What Diesel car would you recommend?

taliwillow

Hello,

I was just wondering if anyone has any recommendations for a newish car? My requirements are as follows:

Nippy and fun to drive (preferably sporty)
Lowish insurance group as I am under 25 so have found that insurance on things like a Mini Cooper S are shocking!
Big enough to get a pram in the back.
Lowish mileage (perhaps under 40k)
53 plate or newer (as my current car is a 55 plate and I plan to keep it for 5 years so don't really want to go much older)
5 doors
Diesel engine
Cost less than £9k

I have had a look around and am currently looking at the possibility of a Clio DCI 106 5 door but have only been able to test drive an 86 rather than a 106. Have also found that I don't like any of the Citroen models.

So quite a few requirements really but I'm sure some of you clever people will have some great suggestions!

Thanks in advance.

Taliwillow

alanrowell

I've got a 2004 3dr Clio DCi 100bhp - great fun, 60+mpg & 18000 mile servicing. Only faults after 27000 miles were a squeaky sunroof, the horn would only work going round corners and the oil pressure switch went kaka.

The only thing I don't like is that there's a ridge at the back of the rear seats that means you can't have a flat floor and if you are normal size you have to take off the headrests & move the drivers seat forward before you can fold down the rear seats.

Hintza

Have a look at a Panda Multijet.

smudger1964

Agree with last poster panda diesel is brilliant road tax only £50 per year low insurance group 2. 65mpg 5 doors the only thing on your list of wants it would struggle with is "pram in the back" as the boot isnt massive

carl310166

Al_Mac wrote:

So you didn't like it then:rotfl:

Golf TDI 130, buckets of fun, one electrical fault, 45mpg, a wolf in sheeps clothing

I agree about the Golf, but the OP might find the insurance a bit steep, i think mine is group 14?

DKLS

try a test drive in the Skoda VRS, a total hoot to drive, more torque than a porsche boxter!!!, cheap to run.

gord115

DKLS wrote:

try a test drive in the Skoda VRS, a total hoot to drive, more torque than a porsche boxter!!!, cheap to run.

Yeah I've got a Fabia vrs,best car I've ever owned,very cheap to run and reliable. Group 8 or 9 insurance I think, only problem is they hold their value so you wont get one as new a say a french car for the money.

ollyshaw

I agree with the Golf TDI, and yes its not the cheapest to insure.

Olly

chorlton

SEAT Leon could be worth a look - bit bigger than some of the other cars mentioned so more space in the back. The FR and Cupra (150BHP) diesels both look the business and are very sporty - but might be £1k or so over your price range.
There are 110 and 130 SE versions which are still pretty sporty and a bit cheaper to buy/insure.

Having said that - you can't go far wrong with the Fabia vRS, a friend has one and it's excellent.

JoeyG

I suggest the Fabia vRS too... VW build quality without the price

geo555

I can recommend a Seat Ibiza diesel FR.
Really nippy and well built. 5 door ones are a bit rare though.