View Full Version : I want to spend ~£1500 on a Diesel
Could do with getting off unleaded for a while, but I dont know where I should be looking. I'd like to keep my air conditioning if I can (I die in heat, so it's a god send in the summer), and I'd rather not buy a bus - I prefer small cars, at least while I can get away with them. Looked at 206's, Punto's, Saxo's, Xsara's and Mondeo's of course, though that's a big as I'd want to go.
What makes/models do people I suggest looking at?
do you do enough of a mileage to make a diesel worthwhile, the extra cost of the car will take some recouping
About 500 miles at week at the moment, so nothing stellar. By extra cost of the car, do you mean maintenance?
You're not getting rid of your puma are you? :eek:
model for model you will pay more for the diesel variant, I certainly would want to be doing much more miles thatn that to cosoder a diesel
Aye :) Time for a change, and I could do with saving some running costs in the process (namely fuel).
Pity :( Lovely car that.
I'd buy it off you but I can't afford to buy anything till the autumn and it's probably a bit pricy for me when I throw in insurance anyhow.
Understood Gaz. My main reason for it at the moment is, looking around anyway, I'll double my mpg if I stick to a smaller engine (like the 206 1.4), and if I keep it for ~12 months (like I plan to) then that could save me a lot in fuel costs.
you may cut your fuel costs by 40% but at your mileage that will only save about £10-15 a week
So you're suggesting I go for a baby petrol engine and get more car for the money?
leowyatt
07-03-2007, 15:50
what mpg do you get from your puma now?
~35, which isn't bad, I just want to try and cut my running costs. Fuel and insurance being the obvious ones.
leowyatt
07-03-2007, 16:02
I'd certainly go with the suggestion of a small petrol engine. A 1L one should return upwards of 40+ mpg the insurance should be low. My polo is a group 5 but that is a 1.4 ltr engine.
Surely the insurance for the Puma isn't that big? For £1500 you're not going to get that great a diesel (you'd want an HDi really) unless you're happy to have a slightly less pretty car of course. :)
leowyatt
07-03-2007, 16:05
The puma is a group 13 I believe, if Daz has the 1.7 engine
Exactly so it shouldn't be that high? Then again he's only young :p
Surely the insurance for the Puma isn't that big? For £1500 you're not going to get that great a diesel (you'd want an HDi really) unless you're happy to have a slightly less pretty car of course. :)
I'm totally not arsed what it looks like. I just want something to last me until summer '08, when I'll be buying something much nicer. Until then I just want to try and save as much money as I can without sacrificing reliability :)
Insurance is high because I only just have 1 NCB, and before that I had 2 claims :embarassed:
Ah ok - that'll do it - I'm just a lucky git :cool: :D
You can probably get a 306 Diesel which are nice cars - I had the DTurbo S (which you saw I think?) that went nicely and was comfy, had all the mod cons, cd changer and A/C etc... Definitely worth a look.
leowyatt
07-03-2007, 16:17
hmmm ok how about something like this (http://pictures.autotrader.co.uk/ATD_web/servlet/media?id=482272607)
A 306 D Turbo comes in at group 5 :)
It's so difficult to take you seriously with that avatar Will ;D
Thanks for the suggestion though, hadn't thought of that :)
Says you with that name :p
Me being Le Metro is hardly as funny as him being Le Cliff :D
It is with that avatar ;D;D
I know - but it's the best I can do :(
Graham Norton isn't metro, he's actually gay :p:D
Anyway, enough about Will's sexuality (;)), cars anyone? :p
One of my mates here at uni has a Rover 200 (bubble shape) diesel. Its actually alright, bargainous prices and for a 2l turbo it gets really good mpg (his average over the last tank was ~50mpg). A 1999 example with reasonable milage can be had for £1500 no bother, and if you really dont care about the mileage you can pick them up for under a grand.
Although they have a bad image they are more reliable than most things that are French and parts are ridiculously cheap.
Unfortunately, you are up against the legions of people that believe "small cars are cheaper to run" and so you have to pay crazy money for things that are "popular" like saxos etc. Something bigger, not quite as popular but still a good car will either save you loads or get you loads more in terms of toys and whatnot :)
EDIT: as you did mention Mondeos, this does tick all of the boxes:
http://atsearch.autotrader.co.uk/www/CARS_popup.asp?searchform=&modelexact=1&lid=search_used_cars_full&photo=1&state=block&sort=5&hassearched=Y&make=FORD&min_pr=75&source=0&model=MONDEO&max_pr=2000&miles=40&agerange=&mileage=&postcode=m6+6db&bodyid=0&fuelid=2&colour=&transmissionid=0&ukcarsearch_full.x=21&ukcarsearch_full.y=7&ukcarsearch_full=SEARCH&start=3&distance=15&adcategory=CARS&channel=CARS&id=200708272568274
As I said one of the best cars for that price range would be something like the 306, or maybe a Skoda (though the newer ones are still expensive), the old Mondy TDs are crap unless you get a TDCi one which will be out of your price range, Vauxhall diesels aren't great really, Focus may be available for that money, anything german will be reliable but old for that price, though the mk2 golf tdi was quite good IIRC, actually the Omega TDi was quite good. I'd keep away from renault and saxos, the only frog car I'd stick with is the Pug really. Puntos aren't worth it.
You might get a luxo barge for that price but it'll be old and tatty. And you don't want anything too big anyway....
Agreed on the older ford td engines being poor but other than a 306DTurbo, most of the engines are pretty poor - besides, he is only keeping it for a short while and isnt going to be hooning it about much I dont suppose :)
exactly, hence why a cheap 1-1.5k pug would be ideal IMO rather than invest in something a bit more "cool".
I didnt suggest the mondeo on its coolness factor - I suggested it because it has aircon, leather etc etc which you might be hard to match in a 306DTurbo?
306 Dturbos come fully specced, 6 cd changer, abs, twin airbags, air con, etc... Well all the ones I've been in had.
Though as you say a mondy is a good choice, except for the engines, and the insurance policy is a little higher too. However there are lots of cars as we have suggested in this thread that he can have a look at. :)
EDIT: as you did mention Mondeos, this does tick all of the boxes:
http://atsearch.autotrader.co.uk/www/CARS_popup.asp?searchform=&modelexact=1&lid=search_used_cars_full&photo=1&state=block&sort=5&hassearched=Y&make=FORD&min_pr=75&source=0&model=MONDEO&max_pr=2000&miles=40&agerange=&mileage=&postcode=m6+6db&bodyid=0&fuelid=2&colour=&transmissionid=0&ukcarsearch_full.x=21&ukcarsearch_full.y=7&ukcarsearch_full=SEARCH&start=3&distance=15&adcategory=CARS&channel=CARS&id=200708272568274
I've had that one in a list of links for a couple of days, the distance is a bit ghey is all. At this sort of price range you really struggle to beat Mondeos for what you actually get, usually both in milage and spec.
I'll look at the Rovers, ta :)
Oh, this is the other Mondy:
http://atsearch.autotrader.co.uk/www/CARS_popup.asp?searchform=&modelexact=1&lid=search_used_cars_full&photo=1&state=block&sort=3&hassearched=Y&make=FORD&min_pr=1000&source=0&model=ANY&max_pr=2000&miles=40&agerange=&mileage=&postcode=le65+1sq&variant=&bodyid=0&trim=&fuelid=2&colour=&transmissionid=0&keywords=&ukcarsearch_full.x=68&ukcarsearch_full.y=16&ukcarsearch_full=SEARCH&start=3&distance=37&adcategory=CARS&channel=CARS&id=200710273847512
Good price that considering the mileage.
[edit] I hadn't harib0 no, but I'd rather not lease really. I'm already renting property so that's enough money down the drain as it is :D
Daz, that Mondy looks good for the money tbh. As you say if you're only keeping it a year, as long as it's taxable and MOT-able, then really you don't need much more than that. Besides the Mondy's a very comfy car. :)
leowyatt
08-03-2007, 09:45
Have you considered a Ford KA? Comfy, nippy, good on the insurance :)
Had one before, dont fancy going back :)
I'm going to look at that Mondy later. Only obvious thing from the blurb is that no service history is mentioned, that sort of area is where I'm gonna fall down really. I'm not gonna know if the cam belt needs changing etc.
leowyatt
08-03-2007, 11:10
Aren't they supposed to be done around 70k? Given the car has done 90 I'd assume it has been changed but would it be possible to get it changed if you get the car?
I'd have some money to put towards it for sure, bring under budget.
leowyatt
08-03-2007, 11:19
Ok cool, shouldn't be a big job to be honest and they tend to change the water pump too. Standard jobs on the car like a service should be a doddle :)
Just spoken to someone else, and apparently the front bumper isn't a pretty sight (must have been something wrong at that price) - half arsed paint job, couple of cracks. Oh, and no service history or tax.
Hmm, food for thought.
leowyatt
08-03-2007, 11:50
the no tax isn't a surprise to me to be honest, every car I have bought has never come with tax. The service history could be a problem :(
Any chance we can source you a spares bumper? Great breakers round the corner from me and they delivery all over the country :) Here (http://www.atlassalvage.co.uk/) they are
The more I look at Mondy's the more I'm kinda spoilt for choice in the price range. This (http://atsearch.autotrader.co.uk/www/CARS_popup.asp?searchform=&modelexact=1&lid=search_used_cars_full&photo=1&state=block&sort=3&hassearched=Y&make=FORD&min_pr=1000&source=0&model=MONDEO&max_pr=2000&miles=20&agerange=&mileage=&postcode=le65+1sq&variant=&bodyid=0&trim=&fuelid=2&colour=&transmissionid=0&keywords=&ukcarsearch_full.x=57&ukcarsearch_full.y=19&ukcarsearch_full=SEARCH&start=2&distance=14&adcategory=CARS&channel=CARS&id=200708272569894) is only down the road.
exactly, loads about so you can afford to be picky
leowyatt
08-03-2007, 12:02
That looks good, does it have a service history? It's actually a ton cheaper on their own site ;D
EDIT: erm :embarassed: acutally I'm wrong there is a second Mondy's there :D
FORD Mondeo 1.8 Ghia TD , 5 Doors, Manual, Hatchback, Diesel, 1998 S Reg , Green. 01162513464, great condition, please call blackbird 01162513464 first, RING BLACKBIRD RD FIRST 01162513465, this car is at our blackbird road site 0, ABS, Adjustable seats, Air conditioning, Alloy wheels, Central locking, Child seats, Cloth upholstery, Colour coding - Body, Driver airbag, Electric mirrors, Electric sunroof, Heated screen, Metallic paintwork, Passenger airbag, Remote locking, Radio/Cassette, Sunroof. Insurance Group:9, we offer no deposit finance credit and debit cards welcome and all cars can have a full m.o.t if required in our our own large workshop £1,095
EDIT2: how about this???
PEUGEOT 406 1.8 LS , 4 Doors, Manual, Saloon, Petrol, 1999 T Reg , 66,000 miles. Adjustable seats, Adjustable steering column/wheel, Central locking, Driver airbag, Electric windows, Power assisted steering. Insurance Group:10, ALL OUR CARS CAN COME WITH A FULL M.O.T AND SERVICE AND FULL VALET TEL 0116 2513464 FIRS £1,295
Saw that one too :D No mileage mentioned though it's at the same place so I could have a butchers at both. I'll give someone a bell at lunch
I'm ten minutes away from this (http://atsearch.autotrader.co.uk/www/cars_popup.asp?did=49073&pageid=2&originalid=&gid=&tid=20&start=1&distance=0&adcategory=cars&channel=DEALERPAGE&id=200709273182427) one right now... I'm gonna go at lunch :D
leowyatt
08-03-2007, 12:30
How about this (http://atsearch.autotrader.co.uk/www/CARS_popup.asp?searchform=&modelexact=1&lid=search_used_cars_full&photo=1&state=block&sort=3&hassearched=Y&make=FORD&min_pr=1000&source=0&model=MONDEO&max_pr=2000&miles=60&agerange=&mileage=&postcode=le65+1sq&variant=ac&bodyid=1&trim=&fuelid=2&colour=&transmissionid=1&keywords=&ukcarsearch_full.x=56&ukcarsearch_full.y=15&ukcarsearch_full=SEARCH&start=6&distance=14&adcategory=CARS&channel=CARS&id=200707270972511)? It's pretty much your budget but a suggestion for another, not too far away either.
leowyatt
08-03-2007, 12:34
In my home town that :D
even better :)
A guy I work with knows that garage, so I'll head there at lunch instead. If the mileage isn't horrendous (and you'd hope not at that price), then that's a good contender :)
leowyatt
08-03-2007, 12:47
quality, good luck :) let us know how it goes.
There's always the AA man if you like the car but are not sure about any mechanical issues etc. It'll cost you of course, but usually worth it.
Turns out the guy actually knows my dad, had a random chat about the old days :D
It's a decent motor you know, couple of marks on the doors but nothing unreasonable for its age. 82,000, took it for a test drive and never heard anything untoward, really comfortable too. £1550 taxed until July.
I'm tempted.
leowyatt
08-03-2007, 13:44
result! glad it looks ok :) any history with it?
Fully serviced and cambelt changed?
Some service history, and I'm told the belt was changed, not that I'd know how to tell anyway!
The guy just rang me and said he got it wrong, and isnt actually sure if the cam belt had been changed so he'll knock the £50 off in case it hasnt. Nice that he went out of his way to do that, he could have kept quiet.
Gives me faith that he isn't a **** :D
leowyatt
08-03-2007, 16:02
That was nice of him to let you know he can't guarantee it's been changed. The car should come to you serviced anyway so if it needs changing they'll do that.
You could always get a quote to see how much it would cost to get it done and try and get him to knock that off ;)
I'll look into it but the guys been really accommodating so far so don't want to nail him down too much. It's a good price for the car so I can be that much of a **** ;)
Oh, something else too, there's an amp and a pair of 6x9's in the boot. There were some stray cables so they're not hooked up, but the 6x9's on their own could be a nice bonus, I like my music ;)
Oh, something else too, there's an amp and a pair of 6x9's in the boot. There were some stray cables so they're not hooked up, but the 6x9's on their own could be a nice bonus, I like my music ;)
To me that would mean its been owned by chavs. However at the price point, I don't think it matters. Have a look at the cambelt, is it fraying, does it actually look new? Pinch the belt and twist it, you should be able to twist it, but not past 90 degrees. You could do the job yourself, but you would have to set the timing after unless you were uber careful.
Ford are not respected for their diesel engines, instead licencing their tech from PSA I believe. Im considering a 306DTI or mondeo diesel to replace the bimmer as it happens.
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