can u get a decent diesel for under 4k ?

M

mossfitzg1

Registered User
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Hi there,

Change at work means I'm in the eprocess of looking for a second car - new circumstances mean I'l be driving from Dublin to Munster about 6 times per month , round trip of 350 miles approx

I'm keeping the estate for wife and kids its petrol and drinks like a fish so I have to get an alternative. I'd like to get a diesel for economy sake, - 1.9l or so - dont care what it is or even year but reliability is absolutely essential

Funds are low though and my question is can I get something on the road for say 4k. I've seen plenty of lagunas, particularly in the north but research suggests i steer well clear.

anyone any ideas what to look for or where to look / as i say I'd be happy to buy in the north but have I set my price too low ? Ta
 
Skoda Octavias are a good bet, I drive one and it is brilliant for fuel efficiency (I get 500 miles per tank fill which costs 44 euro at the moment. I do a mix of city and commuting driving). Reliability wise I have over the years replaced a car battery. Keep it serviced and it will last for 200+ miles, I have 110k on mine.

You will get a 7 year old one with 100k on the clock for 2-2.5k I would say.
 
mossfitzg1 said:
ta 4 that, much appreciated - i hadnt thought of skoda - any one else got an opinion on them
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As with any car, buy the newest model you can afford with the most extras - its a buyers market out there now.

ONQ.
 
onq said:
As with any car, buy the newest model you can afford with the most extras - its a buyers market out there now.
Click to expand...

I dont agree with that, there is a lot of difference between cars when it comes to reliability and economy and other things. It is worth doing some research when buying.
 
I've a 98 Skoda Octavia 1.9tdi.

I also get around 500 miles to the tank short/long mix.

Downers:
- the radio reception is rubbish
- there's no rear wiper
- the boot lid fills up with water sometimes so when you open it, you get a shower
- the electrics are fairly shocking
- the rear legroom for adults is poor

Upsides:
- it goes like a bomb
- my mechanic who initially laughed at me for buying it now reckons there's another 80k miles in it
- it's passed two NCTs, failing the second only for the lights
- it has a huge boot

So far, in the three years I've had it, I've replaced a brake piston, the battery (it needs a good rev to get the juice flowing into the battery, sticking the battery the wrong way into a charger causes quite a big bang. The battery is not much good after that), the oil sump (hit a rock, it's quite low slung at the front), the starter (worn brushes), eh, I think that's it. But mine is an ex-taxi so has had more abuse than some.

I think it's a grand car!
 
thanks for that -


no rear wiper is a pain in lots of cars -
i get a shower anyway from the boot of the estate -
only myself in the car most of the time so leg room not a real problem

one question about electrics though, is this just your car or is it a general skoda problem

the other thing is diesel octavias seem to be few and far between on auto trader ni this weather - i think i'll try the car zone route

thanks again - m
 
mossfitzg1 said:
... the other thing is diesel octavias seem to be few and far between on auto trader ni this weather - i think i'll try the car zone route ...
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Good reliable second-hand cars are in short supply which is a positive indication for the Skodas, but not of much help to you.
 
mossfitzg1 said:
one question about electrics though, is this just your car or is it a general skoda problem
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De mechanic thinks it's a general problem with Skoda and the similar VWs/Audis. We eventually fixed the battery discharge problem by taking out the boot light bulb (and the revving on start to get the juice flowing).
 
aristotle25 said:
I dont agree with that, there is a lot of difference between cars when it comes to reliability and economy and other things. It is worth doing some research when buying.
Click to expand...

Perhaps I was unclear.

I didn't mean spend all that you can.

I meant the OP should "buy the newest model you can afford with the most extras - for under 4K"

Hope this clarifies the matter and apologies for any confusion arising.

ONQ.
 
one furtehr query people,

am i correct in beleiving that seat is of a similiar build - i note honestjohn.co.uk gives the Leon 5 stars so i was wondering if i should widen the search to include seat diesel as well as skoda ?
 
Well, they're from related companies and as far as I know both are built on the Golf platform.
 
Passat and Octavia are similar cars. both are very reliable.
Seat Cordoba diesel might be a good option to look out for also. older versions had the 1.9tdi , more mordern versions are 1.4 tdi not sure what year they were introduced.
 
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