Think I need to go diesel...

skiba · 4 May 2008 at 10:03

Well, the rising fuel prices and thirstiness of my WRX are putting me off driving it long distances. Have been feeling for a while that it might be time to start trying to offload it.

So my plan is either get a diesel for a similar price, am thinking 320d/330d (yes, moon and back miles for this price) or anything anyone can recommend that would be good for around 5k or get a cheaper diesel and get a Westy to keep in the garage so I can still have some fun! Any suggestions?

Howard · 4 May 2008 at 10:05

You won't get a decent BMW diesel for 5k

laissez-faire · 4 May 2008 at 10:13

I believe you will be persuaded to buy a Ford Mondeo..... I wouldn't bother.

Diesel is 10% more expensive than petrol these days, usually uses nominally about 20% less fuel for comparable engines. So the real saving is just under 10%. By the time you put right the things that will always be wrong with a second hand car that bug you but didn't bug the previous owner you'll probably negate your fuel saving. That's just my opinion though.

skiba · 4 May 2008 at 10:15

Am aware I will prob need to pay more like 6/7 for a decent bmw diesel but am prepared to wait for the right one.

Interesting perspective above though, do some petrols do 40mpg? I would still need to switch either way as I average about 20mpg currently.

Howard · 4 May 2008 at 10:16

Yeah you'll probably be able to find a more economical, yet reasonably quick, petrol than an Impreza!

IceAx · 4 May 2008 at 10:26

skiba said:
do some petrols do 40mpg? I would still need to switch either way as I average about 20mpg currently.

My current does 45mpg thats 60/40 town / motorway.

My last did 60 mpg same split as above (and it was a turbo).

So yes 40 from a petrol is easy

Andy

gumbald · 4 May 2008 at 10:29

40 from a petrol is easy, depending on how you drive. You might be used to putting your foot down with an Impreza though...

Griffo · 4 May 2008 at 10:32

I wish I could get 40mpg out of my Octy v(ery nice)RS

Maybe you should get a remap that lowers boost and puts a thick piece of... turtle shell between the right pedal and the floor.

skiba · 4 May 2008 at 10:38

Ok, well in that case I would certainly consider a petrol also, didn't realise they can be so economical. So what are my options, mainly I want comfort and something that doesn't depreciate hugely, would prefer cruise control but that probably limits my options.

4T5 · 4 May 2008 at 10:40

Some worrying Issues showing there heads with Derv Mondys so I'll not be recommending one of those again. Unless you go for one of the older ones.
For your money I'd say one of the nicer looking Octavia's, I saw a nice Black one this morning. VAG running gear, Cheap to buy & they can take Incredible miles with very little maintenance.
Also with the Octavia you get that Air of superiority over others that are sucked into overpriced badges.

West · 4 May 2008 at 10:51

skiba said:
Am aware I will prob need to pay more like 6/7 for a decent bmw diesel but am prepared to wait for the right one.

Interesting perspective above though, do some petrols do 40mpg? I would still need to switch either way as I average about 20mpg currently.

Yes they do..

My old Mini used to get around 40 even when I was giving it the beans..

Although my Focus doesn't even average 32

Defcon5 · 4 May 2008 at 10:52

IceAx said:
My last did 60 mpg same split as above (and it was a turbo).

What car was that? Considering a 1.0 Citroen C1 will only just do 60mpg, and thats a 3cyl 68bhp motor pulling 790kg.

Scuzi · 4 May 2008 at 11:30

West said:
Although my Focus doesn't even average 32

Something is wrong with it because if I don't rag it all the way, I can manage an average of 30mpg with my 3.0 straight six.

Defcon5 · 4 May 2008 at 11:59

Scuzi said:
Something is wrong with it because if I don't rag it all the way, I can manage an average of 30mpg with my 3.0 straight six.

i guess if he spends all his time in a town center in rush hour its possible

Scuzi · 4 May 2008 at 12:04

Defcon5 said:
i guess if he spends all his time in a town center in rush hour its possible

Well, given that his Mini averaged 40mpg on what I assume was the same sort of roads, I'd doubt that was the case.

Defcon5 · 4 May 2008 at 12:05

Scuzi said:
Well, given that his Mini averaged 40mpg on what I assume was the same sort of roads, I'd doubt that was the case.

Very true

IceAx · 4 May 2008 at 12:32

Defcon5 said:
What car was that? Considering a 1.0 Citroen C1 will only just do 60mpg, and thats a 3cyl 68bhp motor pulling 790kg.

Remapped Smart fortwo

85ish brake 3Cyl turbo

Andy

mjt · 4 May 2008 at 12:41

howardcanning said:
You won't get a decent BMW diesel for 5k

yes you can - x25tds

Kitchster_uk · 4 May 2008 at 15:36

mjt said:
yes you can - x25tds

He said decent. A TDS with it's lovely agricultural 143bhp diesel engine isn't in decent bracket and will struggle for 40mpg in the real world. Not particularly powerful, especially in the 5 series. Can do better for the money tbh.

SB118 · 4 May 2008 at 15:51

What sort of mileage do you do to think of a derv instead of a less thirsty petrol? You'll miss the rev happy nature of the petrol engine going from a scoob to any diesel.