Car reviews

[BadgerBadger]

So I'm looking at replacing my trusty old W reg Passat TDI estate as it reaches it's 200,000 mile marker. It's still going strong but a few niggly problems makes me think it's time to get what I can for it.

I do over 1600 miles a month so it's got to be a cruiser, take high mileage and be effecient.

 

Be interested to hear from any owners of the following cars and what recommendations you have. Budget £5-7K

 

Shortlist - all estates, all diesels:

Another Passat

Audi A4

Mazda 6

Mondeo (newer model)

[sandwichsaint]

So I'm looking at replacing my trusty old W reg Passat TDI estate as it reaches it's 200,000 mile marker. It's still going strong but a few niggly problems makes me think it's time to get what I can for it.

I do over 1600 miles a month so it's got to be a cruiser, take high mileage and be effecient.

 

Be interested to hear from any owners of the following cars and what recommendations you have. Budget £5-7K

 

Shortlist - all estates, all diesels:

Another Passat

Audi A4

Mazda 6

Mondeo (newer model)

 

I had an Octavia 1.9 turbo diesel I bought on 22k miles in 2000, just got rid of last year at 230,000 miles!

 

Fantastic all-rounder, 50mpg on every day driving, 40mpg+ on fast MWay cruising - had it serviced once a year. Never broke down, never not started- ever, in daily use for 10 years. Replaced cam belts / discs+pads / steering and suspension bits as needed.

 

At 230k it was on the original: engine, gearbox, clutch, exhaust, fuel pump and injectors, and all electrical gear. Every switch, bulb, gizmo worked and the interior was still perfectly comfortable/usable.

 

Only got rid cos nipper is driving now and couldn't get him on insurance... got £700 for it!

 

If you can live with the badge it's prob the most car for your money.

[buctootim]

Ive been looking for the same kind of thing as you, but only paying £4-6,000. Lots of really nice, high spec, low mileage Peugeot 407s and Renault Lagunas for that kind of money.

[BadgerBadger]

Ive been looking for the same kind of thing as you, but only paying £4-6,000. Lots of really nice, high spec, low mileage Peugeot 407s and Renault Lagunas for that kind of money.

 

Looked at them but after having trouble free motoring with the Passat I'm a bit worried about the quirky problems with the French cars. Parents had fun and games solving an electrical problem with their Megane, shame as it's a nice drive and great mpg.

[Trader]

If its an electrical problem with a Renault it will be a dodgy connection under the passenger seat.

 

HTH

[hamster]

If you can live with the badge it's prob the most car for your money.

 

If it's a badge you want Badger, my old Saab 900 is going reallly well still. I would recomend one to anyone with a budget of under £2k, good ones always out there, they don't die, finito benito, they respond very well to being loved. Any Saab that suits actually, type saab into autotrader and then your budget and see what there is out ther, you've nowt to lose.

[SOTONS EAST SIDE]

Try getting a Honda Accord CDTI estate 05->. A very good diesel engine, has got good spec and handling. And takes high mileage well! Avoid new Passat as doesnt take high mileage well, as saw a friends 06 plate wrote off as dangerous to drive as so many things were wrong with it (luckly a company car) as for Renault their French enough said!!!

[Colinjb]

Word of warning on the 1.9 VW TDi engine. My 3 year old SEAT Toledo had to be taken in today with a blown Turbo Charger. It had covered 83,300 miles.

 

Just one month before replacement and it does that.

 

I would echo the Accord CDTI recommendation above, they are excellent machines.

[Handyman]

Ive been looking for the same kind of thing as you, but only paying £4-6,000. Lots of really nice, high spec, low mileage Peugeot 407s and Renault Lagunas for that kind of money.

 

Renault Laguna. Beautiful car,excellent diesel, but oh dear, wern't the early ones troublesome. Don't know how the later ones fair for reliability, but they cruise well.