Are used diesels still worth considering?

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Mon 14 Sep 2009 10:10
Are used diesels still worth considering? - lordwoody
I'm starting to think about changing my 10 year old Saab 9-5 for a similar size estate. Cars up for consideration, with a 5-6k budget, are Saab 9-5 (I've had quite a few Saabs, feel a fair degree of loyalty to the marque, and quite fancy an Aero estate), Toyota Avensis, Volvo V70, Mazda 6 and Audi (probably too expensive) Some models seem to have a lot of diesels for sale, Mazda particularly. I've read plenty of diesel horror stories here ( I think the Mazda may have featured in some of those) so have discounted diesels completely, but just thinking again and wondering if I'm right to do so? Are modern diesels trouble? Are there any makes who have little or no trouble with their diesel models?
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Mon 14 Sep 2009 10:18
Are used diesels still worth considering? - b308
Some people like to spread rumours that diesel engines have major problems (usually those who don't like them!), but the vast majority are fine and those you have listed should be ok.

Just do the usual checks re a proper service history and check the cambelt has been changed at the appropriate time and you'll be ok... I'm into my 16th year of diesel ownership and have only had one dud and that was over 12 years ago, but I've had just as much trouble from petrol cars!

If they are properly looked after they are just as reliable as petrols...

Put it this way, I'd have no hesitation of buying another!
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Mon 14 Sep 2009 20:48
Are used diesels still worth considering? - gordonbennet
Fair view from B308, and i too have had years of good service from my (until recently) old school mechanically injected Diesels.

However, and i realise it's probably me being paranoid, with the number of vehicles being misfuelled these days, apparently so many that the AA alone has a vast fleet of purpose made debowsing trucks running around, i'm not so sure any more.

I would i think only buy a used Diesel if it was a real bargain and worth the gamble or if i knew it's history and could guarantee that it had been looked after and not misfuelled...and preferably been owned by someone with the good sense to keep a healthy mixture of Millers running through it's veins..;)
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Mon 14 Sep 2009 21:31
Are used diesels still worth considering? - b308
I still feel that the vast majority of diesel cars work fine for all their life, and I've seen some real high milers in minicabs - I think if someone was really that worried then an after-market warranty would quel their fears... but with all the electrics in a modern car that applies just as much to petrol as diesel!
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Mon 14 Sep 2009 21:36
Are used diesels still worth considering? - tyro
I know nothing, but I tend to listen when Screwloose speaks. And in this post, he does:

www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?v=e&t=62...1

He may be right, he may be wrong, but I'm going to give him the benefit of the doubt.
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