MK9R
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| posted on 4/2/10 at 08:32 AM |
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50mpg+ sub £3.5k tin top - Which one?
I've currently got a 2007 mondeo estate on LPG, but I have moved work so not next door to one of the cheapest LPG resellers in the country and
the 2 LPG stations on my journey to work have shut down at the moment, plus they were expensive anyway. The missus now has the main family car (Disco)
so i'm looking at getting a high MPG diesel which is smaller and cheaper. I expect to get around £6k for the mondeo, and don't really want
to spend more than £3500 on the replacement. I do 500+ miles a week so don't really want to get a car with much over 100k on it. The car needs
to be able to take me to work and back, but also me and 3 kids in it for when the missus is out in the Disco (or when it breaks down).
My journey to works consists of 10 miles of fast twisty B road where i have to do lots of quick over taking, 5 miles of town roads, 35 miles of
motorway/dual carriage way. As i do this route twice a day its got to be good at cruising but also handle well.
Oh, I want it to look respectable aswell and the missus said no to a red car!!
Been looking at Golf GT TDI (can scrape a 150 if i'm lucky, if not 130's would be fine), Seat leon TDI (but only like the cupra), Bora
130, Polo 1.9 TDI sport, Ibiza 1.9 tdi, fabia VRS (although worried its too small)
Any suggestions or views?
Cheers Austen
RGB car number 9
www.austengreenway.co.uk
www.automatedtechnologygroup.co.uk
www.trackace.co.uk
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imp paul
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| posted on 4/2/10 at 08:38 AM |
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fabia vrs very good car i have 2 mates with vrs and are very happy with them 
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55ant
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| posted on 4/2/10 at 08:40 AM |
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i think the golf tdi fits most of your bill, i dont know what mpg it does, but they are great fun, and quick, plenty of room in it and reliable as
anything,
away from cars, now cycling and building TT bikes
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MK9R
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| posted on 4/2/10 at 08:48 AM |
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quote:
Originally posted by 55ant
i think the golf tdi fits most of your bill, i dont know what mpg it does, but they are great fun, and quick, plenty of room in it and reliable as
anything,
Thats the car i'm leaning towards, they will do over 50mpg, my mates leon with the 130bhp engine does a real 55mpg on his journey to work, but
reckons he can get 60mpg if he drives like a granny,
Also thought about a bmw 320d
Cheers Austen
RGB car number 9
www.austengreenway.co.uk
www.automatedtechnologygroup.co.uk
www.trackace.co.uk
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Irony
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| posted on 4/2/10 at 08:56 AM |
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I have a Golf MK 4 GT TDI 150 that has 114K on the clock and general use I get a smidge under 50 MPG. It does go like stink for what I think is quite
a heavy car. Generally I have been very happy with it. A couple of problems (window regulators) and a gearbox problem. The rumour is that they chew
through front tires but I should see 20k out of mine. Clutches will go between 80k - 100k and they are exspensive to change.
I also had a Seat Leon 130 Tdi and that was a great car. Seemed quicker than the golf but I think the Leons have a slightly more aggressive interior
feel.
I would recommend a Golf or a Leon.
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MK9R
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| posted on 4/2/10 at 09:00 AM |
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quote:
Originally posted by Irony
I have a Golf MK 4 GT TDI 150 that has 114K on the clock and general use I get a smidge under 50 MPG. It does go like stink for what I think is quite
a heavy car. Generally I have been very happy with it. A couple of problems (window regulators) and a gearbox problem. The rumour is that they chew
through front tires but I should see 20k out of mine. Clutches will go between 80k - 100k and they are exspensive to change.
I also had a Seat Leon 130 Tdi and that was a great car. Seemed quicker than the golf but I think the Leons have a slightly more aggressive interior
feel.
I would recommend a Golf or a Leon.
Did the leon get better mpg than the golf?? Just wondered if the 130bhp is more economical? I'd been told the 150 actually returns more mpg, but
no proof of that
Cheers Austen
RGB car number 9
www.austengreenway.co.uk
www.automatedtechnologygroup.co.uk
www.trackace.co.uk
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smart51
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| posted on 4/2/10 at 09:30 AM |
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I drive a Peugeot 107 petrol from which I get 50 - 55 MPG, compared to the official figure of 61. The diesel is slower but probably offers more. It
isn't a fast car but the handling and grip are good for a tiddler and it is excellent in snow.
My wife has a C3 diesel which is bigger inside and has more boot space. She gets 55 - 65 MPG from hers compared to the official figure of 67. We
have the base 70 BHP 1.4 8V version. There is a 1.4 16V and a 1.6 as well, though they were very expensive new as you could only pay the premium for
the bigger diesel on top of the premium for the diesel on top of the premium for the highest level of trim. I guess they didn't want to sell
many of them.
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thunderace
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| posted on 4/2/10 at 10:33 AM |
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corsa sxi 1.7 16v tdi 100bhp i had one from new and done 80,000 trouble free miles in it before selling it 5 years later it got around 60mpg.parts are
very cheep for the corsa.
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richardR1
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| posted on 4/2/10 at 10:56 AM |
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Another vote for the Leon. FR150 version would satisfy your requirements and give Golf quality for less money. Girlfriend has the Mk2 Leon FR170
diesel and it is a fantastic car.
MK Owners Club Member 1015
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pewe
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| posted on 4/2/10 at 11:12 AM |
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So far no mention of Fiesta TDCi.
Cracking chassis plus lots of grunt and pretty cheap to buy/run.
Cheers, Pewe.
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Irony
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| posted on 4/2/10 at 11:58 AM |
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I can't really comment on the fuel consumption of the Diesel PD 130 over the 150 as sadly my Leon died a death do to flooding we had around
where I live not long after I had it.
I VW Pump Duese engines are quite old now and I get the impression that the more modern diesels are slightly better on fuel. A workmate of mine has a
BMW three series, about a 2001 I think, it has a 150bhp diesel and it gets 65mpg.
If I could go back I might get a diesel Leon over the Golf. Just for the slightly more aggressive look/feel and the fact that every man and dog has a
Golf.
[Edited on 4/2/10 by Irony]
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hobbsy
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| posted on 4/2/10 at 02:22 PM |
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My old 320D 52 plate 150bhp did nowhere near 65mpg even with a lot of motorway driving. Unless you never go over 60mph I can't see how he did
that.
OR the onboard computer says he's getting that and he's never bothered to check it when filling up.
My onboard computer overread the mpg by about 10% so it would say 50 to 55 mpg when I was getting realworld 45 to 50mpg.
Which still isn't bad.
Generally with the 320d you need to check what year it is as there was an 18mth or so run of production just after the facelift where they fitted a
substandard turbo. I know I blew mine up (and replaced it on the drive with the revised version).
They also can split their intake manifolds leading to the swirl flaps going into the engine. This can mostly be avoided by bypassing the EGR and
fitting the later type of turbo breather filter.
I've kissed goodbye to diesel ~50mpg for a couple of years and gone for an M5. So I'm going to stop this post there before I remember
what decent fuel economy is like.
Burn it while you can and have fun
The BMW will probably handle the best and has the most grip off the line (unless its snowy) and of course it won't torque steer
Also the BMW has a timing chain rather than a belt. Don't get me wrong I think the VAG 1.9 and 2.0 PD TD's are great engines but if you
do a belt replacement (including all the idlers) with proper gear it isn't cheap.
[Edited on 4/2/10 by hobbsy]
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coozer
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| posted on 4/2/10 at 02:31 PM |
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Right, I have a 51 plate Rover 45 2L TDi that costs £120 a year to tax and does 55mpg.
It cost me £950 2 years ago and I'm sure you can find one cheaper now.
Peeps ask me why I drive round in old bangers and I point to the above facts. Its not a banger, its got no rust, is in very good condition and as far
as mileage goes good for 200K.
The only car I've looked at that beats this is a new Note, only problem is they cost 7~8K!
1972 V8 Jago
1980 Z750
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hobbsy
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| posted on 4/2/10 at 02:37 PM |
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I believe that's pretty much the same engine as in the 320D just with less horsepower.
You're still looking 4 to 5k for a 320d of that vintage (unless mega miles) whereas your Rover looks like a comparative bargain at <£950. A
lot more to do with image than anything else to explain the price difference
Really depends what you want - I wouldn't call a 51 plate car a banger either.
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MK9R
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| posted on 4/2/10 at 02:40 PM |
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quote:
Originally posted by hobbsy
My old 320D 52 plate 150bhp did nowhere near 65mpg even with a lot of motorway driving. Unless you never go over 60mph I can't see how he did
that.
OR the onboard computer says he's getting that and he's never bothered to check it when filling up.
My onboard computer overread the mpg by about 10% so it would say 50 to 55 mpg when I was getting realworld 45 to 50mpg.
Which still isn't bad.
Generally with the 320d you need to check what year it is as there was an 18mth or so run of production just after the facelift where they fitted a
substandard turbo. I know I blew mine up (and replaced it on the drive with the revised version).
They also can split their intake manifolds leading to the swirl flaps going into the engine. This can mostly be avoided by bypassing the EGR and
fitting the later type of turbo breather filter.
I've kissed goodbye to diesel ~50mpg for a couple of years and gone for an M5. So I'm going to stop this post there before I remember
what decent fuel economy is like.
Burn it while you can and have fun
The BMW will probably handle the best and has the most grip off the line (unless its snowy) and of course it won't torque steer
Also the BMW has a timing chain rather than a belt. Don't get me wrong I think the VAG 1.9 and 2.0 PD TD's are great engines but if you
do a belt replacement (including all the idlers) with proper gear it isn't cheap.
[Edited on 4/2/10 by hobbsy]
Thanks, really useful info!!!!
I used to have an E39 M5, awesome awesome car, but the average MPG of 15mpg started to get just too expensive!!!! I do fancy the RWD beemer, but the
vag is the more sensible option i think, especially from you info on the early face lift turbos. Are they the TD4's?
Cheers Austen
RGB car number 9
www.austengreenway.co.uk
www.automatedtechnologygroup.co.uk
www.trackace.co.uk
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MK9R
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| posted on 4/2/10 at 02:41 PM |
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quote:
Originally posted by coozer
Right, I have a 51 plate Rover 45 2L TDi that costs £120 a year to tax and does 55mpg.
It cost me £950 2 years ago and I'm sure you can find one cheaper now.
Peeps ask me why I drive round in old bangers and I point to the above facts. Its not a banger, its got no rust, is in very good condition and as far
as mileage goes good for 200K.
The only car I've looked at that beats this is a new Note, only problem is they cost 7~8K!
mmm thats interesting, i know those engines well from the freelanders, but only got about 34-36mpg (apart from when "modified" to 2 wheel
drive and sitting on the motorway at 70mph when 40mpg could be achieved)
Cheers Austen
RGB car number 9
www.austengreenway.co.uk
www.automatedtechnologygroup.co.uk
www.trackace.co.uk
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franky
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| posted on 4/2/10 at 02:42 PM |
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I don't think you'll get a golf/cupra tdi 130/150 for 3.5k with 100ish k on the clock... they'll be nearer 4.5k.
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MK9R
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| posted on 4/2/10 at 02:43 PM |
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quote:
Originally posted by hobbsy
I believe that's pretty much the same engine as in the 320D just with less horsepower.
You're still looking 4 to 5k for a 320d of that vintage (unless mega miles) whereas your Rover looks like a comparative bargain at <£950. A
lot more to do with image than anything else to explain the price difference
Really depends what you want - I wouldn't call a 51 plate car a banger either.
Your thinking of the TD4, not the old cast iron rover engine that will last for ever
Cheers Austen
RGB car number 9
www.austengreenway.co.uk
www.automatedtechnologygroup.co.uk
www.trackace.co.uk
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MK9R
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| posted on 4/2/10 at 02:44 PM |
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quote:
Originally posted by franky
I don't think you'll get a golf/cupra tdi 130/150 for 3.5k with 100ish k on the clock... they'll be nearer 4.5k.
your right can't find a cupra, but have got close to a 150 for that, could have had it for 3800 but missed out, gutted as it was really nice
with R32 wheels. plenty of 130's for under 4k about
[Edited on 4/2/10 by MK9R]
Cheers Austen
RGB car number 9
www.austengreenway.co.uk
www.automatedtechnologygroup.co.uk
www.trackace.co.uk
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hobbsy
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| posted on 4/2/10 at 02:50 PM |
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quote:
Originally posted by MK9R
Thanks, really useful info!!!!
I used to have an E39 M5, awesome awesome car, but the average MPG of 15mpg started to get just too expensive!!!! I do fancy the RWD beemer, but the
vag is the more sensible option i think, especially from you info on the early face lift turbos. Are they the TD4's?
How long did you run your M5 for?
I'm planning on a couple of years, always wanted something with a big V8 (and decent chassis and a manual box) and it certainly fits the bill.
I've had a couple of turbo diesel daily drivers and I know I can always go out and get another now or in the future. I can't say that
will be the case with cars like the E39 M5 (all future M cars will be 6 cyls or less and turbo'ed it seems).
If you're asking about the turbo on the 320d its a Garrett VNT, something like GT17V (from memory).
Don't be completely put off by the turbo issues - get a later none affected model or an earlier one thats had a brand new turbo fitted (like
mine - a bargain for its new owner around Xmas time). I was still slightly paranoid about the swirl flap issue though but you're always going
to see angry posts from people who've been affected - those who are motoring trouble free don't feel compelled to post about it etc!
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MK9R
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| posted on 4/2/10 at 03:02 PM |
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quote:
Originally posted by hobbsy
quote:
Originally posted by MK9R
Thanks, really useful info!!!!
I used to have an E39 M5, awesome awesome car, but the average MPG of 15mpg started to get just too expensive!!!! I do fancy the RWD beemer, but the
vag is the more sensible option i think, especially from you info on the early face lift turbos. Are they the TD4's?
How long did you run your M5 for?
I'm planning on a couple of years, always wanted something with a big V8 (and decent chassis and a manual box) and it certainly fits the bill.
I've had a couple of turbo diesel daily drivers and I know I can always go out and get another now or in the future. I can't say that
will be the case with cars like the E39 M5 (all future M cars will be 6 cyls or less and turbo'ed it seems).
If you're asking about the turbo on the 320d its a Garrett VNT, something like GT17V (from memory).
Don't be completely put off by the turbo issues - get a later none affected model or an earlier one thats had a brand new turbo fitted (like
mine - a bargain for its new owner around Xmas time). I was still slightly paranoid about the swirl flap issue though but you're always going
to see angry posts from people who've been affected - those who are motoring trouble free don't feel compelled to post about it etc!
Had the M5 for about 9months i think, which at the time was a long time for me!! The clutch went the weekend i had it, it was obviously on its way out
when i bought it, but hooning around the first weekend saw it off. There is a valve in the lutch system that releases the clutch slower than your foot
to smooth the massive power out through the transmission, but the down side is if you belt it off the line a lot it eats the clutch. I was concerned
about the MPG, there was a small leak from the rear diff and the gear change had become a bit sloppy so i took it to thornymotorsport for a check up
I, and i received a £1750 bill for a diff seal rebuild, new brake discs and pads all round and i treated it to a shortshift kit (which i recommend it
was amazing and how it should have come from the factory). Even with all the money i spent on it, I absolutely loved it, but I was doing 200miles a
day going to work and back so bought an old LPG granny to do it in as it would have finacially crippled me to do it in the M5!! I ended up only using
the M5 at weekends, so decided to cash it in and get a weekend toy (elise) and sensible A6 family diesel estate. The A6 lasted about 2 days before i
was bored to death so i swapped it for a Saab 95 V6 TDi, which i have to say was amazing and when on the motorway cruisinh it would accelerate nearly
as quickily as the M5 thanks to the great big diesel lump!
Cheers Austen
RGB car number 9
www.austengreenway.co.uk
www.automatedtechnologygroup.co.uk
www.trackace.co.uk
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tweek
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| posted on 4/2/10 at 03:54 PM |
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My sister has a Seat Cordoba SE TDI 130 and its a cracker! Just an Ibiza with a boot but because of the boot it will be maybe £500 - £1k cheaper than
the virtually identical Ibiza FR TDI. Great fun, goes like stink and has a big boot too.
Sold in the uk up until 2006 so you should be able to bag one of the late ones. Her 2004-ish example was £4k about 2 years ago with 64k miles.
Best of luck whatever you decide on.
Edit: for instance this one -
autotraderlinky
[Edited on 4/2/10 by tweek]
"oh dear..." said god,
"I hadn't thought of that"
and promptly vanishes in a puff of logic
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MK9R
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| posted on 4/2/10 at 03:57 PM |
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quote:
Originally posted by tweek
My sister has a Seat Cordoba SE TDI 130 and its a cracker! Just an Ibiza with a boot but because of the boot it will be maybe £500 - £1k cheaper than
the virtually identical Ibiza FR TDI. Great fun, goes like stink and has a big boot too.
Sold in the uk up until 2006 so you should be able to bag one of the late ones. Her 2004-ish example was £4k about 2 years ago with 64k miles.
Best of luck whatever you decide on.
excellent spot!!
Cheers Austen
RGB car number 9
www.austengreenway.co.uk
www.automatedtechnologygroup.co.uk
www.trackace.co.uk
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TimC
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| posted on 7/2/10 at 10:02 PM |
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I ran a 5-door Ibiza FR TDi as a company car for 9 months. It was pretty faultless and I piled on the miles in that time - think 1500miles+ a
week!
Was a nice thing with cruise, auto wipers etc etc. However, I NEVER saw 50mpg.
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morcus
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| posted on 8/2/10 at 02:29 AM |
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If you can find one cheap enough a Bravo diesel would seem to fit most of your requirements. My Cousin drives one with 150 Bhp and drives it hard and
gets MPG in the 40's. Its also quite spacious.
I know alot of people will say 'don't buy it, its a Fiat' but it might be worth having a look.
In a White Room, With Black Curtains, By the Station.
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