Reliable, easy DIY, Diesel or LPG sub £5K sub 100,000 miles
Discussion
Right so I need your help - I am an Alfa nut and was going to replace my aging 1.9JTD 159 with a Brera 2.4 or 159 2.4 - These fit into my needs of being fairly powerful, reliable, esay to DIY etc.
Unfortunately due to my insurance policy being an extended for year long European coverage I need something that is sub 2.0
I could get another 1.9 but the gearbox is the dreaded GM m32 gearbox so I do not really want to risk that or put about 1,000K into getting the gearbox upgraded, could also go for the 2.0 JTD. But the 2.0 170 BHP models for sale all are high millage not a great value for money.. have had bigger engined lpg cars in the past but not sure on any smaller engined cars that work well with a lpg conversion... The car also needs to be a good DIY I have access to a full workshop and do all my own maintenance, dont trust garages too much, especially french ones
So my requirements are
Budget 5K max ideally 3K
Diesel
< 2000CC
Reliable
100,000 Ish miles
40 - 50 MPG
Saloon, Coupe, Estate, Hatch (Not too bothered - but tend to lean on the larger side so saloon or estate).
Averaging about 40,000 Miles PA so needs to take high millage
I try to work out that the cars cost should work at a £1,000 burn rate per year (Not including maintenance and consumables) After that I am happy to throw away.
Options I have highlighted so far are
Late E46 320 D with the M47 engine
Early E90 320, 318 etc D with M47 engine (bit scared of the n47 engine, with the timing chain horror stories)
Saab 1.9 TDI with the stronger F40 Gearbox
Some sort of VW/ Audi/ Skoda 1.9 or 2.0 TDI mid - late 2000 model
The BMW and GM models will need their swirl flaps removing so thats all priced into the equation are there any other options I have missed, what would your suggestions be based on the above requirements? Are there any exact models that you think would work well for me?
Unfortunately due to my insurance policy being an extended for year long European coverage I need something that is sub 2.0
I could get another 1.9 but the gearbox is the dreaded GM m32 gearbox so I do not really want to risk that or put about 1,000K into getting the gearbox upgraded, could also go for the 2.0 JTD. But the 2.0 170 BHP models for sale all are high millage not a great value for money.. have had bigger engined lpg cars in the past but not sure on any smaller engined cars that work well with a lpg conversion... The car also needs to be a good DIY I have access to a full workshop and do all my own maintenance, dont trust garages too much, especially french ones
So my requirements are
Budget 5K max ideally 3K
Diesel
< 2000CC
Reliable
100,000 Ish miles
40 - 50 MPG
Saloon, Coupe, Estate, Hatch (Not too bothered - but tend to lean on the larger side so saloon or estate).
Averaging about 40,000 Miles PA so needs to take high millage
I try to work out that the cars cost should work at a £1,000 burn rate per year (Not including maintenance and consumables) After that I am happy to throw away.
Options I have highlighted so far are
Late E46 320 D with the M47 engine
Early E90 320, 318 etc D with M47 engine (bit scared of the n47 engine, with the timing chain horror stories)
Saab 1.9 TDI with the stronger F40 Gearbox
Some sort of VW/ Audi/ Skoda 1.9 or 2.0 TDI mid - late 2000 model
The BMW and GM models will need their swirl flaps removing so thats all priced into the equation are there any other options I have missed, what would your suggestions be based on the above requirements? Are there any exact models that you think would work well for me?
Citroen C5 and Peugeot 407 are both good cars, oft overlooked - comfy, well built (yes, I mean it) and capable of high miles.
Other than the 1.6 Hdi the engines aregood, and parts are cheap for DIY running.
The C5 in particular I really like, massive in estate form and the last car with 'proper' Citroen suspension too.
in fact the newer shape C5 is also available in that budget too.
Other than the 1.6 Hdi the engines aregood, and parts are cheap for DIY running.
The C5 in particular I really like, massive in estate form and the last car with 'proper' Citroen suspension too.
in fact the newer shape C5 is also available in that budget too.
As above, the 1.6hdi is known for being a bit of a pup but the 2.0 is good. I am not sure about the rarer 2.2hdi.
I think some models with the 2.0 come with a DPF but not sure - you would have to check - although I suspect it would not be a problem - generally problematic for people doing low miles who would have been better off with a Petrol.
I know a few people who have had the C5 and they have been good cars - they are very comfy.
I will soon be looking for a mile munching commuter and I would have one of these over the equivalent supposedly reliable Passat.
I think some models with the 2.0 come with a DPF but not sure - you would have to check - although I suspect it would not be a problem - generally problematic for people doing low miles who would have been better off with a Petrol.
I know a few people who have had the C5 and they have been good cars - they are very comfy.
I will soon be looking for a mile munching commuter and I would have one of these over the equivalent supposedly reliable Passat.
Gassing Station | Car Buying | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff