What TD to get...?

Honest John Back Room » Motoring discussion
View Threaded
Wed 7 Jun 2006 09:56
What TD to get...? - Steve318
Looking for a dirt cheap TD (ideally one I can swap my J plate 318i auto for)..

Need decent (i.e. 40mpg or higher) economy, other than that not fussed...

So far I've thought of 205, Corsa, Mondeo, Astra..
thing is I really have no idea what I really want! lol

Any suggestions based on owner experiences?
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Wed 7 Jun 2006 10:37
What TD to get...? - Martin1981
It depends how much you're willing to spend....

I'd recommend either a Peugeot 306 or a Citroen ZX 1.9TD, both cars are exactly the same under the skin but the ZX is usually quite a bit cheaper to buy than the 306. The ZX is a little more to insure though I think- Group 7 whereas the 306 is group 5. Performance wise these cars are pretty nippy, they handle very well, give 45-50 mpg, are very comfortable and as long as they are serviced correctly they should be good for at least 200k. My 1994 306TD has just turned 177k and shows no sign of giving up just yet, but has had its fair share of woes in the 3 years I've owned it- leaking radiator, head gasket failure and a leaking steering rack. However, it has been put through its paces as I used it for a year for an almost daily 150 mile round trip so I can't complain too much I suppose!

Martin
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Wed 7 Jun 2006 11:05
What TD to get...? - local yokel
I paid £620 for a 405 TD estate with very tidy bodywork and interior, most SH and 166k. I then spent £200 odd on the front suspension. Gives an easy 44 mpg, on lots of short runs. No image to speak of, but the estates are always well bid on Ebay.

If you don't need the space then look for a 205 STDT - GTi trim, 1.8 TD engine, 205 handling and they don't rust.
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Wed 7 Jun 2006 12:22
What TD to get...? - landmarked
I reccommend the ZX... ...it's the only one that will handle better than your BMW :-)
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Wed 7 Jun 2006 12:40
What TD to get...? - Steve318
I'm looking to spend no actual money at all.... just whatever I can get for my 318i (thinking 800-900 quid).

205 STDT was the 205 I was thinking about, cos I love the shape of 205s (have had 3 GTis so far) but they seem to be few and far between (and far away!)

The problem I really have is that I can't afford to be carless for a day, can't afford another car while I sell the BMW, can't afford to keep running the BMW... talk about a catch 22!

Think what I'll end up doing is having to make a big loss on the BM and go to a dealer and swap it for something about £500...
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Wed 7 Jun 2006 13:34
What TD to get...? - local yokel
Two STDTs on Autotrader today - both private, one £495, the other £800.
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Wed 7 Jun 2006 14:24
What TD to get...? - Mutton Geoff
Think what I'll end up doing is having to make a big loss on the BM and go to a dealer and swap it for something about £500...

So you're prepared to pay almost 100% "interest" to avoid being without a car for a day?

Surely there must be other options? It's always hard to borrow money to buy a new car then lose the incentive selling the old one. But how about selling the BMW and use a local "rent a wreck" to tide you over until a new car is located? Even if you borrowed £600 for a month at a steep (mates) rate, that couldn't cost more than £50 surely?



Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Wed 7 Jun 2006 23:29
What TD to get...? - blue_haddock
I had a 205 STDT for nearly two years and loved it, the only downside for me was the manky brown velour interior.
Reply | Report as offensive | Link