I'm a fan of bangernomics. Until we had a baby just under two years ago I stuck usually to sub £2k cars having suffered an £11k loss on a nearly new BMW that turned into a boomerang car, it was always going back to the dealer.
We've had a 53 Honda Civic bought for £2,200 ran fault free for more than 3 years and sold for £1,600.
A 02 Astra 1.6 SXi bought for £1,000, spent £100 on a front wheel bearing and sold a year later for £1,100.
A 99 Mazda MX5 bought for £1475, spent £350 on a brake calliper and two window regulators then sold after 2 summers of B road fun for £1,600.
An 03 Mitsubishi Carisma 1.9 DID bought for £700, spent £350 on repairs over a year then sold to an annoying friend for £1,000. Liked this old bus and planned on keeping it but was pestered to sell it to him.
W plate Peugeot 306 1.4LX bought for £500, spent £250 on a clutch and sold for £750 after a year.
V plate Toyota Avensis bought for £1250 and sold for £850 after three years use and only one £50 repair.
Currently we have a 64 plate Honda CRV and a 62 plate Polo 1.2 TDI but I've still got my bangernomics itch under control with an old 05 Mazda 3 I got for free with 11mths Mot.
Oh and an X plate Ford Cougar V6, bought for £300, spent £150 on repairs and sold for £825 this weekend. Rare old bus but too greedy to use for work.
The secret to running a car on a shoestring is in three words... keep it simple.
Edited by SLO76 on 09/10/2016 at 13:59
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Wow, you lot really do go the extra mile - many thanks. I couldn't afford to run a bigger engine petrol car. I'd be bankrupted within the year! (I'm putting £50 a week in a 1.2!)
How can I tell if the clutch and flywheel are in good condition? Also the dealer has offered to knock a little off the price due to these not being changed.
It was orginally owned by Cosworth, then for ten years by the last owner. I've got the name of the garage that looked after it by the previous owner. Just got to give them a ring in the morning and see what's been due to it.......
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How many mpg are you getting from your current car and what is it again?
I had a 96 Fiesta 1.2 16v Zetec for a while as a runabout and it was worse on fuel than the 08 Mazda 6 2.0 petrol it was sharing the drive with at the time.
The difference in consumption between petrol and diesel isn't as much as you might expect on some cars and you open yourself up to so much more in the way of expensive liabilities with the much more complex diesel.
A 1.8 petrol Civic is really only 6-7mpg worse than the 2.2 diesel but costs less to buy, maintain and is much more reliable for example.
As far as checking the clutch is concerned you're Looking to make sure the biting point isn't too far up the pedal, feel for judder as drive is taken up, listen for any noises that come and go when the clutch pedal is pushed and if the DMF is breaking up you'll hear it rattling away. Unfortunately there's no way to know if it's due to go, they simply fail.
Edited by SLO76 on 10/10/2016 at 01:14
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I couldn't afford to run a bigger engine petrol car. I'd be bankrupted within the year! (I'm putting £50 a week in a 1.2!)
I'm averaging about 46mpg with my 2014 Superb 1.4tsi which on the same journey is 4mpg worse than the previous 1.9 diesel superb I. I'm spending about £120 month in petrol (approx 15k miles year)
When I bought my car the petrol was £4k + cheaper (negotiated one hell of a discount on the petrol as the car had been with the dealer for 8 of the cars 14 month life thus far) and I calculated on my mileage it would take me about 10 years fuel savings to make back the extra capital required for the diesel. Hopefully I might be retired by then!
Edited by Big John on 10/10/2016 at 14:45
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Hiya. Well, it's seems I may have bought a car! I had a chat with my Father-In-Law, who knows a local few car dealers, and he got chatting to one of them who pointed him towards an Audi A4 Avant, just up the road. Well, after having a drive, I've bought it. It's a Quattro, so I'm sure the MPG won't be too great, and it has done 132K, but is has got FSH (stamped book) and the cambelt and water pump was done last year. Also four new tyres, and tinted windows and parking sensors (Which I really wanted)
www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/20160910763...1
The only downside is a little bit of paintwork that needs patchy up on the NS rear wheelarch.
Many, many thanks to all of you for all your help. You've been amazing. Let's hope I haven't bought a lemon!
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Best of luck, hope all goes well.
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Looks good,
I had a Passat with this colour a few years ago - easy to keep clean - doesn't show dirt much.
Keep an eye on the body work - clear any caked on mud - could be worth waxoyling (or similar) behind the front/rear wheelarches (rub into wheelarch rim) and where the sills meet them front/rear and where the rear number plate lights fasten. Half hour job that may hold the car for years!
1.9 great engine (especially 130bhp) and 4wd a bonus - especially in the winter
PS At 132k miles - it's just run in for a 1.9pd
PPS Did you check passenger footwell to make sure it is dry?
Happy motoring..
Edited by Big John on 11/10/2016 at 22:41
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Sorry to drag an old thread up, but the Audi's been a nightmare.
After dropping £600 into the car to fix the rear washer line, temp sensor, thermostat, undertray, boot latch, wiper motor, and headlight and various other things, the turbo coughed it's guts up on Sunday, leaving me getting a ride home in a recovery truck and a £700 bill.
Now, I love the car, but I'm scared that if I keep it any longer, it'll sting me again for another huge wad of cash. The garage I got the turbo fixed at, have warned me that the exhaust has taken a hammering due to the large amount of oil it's swallowed, so that's another concern. Oh, and air con pulley is singing like a good 'un.
I'm hoping the awful MPG I have been getting will be better, and the constant smell of oil will disappear now the turbo's been fixed but............
I really want to give it back to my father-in-law, but I just don't know what to get next. I'll never have another diesel, but the bigger petrol engined estates cost a packet to run. I'm only getting 35 mpg around town and 42 on a run in the Audi!
Is the 1.4 Astra estate any good? Are there any other petrol smaller-engined estates that are any good? (Or any hatchbacks)
Many thanks
Edited by ValiantSaint on 03/02/2017 at 19:22
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You're right not to have another diesel: the fuel saving is so often, as in your case, swallowed up by expensive repairs.
At this budget level don't be swayed by a premium badge. As has been said already, condition matters more than make or model; but if you want to be pushed in a particular direction, go either for a model where there are lots to choose from (e.g. Focus or Astra) or go Japanese or Korean.
There aren't many small estates from the Far East, but there are the Kia Ceed and Toyota Verso to consider; would a Nissan Note or Honda Jazz have enough room for you?
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Hi, Avant. Sadly, the Note is too small. I've test-driven an 08 reg diesel Fabia estate, and loved it, but the petrol version are either too slow, or too expensive! The next car must have good MPG - I'm sinking £73 every two weeks into the Audi - and barely getting 500 miles out of it!
www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/20170110117...2
Are the Clio's any good? I'm scared of French cars!
This one's a bit different!
www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/20170202190...3
I drove my Father-In-Law's DSG'd Golf whilst the Audi was being repaired - loved it! Aren't the DSG boxes a bit brittle, though?
Edited by ValiantSaint on 03/02/2017 at 20:00
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Clio's are ok if looked after properly but not in the same class as the Japanese for reliability plus you'll have to fine with the symphony of rattles you'll get from the interior trim.
The 1.2 16v is pretty robust but has a nasty habit of snapping its timing belt if it's isn't done on time (5yrs or 72k) which will be well overdue on this if it hasn't already been done (you need written proof of this not just their word) so price the belt change including tensioner and water pump into any offer.
I'd only buy one with a full history of annual oil changes and not the "part service history" referred to in the ad. Might hardly have seen spanners.
Edited by SLO76 on 03/02/2017 at 20:07
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Don't mean to sound harsh and it doesn't really help your situation but I'm going to say I told you so in my origional reply. "At this price you're best avoiding diesel, there's just too much to go wrong."
Get shot of the thing, as with most older diesels they're a liability and the extra few mpg don't come close to covering the extra costs. A good petrol Civic, Corolla, Auris, Focus or Astra (excluding the 1.8 VVT) would be more sensible choices at your budget.
I'd get the Audi on Gumtree and flog it (there's always someone who'll buy a cheap old diesel) or if it's too bad and you don't want any hassle take it to the nearest auction. Then get on and buy a private sale petrol engined hatch or small estate that has a full service record and has been owned longterm by its current or previous owner.
This way you get to meet the owner and see how it's been kept rather than listening to the same old dealer crap. No comeback if it goes wrong but you'll save at least £800-£1,000 to offset the risk if you buy right.
Edited by SLO76 on 03/02/2017 at 19:53
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Thanks again. The Audi can go back to my Father-In-Law, as I still owe him for it! I'll only be out of pocket by £600 for parts (He paid for the turbo, as he felt bad)
So, I'll need something with a very frugal engine, and a large boot, that will never go wrong - all for peanuts! LOLZ :)
EDIT: www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/20170119146...2
I know, I know, it's a diesel!
Edited by ValiantSaint on 03/02/2017 at 20:37
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The Cee'd is a good wee car but again it's a ten year old diesel with 100,000 miles up. There's 101 things that could and most likely will go wrong with it not to mention their biggest weakness which is rot. There's another recent thread on here regarding a poster who bought a 2005 Kia Sportage that's riddled with rot underneath.
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Ah, that's the Kia out the window, then! I've just seen a 1.2 petrol (turbo'd) Octavia on Auto Trader for £3695. What are they like?
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Oops, another double post (Can't edit a post after signing out - odd)
A mechanic friend of mine does indeed swear by the Avensis estate (He's got one that he paid £150 and has done 226,000 miles)
I noticed that someone posted one up before. From the stats, the Avensis looks to be cheaper on tax, bigger on fuel and have a better boot then the Audi. Do they have the DMF/DPF problems of the other diesels? Is the 2.0 diesel engine in the Toyota better than the 2.2?
Are they expensive if they go wrong? Thanks again :)
EDIT: www.f9motors.co.uk/used-cars/toyota-avensis-2-0-d-...4
Edited by ValiantSaint on 03/02/2017 at 23:27
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Ah, that's the Kia out the window, then! I've just seen a 1.2 petrol (turbo'd) Octavia on Auto Trader for £3695. What are they like?
Fine cars but if it's the silver one I found it's about five different colours from the pictures in the advert plus despite being a pleasant thing all round there's no way a small capacity turbocharged engine will last as long as a larger normally aspirated Jap like the 1800 Civic. Boot is pretty much the same size give or take a few mm... Auto Trader #DrivenByMe
www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/20170127172...0
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Thanks again. So you're discounting the Avensis? Are the Civics really that good on petrol, if they're an 1800? I do a lot of town driving, surely the 1.8 would be awful on petrol?
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Look up HJ's real mpg listings. The Civic 1.8 averages 40.6mpg, better than a 1.25 Fiesta of the same vintage which does 39.2mpg. Engine size isn't the be all and end all with regards to economy.
The Avensis 1.8 VVT is a good car, I used to own one, but it's a heavy car and lacks performance compared to the Civic. It's a more relaxed drive and excellent on fuel for such a big car at 40.2mpg, one of very few cars to beat the manufacturers claims.
A diesel Cee'd averages 48.6mpg which would save you a £100-£200 a year yet leave you open to a number of expensive liabilities which the Civic doesn't suffer from.
Edited by SLO76 on 04/02/2017 at 00:56
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Cheers, SLO. Would you shy away from the two litre diesel avensis, as well? Would the petrol civic be able to cope with a lot of stop start town driving?
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I'd stick with the petrol, again there's just less to go wrong and you'll get more for your money plus the diesel is only 7-8mpg better anyway which isn't enough to offset extra repair and maintenance costs.
The petrol Civic should be fine in stop start traffic plus as there's no timing belt to worry about you've one less expense and worry.
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Thanks everyone. What's the petrol Focus like on fuel? (1.6) Are they any good? I like the Astra estate - with the 1.4 engine. Bad choice? I'm done with diesel!
EDIT: I like the Civic - just not the 1.8 engine! It's scares me! Is the 1.4 VTEC a good choice, instead?
EDIT EDIT: Just found this:
www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/20170203195...1
Are the 1.4 engines any good in the i30? Chain driven? Many thanks ;)
Edited by ValiantSaint on 04/02/2017 at 19:36
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Civic 1.8 engines won't bite. What on earth are you scared of? You've had a very knowledgeable backroomer recommend them.
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Ha! I know, I sound a bit mad, but my job is a lot of stop start driving in town. my old i20 was getting around 41 mpg combined and that was a 1.2! Hence why I'm worried a 1800cc engine would be very thirsty. Also why I went for a diesel, as I thought I'd get better economy, with a bigger car to boot......
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Nowt to fear from with the 1800 Civic, it's the best engine in the range. Far more powerful than the 1.4 especially the older pre VTEC cars yet offers very similar fuel economy because it's carrying the same car around but has to work less to do so.
The Focus is a fantastic car to drive, nicer than the Civic in every dynamic regard except for the engine range. The 1.6 Yamaha designed unit is the best alrounder in my opinion but it's around 5mpg worse on fuel than the Civic and 40bhp down so it's nowhere near as efficient.
The Astra H is a good value used buy. A bit cheap and pluaticky inside but pretty robust in 1.4 and 1.6 petrol form. The 1.6 is the better option especially in the heavier estate and there's not that much difference day to day economy wise. Avoid the Fiat 1.3 & 1.9 diesels and the 1.8 VVT petrol. You'll get a much lower mileage, newer car for your money here but it'll be worthless when you sell.
The Kia Cee'd and Hyundai i30 1.4/1.6 petrols are fine mechanically but rot is a problem on early cars now with crossmembers and subframes rotting out already.
Spend s bit of time going though HJ's real mpg listings, it'll show you that engine size isn't directly linked to economy in fact sometimes the smaller engine is worse. There are many other factors involved. www.honestjohn.co.uk/realmpg/
Edited by SLO76 on 04/02/2017 at 22:44
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You're a star, SLO. Putting up with a muppet like me! Are any of there Civics worth looking at? What's the cut off point for mileage for the 1.8?
www.autotrader.co.uk/car-search?sort=distance&...l
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Service history, condition and longterm previous/current ownership all mean more than mileage. Loads of them on Autotrader and Gumtree with 130k upwards and still fit. These will do 200k with frequent oil changes but £3-£3.5k should be enough to get a good 06-07 car with 70-90k with history preferably from a private seller or a larger dealer who's taken it in as a part ex. I'd generally dodge wee backstreet dealers who source their stock largely at auction, there's plenty of tarted up garbage out there so it's nice to bypass the fly guys and go direct to the last owner.
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As well as the Civic, you could also look at a 1.4 or 1.6 Auris, as an all round decent workhorse car. We have its predecessor, an 03 Corolla in the family and it is completely bombproof, the best - built car we have ever owned. Ours is a 1.4 and averages 40 mpg, running around.
We also have a 2010 1.6 Zetec Focus petrol, which as SLO says is a great drivers car. erformance is fine and it averages 40mpg, although in the city it's 35 to 40 mpg. On a run, expect about 44mpg.
My own car is a 1.9 PD Octavia, 2008. The Focus is a much nicer car all round, but of course the PD unit is excellent on fuel, about 53mpg average, Performance is good but very noisy and unrefined. Handling is safe enough but it's no sports car. I'll be selling soon as I've started to have the typical VW problems as it ages. I'll probably go for a 1.8 Civic, as SLO suggests.
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Auris? I never though of one of those. I do like the Focus. Always liked Fords. What should I look for on the 1.6 petrol? (It's always nice to hear from owners, past and present) What sort of mileage can the 1.6 handle?
Thanks ;)
Edited by ValiantSaint on 05/02/2017 at 23:24
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With regular oil changes (at least once a year, using the correct oil) they can easily hit 150k but while the MK III as mentioned above can break 40mpg with care, the earlier MK II will be worse, closer to 35mpg and it's this model you'll be looking at.
Personally I think it drives better than the later car largely thanks to hydrolic power steering instead of the electric system used in the later car which robs a bit of feel but it is a little thirstier.
The 1.8 petrol is pretty long lived too and has a bit more poke but you'll struggle to better 30mpg by much and it's still down on power compared to the Civic.
I've sold plenty of Focus's over the years and haven't had a moments bother but I buy only well maintained cars with history and tend to avoid diesels. They really are great little cars but there are several engines to avoid.
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How about this for a spanner in the works?
www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/20161216065...1
My 'Brother from another mother' has just put this forward. How's the B Class for costs and reliablity etc? Thanks :)
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If you like the thought of more big bills, go for it. Seriously, SLO will no doubt be along shortly.
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"My 'Brother from another mother' has just put this forward. How's the B Class for costs and reliablity etc? Thanks :)"
What on Earth did you do to him to make him do that? He must hate you...
Terrible terrible cars... don't even think about it!
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Right, I'll leave it then! The Focus/Civic is still a goer though, right? Do they have the Honest John Forum seal of approval? What's the Focus estate like? Thanks :)
EDIT: www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/20170120149...1
www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/20170124162...1
Any good?
Edited by ValiantSaint on 08/02/2017 at 20:41
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The Focus estate is a great wee car just the same as the hatch but many of them are used and abused as work hacks so avoid any tatty cars with patchy service history and no diesels as before.
The two Civics above look tidy enough but no mention of service history on the first car and the tailgate has likely seen paint on the other one (Civic badge is missing) but not a big worry as long as it's only been a minor bump and it's been properly painted. It has a decent service history and a good Mot history that backs up the mileage. Worthy of a look.
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Well, the two dealers who are selling those Civics aren't too bothered about selling them! I've tried to get hold of both of them, but with no luck.
I have however, found two motors near me, that might fall into the 'SLO criteria' bracket.......
www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/20161205035...1
Looks a little 'boy racer' but pretty tidy......
And two Kias:
www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/20161015881...1
www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/20170119146...1
What'dya think? I'm in the mood for taking a ride out over the weekend to view these motors. Might as well get the SLO seal of approval first! Cheers :)
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I quite like the Cee'd but although the diesels of this vintage don't have a DPF they're still more likely to go wrong than the petrol variant and you'd get a lower mileage for your money if you steered away from diesel. They also rot badly underneath do get under it with a torch or better yet ask the dealer to let you see it up on the ramps if they're so equipped. Crossmembers and subframes are prone to serious rot so be thorough even if the body itself looks ok. If you need work done here it will be very costly.
One plus point is that they're all chain driven engines apart from the 2.0 diesel but at this mileage look at the water pump for signs of leaking and instruct the dealer that you want to hear it start from cold. When you turn up first thing you do is open the bonnet and put your hand on the engine. If there's any heat then they've started it most likely because it has problems turning over (may just have a low battery to be fair) or it has a rattling timing chain which quietens when it heats up. Chain driven engines need fresh oil EVERY year so walk from any that haven't proof of this.
The Civic has clearly been owned by a Dukes of Hazard fan club member and should be avoided at all costs. Try calling the other two again and remember, good things come to those who wait. A petrol Civic is the best option here but a rot free petrol Cee'd isn't a bad car either. Diesel yet again just has too much to go wrong.
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Thanks, SLO. I'll leave the Kias alone, methinks - shame, as I really like the look of them, and the kit you get is very good for the price point.
I thought you'd laugh at the Civic. Not a fan of the white lettering on the tyres? ;)
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"I thought you'd laugh at the Civic. Not a fan of the white lettering on the tyres? ;)"
I'm gonna get the Tipp-ex out tomorrow and do the gaffers car... sure she'll love it.
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I don't normally recommend diesels at this price but here's two of the more robust options. Auto Trader #DrivenByMe
www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/20170207206...1
This one will no doubt be due a timing belt and water pump so budget around £250-£300 to do it if there's no proof of it having been done. It's due at 100k or 10yrs whichever comes first. Auto Trader #DrivenByMe
www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/20160624521...0
Another couple of worthies if you can fit your gear in. Auto Trader #DrivenByMe
www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/20170125164...9
Auto Trader #DrivenByMe
www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/20161116980...9
Edited by SLO76 on 09/02/2017 at 23:25
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I don't normally recommend diesels at this price but here's two of the more robust options. Auto Trader #DrivenByMe www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/20170207206...1 This one will no doubt be due a timing belt and water pump so budget around £250-£300 to do it if there's no proof of it having been done. It's due at 100k or 10yrs whichever comes first. Auto Trader #DrivenByMe www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/20160624521...0 Another couple of worthies if you can fit your gear in. Auto Trader #DrivenByMe www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/20170125164...9 Auto Trader #DrivenByMe www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/20161116980...9
The first one has a lower mileage example of the 100bhp 1.9pd. Great engine that pulls much better than you'd think for a 100bhp.
I loved it in my Superb I, even in this huge car pulled amazingly well and always averaged over 50mpg - the only problem the engine had in this car over 13 years and 190k miles was an alternator at 127k
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Wow, that's some great work, SLO. Thanks for looking. I have a real soft spot for the little Fabia, but after the Audi, I wonder if it would feel a little 'low rent'!
And I agree that the 1.9 PD lump is a great engine, but after the aggro I've had with the Audi (running the same engine) I'm a bit worried about another diesel (Just found out today that's my rocker cover's cracked, and that after spending £800 in a week on the car!)
I do also like the Astra estate - my friend has the 1.9 150 BHP estate in the same colour. Really nice. I remember you said that the 1.7 is the better motor......
Which one would you pick?
Edited by ValiantSaint on 10/02/2017 at 19:50
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I'd pick the car that's been maintained with the greatest care though if all things were equal I'd probably take the 1.7 Isuzu engined Astra or another with the solid 1.6 petrol. The 1.9 diesel in some Astra H models is a Fiat engine, goes like stink but causes plenty of financial pain so keep well clear.
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So you think the Astras are a good buy? I like the outside of them, but the interior.........it looks like something out of the Mk1 Astra! What's the fit and finish like in them? Don't most of them get abused? Would the 1.7 CDTi engine need a cambelt change at some point? Do they have a DMF and a DPF? Thanks :)
EDIT: I the 1.4 a little underpowered in the Astra body? It looks a nice car.......
Edited by ValiantSaint on 10/02/2017 at 20:46
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Astras are great used buys (with some exceptions) and this particular 1.7 diesel doesn't have a DPF but it will have a DMF but they're not as bad for failing as Ford and as I mentioned when I initially suggested it, it's due a timing belt if it hasn't already been done which would be unlikely because who would just before flogging it? Interior is a bit drab and many are abused hacks which should be apparent when you view.
The Fabia is a good car and a well maintained 1.9 PD can easily do 300k plus so it's a car I'd be happy with too. But spartan inside but simple robust and great on fuel. Less likely to be a work hack, often owned by families or elderly folks who look after them.
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Hi - back again! I've just been informed that my Wife doesn't like the older Fabia, but prefers the Mk2, instead........Even though I love 'em! :(
So.......I've found this petrol version (And with SLO's words of wisdom about diesel at lower price points ringing in my ears, it might be a good thing!)
www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/20161212055...1
Is the 1.4 engine any good? Cheers :)
EDIT: Found this one too (Seems a bit cheap?) Is the 1.6 diesel any better than the older 1.9?
Edited by ValiantSaint on 12/02/2017 at 15:37
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Biggest weak point on the Fabia is the range of petrol engines sadly. The 3cyl 1.2 is utterly gutless and the 1.4 16v requires a costly timing belt change every 4yrs and is known for a number of other problems. Read the HJ review on the VW Polo with the same engine for plenty of woe but I have to say I've never had any bother with any Polo, Ibiza or Golf I've flogged with it fitted.
I wouldn't touch the 1.6 diesel especially at this money. They're well known for DPF problems and while it's basically a sound engine it's not as robust as the older 1.9. Don't buy a DPF equipped turbo diesel on such a limited budget.
Edited by SLO76 on 12/02/2017 at 19:28
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Right, that's those two out of the window! I'll arrange to look at the little 1.9 Fabby and take the flack later from the missus!
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Don't get me wrong. The diesels have that ridiculously short timing belt interval too but this one has recently been done and it has that strong pre DPF engine that has a great reputation for long life if maintained correctly.
I'd still be in a petrol Jap myself but would certainly cast an eye over the Skoda. If it's been well looked after there's no reason why it couldn't be a reliable workhorse.
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Hi everyone. I've just ran up about the 1.9 Skoda Fabia estate. The dealer said that the car was owned by an elderly gentleman who had to give his licence back. He also said that it had been unused for 18 months! That's not good is it? The dealer said it's a lovely car, in good nick.................as he would! I like the Fabbys, but I'm so scared of diesels now.......
I'm getting desperate, as the Audi's smoking like mad!
Should I pop and have a look at the Civic, as well? (As the dealerships are only six miles apart!)
www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/20161116980...1
I'd really like a 1.6 Focus, but most of them are a shocking state for the money!
www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/20170104099...1
www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/20170201187...1
Thanks everyone :)
EDIT: Am I missing a trick? Should I just buy a cheaper car and offset repairs with the rest of the 3k? Or even two cheaper cars, so my Wife could have a runabout?
Edited by ValiantSaint on 14/02/2017 at 17:03
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Hello everyone. Just to let you know, I've put a deposit on the Fabia estate today. It drove really well. There's a few little problems being rectified on it before I pick it up, but I was very impressed. Thanks to SLO for spotting it! Managed to get a few hundred off the price, as well :)
A quick question; the clutch makes a small audible noise change when depressed is this anything to worry about? (Gear change is decent though, and car stalls in third gear when starting off up a slight incline)
Many thanks
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Are you talking about the pedal itself? Otherwise could be a slight noise from the thrust bearing but since Skoda's lack the same level of sound deadening other VAG products have it's probably nothing to worry about. As long as it wasn't a rattling DMF breaking up but that should be pretty noticeable and isn't common on these.
Well bought, hope you have many years of cost effective motoring from it. Keep it tidy and regularly serviced and it'll be an easy sell when you want to flog it. A very practical and robust small workhorse.
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Thanks SLO. There's a lot of vibration from the pedal box itself, but my Audi's the same. My Brother-In-Law also has the same problem with his 1.9 TDI PD powered Golf.
The noise change seems to be 'in the air' when the clutch pedal is released. It's not that noticeable, though. What does a rattling DMF sound like?
The garage are giving it the once over before I get it, so at least that's a positive.
Is it worth getting a warranty for it? (After being burned with the Audi....)
:)
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"There's a lot of vibration from the pedal box itself, but my Audi's the same. My Brother-In-Law also has the same problem with his 1.9 TDI PD powered Golf."
They all do that.. welcome to diesel old school. I sold a Passat with the same engine and 170k recently that's rattling away happily with its new owner.
The DMF would make a very obvious rattling noise all the time if it had broken up, I doubt you'd miss it so it's likely just to be a bit of noise from the thrust bearing. Don't think I'd be too concerned but then I haven't heard it.
As for warranty I doubt anything you'd get for a ten year old car would cover much but there's little need when you're covered by the sales of goods act. Just don't expect not to have some running repairs on an older motor like this, an exhaust or any number of items could fail but at least you're legally covered for a few months if the a*** falls out it. Personally I'd save the money for any minor repairs and take my chances.
Though it's wise to have someone with a bit of mechanical know how cast an eye over it if you're unsure. If I was local to you I'd do it.
Edited by SLO76 on 17/02/2017 at 19:58
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Hi everyone. I've just brought my 07 reg 1.9 Tdi Fabia estate home and it drives great except one thing - the gearbox sounds like it's about to explode when I change from 1st to 2nd gear. All other gear changes are fine. I can feel crunching/grinding in the gearstick, as well. I'm so gutted. After spending 2k in parts in the last few months on the Audi I'm at my wits end. Many thanks
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You don't have much luck... Did you not test drive it? Take it straight back to them and demand a refund if as it sounds there's either a gearbox fault or more likely a failing DMF. It could also just be a weak synchromesh on one gear and gentle foot flat on the clutch changes may avoid any balking. I had that on a Ford Mondeo recently but it could be driven quietly with care. However, I'd try for a refund so be firm but polite, quote the Consumer Rights Act if needs be and make it clear you'll involve the trading standards if they don't fulfill their obligations. If you paid £100 or more of it on a credit card you may be able to claim the full lot back via the card provider. Above all don't buy another car without either finding or paying someone who knows what they're doing to come with you when you view. We can point you to the worlds most robust car but the particular one you look at might be a badly looked after car or clicked or any number of issues we can't tell from a picture or an advert.
Edited by SLO76 on 25/02/2017 at 20:47
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Hi SLO. I drove the car for twenty minutes on the test drive, no problems. Got it back from the dealer and it was crunching every time I went from 1st to 2nd - it was a lot longer drive, though. I'm gutted. I bet the dealer will cause me hell. The way things are going I'll have no money left to buy a bloomin' car with!
EDIT: It's such a shame, as the car's mint apart from this problem. Drives great and I was getting 64 to the gallon on the way back home :)
Edited by ValiantSaint on 26/02/2017 at 00:08
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It's possible changing the gearbox oil will cure it but it's not unheard of for these to suffer from weak synchros. I'd call them and report the fault today and ask them what they plan on doing. I'd suggest to them a gearbox oil change may fix it and that you expect them to pay for it, which wouldn't be dear anyway. If this doesn't cure or vastly improve the issue then you must reject the car within 30 days, sooner I'd say due to the age and value. If they refuse to do anything it's worth quickly getting that oil change done elsewhere to see if that'll do the trick before fighting for a refund.
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SLO, you have the patience of a (valiant) saint!
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Ha! I agree, I am a tad trying, at times. Very sorry for coming across a bit ungrateful for everyones help. My Son's been in hospital within the last week, and I was a little short of compassion.......Just to let you know that the problem has sorted itself after a quick gearbox oil change and linkage reset. I'm loving the car (51 MPG on average!) and I just wanted to pop back on to say thank you to SLO for all the help (You're a legend) I owe you a pint or two! :)
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Very glad to hear that. The forum is here for people in your position to ask questions, so you're very welcome. Particular thanks as always to SLO76.
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I'm delighted to hear it's all worked out well and hope it continues for many years to come without fuss.
I'll quaff a beer or two for you at the weekend...
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