Suitable medium-size long-lasting car for retired person.
I currently have a Skoda Octavia 1.9 Tdi Elegance which will soon need four new tyres and timing belt change, so decision time looms.
Should I keep it for years and run it until repairs become uneconomical or change now? The local taxi firms run Skodas with over 250,000 miles.
If I change, what is recommended for longevity, reliability and economy?
I would prefer medium size saloon with diesel engine for torque and flexibility at low speeds, but I have recently retired and much of my motoring is short journeys in a very hilly part of North Yorkshire.
Concerned about DPF as long runs only happen every 2 - 3 weeks. I'd prefer chain cam.
Are there a few diesel and/or petrol models that you recommend?
Good traction in snow essential, so will fit mud and snow tyres, but would consider 4WD. Budget is up to £12000 plus my part-exchange Skoda for low-mileage second-hand or new car.
Will donate £5 to RNLI on receipt of reply.
Should I keep it for years and run it until repairs become uneconomical or change now? The local taxi firms run Skodas with over 250,000 miles.
If I change, what is recommended for longevity, reliability and economy?
I would prefer medium size saloon with diesel engine for torque and flexibility at low speeds, but I have recently retired and much of my motoring is short journeys in a very hilly part of North Yorkshire.
Concerned about DPF as long runs only happen every 2 - 3 weeks. I'd prefer chain cam.
Are there a few diesel and/or petrol models that you recommend?
Good traction in snow essential, so will fit mud and snow tyres, but would consider 4WD. Budget is up to £12000 plus my part-exchange Skoda for low-mileage second-hand or new car.
Will donate £5 to RNLI on receipt of reply.
Asked on 9 March 2011 by EEBAHGUM
Answered by
Honest John
The Skodas with 250k miles are no older than yours. You could keep it until repairs become uneconomical. But don't replace with a modern diesel for short run use or you are likely to suffer DPF problems. VAG's 1.2 and 1.4TSIs are chain cam, with water cooled turbos, that actually help the engine and the cabin warm up more quickly in winter.
Similar questions
As my wife and I approach retirement we are looking to move from two cars to one. My ancient Peugeot 406 is on its last legs and my wife has an 02-plate 1.2 Corsa.
Our current short list is a Ford C-Max,...
I'm thinking of buying a Volkswagen Bora 1.9 diesel Sport. It's in very good condition, well maintained, 150,000 miles in black. The dealer is asking £2500. What do I need to look for and does the price...
We are returning to the UK after 30 years abroad to retire. We are looking to buy two cars, one small as a runaround and one medium-sized for longer trips. Our total budget is £25,000. It must be automatic...
Elsewhere on 
.jpg)
