Small(ish) diesel car advice, please

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Tue 24 May 2005 18:39
Small(ish) diesel car advice, please - jburnhams
Want to spend 3-4k for a car with a view to selling after 12-18 months. Am considering the following:

306 Hdi - good size and handling, insurance group 5 but unreliable?

Astra mk4 Dti 2.0 - good performance, but may depreciate quicker?

Seat Ibiza / Fabia - expensive so may have limited choice, but may not depreciate so quickly

Any others? I'm after reliablility and lowest total cost of ownership over the period. Many thanks.
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Tue 24 May 2005 18:47
Small(ish) diesel car advice, please - Sprice
For reliability, ease of resale etc consider the Toyota Yaris or Corolla D-4D

Don't know though if your budget will extend to either of these, if so theyre worth considering.

The earliest (02 plate) new shape Fiestas must be worth considering too, the 1.4 diesel is very economical (though your budget wont stretch to the later 16 valve version)but might be hard to find.
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Tue 24 May 2005 18:50
Small(ish) diesel car advice, please - Ross_D
Well I have a 306 HDi and its been fine, no problems at all. My dad used to have a Mk4 Astra DTi, but it wasn't that great. Starter motor stuck on, causing it to fail, numerous drivability problems etc.
I think by the time the 306 HDi was released all of the bugs had been ironed out. There are definatly things that go wrong, as with any car, but mine has been fine (as was the 306 I had before it!).
Could consider a smaller Renault. In my experience of them (Espaces, clios, 19, Megane) they have build quality issues that cant be cured, literally designed in flaws. There is a reason why they are cheap ;-)
Something Japanese would probably be reliable if you are looking for the most reliable car you can go for, but for me, you cant beat the 306 in that price range with its fantastic engine!
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Tue 24 May 2005 18:54
Small(ish) diesel car advice, please - blue_haddock
306 Hdi isn't a bad car - there are lots to choose from so you should be able to find a good one.

You won't find a yaris or corolla D4D for the sort of money your looking at spending.
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Tue 24 May 2005 21:07
Small(ish) diesel car advice, please - machika
Citroen Xsara (might be able to get an HDI for near to £4K).
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