OT: C*r thread...(barf)

[nab 301]

It's time for a new motah chez Mr & Mrs Gromit (and the wee Gromette).
However...

We want to downsize. We need a car which will be <1 yr old, be well screwed together, a Diesel, reliable, reasonably good to drive and have a boot large enough to put a medium-large sized dog in.

Shortlist so far...

H*nda Civic CTDi Sport
Toyota Verso T3 D4-D (our current fave choice)
Skoda Oktavia Estate 2.0TDi
Seat Altea 2.0TDi
VW Golf TDi

Other possibilities, although would have to be a bit older (ie 04 plate) as they're a bit more pricey.

BMW 320D Touring
Audi A4 Avant TDi

Anyone with any experience of the above cars? Perhaps even own one?

Thanks for any input.

Personally I prefer vw's from a handling point of view , from an Irish market point vw's and Toyota have better residuals although you mention keeping it for more than five years so this will be less of an issue, and taxi drivers buy skodas and Toyotas, I'm not familiar with the Honda diesel , and I don't think anyone mentioned that the Bmw is RWD which may or may not be an issue . I've only ever driven rwd on the track and that was an imp
Cam belts can be an issue on all cars but if used for a lot of short hops consider changing them much sooner than the manufacturers (optimistic recommendations).
Nigel B

[jivebiker]

According to "Which" surveys...

Japanese are the most reliable.

European makes are the least reliable (yes that includes BMW, Mercedes, etc).

Exceptions are.... well is, Skoda, as although they share engines and some other bits with VW / Audi, they have their electrics done elsewhere.

Ford are on the up, their Focus models are excellent for reliability.

I would steer clear of anything european from the last 5 years (the bad years) except for Skoda and Ford.

My wife has an Almera (Nissan), good size and not a glitch in over 3 years, although it is petrol, I'm not sure they do a diesel version.

I have a skateboard, homemade deck with Lazer trucks and blue Kryptonics. Still going strong after 25 years. Can't get much shopping on it though.

[boxerpan]

Cam belts can be an issue on all cars but if used for a lot of short hops consider changing them much sooner than the manufacturers (optimistic recommendations).
Nigel B

Not the PD140 in the VW it's a chain

[Me-109]

Ah, well qualified on this one - owning a Skoda Octavia 1.8T petrol - a detuned vRS but with better leather

OK, mine's a mk1 not as new as what you are looking at....and I've only had it since November....but it goes like stink, I've just done over 750 miles on it and returned near enough 39mpg, no rattles or squeeky bits and handles far better than the Saab 900 I've got rid of. They tended to be shot down only in terms of rear leg room, but with me at 5' 10" my 7-year old can sit in behind me without a complaint (he knows better... ) and with cars getting larger I suspect the Mk2 Octy is bigger. As another alternative, there's always the Superb...?

If you are thinking about it try the Briskoda website and forum for information, advice and support. There are dedicated forums for older and newer versions and you'll find all sorts of info on real running cases in terms of performance, reliability, economy - same as Boxerbollox in fact!

As an alternative, I note that you've not suggested a Saab 93 that might just fit the bill. OK, so its a rebadged Vectra in the same way a Jag is a rebadged Mondeo, but they do TDs these days and you can get it as an estate if you still feel the need.

[nab 301]

Cam belts can be an issue on all cars but if used for a lot of short hops consider changing them much sooner than the manufacturers (optimistic recommendations).
Nigel B

Not the PD140 in the VW it's a chain

Nigel B

[Gromit]

Well the Gromit family went out this morning on a 'fact-finding' mission round a few car dealers...

Mission statement:

1. Go and look at a couple of cars which we're only 1/2 interested in, to strike them off our wish list.
2. Re-visit a couple of dealers of cars on our wish list to consolidate our desire to choose one or t'other etc.

1. Failed at first post. Went to see the BMW 1-series and bloody loved it - it's nowhere near as tiny inside as the mags would have us believe, plus the boot's nearly as large as a Golf's - and better shaped too. Then went to see the new A-Class Merc which is nowhere near as clever as the first one. It is now struck off.
2. VW - still can't get excited about the Golf, especially after having a look over the 1-Series. No doubt it's a very sound car though.
Octavia Estate - this is still right up there at the top of the short list. Such a fantastic amount of car for the money, plus Skoda's service labour rates are exactly half what VW/Audi charge.
Civic - got a quick test drive in a diesel one. Certainly goes well enough but it's just too bling/over-designed in our opinion. In 5 years' time it'll look awful. Still, nice car and tightly put together.
Audi A3 Sportback - bwaahaaahahahahaahaaa!!!!! How much?? For a friggin' Golf? They're 'aving a larf ain't they?

[Blackal]

Come on.......... it's gotta happen..........


Q: What's the difference between a Skoda and a sheep?
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A: You don't mind your mates seeing you getting out the back of a sheep!

Al

[Yogi Bear]

Come on.......... it's gotta happen..........


Q: What's the difference between a Skoda and a sheep?
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A: You don't mind your mates seeing you getting out the back of a sheep!

Al

I knew I was right about you...

Ali

[Taz]

Skoda with a sun roof?

A skip
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Skoda with twin exhaust pipes?

A wheel barrow.
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On the positive side - a good friend of mine is the service manager in a Skoda dealership in the midlands. He told me recently that VAG German workers are annoyed becuase the VAG Czech (Skoda) workers keep winning the group quality prizes. Apparently when VAG bought Skoda they installed new manufacturing lines and a state of the art paint shop that produces a better finish than VWs built in Germany.

[Gromit]

Well, after 2 weeks of test-driving, head-spinning confusion and getting mixed (very!) levels of service from the car dealers of Middx and Bucks we've gone for a BMW 120d Sport.

We've also gone for the optional indicator-free package and 3rd lane-hogging guidance system.

[Me-109]

we've gone for a BMW 120d Sport.

Sport?! Does that have space for luggage then?

More flogging! That horse is still breathing...

Is it in 'Get out of my way peasant red'?

[herrman]

We've also gone for the optional indicator-free package and 3rd lane-hogging guidance system. [/quote]


I thought that was std equipment on a BMW C-r

Then again nothing comes as std!!

Peter.

[northernboxer]

ever thought about the renault megane,we have just bought a megane 1.5 dci 1o6bhp diesel estate.the fuel consumption is fantastic,(60mpg).the spec on the car is really good,auto lights,auto wipers,6 speed gearbox,electric everything,hell you dont even have to put the key in the ignition or unlock any doors,its like magic.really impressed with the car so far.3 years unlimited milage warranty(lets hope i dont need it!!!!).for what you are getting the cars are really competetivelly priced also.