New taxi musings

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Soldato
Joined
21 Nov 2004
Posts
13,558
Location
Wishaw
Budget of around 10k to buy a replacement for my vectra elite

I would seriously love big power and good performance ideally a level beyond my current mapped cdti which is making 190 bhp but I've come to the realisation that it is both expensive and most likely be adding reliability issues that I could do without

So I want a 5 seat derv hatch/saloon vectra sized with reliability and a good balance of power and importantly economy my vectra tends to hover slightly above quoted urban figure for mpg over any measured period as it spends most of its days round the schemes and the town so ignore headline motorway figures



So I require

140/50 bhp stock
Reliability and not too ridiculous servicing costs
Less than 3yr old
And good mpg figure


What would ocuk recommend?
 
Skoda Superb. Seriously, the latest one is absolutely awesome. It has to be the best non-premium car around IMHO. Fantastic thing and absolutely ideal as a taxi. Much nicer built than junky plastic Jap stuff.
 
Superb. Or an Octavia if you must.

Every new taxi here in Brussels is either a Superb or an Octavia.
 
Current shape Accord looks nice, probably not as big as the Superb though. Im guessing the Avensis is going to be a damn reliable car, and the Mondeo best value for money!
 
mondeos are a no no , theres a few guys on the rank with them and they've had nothing but trouble, they just seem too soft for taxi purposes. i'm not a great fan of the skodas tbh had a couple of mk1 octavias and they really are bullet proof cars, the later vag stuff with the 2l tdi lumps not so much. the honda idea does appeal (never even gave them a thought tbh but glad their now and my radar as they seem not too bad) performance wise i do want good economy(anything that can give me a slight improvement over my current vectra 150 would be a bonus, but i do like the performance so ideally want something that can crack 200 horses with a map but obviously anything bigger than a 2l tdi is going to crucify the economy so its a case of striking a fine balance. plenty of time to mooch around and go look at various things ideally looking to buy in the next 6 months but i have until march 13 to replace the current vectra so i dont want to rush out blind and buy the first thing i find. I plan on keeping whatever i buy for at least 3 years possibly 4 so its important I make the right decision, time spent now researching, asking questions and generally not buying should hopefully equate to a better long term car



been having a nosey at autotrader tonight mainly at insignias funnily enough and last of the run vectras and not that i'm going to buy one as its not exactly taxi fodder

but how cheap are jags 09 plate diesel xtypes for as low as 9k,

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classif.../radius/1501/postcode/g326en/page/1?logcode=p

what did that cost new !!!!
 
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Firstly learn about paragraphs, secondly realise its a taxi so no performance mods, then go and get a Superb. They really are. Superb, that is.
 
[TW]Fox;21065456 said:
Firstly learn about paragraphs, secondly realise its a taxi so no performance mods, then go and get a Superb. They really are. Superb, that is.
Click to expand...



paragraphs that can be done,

performance mods- has to be done, you try driving a dull as ditchwater 100 ish bhp oilburner 12 hours a day without wanting to slit your wrists, a few extra ponies makes it almost bearable :)

superb its still up there but there not the be all and end all, that 2l tdi engine puts me off for a start. although as you say as an overall package it does sit right up there head and shoulders above everything else for the value for money
 
Foxtrot26 said:
superb its still up there but there not the be all and end all, that 2l tdi engine puts me off for a start. although as you say as an overall package it does sit right up there head and shoulders above everything else for the value for money
Click to expand...

The CR 2L engine isn't too bad, unlike the 170 PD engine it was designed for a DPF so has far less issues with it. The injectors and turbo are pretty solid on them certainly on par 1.9 GM lump in the Vectra and the DMF also appears to have a lower failure rate than the PD lumps.

I was working in Spain for a few months and was in plenty of MK2 Superbs with 200-300k on the clock and the interiors were holding up very well.
 
[TW]Fox;21065848 said:
Other than the fact its sold, obviously.
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and the cream leather, not exactly taxi friendly (well not in Glasgow anyway, would be lathered in fake tan and vomit in no time.


i'm going to try and make time to get some hands on time with a superb in the next week or 2, dont know why i have such a hatred for them tbh (other than the 2l tdi lump of fail but as per the vectra it will be maintained by myself so i guess its the fear of something that isnt a vag 1.9tdi or a fiat 1900 :) i can see this being a long long hunt :( i really also must stop looking at ex police car sites at cheap 330 and 530 diesels, 3litre straight six bmws a good taxi does not make.
 
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