What should I get next?

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Wed 26 Apr 2006 21:06
What should I get next? - Xileno {P}
In the autumn I plan to change my car, SWHNMAE will take on my Renault Megane dCi since she uses it more than I do and has grown attached to it. Also it's only done 17K and seems too young to sell on. So I will be looking at a straight purchase with nothing to trade in.

My requirements are:

1. I have generally owned Renaults and VW's and have had good service from both makes. However I might consider something different since it will still leave me with two Renaults and a VW, I won't feel a traitor. But I am not a badge snob.

2. I only do about 9K a year but I like diesels.

3. Must have leather interior since the dog often gets on the seats and leaves mud around. Easier to clean etc.

4. Must be either a hatchback or estate.

5. Must be able to cruise at 80 mph with ease. (in France, not UK Mr.Officer). Maybe a six speed box would be useful.

6. Must have good seats since three times a year I do 650 miles a day when visiting family in France.

7. I am only interested in buying new or ex demo and keep for two years and 18K miles.

8. I don't like flash cars, I like to waft along discretely and in comfort.


So far my mind is thinking:

Laguna 2.0 dCi either hatchback or Tourer
Megane 2.0 dCi
Passat Tdi
Golf 2.0 Tdi
Accord or Civic 2.2
Focus or C-Max TDCi
Primera 2.2(not a fan of the styling but I liked the way it drove)

What else could I look at? There must be lots of cars I've not thought of.

Thank you.


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Wed 26 Apr 2006 21:48
What should I get next? - mss1tw
SWHNMAE


Since when have names made abbreviations essential?
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Wed 26 Apr 2006 22:08
What should I get next? - MichaelR
Go for a used BMW 330d Sport.

Best diesel engine for under £20k bar none, actual build quality and actual image rather than perceived build quality and perceived image with a VW.

If you MUST have a new as is absolutely possible in order to keep up with the neighbours in the 6 monthly plate-wars car, Mondeo TDCi. It's like a Passat but it goes round corners, its like a Golf but it doesnt cost eleventybillion pounds, etc.
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Wed 26 Apr 2006 22:28
What should I get next? - Xileno {P}
BMW - fantastic car I am sure but not me. Too flash. I like to sit in the back row unnoticed in life.

I don't have to buy new or demo but it's my treat. I hadn't thought about the Mondeo, it's only recently that Fords have become a possibilty since a 1996 Escort TD put me off the brand for years.

Is there a sporty Mondeo diesel with a six speed box?
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Wed 26 Apr 2006 22:31
What should I get next? - Adam {P}
Yep - the ST TDCi
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Wed 26 Apr 2006 22:56
What should I get next? - Happy Blue!
It's not diesel but for only 9k miles pa, go for a Subaru Forester. Its different, ultra reliable, very comfortable, fast smooth and available with manual or auto.
--
Espada III - well if you have a family and need a Lamborghini, what else do you drive?
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Wed 26 Apr 2006 23:00
What should I get next? - mlj
Volvo S60 D5 with a 6 speed box. Tick any boxes?
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Wed 26 Apr 2006 23:10
What should I get next? - Altea Ego
Be Brave

Aventime. IN electric blue or Candy Apple Red.


------------------------------
TourVanMan TM < Ex RF >
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Wed 26 Apr 2006 23:15
What should I get next? - Citroënian {P}
Seconded!
Lee -- You don\'t sell the steak, you sell the sizzle
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Wed 26 Apr 2006 23:15
What should I get next? - Nsar
It's on your list. Golf. Just do it, you'll be perfectly happy.
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Wed 26 Apr 2006 23:52
What should I get next? - ziggy
Go for a used BMW 330d Sport.
Best diesel engine for under £20k bar none, actual build quality
and actual image rather than perceived build quality and perceived image
with a VW.


The 330D is a rip-off - I couldn't live with paying (cost + weight) of a 3 litre engine when BMW cannot be bothered to liberate the full power/torque potential of this engine.


The 320D would be a better bet, not that much slower.


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Thu 27 Apr 2006 00:25
What should I get next? - Pugugly {P}
The 320D would be a better bet, not that much slower.
but so much smoooooooother.
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Thu 27 Apr 2006 01:04
What should I get next? - MichaelR
The 320D would be a better bet, not that much slower.
but so much smoooooooother.


I must disagree - the power delivery style of the 2.0d, especially with the 6 speed box, just isnt as good as that of the 3.0d.
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Thu 27 Apr 2006 21:56
What should I get next? - ziggy
Maybe I am mistaken but I heard BMW manage to get >400lb ft
of torque on this engine in a 5 serious.

In this case the 330D would be worth the extra, but as it is I think not...
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Wed 26 Apr 2006 23:42
What should I get next? - R75
Civic - Superb styling.
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Thu 27 Apr 2006 00:22
What should I get next? - Round The Bend
A3 tdi or perhaps Mazda6 td?
_______
IanS
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Thu 27 Apr 2006 00:48
What should I get next? - Avant
From your list I assume your budget is around £20k. So also worth considering might be:

Audi A4 Avant 2.0 TDI - a bit above budget and it's a personal view as to whether it's worth the extra over the equivalent Passat.

Skoda Octavia 2.0 TDI (hatch or Combi) - if the Audi isn't worth it over the Passat, is the Golf worth it over this (Golf platform but Passat interior space)? This was very impressive on a test drive, and more refined than the Golf or B-class diesels.

Mercedes A-class or B-class 200 CDI - I have a B200 CDI as there was a good PCP deal which persuaded me to turn in a much-loved A4 Avant 2.5 TDI, which I still miss. Reasonable performance; ride and handling not as precise as a BMW but more relaxing to drive; very good seats; lovely high driving position; lots of room for passengers and luggage; too noisy after the Audi but similar to a Golf; criminal LHD wiper pattern.

Mazda 6 estate or 5 MPV 2.0 D - we hear a lot about how noisy the petrol version is but I haven't seen a comment on the diesel. Noise apart, both these have been very well reviewed.

Ford C-Max 2.0 TDCI - I thought seriously about one of these but wanted an auto which you can't have with a diesel. Very impressive and ticks most of your boxes, while being more compact than a Mondeo.

I think all of the above have 6-speed gearboxes.

I know what you want- sonmething that you just want to get into and drive, as I suspect you still do with your venerable 205 GRD!

Hope this helps.
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Thu 27 Apr 2006 00:51
What should I get next? - Avant
PS - I should also have mentioned the Civic 2.2 diesel - very well-reviewed engine but the styling is up to you. TU and I wjill have to agree to disagree - I myself think it's great from the front, dumpy from the back. Less arguable is the appalling rear visibility - but the Megane has the same problem and you are happy with yours. So this could be a runner.
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Sat 29 Apr 2006 22:52
What should I get next? - Xileno {P}
Thank you for all the suggestions. There are so many good cars out there now, it makes it all very difficult. I will have to rule the Subaru out as the nearest dealer is Bristol, much too far to travel for service. The Volvo sounds quite tempting and the Civic is a stunner. But that Renault 2.0 dCi engine is rather nice with the six speed box...
The Mondeo is worth a look although I am a bit concerned about the dealer service. One of the reasons I have bought Renaults is that the dealer is great. At the moment I am trundling along in the 205 GRD but if I'm good I get to drive the Yaris. And I may even get my Megane back one day.

Thanks again, I shall have some test drives over the coming weeks.
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Sat 29 Apr 2006 23:03
What should I get next? - DrS
No, sorry: Go on: SWHNMAE ???
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Sat 29 Apr 2006 23:06
What should I get next? - Xileno {P}
She Who Has Never Made An Error.

I have (allegedly)
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Sat 29 Apr 2006 23:09
What should I get next? - DrS
Don't understand: Why is my wife getting your old Renault?(!)
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