Diesel Cars

[alansmith7]

Hello,

I am looking to a buy a diesel vehicle but I am unsure which vehicle to get i.e not sure of the reliability of the cars.

I am looking at buying a Audi A4, A3 or BMW 1 Series but I am not sure about the reliability of these vehicles.

I wanted to know what do you think of the above vehicles.

Thanks

[Nickbrapp]

Well that's a wide ranging question, they've been making all those cars for well over 15 years.

What year? What miles? What price?

A brand new one you won't have many issues with, a 15 year old a4 with 350k on it might have some issues.

What sort of driving do you do? How many miles a year? Why do you need to have a diesel?

[daemon]

Nickbrapp said:

What sort of driving do you do? How many miles a year? Why do you need to have a diesel?

THOSE are the key questions.

[alansmith7]

[quote=Nickbrapp]Well that's a wide ranging question, they've been making all those cars for well over 15 years.

What year? What miles? What price?

A brand new one you won't have many issues with, a 15 year old a4 with 350k on it might have some issues.

What sort of driving do you do? How many miles a year? Why do you need to have a diesel?


I wouldn't be able to afford a brand new car.

I want to spend up to £3000.00 due to money issues.

I do motorway driving and i roughly do about 16,000 miles per year. I think I would save more money buying a diesel.

[daemon]

alansmith7 said:

I wouldn't be able to afford a brand new car.

I want to spend up to £3000.00 due to money issues.

I do motorway driving and i roughly do about 16,000 miles per year. I think I would save more money buying a diesel.

I would avoid the 1 series. At that price point you'll be buying an old probably mileagy car and they are prone to very expensive timing chain issues.

A4 or A3? At that price point you're going to be paying a badge premium and TBH you're working there to a budget (no issues with that). I probably would be looking for a Golf or Passat - you will buy a younger / lower miles VW variant. Also consider Skoda or SEAT. Again you're get a younger and / or lower miles car.

Be very careful of the 2.0TDI engine fitted (i think) 2005-2007 ish. Theres an engine code number range that are hugely problematic and best avoided.

[alansmith7]

daemon said:

I would avoid the 1 series. At that price point you'll be buying an old probably mileagy car and they are prone to very expensive timing chain issues.

A4 or A3? At that price point you're going to be paying a badge premium and TBH you're working there to a budget (no issues with that). I probably would be looking for a Golf or Passat - you will buy a younger / lower miles VW variant. Also consider Skoda or SEAT. Again you're get a younger and / or lower miles car.

Be very careful of the 2.0TDI engine fitted (i think) 2005-2007 ish. Theres an engine code number range that are hugely problematic and best avoided.

I did realise I am paying a premium for the badge.

Previously I have been told that the 2 litre TDI Golf are more reliable than the 1.9. I am not sure whether this is true or not?

I don't like Skoda as I think the parts are expensive. If I to buy a Seat which models should I be looking at?

[300bhp/ton]

alansmith7 said:

Hello,

I am looking to a buy a diesel vehicle but I am unsure which vehicle to get i.e not sure of the reliability of the cars.

I am looking at buying a Audi A4, A3 or BMW 1 Series but I am not sure about the reliability of these vehicles.

I wanted to know what do you think of the above vehicles.

Thanks

This is one of my pet hates tbh.

You want reliable... reallly? Because obviously some car makers aim to make unrealisable cars while others don't. Hang on, that sounds crazy. Because it is.

Can you define what you mean by reliable. Or better yet, define what is 'unreliable'?


This might sound a bit snarky, but it's because I honestly believe people generally have no idea what they are or aren't wanting when they say the ward "reliability".

The cars you cite your interest in are mass market cars. Built in the tens if not hundreds of thousands. Of which, like almost all mass market cars. Will likely run without major issues for several decades. With the normal amount of maintenance that occurs with any car. No matter the make or model.

If you are buying used. Then it is largely condition and luck. You could buy what is claimed as the most reliable car. Yet it might break down a week later and have been completely unforeseen. On the flip side you could buy what is claimed in urban myth to be unreliable, yet have trouble free motoring for years.

The reality is, if you look at any of the many reliability and customer satisfaction surveys. And I'm mean actually drill down to the underlying stats, not just the headline list. First and last place are usually actually pretty close.

This then tells us that most cars generally are equally reliable.

Each make/model will likely have something they are more susceptible to requiring maintenance for. So if you are interested in a specific car, just do some reading up and understand what will be more likely to happen in your ownership.

[Nickbrapp]

alansmith7 said:

I did realise I am paying a premium for the badge.

Previously I have been told that the 2 litre TDI Golf are more reliable than the 1.9. I am not sure whether this is true or not?

I don't like Skoda as I think the parts are expensive. If I to buy a Seat which models should I be looking at?

Parts expensive on a skoda? They all use the same parts!

You'll pay a premium for a badge and on the older cars it's really not worth it,

At that price point I would be finding a PD130 1.9, buy what ever one has the most service history and is in the best condition. None of the cars in a £3000 price bracket are going to be amazing but that will buy you a decent one, I would be looking at a late highline bora or a decent Octavia, or a seat Leon. Don't bother with a A3 or a4 they will all be shagged and galactic miles.

The pd engine is a tough unit with not many issues, as long as it's been looked after!

I just found a great car on Auto Trader:

Bora

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

Octavia

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

Edited by Nickbrapp on Saturday 10th June 10:45

[Monkeylegend]

In terms of reliable engines and gearboxes OP, I can, with some degree of experience, say the Merc 2.1 litre diesel linked to the Merc 5g gearbox are virtually bombproof if looked after.

I have driven this combination over 1.2 million miles in 4 different cars over the last 15 years without a single engine/gearbox issue. Just make sure it's been serviced correctly and the gearbox fluids changed regularly. You should also be able to get high 40's to low 50's depending on your driving style.

You should be able to get an earlier C class for your budget, watch out for the odd bit of rust though

[angels95]

alansmith7 said:

Previously I have been told that the 2 litre TDI Golf are more reliable than the 1.9. I am not sure whether this is true or not?

I would have thought the 1.9 is more reliable than the 2.0.

[ZX10R NIN]

OP with this price point you want a reliable car first a badge second, service history is a good start point as is checking it's M.O.T history as it will give you an indication of where to look for any potential problems.

Most cars even at this price point will be reliable the thing is you have to do your homework as you'll see there's not a lot . By the way Skoda/Seat/VW/Audi cars will have the same parts so the Skoda will be no more expensive on parts.

Non premium options:

2005 Mondeo ST 2.2d 77k 155bhp (these hold there money well so are around premium money but they come loaded with kit & are a good steer)

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

2006 ST 76k

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

2006 Honda Accord 2.2d EX 80k 140bhp

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

2006 EX 79k

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

2009 Insignia 2.0d SRI 73k 160bhp (VFM wise these are the car to buy)

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

2010 SRI 82k

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

2007 VW Jetta 2.0d Sport 80k 140bhp (these are often overlooked so are cheaper than a Golf but they're also more practical)

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

2005 MG ZT 135 2.0d Auto (these come with the detuned BMW engine they're pretty much bulletproof)

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

Premium Options: (normally means base spec but you can find the odd gem)

2005 C270 Avantgarde SE 79k 170bhp (these are pretty Much bulletproof as long as they're serviced correctly they just keep on going I had a CLK with this drivetrain & couldn't fault it)

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

2005 C220 Coupe Sport 56k 145bhp

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

2003 BMW 330d Sport 84k 185bhp

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

2005 BMW 320d SE 80K 165bhp (check the engine number in case of potential timing chain issues)

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

2007 520d SE 86k 165bhp

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

2004 A3 2.0d Auto S Line 81k 140bhp

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

2005 A3 Sport 85k

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

2005 A4 Avant 2.0d S Line 85k 140bhp

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...


For me it would be the 270 Mercedes followed by the Mondeo with the Jetta & Insignia vying over third.

[shake n bake]

I'd still go petrol at the price point you're at but if you want diesel then something like this will last forever.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

[alansmith7]

ZX10R NIN said:

OP with this price point you want a reliable car first a badge second, service history is a good start point as is checking it's M.O.T history as it will give you an indication of where to look for any potential problems.

Most cars even at this price point will be reliable the thing is you have to do your homework as you'll see there's not a lot . By the way Skoda/Seat/VW/Audi cars will have the same parts so the Skoda will be no more expensive on parts.

Non premium options:

2005 Mondeo ST 2.2d 77k 155bhp (these hold there money well so are around premium money but they come loaded with kit & are a good steer)

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

2006 ST 76k

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

2006 Honda Accord 2.2d EX 80k 140bhp

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

2006 EX 79k

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

2009 Insignia 2.0d SRI 73k 160bhp (VFM wise these are the car to buy)

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

2010 SRI 82k

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

2007 VW Jetta 2.0d Sport 80k 140bhp (these are often overlooked so are cheaper than a Golf but they're also more practical)

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

2005 MG ZT 135 2.0d Auto (these come with the detuned BMW engine they're pretty much bulletproof)

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

Premium Options: (normally means base spec but you can find the odd gem)

2005 C270 Avantgarde SE 79k 170bhp (these are pretty Much bulletproof as long as they're serviced correctly they just keep on going I had a CLK with this drivetrain & couldn't fault it)

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

2005 C220 Coupe Sport 56k 145bhp

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

2003 BMW 330d Sport 84k 185bhp

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

2005 BMW 320d SE 80K 165bhp (check the engine number in case of potential timing chain issues)

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

2007 520d SE 86k 165bhp

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

2004 A3 2.0d Auto S Line 81k 140bhp

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

2005 A3 Sport 85k

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

2005 A4 Avant 2.0d S Line 85k 140bhp

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...


For me it would be the 270 Mercedes followed by the Mondeo with the Jetta & Insignia vying over third.

Do you know which engine number has got the timing chain issue for the 2005 BMW 320d SE?

[alansmith7]

Monkeylegend said:

In terms of reliable engines and gearboxes OP, I can, with some degree of experience, say the Merc 2.1 litre diesel linked to the Merc 5g gearbox are virtually bombproof if looked after.

I have driven this combination over 1.2 million miles in 4 different cars over the last 15 years without a single engine/gearbox issue. Just make sure it's been serviced correctly and the gearbox fluids changed regularly. You should also be able to get high 40's to low 50's depending on your driving style.

You should be able to get an earlier C class for your budget, watch out for the odd bit of rust though

I rather drive slowly as I would get more MPG

[alansmith7]

Nickbrapp said:

Parts expensive on a skoda? They all use the same parts!

You'll pay a premium for a badge and on the older cars it's really not worth it,

At that price point I would be finding a PD130 1.9, buy what ever one has the most service history and is in the best condition. None of the cars in a £3000 price bracket are going to be amazing but that will buy you a decent one, I would be looking at a late highline bora or a decent Octavia, or a seat Leon. Don't bother with a A3 or a4 they will all be shagged and galactic miles.

The pd engine is a tough unit with not many issues, as long as it's been looked after!

I just found a great car on Auto Trader:

Bora

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

Octavia

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

Edited by Nickbrapp on Saturday 10th June 10:45

I like the Bora and I had totally forgot about the Bora.

[ZX10R NIN]

Check the internet for the numbers affected but you'll need the engine number from the car you're looking at.

[curlie467]

You buy with the best due diligence you can but in reality, any one of the cars mentioned could bite you, massively.
All of the paltry savings you hope to make will be wiped out.

If you are that hard up I would be looking at spending less and on a petrol.

[pixelatedJH]

I'd agree with the comments earlier. The best spec Skoda, Seat, or VW you can get with the 1.9PD engine. Don't just look at mileage - most important thing is that they've had regular oil changes with the correct grade of oil.

ETA: Realistically with a car like that the things you'd be worrying about going are the DMF (£400 in parts for a single-mass replacement, then fitting, a good few hours work), or the Turbo (Take your chances with a £200 eBay replacement or pay big money for a new one)

Edited by pixelatedJH on Sunday 11th June 17:24