Diesel car suggestion ?

simon06

Hi I'm weighing up the pros and cons of changing my car for something which gives better average mpg.I currently do almost 20k miles per year pretty much all motorways and carriageways.My car at the moment is an old 99 civic hatchback which gets up to 50 mpg on average.My budget for a replacement car is up to £1700 and will be a used diesel.What options do I have diesel wise for this money ?
I'm looking for something that is reliable,economical and I am not fussy as long as it gets the job done.Lower running costs is the main priority in my case for a replacement car.

Thanks

tykesi

Why do you need to change, if you're getting 50mpg from your Civic you certainly aren't going to be able to get another car that will save you £1700 in any reasonable amount of time so the best (most moneysaving) thing you can do is keep the current car!

jaydeeuk1

As above, there aren't many cars around that will be more reliable than a civic, and especially not for £1700. If you're after lowing running costs then while a diesel might give you 60/65 mpg on a motorway, it will take about 6 years to get your initial outlay of £1700 back and that isn't taking in to consideration other wear and tear. If you get something like a mondeo, then you'll need to budget another £800 or so when the DMF blows.

Keep what you have.

bigjl

Early mk3 Clio would fit the bill and be within budget.

I would stick to the lower powered 68bhp version.

We have had ours for over 5 years and it has been a faithful servant.

Now has pretty high miles. But is still on the original clutch and DMF.

I would avoid any old diesel with a DPF or FAP as they will just be a pain as they get older and need removed for a proper clean by DPF Genie or Ceramex.

I would personally avoid cheap aftermarket DPFs as there are lots of reports that they are inferior to the OE ones fitted by the manufacturer.

Only real issue with our Clio has been the Airbag light a common fault caused by the design of the plugs under the seat.

Is now used mainly round town and over the last 3500 miles or so has averaged 60.2mpg.

On a run to Heathrow at 60/65mph will give over 70mpg.

But if you start to push it to 70mph the economy will drop due to the gearing and the fact it is a fairly heavy car for one its size.

Most Renault problems can be electrical hence why we went for an Expression. Had exactly what we needed 5drs and A/C.

Bought for £5799+indemnity fee(£89 at the time i think) from CarGiant when 3yrs old with under 30k.

5 years later is likely still worth nearly £2k.

I think they are underrated.

mgdavid

I wouldn't want to change a Civic for a Clio! Especially doing 20k miles per year.

Foxy-Stoat_3

If you are intending on changing your car then your options are any front wheel drive manual 1.9 TDI PD engined car 2001-2004. Octavia, Golf, Bora, A4, A6.

If you can get one with 100,000 miles with the DMF and cam belt & water pump changed then you wont go far wrong.

My money would be spent on a well looked after A6, buy on condition and history and dont be afraid of the higher mileage cars as these engines tend to last 200,000 miles plus.

Personally I would be keeping the current car.

tykesi

mgdavid wrote: »

I wouldn't want to change a Civic for a Clio! Especially doing 20k miles per year.

Seconded!

As per my earlier and others' replies unless the Civic is on it's last legs then there's really nothing to be saved by replacing it. And even if it is, depending on what's wrong it could cost a LOT less than £1700 to fix it for another few years use.

sh0597

I'd keep the current one until you have 4k or so to get a replacement.

JustinR1979

Passat tdi, nice and comfortable cruiser for that many miles.
130 is pretty pokey too.

clayton16749

If the Civic is in good condition and is proving reliable then I'd keep it until it breaks and can't go on any further.