Dieselpointed

I currently own a 1996 Golf GTI 16v with 100,000 miles on the clock. The car is great, pretty much bomb proof and a great mix of comfort and speed. The economy isn’t terrible especially as I’m a little heavy footed, but it still isn’t good enough for a final year student like myself who needs all the spare cash I can get. I have been considering getting a diesel for a while, but being a petrolhead I am finding it hard to cope with too much of a drop in power and fun. I have considered the Peugeot 306TD as this is apparently a great car and good on fuel but does seem a little underpowered. I ask, is there an older diesel that I could purchase without a staggeringly huge performance drop for a maximum of £1,000 or am I asking too much of a tiny budget?

Asked on 20 June 2009 by

Answered by Honest John
Much to my surprise a reader recently found it almost impossible to sell a 1998R Ibiza 1.9TDI with 93k. They do 55mpg, handle better than a Mk III GTI and go quite well. However, sod's law dictates that you will probably find another very hard to find. Especially now that perfectly good cars like this are being scrapped.
Dear Honest John,

Please help me choose my next car. I would like it to have:
    Select a few terms below
Similar questions
I've just started a new job with a 50 mile commute each way, mainly on motorways and fast A roads. Is it worth getting a diesel? And how about if I want to have an automatic? My budget is £5000-8000,...
I am a 17-year-old girl taking driving lessons and I will shortly be looking for a car. My budget is £2,000 for the purchase of the car, it has to be a diesel as my father produces bio-diesel. I need...
Due to poor fuel economy and rising fuel costs I'm changing my Suzuki Grand Vitara diesel (06 plate). My budget is around £11-£12K for used car. I drive a short urban route to work (20 mile round trip/day);...