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Author: Subject: Tintop recommendations
flak monkey

posted on 21/7/08 at 12:00 PM Reply With Quote
Tintop recommendations

The time has come to seriously consider what to get as a pratical daily driver. The MR2 is up for sale

I cover about 10k-12k miles per year, so would prefer something diesel but a bit 'sporty' either that or a fairly economical but quick petrol...

Currently looking at a Golf GT Tdi 150, but they are rather expensive.

Anyone got any other suggestions?

Was also looking at a Seat Leon or Ibiza Cupra. But am a bit wary of the fuel bills at the moment Having said that, I can get a nice Leon Cupra for a good 2k less than a Golf GT Tdi...thats a lot of fuel to make up that difference in cost....

Help!





Sera

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graememk

posted on 21/7/08 at 12:01 PM Reply With Quote
what price range do you have in mind ?






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eznfrank

posted on 21/7/08 at 12:03 PM Reply With Quote
Alfa 147 or GT. Both have a 1.9JTD model.
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flak monkey

posted on 21/7/08 at 12:05 PM Reply With Quote
Price range, upto about £5k

Dont mention Alfa I need something thats reliable and starts and stops when I want it to





Sera

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graememk

posted on 21/7/08 at 12:07 PM Reply With Quote
astra 1.9cdti either 120bhp or 150bhp (red ti)

mappable or plug in box to 148 bhp and 198bhp

[Edited on 21/7/08 by graememk]






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djtom

posted on 21/7/08 at 12:25 PM Reply With Quote
As you've probably worked out you'll struggle to get a Golf PD 150 GTi for £5k, but I had one for 2 years as a company car and it was fantastic, so if you could stretch to one it's well worth it.

I regularly got 52mpg from mine at 85mph on motorway runs and struggled to get it much under 40mpg when driving "enthusiastically" on country roads. Worst I ever managed was a 10 mile journey averaged at 22mpg (and not many minutes:-) My Tiger drops into single figures on the same journey






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omega0684

posted on 21/7/08 at 12:34 PM Reply With Quote
volvo c30! sod the £5k get it on finance in white with the sports body kit
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scotlad
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posted on 21/7/08 at 12:37 PM Reply With Quote
Skoda Octavia vRs. Cheap to buy, Audi mechanicals including proven 1.8 20v engine. I've had an estate for a year and a half and its great. 35mpg too without really trying, nearer 40 on a run at 70. 180bhp standard but easy chip to 205 with no mods.





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nick205

posted on 21/7/08 at 01:58 PM Reply With Quote
Seat Leon Cupra TDI - same as a Golf GTTDI, but (IMHO) much better looking. Cheaper too!

VW mehcanicals so pretty solid with reasonable running costs for a car of it's type. Easily modified if you wish too.

I had one for nearly 4 years as a co. car and still miss it 1 year later (Passat estate now ).

I struggled to egt it below 40 MPG even when really really wringing it's neck and this was my personal best MPG on a 225 mile run from Manchester to Winchester...

69.4 MPG
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tegwin

posted on 21/7/08 at 02:09 PM Reply With Quote
How about a 200-2001 Polo TDI?

(6n2 body shape)

Its really light, and has a fair bit of poke!

Would imagine you could afford to buy one and get it chipped within your budget...

And amazingly spacious..

I have the GTI 1.6 petrol version and managed to get two bikes and camping gear inside as well as two people...







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Benzine

posted on 21/7/08 at 02:35 PM Reply With Quote
royal enfield diesel motorbike - 160mpg

or Charade GTti (petrol) - flies and does 55mpg

[Edited on 21/7/08 by Benzine]

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RichardK

posted on 21/7/08 at 03:21 PM Reply With Quote
I'll 2nd the skoda vrs, proper flying machine,as said also very easy to remap.Rich





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BenB

posted on 21/7/08 at 03:58 PM Reply With Quote
In my life two important things are personal safety and money (or lack of it) so I'd draw up a short-list, look up the MPGs and then go on the Euro-NCAP site and see if that changes your mind at all in terms of favorite cars....
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focijohn

posted on 21/7/08 at 05:39 PM Reply With Quote
GT TDI has my vote altho quite expensive, 150bhp one, go and handle like a cat gone feral?





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jimmyjoebob

posted on 21/7/08 at 06:25 PM Reply With Quote
As a complete alternative to these powerful and fast modern cars that are dull at low speeds, what about a modernised classic and some serious change from your £5k?

Even something like a Morris minor with a modern engine and box, lowered and restored would come in way below your budget - they are out there for sale.

Only a suggestion - I know this would not suit many as an everyday car but it would me!





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jimmyjoebob

posted on 21/7/08 at 06:26 PM Reply With Quote
D'oh, I ought to read the starter posts more carefully!

Does it have to be modern though to be considered practical?





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flak monkey

posted on 21/7/08 at 08:01 PM Reply With Quote
quote:
Originally posted by jimmyjoebob
D'oh, I ought to read the starter posts more carefully!

Does it have to be modern though to be considered practical?


No, the MR2 is practical enough for me. I just dont like putting 10-12k miles on a car that old when its a low milage one...





Sera

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Marcus

posted on 22/7/08 at 12:14 PM Reply With Quote
Everyone seems to be mentioning Golf / Leon / Octavia. My personal preference (after my Alfa 156) would be a Bora TDi 150. Very understated and just as good as the others. Seem to be cheaper too..





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dnmalc

posted on 23/7/08 at 02:56 AM Reply With Quote
Seriously look at the 2.2 ltr Saab 9-3 it is pre common rail but virtually unburstable and good for 400k
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flak monkey

posted on 18/8/08 at 08:02 PM Reply With Quote
Hmm a new contender has entered...

Could stretch to a BMW Mini Cooper S.... a mate is thinking of selling his....

Driven a couple of Leon Cupras now and really quite like them. Good fun anyway.





Sera

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