Happy new year everyone,
It's coming round to time to replace my trusty (really!) citroen C5 and I've narrowed down my shortlist to 3 cars which might not on the face of it seem like obvious competitors with each other. So in time-honoured fashion I'm interested in the views of you BRers that might influence my choice a little.
Criteria at the outset were: a wish to downsize a little if possible (the C5 can be a bit too barge-like at times), but still have at least 4 doors and adequate boot space; comfort and refinement to rival the C5; decent performance and economy; good toy count (incuding proper mp3 connectivity if possible); low mileage 2nd hand (e.g. ex-demo). To pick up on some recent themes, the ability to survive a triffid attack or negotiate a slalom course not so critical. Budget around 16k though would be nice to spend a bit less if possible.
Number one choice is the Golf Mk 6 SE (Diesel or possibly the 1.4 TSI even). Had a test drive in the diesel and did think it was very nice indeed. Only downsides are that it's right at the top of my budget, and though the spec's OK, I might have to sacrifice one or two creature comforts. I also saw HJ's car-by-car breakdown was pretty lukewarm. And the golf, it's just so... ubiquitous!
Number two is a good spec Peugout 308 HDI SE. Probably not as classy as the golf in a lot of ways, though had a poverty spec one for hire a while ago and was surprised how good it was. It'd be cheaper and I see HJ rates them very highly too and that counts for something in my book.
Then I had an idea completely from left field, and wondered about the Seat Exeo. The idea of a refettled Audi with a new VAG engine seems very tempting. Haven't gone to see one yet and don't know how it'll compare with the Golf. It's a tad bigger than I'd like and lack of a hatchback isn't totally ideal. But searching on Autotrader suggests it's a serious bargain - cheaper than the golf - so I'm intrigued.
SWMBO reckons I'll end up with the golf. I don't know, I'm going to go out to look for the Seat tomorrow and see what I think of it. But I welcome anybody else's opinions... Read more

Hi all,

I've had my Xsara 2.0 HDI for nearly six years with no major issues, the problems all started with a wrapping noise at idle so I renewed the crank pulley and alternator belt and tensioner, this wrapping noise is still there due to the belt tensioner vibrating back and forth, take it off idle and the tensioner stays steady and the noise stops.

Also start up from cold the idle is very uneven for the first two or three minutes but becomes fairly smooth once the engine temp comes up. But when driven you can still here this wrapping noise at lower rpm.
There is no light on the dash to say there are any faults with the management system.
Any body got nay ideas where to look?.

Steve. Read more