Economical workhorse with plenty of space.

MrSix

MrSix

MrSix

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Joined
21 Oct 2004
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Los Angeles
I'm toying with the idea of buying something more practical than the MR2 to transport my photography gear to shoot locations. With the addition of a TT-S to the driveway I'm finding that the MR2 is being driven less and less and it's sad to not be out enjoying it as much as I used to.

I don't need HUGE amounts of room, for example I've considered an Ibiza TDI Sport (the PD130 engine) after having a go in a friends. By dropping or removing the rear seats there's plenty of space for my photography gear which consists of three large suitcase sized roller cases as well as a few other odds and sods. They can also be remapped and fettled to 160bhp+ with plenty of torque for motorway cruising and 60mpg (I have access to free VAG remapping too).

I'm coming up blank as to what economical, relatively spacious (seats down or out is fine) car I can pick up for around £3,500.

It needs to be respectable as I'll be using it for work, so an old Volvo 850 wouldn't tick the right box and I'd like it to have a bit of poke.

What do you guys think? Let me know your thoughts.
 
A PD engined VAG isn't a bad call at all, but perhaps it is worth considering something a little larger, more comfortable (and probably cheaper) like an Octavia or Leon/Toledo?
 
Leon would be my choice, well it wouldn't it would be a clio 182. But I don't think this is the kind of car you are looking for anymore.

Would a saloon work?
 
Ibiza / A4 Avant...

well, almost every car type and model is in your budget, you need to be more specific with what you want :p
 
Not really, I've been pretty specific.

I want something reasonably economical with a bit of poke (hence the PD engine suggestions),enough room for my camera gear and respectable enough to be seen using for my line of work (no vans).

Ibiza would be small end of the scale and A4 avant the large end.
 
Have you looked at the Seat Altea? They are not as popular as the others in their range so you might get a bargain. Plenty of space in the back, they even do an ''XL'' version which is even bigger
 
Firestar_3x said:
Beware of the hidden running costs with something like an A4, at this age and price bracket they can require quite a bit of upkeep.
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Yeah, I've always been a little put off from cheaper Audis, so I guess my gut feeling was justified! What's your Passat like in diseasel form?
 
No idea on the costs associated with the Derv side of things however, things like the front suspension is very complex and costly to replace and at this age it will need doing.

Electrics can play up and be a pain in the rear, water ingress into the cabin can destroy the interior control modules.

Most of my issues have been engine related, but if its got an EGR valve thats another issue, then you have dual mass, injector, turbo and cambelt troubles ahead at somepoint.
 
Mine has been great for my needs and in a weird sort of way i've half enjoyed owning it, but modifications aside i've spent far too much keeping it mechanically sound.

I've always quite liked the Volvo V70's but i've not no idea on issues / costs.
 
Saab 9-5 is a good shout, but the petrols aren't particularly economical..
Volvo V70 diesels are worth a look, but it doesn't sound like you need anything that big.
They'll be (very) high mileage at this price range, and they'll a cost loads to repair when something gives.

I'd take a Leon over an Ibiza.
Ala http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2593433.htm

However, do you even need a diesel? They carry such a premium, a relatively economical petrol will be much better VFM.
 
Do people really think a remapped 160 bhp diesel will be economical ? Ok drive everywhere at 1500 rpm keeping it off boost but start getting heavy with the right foot and that orrible black stuff will soon get swigged :-)
 
widdyst said:
Do people really think a remapped 160 bhp diesel will be economical ? Ok drive everywhere at 1500 rpm keeping it off boost but start getting heavy with the right foot and that orrible black stuff will soon get swigged :-)
Click to expand...

I'm basing my opinion on the remapped (and bigger turbo) Seat Ibiza that my friend has which regularly achieves 55mpg on a motorway run and no lower than 30mpg on a hoon. That's good economy when compared to £30 worth of fuel getting me 120 miles in the MR2!
 
I struggled to get anything less than 36 MPG average in my PD 150 Leon, and that had a Haldex system to lug around too..
 
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