems , If I was to go Desiel , it would be Vag ,

I've got a 58 plate Mondeo estate Zetec tdci 140 and it's great. Drives nicely, averages about 52mpg, only had to change a tyre due to picking up a piece of metal in the year I've had it.
The boot is massive, I had a 2005 Volvo XC70 before and would pick the Ford every time. It's bigger inside, more economical and more reliable.

Octavias don't have a massive boot, they're a puffed up golf. The volume's good but the usability's affected a lot by the shape and the lip on the boot, so in practice it's not as good at bikes as it should be. (I've never used the boot of your model legacy but if it's like the more recent models, the octavia will feel a lot less useful) Still, it's not terrible and they're nice cars

Mondeo 2.2 ticks your boxes exactly tbh. I should say, mine is a mk3, you could afford an extremely nice mk3 ST, Ghia X or Tit X 2.2 but it probably makes sense to go newer. But here is a block of mk3 2.2 chat, since i know nothing about more recent cars.

They are big cars, I love the utility of mine and it's a nice place to spend time but discovering it's physically bigger than some car park spaces was pretty annoying. Still I think it's about of a size with your legacy? All it took was a decat and a remap to get mine to 180bhp and a little over 300lb/ft, pretty low numbers for the engine but it's old so we didn't go all in. And still does 50-55mpg in normal use with no thought to economy, 60mpg on a cruise. As standard the power delivery's pretty messy though, so since you're obviously a car dude I would recommend the remap even if just for driving pleasure. As standard, the low rev manners are pretty damn poor for an engine like this.

Mine is a Ghia X- which I think is basically the same as the Titanium X. It's basically what happens if an ST screws a leather sofa- little bit softer, more ground clearance, 17s instead of 18s, more toys. Very practical for mountain biking, I got it because it was cheap but with hindsight I think it works better for me than an ST. Handling wise, well I don't know what it was like new, it's a little bit soft now though. It's a momentum/rhythm car not a ragging car. But it goes where you point it, holds lines well etc. The ST is a little tauter but really, they're in the same performance envelope. Don't expect a sports car, I haven't driven your legacy but it doesn't hold a candle to the more recent spec b in corners. But within its remit it is very pleasing to drive

The brakes are pretty decent- worth a pad upgrade- but there's a bolt-on Focus asbo swap for the mk3. I haven't bothered though. I can get them a little too hot on occasion, but that's rare and I just take it as a sign that I should slow down, rather than a sign that I should get more brakes.

(and don't stress about injectors, it costs £150 for a brand new one, £50 for the kit to diagnose, replace and recode (as long as you have access to a laptop), and is a simple DIY job. (I think I can do it with my smartphone now but I've not tried that) And at your budget you would be buying a much younger car and shouldn't need to worry. Mine had 3 out of 4 die in short order, but at over 100000 miles. There's silly stories of people paying way over a grand on the internet, which just go to show there are gullible people on the internet.)

Ironically, if I could replace it tomorrow I'd buy a spec b legacy. but if I had 6 grand and I wasn't going to buy a legacy, I'd totally buy another mondeo. Or a Mazda 6 which is a pretty good tribute act with some advantages, but I couldn't find a good one when I was shopping. Or a Trafic and a rusty hot hatch

jimjam.

Yes, the mazda 6 got the 2.2 diesel in 163 and 185 flavours from 2009. its basically the same engine range as the mondeo, as at the time ford owned mazda.

http://www.parkers.co.uk/cars/used-reviews/mazda/6/estate-2008/driving-performance/

12.5k per annum just about makes diesel worthwhile, I think

Subaru with a 3.0 Engine and aftermarket warranty? 😀 OK OK!-

Or a Audi A6 estate with either a 2.7TDI or 2.0TDI?

BTW the 2.0R engine can gain more than 160bhp with the factory Pak update and ignition rotate (turn?). The update was designed to cure a hesitancy issue on the R, it lifts power and cold start etc.

slackboy - Member

jimjam.

Yes, the mazda 6 got the 2.2 diesel in 163 and 185 flavours from 2009. its basically the same engine range as the mondeo, as at the time ford owned mazda.

Yo JJ, have a gander at [url= http://www.nicarfinder.co.uk/used-cars/Volkswagen-Passat/2005/CF153-26160/44462084/ ]this[/url]. Under budget so if you feel the need to upgrade the brakes you can (though i found them decent enough). Engine is the same as my old one, not [i]fast[/i] but overtaking is a breeze. Pretty crap round bends if you're horsing it but you won't be as you're a responsible parent now 😉 Best of the Passats imo. Engine is good for another 120k easy with a nice big flat boot. Cheap to chip if you want more power.

I've an Octavia now which is newer so better fuel economy and lights that don't make you think you've forgot to turn them on. Ride is a bit firmer round the bends but boot is worse, in size and shape, interior is cheap looking and road noise is amplified.

Mondeo is a good shout but the Mazda, although a good car felt wide/low on the inside (might not be an issue for you though). The older Accord is a monster of a car, like 50ft long with styling based on Thunderbird 2.

Went from a 900S hatch to an Octavia estate, was more useful boot space in the Skoda - seats down, it's massive, if you have the kids as well its still pretty good for a Golf shaped vehicle - I'd say it's as near dammit the same size as the 900S, which is nice and neat for town driving, more legroom than the 900S.

Going by the above, I would be hesitant about the 9-3 - can't imagine it's got any bigger boot than the Legacy you already have and the Octavia for that matter, it would - hopefully - be within budget though.

We're on about 5-6k miles / year and the petrol option was a no brainer really, hitting 10k it would still be with doing sums, but if you're ruling out likes of Skodas on budget or at least vfm points, not sure Volvo will get you a bargain!!

Humour aside - 'giving up on life'? Some of the very liveliest friends I have don't even own cars, yet they travel the world and live life very fully indeed. Arguably more than the fellow down our street who is a slave to his ****chback and the preening, cleaning and maintenance of same. It also sounds like a dick when it blarts past at 50 in a 30 zone. I think he gave up on life early... 😉

I've had mk2, mk4 and mk5 Passats. All solidly built but all requiring constant part replacement..I could write a book!
Have a Mazda 6 diesel '09. Drives superbly. Massive space in the boot (wheel base 6" wider than the mk5 Passat). Engine is fairly low compression for a diesel which means it drives more like a petrol.

Malvern rider calm down. Why are some people soo excitable?

BMW 530d tourer. Blue one with cream leather and 100k for £5k on auto trader. If you can, find an m-sport model and even better a 535d as its the twin turbo 3 litre. Regret not buying the one local to me before Xmas. Was greybm sport 535d with 90k and full black leather.

Thanks guys. All very helpful. Northwind, thanks for that post too. Mondeo is probably still top of the pile - if nothing else, I can probably find one.

hora - Member

Subaru with a 3.0 Engine and aftermarket warranty? OK OK!-

No NO!! I'm not buying another subaru until I can afford a Forester STI or a Levorg STI.

hora
Or a Audi A6 estate with either a 2.7TDI or 2.0TDI?

Would love one but I think I can only afford a shitter. Not sure about parts/upkeep.

Euro - Member

Yo JJ, have a gander at this.

I dunno Marty. I prefer them to Octavia's from a trim/build/noise point of view but there are so many horror stories about them I struggle to see how they justify higher prices than ford/jap etc.

andyl
BMW 530d tourer. Blue one with cream leather and 100k for £5k on auto trader. If you can, find an m-sport model and even better a 535d as its the twin turbo 3 litre. Regret not buying the one local to me before Xmas. Was greybm sport 535d with 90k and full black leather.

Would absolutely love one but I'm not sure I can afford to maintain one. if I saw a clean one at auction I'd be tempted. Along with the A6 it kinda seems a stretch. I might be living beyond my means having something like that.

It sounds like you are handy with the spanners? BMW won't cost much to service etc and I've always found them easy to work on.

Failing that BMW independents are easy to find and will often know their stuff.

Jimjam a STI is next on my Subaru list 😀

TBH Having come from big petrols and ended up with a diesel hatch you just have to accept that it just won't be the same - no matter what the diesel lovers say.

Vectra or Mondeo estate will do the job and for £6k you should be able to pick up a 2009 sub 50k - and as they've sold loads of them, probably any colour you fancy, and any spec.

FWIW I went from a load of V6's and V8's to a Vectra hatch 150. Not that much slower and twice the mpg. Ok, not as plush inside as the better cars I've had, but they cost two to three times as much when new.

andyl

It sounds like you are handy with the spanners? BMW won't cost much to service etc and I've always found them easy to work on.

Failing that BMW independents are easy to find and will often know their stuff.

I would honestly refer to myself as a mechanical numpty, but I'm okay doing oil changes, pad changes etc. In the past I've changed glow plugs, starter motors, brake calipers etc etc. In my experience things like alternators, clutches, flywheels, starter motors etc are all gonna go on used cars so I guess if these aren't mega money oil and filter won't break the bank. I'm just wary of them.

b r

TBH Having come from big petrols and ended up with a diesel hatch you just have to accept that it just won't be the same - no matter what the diesel lovers say.

I know mate.

Bit late to this, I've a mondeo mk3.5 estate (same era as northwind I suspect) 130 6 spd. 165K miles and only had to swop 2x wheel bearings so far and normal things like filters, tyres etc. Very large, coupled with a roof box means I don't need to pack the car properly.

Also had a focus mk1 estate thats very large but was not in any way shape or form "sporty".

Another option related to the mondeo is the jaguar X-type, shares a lot of parts with the mondeo (I know because the 2x wheel bearings I got were from Jaguar and cheaper then getting from ford), has the 2.2 diesel engine (~170 bhp?) and 4 wheel drive.

There's going to be a big diesel backlash soon. The Labour Shadow Environmental Minister recently admitted Labour **** up on diesel policy. Taxes etc will rise in the new parliament I bet.

Ford owned 41% of Mazda, floorpan & suspension & seat tech was shared but the engines are nothing to do with Ford, Mazda & Ford diesels both have some issues in different areas but no more than anyone else & due to the shared floor/suspension have class leading handling & ride.

whoops. sloppy research on my part .sorry all.

hora

There's going to be a big diesel backlash soon. The Labour Shadow Environmental Minister recently admitted Labour **** up on diesel policy. Taxes etc will rise in the new parliament I bet.

I think a lot of people are expecting something along these lines Hora, but I can't see it happening soon enough to effect me. The other thing is, if they are going to tax people out of diesels then are they going to cut tax on petrols and lower duty on petrol? Probably not.

The kind of bigger, older petrol cars I'd be looking at would get relatively crappy mpg, and cost a lot to tax.

Another Mondeo owner here Got a 2.2 TDCI ST.Big,comfy and quite quick. Swallows all our luggage and returns 50-55mpg. Owned for 5 years and done 90k in that time. Now on 141K. It had a clutch at 120K due to noisy release bearing,Never had any injector work and has been ultra reliable.

We may have the same problem as the OP as somebody has run into the back of it but if it get's written off then i will ask to buy the salvage or if all else fails i will buy another.

Another Mondeo owner. I've never kept a car as long as this one and would normally be on my third car by now. I keep getting the itch to change but after test driving various other cars the Mondeo still ticks all the boxes and more. No injector problems, self serviced and cheap to maintain. Only problems have been rear wheel bearings, drop links and battery. All mileage and age related than quality issues. Like Northwind I had mine decated and remapped. More than enough poke and better to drive than my wife's BMW and more economical too hence why it's been hard to replace.

Malvern rider calm down. Why are some people soo excitable?

PS Skoda diesels seem good, dad's goes and goes with awesome mpg.

I've been down this road..... Petrol head, changed to a diesel for economy reasons etc etc, you will hate it every time you start up and hear that terrible rattle, every time you feel the revs drop off at 3k you will hate it, every time you pull up to put fuel in and get that smelly greasy fuel all over your hands, you will curse the car.
It will turn you into a spiteful shadow of yiur former self.
Keep the petrol , I sold the smelly diesel and have a golf gti, powerful, smooth, non smelly, non rattly , you know it's what you want.Diesels first three letters say it all for me,

My diesel has more torque than a Ferrari 458

So does many a tractor. Torque makes for easy driving, bhp is for fun. I'm under no illusions and have had plenty of diesels too. At the end of the day a happy wife is more important, and hopefully less money spent on engines will mean more for the bike.

Here's what the power delivery on a 2.2 mondeo td actually looks like:

[img] [/img]

If you can show me the power dropping off at 3000 revs I will give you a mars bar.

bhp is for fun

Good job I have 231 of them as well then 😉

If you can show me the power dropping off at 3000 revs I will give you a mars bar.

Think you need to read that again chief

There's going to be a big diesel backlash soon. The Labour Shadow Environmental Minister recently admitted Labour **** up on diesel policy. Taxes etc will rise in the new parliament I bet.

TheArtistFormerlyKnownAsSTR

Good job I have 231 of them as well then

Stop waving your mangina 😀

Think you need to read that again chief

My diesel has more torque than a Ferrari 458

Yeah but it's ugly 😛

[i]Torque makes for easy driving,[/i]

That it'd be great if the torque didn't come in with a great big bang.

I dunno Marty....there are so many horror stories about them I struggle to see how they justify higher prices than ford/jap etc.

The old shaped ones? Really well put together vehicle J. I may have lucked out but i gt 90k hassle free miles - radiator went at 120K and other than servicing, that was it really. Nothing special to drive but it wasn't boring. Cleaned up like new too.

I was for replacing it with the mazda but i think far eastern big isn't as groß as german big. Mondeo was a close second. I had a bit less than your budget though and couldn't find anything decent. Somehow, after the Focus estate fortnight of f***, i ended up in a skoda garage with my dad and we drove home in an octavia that was much newer, shinier and twice my budget. Cheers dad x 😀

DOn;t forget that Alfa, SAAB, Vauxhaul and I am sure another car maker, all use the same 1.9 engine, that is prone to swirl flap failure.

Not the end of the world though. The rod controlling them falls off, they don't get eaten by th eengine.

On my Saab 9-5 I turned all the flaps open with a screw driver, scrubbed that part of the engined with a long modified toothbrush and some degreaser, then liquid steeled the tops of the flaps so they stuck open.

The Flying Ox - Member

Yes, so the bhp doesn't start falling until the heady heights of ~3250 rpm (I'm assuming factory tune) but bhp isn't the whole story.

It stays within a hair of peak to 4000 and produces over 150 brake almost to the end of the run, and makes the same power at the redline as it does at 2500. That's a brammer of a powerband and if you think these cars are out of go at 3000rpm, you've not driven one frankly.

Torque will always tend to fall off as revs rise, that's just maths- the power and torque lines will always meet at 5250rpm.

t Alfa, SAAB, Vauxhaul and I am sure another car maker, all use the same 1.9 engine, that is prone to swirl flap failure

So are BMWs engines.

I've had my current mondeo for 1 year, a 2.0 ghia, only bought it for 1000 pounds with 100k on clock.So far nothing gone wrong.

Had another mondeo tdci 130 before hand for 6 years till the gearbox went. Bought that at 94k and got rid at 184k. Never had a problems with injectors tho.

Not pretty cars or super fast but super practical, I haven't got round to.fitting a roof rack. I just chuck tarp in the back and chuck the 29er 22 inch bike in the back without having to take it apart.

Someone one told me "horsepower is how hard you can punch, torque is how fast you can punch"

You've tried to prove the point and got the analogy round the wrong way.

Think of it like lifting bricks on a hoist. You got to lift 1000 bricks. Do it quickly 200 bricks at a time, there's your bhp or slowly with all the bricks at once, that's the torque.

(I know it's not exactly like that but, well, you know...)

So are BMWs engines.

DIfferent issue, BMWs killed the engine, the JTD engine just had a bar that fell off and cost a fortune to replace.

Reading your first post OP the first thing that sprang to mind was a Mondeo ST estate. I had a hatchback and it was a great car - the car I miss the most. 155bhp out the box but a few hundred quid on a Bluefin and you've got another 20/30 bhp IIRC and a load more torque (which it wasn't lacking in anyway).

Braking can be easily upgraded too - Focus ST calipers go straight on which is a cheapish upgrade too.

I did 30k+ in mine in a year and I can't think of a car I'd have rather done it in. Rarely did less than 50mpg, heated seats, loads of toys etc and even though it was massive on the inside, never felt that big in car parks etc. I'd have another, definitely.

Octavia... I had one of these too. An estate vRS. That too was a good car but you got a lot less for your money vs the Ford. The boots were extremely good though but it simply wasn't as nice a place to be vs the Mondeo. Mine had some suspension work done to it to make it handle superbly but it still wasn't the car the Mondeo was...

Does it really need to be a derv given that you don't do loads of miles?

There are some great petrol cars out there for not too much money - our 330 cost buttons compared to 320/330d's of the same vintage and so far hasn't been too expensive to run in the 12k its done under our ownership. It has the N52 6 pot which is a bit thirstier but considered to be more relaible due to the lack of HPFP.