I think I am going to pull the plug very soon

Page may contain affiliate links. Please see terms for details.

dtr

Active Member
Joined
Feb 9, 2011
Messages
96
Location
Bristol
Car
Seat Toledo III 1.9TDI
I had my purple A-Class for half a year, and I think I should really better let someone else "enjoy" that "beauty" :eek:.

While I really like some parts of the design of that car like elevated seating position and compact size, without elaborating too much on the negative side :( I am going to try to make a switch.

I have a short list of cars:

* Focus C-Max 1.6 TDCI 2005?
* Mondeo 2.0 TDCI 2002-4? They seem to go much cheaper than C-Max, why?
* Skoda Superb Classic 1.9 TDI

* Nissan Almera Tino - if the top 3 prove problematic

* Golf Plus 1.6 TDI - probably can't afford it
* Seat Leon XL - seems expensive
* Mazda 5

Basically all I am looking is a nice spacious car with loads of headroom and good reliability, as well as good economy and cheap (non-dealer) service.

I am going to sell up, and then buy privately, or would you for some reason trade in to the second-hand dealer?

Please advise if possible. Any simple hints and tips would be most useful for a man with so little knowledge of the car internal. Thanks.
 
I had a Focus C-Max TDCI on a 54 plate as a loaner for while - I really loved it. I'm not a small bloke so for me, the room was quite important.

I've known of a couple of problematic Mondeos - one a 04 plate TDCI estate more relevant but then I also know of one on a 02 plate that has been OK I believe.

My dad has a Seat Altea 2.0 TDI from new which has been fine (07 plate) which is basically a Golf Plus.
 
"Mondeo 2.0 TDCI 2002-4? They seem to go much cheaper than C-Max, why?" no mystery there as Mondeo is over -supplied fleet car- a market known for big depreciation.
2 problems with Superb- firstly it's the only car i know that is bought brand new ...by mini cabs drivers
Also -i think it looks very clumsy and awkward (estate is okay) -and i'm someone who is 99% neutral on car styling
If, however in the unkikely scenario that you are reguarly travelling five 6ft plus people -then Superb is one to go for .
 
Last edited:
I had my purple A-Class for half a year, and I think I should really better let someone else "enjoy" that "beauty" :eek:.

While I really like some parts of the design of that car like elevated seating position and compact size, without elaborating too much on the negative side :( I am going to try to make a switch.

I have a short list of cars:

* Focus C-Max 1.6 TDCI 2005?
* Mondeo 2.0 TDCI 2002-4? They seem to go much cheaper than C-Max, why?
* Skoda Superb Classic 1.9 TDI

* Nissan Almera Tino - if the top 3 prove problematic

* Golf Plus 1.6 TDI - probably can't afford it
* Seat Leon XL - seems expensive
* Mazda 5

Basically all I am looking is a nice spacious car with loads of headroom and good reliability, as well as good economy and cheap (non-dealer) service.

I am going to sell up, and then buy privately, or would you for some reason trade in to the second-hand dealer?

Please advise if possible. Any simple hints and tips would be most useful for a man with so little knowledge of the car internal. Thanks.
What's your budget?
 
I had my purple A-Class for half a year, and I think I should really better let someone else "enjoy" that "beauty" :eek:.

While I really like some parts of the design of that car like elevated seating position and compact size, without elaborating too much on the negative side :( I am going to try to make a switch.

I have a short list of cars:

* Focus C-Max 1.6 TDCI 2005?
Dagenham dustbin handles like a cross channel ferry avoid !
* Mondeo 2.0 TDCI 2002-4? They seem to go much cheaper than C-Max, why?
Much better car than C-Max but doesn't appeal to family buyer where C-Max does engine can be a little gruff but basically does what it says on the tin.
* Skoda Superb Classic 1.9 TDI
It's a f**cking Skoda Avoid Avoid Avoid !!! another name for a skip :D

* Nissan Almera Tino - if the top 3 prove problematic
Boring unexciting thirsty but good reliability

* Golf Plus 1.6 TDI - probably can't afford it
Good job cos it's a pile of crap anyway,too top heavy compromises handling too much.
* Seat Leon XL - seems expensive
exactly as above
* Mazda 5
great car drives well good for the family, probably the best of the bunch you have mentioned

Basically all I am looking is a nice spacious car with loads of headroom and good reliability, as well as good economy and cheap (non-dealer) service.

I am going to sell up, and then buy privately, or would you for some reason trade in to the second-hand dealer?

Please advise if possible. Any simple hints and tips would be most useful for a man with so little knowledge of the car internal. Thanks.

Hope the above helps :dk:
 
Don't fall into the trap that Nissans are reliable.. far too much Renault influence now, and I've lost count of the amount of gearboxes I've replaced on Almera's.. they rust too.

Mondeo's... Hmm. Nice to drive, but seen too many troublesome ones. Don't like the engine either.

Golf relies too much on image and perceived quality.Don't believe the hype.

Mazda parts prices bring tears to your eyes, and seem to let go all at once.

Leon- Driven a few and the road noise actually made me angry.

C-Max. Ugh. Fiesta with a hat on. French engines.

Actually. I hate all cars built after 1992. You want a nice W124 you do. Or a Volvo.
 
"Mondeo 2.0 TDCI 2002-4? They seem to go much cheaper than C-Max, why?" no mystery there as Mondeo is over -supplied fleet car- a market known for big depreciation.
2 problems with Superb- firstly it's the only car i know that is bought brand new ...by mini cabs drivers
Also -i think it looks very clumsy and awkward (estate is okay) -and i'm someone who is 99% neutral on car styling
If, however in the unkikely scenario that you are reguarly travelling five 6ft plus people -then Superb is one to go for .

Thanks for replies

I am traveling on my own, and there I am not married so I am not really fussed about the back row. I have a preference for an estate - it makes it easier for carrying bicycle, furniture, and also PARKING is way easier when you can see the back more clearly.

Coming from the A-Class I doubt I would feel dustbin handling of any of these cars, and all seem powerful enough to misbehave a little. Reliability and practicality is really what I am looking for the most.

Yes, Superb (and Octavia) are normally very worn out by the taxi drivers, so this would be a particularly difficult search... Styling? I have a purple A-Class at the moment! I am just a bit concerned about parking. My dad's Octavia (which has too little headroom and is off the list) is a real pain in that respect.

The overall design of C-Max is perhaps the most appealing to me - I like estate and elevated driver's seat! It looks easy enough to park - in Clifton / Bristol - where it could be a bit tight.

Mondeo could win though provided I get a really good deal on a healthy car. It is very spacious compared to Passat, Peugeot 407, Volvos and some others.

The budget would depend on the sale of A-class, but I wouldn't expect to spend much more than £4k at the moment and ideally less (and certainly not more than £2k for a 2003 mondeo). Reliability is the key... or it'll cost me loads more.



One last question: how do you test cars during the viewing? Is it wise to get it the garage or anywhere else? Choosing and buying is the scary bit for me.
 
How much are you looking for your a class?Can you give us some info please
 

They're both gone too. Alfa just did 2600 miles right through Europe and back.. Scared me with the beginnings of immobiliser problems in Holland, so it got the bullet.I had a full toolkit with me, and the car got a thorough service and timing belts etc before I went, but if the yellow code box doesn't recognise the little black chip in the key then I'm going nowhere. Not nice 1000 miles from home.Probably one of the best cars I've owned for driver enjoyment too, beautiful engine and box, and really rather refined too..Audi bored me to death,and I hated the steering. Over 500 cars owned so I'm taking my time to come to my conclusions. Doesn't help working on and MOTing the damn things every day either.:devil:
 
Last edited:
Mondeo's... Hmm. Nice to drive, but seen too many troublesome ones. Don't like the engine either.


Could you elaborate further please?

C-Max. Ugh. Fiesta with a hat on. French engines.

is that any different to Mondeo? The leather trim ones certainly don't feel bad inside

Actually. I hate all cars built after 1992. You want a nice W124 you do. Or a Volvo.

That's interesting - but isn't it a car for someone who knows DIY and perhaps now a bit problematic for its age? What is mpg and insurance like (the diesel version)? I'd love to learn fixing cars but sadly have no time whatsoever

:dk:
 
I've seen quite a few Mondeo's with injector problems- they have had a few updates from Ford dealers over the years- have a look at some when you are on the road, they do seem to chuck out quite a lot of smoke on throttle- seems to be an issue. I also find them ridiculously easy to stall.. also had dual mass flywheel issues with them, but that's not limited to Ford.

C-max. I have to admit they don't seem to be bad at all, and owners seem happy enough with them. I just don't like them,but that's just a personal thing. I'd say it's probably the best on your list, but I do really like the Superb also.

Yeah, obviously I do all my own maintenence, but older cars are far simpler- once you start getting into ECU recoding and multiplex wiring faults, electronic handbrakes going down and DMF's going bang then that's where I get off. Not for me,thanks.
 
I remember parking my old fiesta in Clifton when I was down there for uni and that was bad enough!

If you want bang for your buck without having something as large as a mondeo, have you considered a focus or astra estate? They don't tend to be as sought after as the hatches. Obviously, give anything a bl**dy good test drive and check the history with a fine tooth comb. For this sort of budget, I would go for something ex-fleet which is as new as possible even if the mileage is high.
 
I remember parking my old fiesta in Clifton when I was down there for uni and that was bad enough!

If you want bang for your buck without having something as large as a mondeo, have you considered a focus or astra estate? They don't tend to be as sought after as the hatches. Obviously, give anything a bl**dy good test drive and check the history with a fine tooth comb. For this sort of budget, I would go for something ex-fleet which is as new as possible even if the mileage is high.

A bit of advice to everyone, which has been proved right in my life so many times. Never, EVER buy a car with around 70,000 miles on the clock. far better 20,000 or 120,000.

I stopped having anything at all to do with Vauxhall after the Cavalier. I do like Fords though, at least anything after the Escort. Mondeo seems to be the exception for me. Market seems to agree too as they do look cheap.
 
I remember parking my old fiesta in Clifton when I was down there for uni and that was bad enough!

If you want bang for your buck without having something as large as a mondeo, have you considered a focus or astra estate? They don't tend to be as sought after as the hatches. Obviously, give anything a bl**dy good test drive and check the history with a fine tooth comb. For this sort of budget, I would go for something ex-fleet which is as new as possible even if the mileage is high.

Parking! That is the only logic explanation why I bought A170 and I must say it does a perfect job in that respect.

Astra estate? Please correct me if am wrong but does it really have enough headroom? Vectra perhaps... need to try sitting in one first

I wish I could find 25% hills anywhere in the country when buying. Birmingham (most likely shopping destination) is very flat. I really can't explain Bristol used car prices.


My A170 - Avantgarde half leather trim, metallic paint :(, 17" AMG alloys, and practically new gearbox (6+ months warranty), 97k, tax and MOT, working sunroof, clean - I am thinking I should try and get as somewhere towards £3k mark as far as is realistic in rip off Bristol. It probably needs a good service though, where good mechanical knowledge would help
 
A bit of advice to everyone, which has been proved right in my life so many times. Never, EVER buy a car with around 70,000 miles on the clock. far better 20,000 or 120,000.

Why? Everyone seems to dump their cars at around 100-140k so why would it be better than 70? I wish I could go for 20k
 
Why? Everyone seems to dump their cars at around 100-140k so why would it be better than 70? I wish I could go for 20k

Just seems to be a very expensive time-also when quite a lot of cars need their big service with belts etc. Some of the most reliable and least problematic cars I have owned have had 150k+ on the clock. I actively seek them out if they look cared for. I'd chose one over a low miler anyday.
 
Just got rid of my Skoda 1.9tdi (06 plate) , after 5 years. Despite the old skip comments this was a well built totally reliable car. Absolutely no problems in 117k , nothing ever carried out other than servicing/tyres and brake discs.A comfortable drive and adequate power , good motorway cruiser , and they won European car of the year several times. Its not a Merc , and does not pretend to be . Also a lot cheaper to maintain.
 

Users who are viewing this thread

Back
Top Bottom