ADVICE please about car on ebay

impressive_ironing

Marktheshark wrote: »

Nothing Diesel if you are on a budget, this "old wives tale" they run for ever could not be further from the truth, 120,000 and most modern diesels get very expensive indeed to keep running.
Any saving on fuel is very quickly passed in keeping them running.
They are built and designed to do average miles for ten years and drop to bits.

On that budget and old Volvo 850 estate will have all the room, they have to shoot them when they want to scrap one.

I've been looking at volvos now too, thank sfor that. Is a petrol ok or is that not as good as diesel when it comes to having done a lot of miles?

impressive_ironing

Marktheshark wrote: »

If you can find one the Mercedes E320 CDI estate is worth a look, old school 3.2 TD engine, fast and 45 MPG and mostly Auto, huge boot, most have pop up rear 7 seats as well that fold in the boot.
Finding one for sale is the challenge, most keep them as they are good for 300,000

cool ok I'll look for that too

impressive_ironing

me again....sorry to ask so many questions.
what are thoughts on a Volvo V70 diesel age 2002
a 1.6 TDCi ford focus estate with possible turbo issue ( age 2007) diesel
berlingo 1.8i petrol 2001
every time I find a car that ticks all the boxes...it's 100 odd miles away

impressive_ironing

motorguy wrote: »

You would have more length in the back to sleep in in an estate car, rather than a small people carrier as their capacity advantage is because of their height.

Diesel engines are cheaper on fuel however they are not necessarily cheaper to run. Modern diesels - those with diesel particulate filters and electronic EGR valves are prone to expensive failures. Also, turbos can fail as can injectors. Any one of these failures could cost £500-1500, and you could hit all of them :eek:

If you're doing reasonable miles and think you really want a diesel i'd probably opt for a 1.8TDI Ford or a 1.4HDI or 2.0HDI Peugeot / Citroen, ideally no younger than 2005 (when DPFs hit)

I've found a ford focus estate lx tdci 1.8 but it's 2006...is it safer to stay away? its done 138000 miles diesel
thanks!

impressive_ironing

Marktheshark wrote: »

If you can find one the Mercedes E320 CDI estate is worth a look, old school 3.2 TD engine, fast and 45 MPG and mostly Auto, huge boot, most have pop up rear 7 seats as well that fold in the boot.
Finding one for sale is the challenge, most keep them as they are good for 300,000

I have found one . It is £1100 and 166000 miles spotless interior. is it truly worth going for? will running costs drown me?

arcon5

Low running costs and Mercedes don't go hand in hand. Stick to brands like Ford etc.

arcon5

Avoid the 130tdci. 115 a bit better. But it's a bit pot luck buying a high mileage diesel if you don't know what to look for.

impressive_ironing

arcon5 wrote: »

Avoid the 130tdci. 115 a bit better. But it's a bit pot luck buying a high mileage diesel if you don't know what to look for.

It is really frustrating not knowing enough about cars. I am on my own and I need to focus on knowing about kids haha. I really do appreciate advice from those who have more understanding. sorry for my ignorance! I just thought maybe a merc or the volvo would have less problems being sturdy and would have the added bonus of being auto, leather seats so no dog hair sticking to everything etc.
I feel a tad confused what is best for us really.
I've seen a merc a volvo a berlingo and a focus all estates and all £1000 -£1500 :undecided

EdGasket

" I just thought maybe a merc or the volvo would have less problems"

Ha, take a look at some Merc forums. Loads of problems especially from 2001 when they went to a simplex cam-chain. The diesels can have injector leak/pump problems plus they are loaded with electronics and a SAM module can cost you as much as the car on an older model; an ecu failure will make the car a write-off.

If you want less problems go for a Toyota or Honda or if you can't afford that, a Hyundai/Kia.

impressive_ironing

EdGasket wrote: »

" I just thought maybe a merc or the volvo would have less problems"

Ha, take a look at some Merc forums. Loads of problems especially from 2001 when they went to a simplex cam-chain. The diesels can have injector leak/pump problems plus they are loaded with electronics and a SAM module can cost you as much as the car on an older model; an ecu failure will make the car a write-off.

If you want less problems go for a Toyota or Honda or if you can't afford that, a Hyundai/Kia.

I think thats why the other guy said pre 2000 diesels? either way, I'm super confused haha. so much choice and I guess it goes down to peoples personal experiences and preferences? Now you mention a kia... I saw one on ebay in my location and wondered about it but I dont know ANYTHING about them. It's a KIA CARENS le crdi 2.0 diesel. 2006
Item number 121724827438