What Car - again! - Paul Robinson
I was talking cars to a client again today, and would welcome comments from the back
room.

The criteria are as follows:

An aging Vauxhall Cavalier (which has given extremely good service) is to be
replaced.

The budget would stretch to £5K but £3K would be better!

Annual mileage is about average, but is made up of a large volume of short journeys,
the rest is infrequent long runs mainly on motorway.

I guess from previous threads a non-turbo diesel is recommended, but which one?
Buy an Audi 80 TDi - David Lacey
I would suggest an Audi 80 TDi. From experience they have proved to a very capable and reliable motor car, returning 50mpg plus.
There are many clocked ex-fleet cars out there, so you can afford to be picky.
Make sure the car has cambelt history alongside a good quality service history
Check that the seatbelts retract strongly as they can be expensive & tricky to replace (Procon-ten system)
Best of luck

Rgds
David
Re: Buy an Audi 80 TDi - Paul Robinson
Thanks for the suggestion David - Isn't there an argument that the volume of short journeys would knacker the turbo? Or have I not understood previous threads.

Regards

PR
Turbo trouble? No way - David Lacey
No problems at all that I am aware of Paul, with reference to short journeys and turbocharger trouble.
Just make sure the engine oil & filter is replaced at 5K intervals and you will have no problems
Be sure to use genuine filters and a decent quality engine oil