decisions/opinions

[shodan]

Hi folks,
Considering changing my car... Right now I have an S reg Pug 306 1.6l. Fantastic fun on the twisties (don't need to slow down for them) but it is a bit tatty looking and slow.

I previously had for a few weeks (hire car) a Seat Leon 2.0 TDI and absolutely loved it. It was the 130bhp version.
Here's my thinking... 5 door hatchback, mid sized family car, fun.
so I'm thinking about VAG TDI, although, and I put on my flame suit here, I don't like the look of the golf's. No offence meant, I'm sure they are terrific cars, its just that they don't really appeal to me.

My dilema... I don't do as much driving as I used to, although that may be subject to change. The mrs will be driving soon (hopefully, third time lucky for her!) so she will be using the car the most as I use the train to and from work and she will only be doing short journeys which kind I believe isn't suited to a TD.
When I drive it tends to be a mix of a quick jot to the supermarket and 30 mile runs down the A127 or A13 so I have a greater mix of driving.

I can put about 5 grand towards it plus p/x of my motor which will be around £100 to £1200 I think
I have been thinking of cars from 2000 onwards..
ST170
Seat 130bhp/150bhp TDI (I like the thought of getting a car remapped after a year of having it, bit like having a new car for a small outlay).
Seat petrol with similar perfomance to the above.
Fabia vRS in whatever incarnation equals the above.
etc etc

So what fits the bill? Easy for Doris to drive, 5 door hatchback, great fun for me, £6000 petrol of diesel?


thanks in advance..
John

 

[Oily]

Alfa Romeo 147 150bhp diesel:http://uk.cars.yahoo.com/car-reviews/car-and-driving/alfa-romeo-147-1.9-jtd-16v-m-jet-1003860.html

 

[chic]

i had the fabia vrs for 4 years and it was a fab car to drive, very quick and effortless to drive, have changed to a fiesta st and thats a better handlnig car than the fabia, although not so good on fuel, i was getting 45 mpg with the fabia with town driving and i am only getting 25mpg with the fiesta

 

[williemaykit]

I like the idea of the Fabia vRS as well. A fast car in a straight line. Another option is a 51/02 plate Mini Cooper? The handling of a mini on the B roads should make you smile.

Here is a Fifth Gear comparison

[youtube]dNMVzyl-cC4[/youtube]

 

[SteveTDCI]

For that money I would look towards either a TDCi Mondeo or a Skoda Octavia, either the Vrs petrol or one of the TDi's.

 

[Uridium]

How many miles do you do? Will the extra purchase price, fuel and servicing costs make the diesel worthwhile?

I've noticed with a lot of the sporty TDI's that to have any real fun you need to keep that turbo spinning.

I had a loan Passat 2.0TDI for a few weeks recently and it struggled to hit 40mpg

I get 30+ out of my 2.0 Petrol Alfa GTV

 

[davidwatsonok]

I have a map'd (180bhp) Fabia vRS and it is astounding for a car with a diesel engine. I used to have a Subaru Impreza (heavily modified) and although the lack of AWD and the awesome Scooby chassis/suspension (mine has AST coilovers and more) mean that it is 30-40mph slower mid-bend when really (and I mean REALLY) pushing it on country roads, it is actually quicker from 30-70 due to having significantly more torque (312 lb/ft vs 256 ) in a lighter, smaller body with reduced mechanical (drivetrain) losses. On the motorway next to a mate in his 300bhp '96 Scooby whilst both in top (me 6th, him 5th) I easily outdragged him, pulling away by a car length a second from 60 to..... er.... we'll leave that there. I can still achieve 65mpg if I drive like the pope's chauffeur after a lobotomy, and pay just £115 car tax. So far it's as reliable as a Swiss watch. I really miss the Scooby as my driving passion is being right on the ragged edge on challenging B-roads at speeds to make a liberal faint, but as this is also my work car (driving instructor) then it ticks almost every box I require. When it's time for a replacement I'd have another, but if I can't find a low miles SE version next year then a Leon PD170 would be my next weapon of choice.

 

[shodan]

Some great suggestions here gents. I do think its either going to be a Focus of some description one of the VAG.
So, if the missus is only doing short journeys (going to baby club/nursery places, shopping and everything else a young housewife and mother of young baby does) will that damage a turbo diesel? I know 20 years ago they weren't designed for that but how are one's from 5 years ago? Would they cope with it? I must say, I feel like I'm leaning towards a Leon TDI or Fabia vRS but...

 

[Uridium]

I have a map'd (180bhp) Fabia vRS and it is astounding for a car with a diesel engine. I used to have a Subaru Impreza (heavily modified) and although the lack of AWD and the awesome Scooby chassis/suspension (mine has AST coilovers and more) mean that it is 30-40mph slower mid-bend when really (and I mean REALLY) pushing it on country roads, it is actually quicker from 30-70 due to having significantly more torque (312 lb/ft vs 256 ) in a lighter, smaller body with reduced mechanical (drivetrain) losses. On the motorway next to a mate in his 300bhp '96 Scooby whilst both in top (me 6th, him 5th) I easily outdragged him, pulling away by a car length a second from 60 to..... er.... we'll leave that there. I can still achieve 65mpg if I drive like the pope's chauffeur after a lobotomy, and pay just £115 car tax. So far it's as reliable as a Swiss watch. I really miss the Scooby as my driving passion is being right on the ragged edge on challenging B-roads at speeds to make a liberal faint, but as this is also my work car (driving instructor) then it ticks almost every box I require. When it's time for a replacement I'd have another, but if I can't find a low miles SE version next year then a Leon PD170 would be my next weapon of choice.

Did Jeremy Clarkson write that for you

 

[Solomon Grundy]

Most of the Leons I see on the road are being driven ridiculously by complete idiots...don't be a stereotype, buy the Fabia.

 

[shodan]

Most of the Leons I see on the road are being driven ridiculously by complete idiots...don't be a stereotype, buy the Fabia.

Then drive that ridiculousley like a complete idiot... Hee hee!
I do prefer the look of the Leon and the s/h prices and insurances are very similar so is there any reason I should choose the vrs over the leon tdi?

 

[Mylo]

Most of the Leons I see on the road are being driven ridiculously by complete idiots...don't be a stereotype, buy the Fabia.

must be where you live mate

Most Leons in the south east are driven by enthusiasts like me

 

[shodan]

Thats it, I have decided... And the winner is............. The vRS!!!
Now I just need to find one for my measely budget!
I've been paying my insurance monthly and not completely paid for the 12 months worth so what happens if I wanted to council it and change cars? Do I still have to pay the outstanding amount?

 

[williemaykit]

It shouldn't be too much of a problem if you stick with the same company. They will usually just adjust your policy accordingly to the price of the new policy. They may add a little bit for the first month for setting it up but generally it is just an adjustment. If you had paid the year in full, they would have had to refund you the portion you didn't use.

 

[shodan]

oh ok thanks. But if I wanted to move insurance companies?

 

[Hitby]

I change my car A LOT! For your insurance if you've only got a short time left on your policy I tend to just take the hit of the few quid extra (and get the years no claims at the end of the year). You can always search about when you're up for renewal. Switching between all sorts of different cars I've never paid more than 50quid extra I don't think (over the year not monthly!)