New Car suggestions

[9fingers]

I'm looking for suggestions for a totally practical new/nearly new car around the 2l mark

Having had a few niggly problems made 10x more awkward due to a transverse engine located half inside the car due to trendy snub nosed raked back windscreen designs.
Example: This year the engine had to come out £600 just to fit £25 of new glowplugs :twisted:

Ideally something with a sensible long bonnet, an inline engine fully accessible from under the bonnet and as a result, easy to work on. Oh yes from a mainstream maker to get spares and consumables with ease

Any suggestions chaps

tia

Bob

 

[TrimTheKing]

I have a VW Passat 2010. Love it. Reliable, 1.9 Highline, long bonnet, big boot, generally lovely car.

Cheers
Mark

 

[9fingers]

I have a VW Passat 2010. Love it. Reliable, 1.9 Highline, long bonnet, big boot, generally lovely car.

Cheers
Mark

Which way round is the engine Mark? or maybe you have not opened that lol

 

[TrimTheKing]

I have a VW Passat 2010. Love it. Reliable, 1.9 Highline, long bonnet, big boot, generally lovely car.

Cheers
Mark

Which way round is the engine Mark? or maybe you have not opened that lol

Which way round…? :eusa-think:

Will a photo help?

Cheers
Mark

 

[9fingers]

I suppose so but if you are opening the bonnet to take a photo you should see which way round the engine is?

Thanks for your help

Bob

 

[tracerman]

Wot Bob is trying to say is he prefers engines to be North South , not East West .
Simple
Steve
PS I'm still mourning the demise of rear wheel drive , so my perfect car is North-South , 3.5 litre , engine with a cat-walk round it , cheap spares , and a Haynes Manual available . Opposite Lock ? loved it .

 

[Stargazer]

Beware older Passats, (pre 2005) they have an inline engine but drive the front wheels, problem is that you have to dismantle the entire front of the car to work on the cam belt, water/steering pump and tensioner.

 

[TrimTheKing]

I suppose so but if you are opening the bonnet to take a photo you should see which way round the engine is?

Thanks for your help

Bob

That assumes one knows the front from the back... [emoji23]

Cheers
Mark

 

[9fingers]

Thanks Mark,

That is a transverse engine. Easy clue is the alternator in the front, so the crankshaft runs from side to side.

In googling pictures for the Passat I came across Audi A4 which seems to be inline. I'll have to drop into the dealership and upset them by asking about ease of DIY servicing :text-lol:

Cheers
Bob

 

[stephen.wood125]

:text-lol: Bob!

Yes, though I have seen a lot of the VAG cars with Longitudinal engines that need the whole front off for belts etc. I know the A5 definitely does.

Not sure about Volvo but I was impressed by the mechanism they use to take headlights out for bulb swaps in general their build looked pretty good and although the new screen/sides are more raked the estate still has reasonable amount of room.

Can't remember if its transverse mounting though.

I've a BMW mid life crisis mobile (428i convertible)it's a 2l twin screw turbo with 254 donkey power and it's great fun but would fail on several of your practicality metrics! (I still have a load of building materials I have to take to the tip!)
EDIT: I think the Volvo is transverse mounted. Sorry
:text-lol:

Stephen

 

[RogerS]

Bob started to wonder if DIY was all it was cracked up to be :lol:

 

[RogerS]

Seriously though, Bob, what exactly do you want to DIY? I'm guessing that when you say 'new' you mean 'new to you'? The thing is that after 2004/5 most cars started going doolally with unnecessary electric/electronic gubbins.

Take the Discovery, for example. On the diesel engines there is an exhaust (IIRC) gate that will open after a certain period of time/under certain conditions. On my elderly Disco 2, it is a mechanical device and when push comes to shove, it strains a bit against the crud that has built-up and with a sigh of relief opens. On the Disco 3 they replaced it with a wimpish electric gizmo that strains and gives up and tells you that you need to book it into the garage.

 

[9fingers]

Currently I have the software to talk to my car not only to read codes etc but to monitor loads of parameters as I drive etc.
I like - no Demand! - to understand my car, diagnose faults and take a view as to who does the repairs.

The last straw was when my take mechanic and I had to take the engine out simply to change glow plugs. To me this is body designers having too much say over the practicality of doing running repairs to the vehicle.

As time goes on, I might choose to have my man do more of the horrid jobs but I just cannot contemplate not being able to look at the car and understand it and diagnose it.

If I hand over my car to someone and cannot discuss the issues or understand what they have done and why and if the bill is good value.

Bob

 

[DaveL]

I have one of the last Volvo V50's. It's like the Passat, big boot, longish bonnet, but transverse engine. I love the way the head lights can be slid out sideways to change the lamps, no tools required. The Drive version has a 1600 (1546) stop start diesel that means no road fund charge, just had the reminder I need to tell them it's going to be on the road for another year.
Its the fifth Volvo I have driven, the others were all company cars, I bought this one when I retired. The dealer prices for doing anything are very high but lots of independent business charge more affordable prices.

 

[RogerS]

.....
If I hand over my car to someone and cannot discuss the issues or understand what they have done and why and if the bill is good value.

Bob

But why bother ? It's a serious question. If you buy car X and the manufacturer has built-it such that you need to do X in order to Y, understanding it won't save you any ££££.

All cars have 'difficulties' for want of a better word. Even going back to something fairly basic like a Morris Minor. If you wanted to change the clutch, I think (IIRC) you had to take the engine out.

Far better IMO is to choose a car that regularly features in the top spot for reliability.

 

[Pinch]

The BMW 5 Series Estate or Audi A4 Estate would be a very cool choice. I know the Beemer is rear wheel drive, but not sure about the Audi - there's always the Quattro :eusa-drool: . They're both practical and stunning motors.

My father has just written off his Beemer, or we think it's a write-off - awaiting confirmation. He's now in two minds of going for another Beemer or maybe a Merc, but I feel the Beemer is favourite.

:text-bravo:

 

[Pinch]

How about a cute little convertible.

You certainly won't get much hassle with this little beauty. :lol:

 

[9fingers]

I have one of the last Volvo V50's. It's like the Passat, big boot, longish bonnet, but transverse engine. I love the way the head lights can be slid out sideways to change the lamps, no tools required. The Drive version has a 1600 (1546) stop start diesel that means no road fund charge, just had the reminder I need to tell them it's going to be on the road for another year.
Its the fifth Volvo I have driven, the others were all company cars, I bought this one when I retired. The dealer prices for doing anything are very high but lots of independent business charge more affordable prices.

Dave, The Volvo has some merit in as much as I think it has the ford engine that I'm familiar with and maybe my software will talk to it.
How much room is there down the back of the engine without removing the scuttle? I'm not totally fixated on an inline engine if I can readily get all round the engine for access.

Bob

 

[DaveL]

Its dark now Bob, I take a picture or two in the morning, if its not chucking it down.

 

[9fingers]

Its dark now Bob, I take a picture or two in the morning, if its not chucking it down.

Much obliged Dave. No panic. This will be a gradual process. Lol
Bob

 

[Malc2098]

Jaguar X Type Estate 2.2D - 1 careful owner, FSH, 148,000m, serviced every year. 45 to 55 MPG. Been brilliant.

Many parts interchangeable with Mondeo and Mazda 6.

 

[Malc2098]

Jaguar X Type Estate 2.2D - 1 careful owner, FSH, 148,000m, serviced every year. 45 to 55 MPG. Been brilliant.

Many parts interchangeable with Mondeo and Mazda 6.

I lied about the 'brilliant'!! In running terms it has been brilliant. It's the silly little stuff like the tailgate glass switch, the h/l lowering switch, the dash lights dimmer switch and the old favourite, leaking from the scuttle into the n/s passenger footwell, but I've done that one!

And The consumption is just that - we live 1 mile from the A361 North Devon Link Road and S/D No 1 lives in Aberdeen, 1 mile from the A90, 450 something miles away. Mway and fast dual carriageway all the way. At 70mph, 55 is the return consumption. Mixed driving brings it down to 45.

 

[RogerS]

Jaguar X Type Estate 2.2D - 1 careful owner, FSH, 148,000m, serviced every year. 45 to 55 MPG. Been brilliant.

Many parts interchangeable with Mondeo and Mazda 6.

The D is as in 'diesel' ? The last ''con" from the Labour Govt.

 

[RogerS]

How about a cute little convertible.

You certainly won't get much hassle with this little beauty. :lol:

Since Brexit, you can't get the same calibre ammunition :lol:

 

[kirkpoore1]

Bah, humbug! What you need, Bob, is something that commands respect and gets the job done. Sure, it's got a 3L diesel instead of just a 2L, but it should get about 35 mpg (assuming imperial gallons):

I'm pretty sure you can still park it in front of your house.

Kirk

 

[Robert]

Many years ago I would tackle anything on a car from respray to engine rebuild but I gave that up long ago.

With the electronics built into current vehicles it is near impossible to diy and if you did you would probably void the warranty in any case.

Service intervals are so long now there are not that many services to pay for. My last car came with 2 years free servicing - great... that meant 1 service in that time frame at 18 months.

My new car is coming up to a year old and must have been supplied with fixed interval servicing coded in as it wants an oil change according to the message in the dash. I'll get it switched to variable like the previous car and it will be back to 18 month+ intervals. 10 years of infrequent servicing when the computer said 'now' did the last one no harm.

My Skoda Superb 1.9 Diesel DSG L&K is a slightly cheaper way to get a Passat with lots of toys. Under the bonnet looks a lot like Marks post above. Got the road tax renewal through today - £30 for the year.

 

[Rod]

I stopped servicing our cars when I started getting company lease cars about 30yrs ago - that was the start of my line of BMWs (3 Series, 5 Series and now X3's) and my wife a series of VW Golfs (which we owned) - the last one being a GTi. For tax reasons, I eventually gave up on the lease arrangements and purchased my own when I bought the first of our 3lt 5 series.
Never had any issues with any of them, even our last 5 Series Touring which we kept for 7 yrs, which I realise is nowhere as long as you keep yours Bob.
The service interval is controlled by the car's internal computer system and when new, the car reported the first service was due in 17000 miles and it counts down with mileage, driving style, conditions etc etc. The first service being an oil change and check over - cars status recorded in the car and in the electronic key(s).
Having read things on the BMW forums, there are a lot of folks who have the electronic readers and service their cars - I should think that applies to other makes too?

Rod

 

[oaktree11]

Hi all,

I have had BMW's pretty well all my working life and ending up with a 535d which i parted with when i (sort of) retired 18 months ago. I loved them and they were all supremely reliable. My wife not so keen especially as the 535 was close to an M5 in performance terms (but with 45+ mpg).
I had never been tempted by a Mercedes but we wanted a motorhome and i could not countenance a £40k car AND a moho. So, it went. We have a Smart car convertible which we love and use around Cheddar but we do need a big car to carry more stuff and people.
Long story short, i bought a 2005 Mercedes 320 Avantgarde Estate. Huge amount of room, plenty of power, really comfortable, a style that stops me behaving like a 64 year old boy racer and, despite 100k miles, never misses a beat! AND less that £6k....

John

 

[oaktree11]

oh yes, and did i mention that you can get an elephant in the back? OK, it would have to be in pieces but still...

J

 

[9fingers]

I must admit I'm still tempted by a used car. I've never bought new in my life so perhaps I ought to once before they take my licence away lol

I went through the Audi website yesterday selecting what I thought was a modest combination of options and it came to over £40k :shock:
Whilst I could afford that, I'm not sure I could stand the depreciation as I drove off the forecourt...

I'm very lucky in that we are not hard up but I just can't stand feeling ripped off about anything - it's in the genes I think.

Bob

 

[9fingers]

Having read things on the BMW forums, there are a lot of folks who have the electronic readers and service their cars - I should think that applies to other makes too?

Rod

Certainly a good forum for discussing DIY servicing is near essential. Sticking to mainstream/common brands is quite important for this. Usually there are a few maker trained technicians who are willing to help.
I've now got a good software set up for my Ford and can potentially tweak more things than I think I should. It also has some "restore factory setting" buttons should I go too far.

Bob

 

[RogerS]

.....
I went through the Audi website yesterday selecting what I thought was a modest combination of options and it came to over £40k :shock:
....

Bob

I'll sell you my Discovery 2 for £25k. A real bargain.

 

[AndyP]

Bob, whether or not it is worth buying a new car is how you account for it. How do you put a price on the piece of mind you get with a long, from new, guarantee? Depreciation is also only relevant (kind of) if you sell the car within a few years. If you keep it for 15 years then the depreciation can be spread.
You may be able to use the dealer preregistration scam to work in your favour too, http://www.bbc.com/news/business-37795068

Oh and put a price on the new car smell . I know you can get in a bottle but it wont last as long.

 

[9fingers]

Financially I look at the loss of capital that would otherwise be earning 10-12% pa. any thing back from selling 10-15 years later is little more than beer money.
No interest in "smells" lol

Bob

 

[RogerS]

Financially I look at the loss of capital that would otherwise be earning 10-12% pa. any thing back from selling 10-15 years later is little more than beer money.
No interest in "smells" lol

Bob

Where do you get 10-12% earning pa, Bob?

 

[Newbie_Neil]

Financially I look at the loss of capital that would otherwise be earning 10-12% pa. any thing back from selling 10-15 years later is little more than beer money.
No interest in "smells" lol Bob

Where do you get 10-12% earning pa, Bob?

Yes Bob, please do tell.

Neil

 

[oaktree11]

I tend to agree with Bob. I have never personally bought a new car. I have been fortunate in that they have come with jobs but for our personal cars I have always bought secondhand.
It's got nothing to do with affording it, it's just I see no point in spending money I don't need to.
Reliability of well maintained modern cars is stellar, not even worth worrying about. If you are worried go for a manufacturer approved used. Still huge saving but all the backup.
If you have a business and can lease then fine (personally, for a small business I would still go used, low miles).
At the end of the day it's personal choice - you pays yer money....
John

 

[9fingers]

10-12% can be obtained via peer to peer lending. Not without risk and individuals need to be comfortable with doing their own due diligence and choosing what they invest in. It is not for the faint hearted. Gains are of course taxable.

THIS IS NOT A RECOMMENDATION TO INVEST IN P2P - simply answering the question posed in this thread.

CAVEAT EMPTOR!

Bob

 

[Robert]

It's a tough choice deciding to lease or purchase. I got an exceptional discount on the purchase price and as I've always bought outright before I went for it. Have to say though that some of the lease/ personal contract hire/ whatever it is called rates were very attractive.

Not sure I'll be buying my next car outright again. When you weigh that initial depreciation against what you pay over the life of the lease and the ease of going to a new car at the end it does make you think.

 

[AndyP]

Financially I look at the loss of capital that would otherwise be earning 10-12% pa. any thing back from selling 10-15 years later is little more than beer money.
No interest in "smells" lol

Bob

Of course if you are looking at 40k. Darn sure you can get a very good Avensis 1.8 for under 20k. 5 yr warranty. Not sure what toys you want though.

You can't take it with you, nor does the taxman deserve a chunk when you're gone. I understand about keeping enough aside for future eventualities and all that.