Mazda 6 2ltr petrol - TS2 models have lots of toys!

To be honest - I've heard similar things. I would hope with the P12 that if there were any electrical issues, they would have been found out in the six years that the owner has been using it. But that's if you can find a P12 for sale.

The VW FSI, I've heard similar things about trouble, related to Timing Chains, tensioners, carbon build up. Any further thoughts about the problems there?

Don't really like the Astra or Vectra. A bit too plasticky, but a good all rounder none the less that I'd probably go with over the Mondeo petrol, only for CO2 and MPG.

You could be right about my P11 - it's been a phenomenal runner, but I do think I need to be directing the money I might be spending on it to a newer car.

How about the Toyota Avensis 1.8?

I don't know about other makes but for the age and price only a Ford will give you a heated front screen. You may find a petrol engine Focus a better bet than a Mondeo.

It appears the Skoda Octavias have lower mileage than the Passats too when comparing between similar prices, but easier to find Diesel Passats compared to Diesel Octavias and Petrol Octavias compared to Petrol Passats. Unless I want a 1.9 PD engined Octavia - I'd really be looking for the 2.0 CR 140bhp Passat.

I do want to go with Petrol, but I need to find the right combination of size, style, economy and performance - something either the same or better than the Nissan.

Avensis and I think Accord definitely fit that bill in their 1.8 engines according to figures, but unfortunately, a Toyota I test drove, I couldn't get on with their pedals - Im 6ft 1 with size 10 shoes - agreed, not that big, but, in my Nissan, the pedals were nicely spread out, unlike the Avensis which feels everything is crammed into a corner. Accord however, I find that space age dash board to be disorientating to look at. It's great to look at, but I found it too overwhelming and refused to drive one the once.

But it has just twigged, the old shape - yes, the 1.6's look quite OK, and the 2.0's look fun. Thanks for the suggestion. And all the pictures I've seen have OEM Radios! So that's one problem sorted (I can bring my Clarion and iPod adapter with me). Accords though look a worse for economy.

My problem though, is I don't really want to be getting another car, or at least a more expensive car, without at least feeling like Im saving some money somewhere. A couple of years of paying off loans is OK if I can save a bit of money on running costs and road tax etc. Which is why I really am tempted by the Diesel.

Simon

I had a P10 Auto, SR20De - sludged up beyond anything, but rock solid until someone wrote it off. P11, I've had problems with since day one - sort of. Mainly from the dealer. Rear bumped fell off cos the seller didn't actually bolt it up, and then, I forget, but I think it was the camshaft position sensor failed - but of course, factory recall. I had it five to six years ago with 28k on the clock. Immaculate engine.

Fitted iridium spark plugs, maintained regularly. Apart from tyres, brakes and exhaust, filters and oil, it's not needed a lick of work.

It does drive me mad in that it is the only manual car I've driven that likes to keep stalling. It'll either pull away with massive revs, or completely die on me when the same throttle doesn't give the same revs. Makes me look like a right idiot. Both CV joints changed as well (I did one last year - that was interesting). Cracked ABS ring.

But now as I say, clutch is probably fine, but third gear has always felt a bit bobbly and underpowered. So may be a slow developing clutch or gearbox problem when engaging third gear. The exhaust is a crabby noisy OEM one that Im surprised has lasted as long as it has. May well get away with it for another year. I'm just trying some Forte Seal Conditioner to see if it will make a difference to the Valve seals.

I just hate throwing good money at something which, frankly, isn't worth a lot of money. But at the same time, it runs and runs really well. But the rear has obviously had a shunt at some point and is rusting in a couple of areas on the sills by the rear doors.

At this point Im thinking should I really spent £1500 to £2000 just to keep this thing on the road, or should I actually get something like an Octavia or a Passat? If I go with Diesel, I could still save £50 to £60 a month on fuel, road tax and even insurance costs! But it's just the unknown elements of whether another car is going to be able to handle it. All sorts of problems are out there, especially VW's.... I heard someone with a 2.0 TFSI Skoda Octavia vRS, two months outside of warranty, the EGR valve broke, and he's looking at a bill for £1200! I don't think I could stomach that kind of expense on top of paying back a car loan!

Too many pros and cons in everything! Impossible decisions. Guess I'll only make the decision if my current car actually blows up! Then I'll be forced into it.

As for the P12, I got to find a decent hatchback petrol 1.8 P12 that is an SE model or above. Hard to find.