Thinking of replacing my trusty a4 avant diesel.

I need something that will give into the 40's mpg, budget up to £3k but pref less.

If anyone want a cheap audi let me know, engine is still strong and recently had all the belts and a service.

Really need an estate or big hatchback, can't seem to like fords or vauxhalls.

Sensible suggestion.....

Rover 45 TDi, mine does 55mpg and cost less than 1K.

nothing wrong with the rover diesel, just my ex has our old 200 diesel, I didn't like the steering position with my 6'4'' frame
were the 45s hatchbacks?

My 45's a hatchback, has the same seats as a 75 and is much better than my old 220 which was better than the 214 I had before that.

It has a Rover Ron tuner box that improves the initial take off, gives it much more torque and lifts the mpg into the mid 50's.

Nearly forgot - 140g/km = £120/year road tax.

[Edited on 2/6/09 by coozer]

before everyone laughs what about a rover 75 estate diesel. the engine are good and according to parkers are a step up from a mondy or vectra

How about a saab 9-3? Tidy examples with the 1.9td engine are on ebay and within your budget.

75 diesel has a BMW engine/trans, estate has tons of room. Dashboard is a little quirky but the only reason I went with the 45 was the price.. well under 1K.

Good cars, no rust issues and someone else has paid all the depreciation.

I'm a fan, can you tell?

The ex's 200 was really cheap, went fine and passed with no issues it's last 2 mots and its on a p reg. She'll get another 2 years out of it.

I might have a look at a 75, it a bit grandad but heh I have a TVR in the garage so who cares, I can always get a pipe!

How easy is it to get parts for Rovers now

[Edited on 2/6/09 by mikeb]

Honda Accord CDTI - cracking car, and rare enough that you won't look like a rep!

Plus, have you seen the size of the boot!?

can't see any in my price range

45s drive well and are well equiped but is very dated the interior is awful ---- really Hondas fault for forcing a stop gap hashed redesign on Rover. Only some 45 are hatchback -- on some the rear seats don't even fold down.

A good 75 diesel will cost up to 4.500 --- recently saw an immactulate 40k mile one for 4 grand but the minicabi drivers snap them up.

Get a petrol 75 then do an LPG conversion --- my combined Petrol & LPG fuel running costs are working out at £86 per 1000 miles - 8.6 pence per mile.

[Edited on 2/6/09 by britishtrident]

quote:

---

Originally posted by coozer
My 45's a hatchback, has the same seats as a 75 and is much better than my old 220 which was better than the 214 I had before that.

It has a Rover Ron tuner box that improves the initial take off, gives it much more torque and lifts the mpg into the mid 50's.

Nearly forgot - 140g/km = £120/year road tax.

[Edited on 2/6/09 by coozer]

---

saab 9-3 is on my list, alongside

alfa 156 sportwagen 2.4 jtd

rover 75 diesel touring

Have seen a really cheap 156 2.4 jtd sport wagen for £1600 has 114k miles on it. X reg, is this too risky. The seller states it will be traded in on thursday if no one buys it!

I'm a big fan of the 156, BUT I would hesitate to recommend one to anyone else!!
They are prone to suspension bush issues. The clutch can be fragile on the 2.4s due to the 175bhp and huge torque. (can be chipped to over 200 bhp ). check for rust around the front and rear screen tops. Bizzarely the roof is the only bit not galvanised!
Driving position is perfect for me, but the wife can't drive it (no bad thing!).
Always make sure timing belts are replaced and keep an eye on the oil consumption.
If I were you, I'd look for an MG ZTT diesel. Not quite so 'old man' as the 75.

I have to change the suspension bushes in my a4 every year.
parkers dont' claim as much bhp as that.
What are the expensive items, clutch, timing belts?

Really would love one, just don't know if I dare, my TVR is meant to be the unreliable car!

Tell me more about the A4.

How old ?
How much ?

JF - A4 fan.

Mikeb I know you can't seem to like Henry's products but I reckon you should at least consider a Focus TDCi if that's in budget.
I've driven a few and the chassis is soooo sweet, plus good mileage, plentiful spares and unlike more exotics no major issues.

There again if you want some luxury and a load lugger what about a SAAB 95 1.9Tdi Estate?
Keep us posted.
Cheers, Pewe

PS What BT V says is true - turbo went on my 95 after 85k miles (my old Lancias did 150k each before they started smoking) but that was a DIY job. Tempting fate however there's not a lot else gone wrong with it but I do have a good/friendly specialist (DCA) locally for bits and active forums for help.

[Edited on 2/6/09 by pewe]

GM Saabs are risky buys as opposed to real SAABS which tend to be safe buys. With modern Saabs service history is mega important --- look for ones serviced more frequently than the standard service interval.

Modern Alfas are just bottomless money pits.

I'm in the same position as you - ie need a nice estate for 3k or less.
My ideal is a Rover 75 diesil but they are hard to find with sensible mileages but I really fancy one, esp with leather.
Plan B is a Peogeot 406, again pref diesil.
I can't see anything else I'm likely to find.