Cheap to run hatch - Citroen Ds3 diesel?

[mattman]

My son is currently looking for a cheap diesel hatchback for commuting to work and likes the look of the DS3 1.6 D - they look quite decent, only a few quid to tax or free and decent on insurance.

As his budget is quite small, many of the cars we are looking at have over 100k - anyone have any experience of running one and are they any good?

Seems they need a cam belt change around 120k which Google suggests is around £350

I’ve suggested others like a fiesta, focus, golf etc but he keeps coming back to the DS3.

[Canon_Fodder]

I had a leased 2016 DS3 'elegance' 1.6 diesel 120hp 6spd manual and it was a good car

Decent handling and chassis, but steering only OK (not as good as a Mini or Fiesta)

Quite comfy - but not for super long drives as driving position is a bit high

60 mpg

Great drive train, engine has loads of torgue and is well matched to the gearbox, so nice to push along easy B roads

Mine had it's EGR fail on day 6 of ownership and had to be recovered but after that was golden for 2 years and 20k miles)

[ZX10R NIN]

The DS3 isn't a bad pick but the earlier 1.6d could have issues but if it's a later one then they're good.

The other option is the 1.6d Alfa Mito:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202206176...

Or the Giulietta:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202207207...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202207057...

[georgeyboy12345]

I think these use the DLD-416 engine that is found in Fords, Volvos, Mazdas, etc. It's pretty reliable.

They CAN suffer from turbo failure after 100,000 miles due to oil sludge build up blocking lubrication to the turbo, usually caused by missed oil changes. Doesn't mean they will though. The best way to mitigate against this is to buy one with full service history and service it every year or 12,500 miles, whichever is sooner.

What kind of mileages will your son be doing? As it has a DPF, it probably won't like short journeys. DPF failure can be very costly.

Also the clutches can go after as little as 70,000 miles, so that'll be worth checking during a test drive. Ideally you'd find one that's on its second.

[mattman]

Thanks ZXR and Georgey - probably going to be around 12-15k a year with a mix of long and short so hopefully it should be ok

I showed him the Mito and he said it was ugly! FFS - can't teach these kids anything these days

Sounds like the DS3 isn't a complete basket case which makes a nice change, just need to find the right one now - thanks all

[757]

Megane 1.5 dci would be on my list OP