New car- good deal? Has anyone got better?

gabitzul

How about the 1.8 tdci focus? Still very good fuel economy but not many isuses (Ford engine afaik).

Ultrasonic

IanRi wrote: »

In 2 years I will, almost certainly. But at the moment it's a great car. I was well aware of the issues related to the 1.6 tdci engine before I bought it and I do not doubt what you and Jamie have said at all! However I researched it a lot in advance and decided that it seemed to be more of an issue in cars before changes made from 08 onwards and that regular oil changes (more regular than official service intervals) and general things like letting turbo spool down before switching off engine would minimise the risk....

Ian, to be fair, you've probably investigated this more than I have! I base my comments on info from a couple of mechanics (who steered me away from this engine) and what I've read online. I've seen mixed comments on whether the issue was resolved post 2008 facelift, but have no specific knowledge either way.

For the sake of posters who have done less research than you, it might be helpful if when recommending your car you acknowledged the issues with at least earlier models. Because by the sounds of it even you wouldn't be recommending buying a pre-2008 1.6 TDCI?

All cars have potential problems with them, there are many examples of this particular one, but if I just made my car choice based on the online horror stories I've read about different cars then I probably wouldn't buy one at all!

You're right that you can find horror stories for pretty much any car if you try hard enough. The issues of turbo failures on (at least older) 1.6 TDCi engines go way beyond the norm though.

If you ask for peoples experience of them you'll get at least as many loving a Jazz for instance as hating them.

I strongly suspect that you'd find far more people loving them to be honest. Not that I'd choose to drive one.

motorguy

IanRi wrote: »

In 2 years I will, almost certainly. But at the moment it's a great car. I was well aware of the issues related to the 1.6 tdci engine before I bought it and I do not doubt what you and Jamie have said at all! However I researched it a lot in advance and decided that it seemed to be more of an issue in cars before changes made from 08 onwards and that regular oil changes (more regular than official service intervals) and general things like letting turbo spool down before switching off engine would minimise the risk.

All cars have potential problems with them, there are many examples of this particular one, but if I just made my car choice based on the online horror stories I've read about different cars then I probably wouldn't buy one at all!

Anyway I wasn't recommending a multiple blown turbo focus to the OP, I just said that my focus isn't fuel thirsty because OP seemed to think that they all are. It also doesnt change what I said about used vs new cars. Parkers owner reviews are full of horror stories about cars fresh from the factory.

What car is best for you is a very personal choice and as others have said figures alone are meaningless. If you ask for peoples experience of them you'll get at least as many loving a Jazz for instance as hating them. You need to test them yourself but it is still worth reading around so you understand potential issues and how to avoid them (some might be deal breakers)

If I had to use finance then I'd get the cheapest car I possibly could

The 1.6 PSA engine as fitted to your car is a bad engine.

Yes 'overservicing' it can help, but how many people on here buy them and do that - or more importantly, did the previous owner?

I have personal experience as a motor trader with these engines and on the two occassions that i was unfortunate enough to have one, the cars cost me a total of £4,000 in warranty claims.

Not worth the risk - better diesels out there

Avoid would be my advice to anyone.

Essex22011

Looking at a Vauxhall Astra Hatchback 16V Exclusiv
2010, 39000 miles, For £5700

Any thoughts?

OddballJamie

Essex22011 wrote: »

Looking at a Vauxhall Astra Hatchback 16V Exclusiv
2010, 39000 miles, For £5700

Any thoughts?

Which engine? Is it the old shape (H) or current shape (J)?

Essex22011

Current shape but 59 plate. 1.4 engine

OddballJamie

That's a heavy car for a 1.4. Any idea on the bhp as there's a couple of different outputs.

Essex22011

I think this is it-
http://www.parkers.co.uk/cars/reviews/facts-and-figures/vauxhall/astra/hatchback-2009/56637/

FreddieFrugal

Ultrasonic wrote: »

I strongly suspect that you'd find far more people loving them to be honest. Not that I'd choose to drive one.

You're right there! Jazz was a bad example, but it was one car I had considered, if only for the fun if having messing with the rear seat bench.

I'm starting to feel like I need a signature saying "I love cars that have a habit of exploding - consult me with caution"

Ultrasonic

IanRi wrote: »

I'm starting to feel like I need a signature saying "I love cars that have a habit of exploding - consult me with caution"

I just hope the turbo in my car doesn't fail after being a little rude about yours!