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£4-6k doesn't buy much these days

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wemorgan

MB Enthusiast
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Apr 5, 2008
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A205 C220d
My Saab has to go. Too many niggles to mention. Spent another morning stripping the inlet manifold to find layers of black gunk, the joys of EGR valves I think. Buying a cheap hasn't been successful this time around. So now I'm looking out for a £4-6k diesel car. This is the pick of the crop off Autotrader. Nothing is shouting at me as the VFM option. Maybe the A-class and Octavia are good enough. Is this really the current market for diesel cars? Almost makes me want to go V8 petrol looking at those lot.


Make Model Year Spec Mileage Price
Audi A2 2002 1.4 TDI 95 £3,490
Audi A2 2004 1.4 TDI 76 £5,190
Audi A2 2004 1.4 TDI 80 £5,195
Audi A3 2005 2.0 TDI SE DSG 91 £4,995
Ford Fusion 2004 1.4 TDCI 60 £3,999
Mercedes A-class 2006 A180 CDI 71 £5,299
Skoda Octavia 2006 1.9 TDI Elegance DSG 58 £5,750
Skoda Roomster 2007 1.4 TDI 32 £5,750
VW Golf 2008 1.9 TDI Estate 92 £5,490
 
Skoda Octavia is the only stand out vehicle on that list. Still suffering from badge image despite being superior to pretty much everything else you've got there.
 
sweetpea said:
What do you intend to use the car for, commuting?
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Good question. I'm not too sure really. Doesn't help I know.

I have an A2 diesel which I use for commuting and if necessary for long journeys too. It's a decent all round car IMHO. But once in a while it's convenient to have an estate, like the Saab has been, for lugging bits n't bobs. Though if I'm honest I can count the number of times an estate has been essential with the fingers of one hand. It's also comfortable for long journeys, though at 40-45mpg nothing special in terms of efficiency.

So I guess I'm saying I'm open minded as to what the next car can be, because the A2 can mostly fill the gaps if needed.

A part of me is tempted to go classic car. As I somehow feel happier throwing money keeping a classic on the road than a modern car.

Too many choices, not enough money......
 
I can't believe you're saying "£4-6k doesn't buy much these days" - cars have never been cheaper

What about the Citroens, BMWs & etc? Focus Diesel?

I'd have a 320 Diesel Touring like a shot and it'll hold a bit of value. I wouldn't complain about a diesel Focus, either

Nick Froome
 
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bolide said:
I can't believe you're saying "£4-6k doesn't buy much these days" - cars have never been cheaper

What about the Citroens, BMWs & etc? Focus Diesel?

I'd have a 320 Diesel Touring like a shot and it'll hold a bit of value. I wouldn't complain about a diesel Focus, either
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I know what you mean. But the last time I spent a similar amount was 2 years ago and I vaguely recall cars being cheaper then. Just wondering now whether diesel cars have become more expensive these last few years.
 
If you fancy a big old motor, they are going for give-away prices.
It all depends how you want to use it and whether fuel cost is a big issue.

After my E300TD write-off last year, we picked up a year 2001 E430 for £2000.
It cost another £1000 to knock it into shape.
Lovely car ... All the extras ... Just before the road tax hike.
 
Our 520D se (facelift) was £6050 (OK plus buyers premium).

I'd have it over all of those on your list
 
I've still got my Scooby Will. Could be yours for a lot less ;-).

Cheers,

Gaz
 
I could have matching saabs if you are disposing what would you like to get for it?

With that kind of budget you could I would think get a lot of car for the £ if I was lucky enough to be in that position.

Does it have to be diesel?
 
abecketts said:
I could have matching saabs if you are disposing what would you like to get for it?

With that kind of budget you could I would think get a lot of car for the £ if I was lucky enough to be in that position.

Does it have to be diesel?
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I'd be embarrassed to sell it privately. There are just too many faults. Hesitation under acceleration, EGR, leak from clutch slave nipple, water level sensor, glow plug. Some easy, others less so. It will most likely be p/x.

Diesel - I just like them, despite the Saab letting me down.
 
A few more suspects.

Focus' look decent value.

Make Model Year Spec Mileage Price
BMW 1-series 2006 118D ES 100 £5,299
BMW 3-series 2007 318D ES Touring 124 £5,995
Honda Civic 2006 2.2 SE 92 £5,350
Citroen C4 2007 1.6 HDI 70 £4,395
Ford Focus 2007 1.6 TDCI 62 £4,495
 
If you're looking at Honda's why not look at an Accord estate?

Or a Toyota Avensis.
 
Hate to say it, but I think the Lexus IS220D cannot be ignored with the prices they're at.

I say a 56 reg go through BCA the other week with 100k on for £4200.
 
Dieselman said:
If you're looking at Honda's why not look at an Accord estate?

Or a Toyota Avensis.
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Not ruled those cars out, it's just that those fleet type cars tend to be much higher mileage but not any cheaper for it.
 
You could have my 65k mile 2004 E320 CDi Estate for 6k. It does go quite a long way. :)
 
Peter DLM said:
You could have my 65k mile 2004 E320 CDi Estate (with 250bhp) for 6k. It does go quite a long way. :)
Click to expand...

Fixed that for you Pete.
 
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