Best diesel car for 13k? Update: car ordered!

[TransAm]

Edit: See page 2 of thread for what he's chosen

I got an email from my father this morning, he wants to replace his Peugeot 206 with a new car. I think his budget is around 13,000 pounds, although I am sure he would go a couple of thousand higher if residuals were good. He's looked at the Focus and 206 GTi HDi so far:

"I am looking to buy a new Peugeot 206 GTi HDi 3dr with 1.6 diesel engine. Is top of the range with lots of extras like I have now OR a Ford Focus Zetec Climate 1.6 TDCi 109ps 3dr with added extras. P is 10.5k, F is 12.8k. Both have auto headlight function if it gets dark and auto windscreen operating + 5 cd autochanger. Both do about 68mpg. Any views please!!"

I've since replied with this:

"The 206 will be replaced by a new model very soon, the 207. This will affect residual values I imagine. Other than that I think the 206 isnt a bad car, the Gti Hdi certainly a good choice. The Focus is still likely to be the current shape in three years time if you are planning to renew it then. If you are looking at 13k though I would think there are better choices to be had, such as the Skoda Fabia vRS.

German and Japanese cars are much better, but of course you pay a premium. Having said that they will be worth more in 3 years. Both the cars you mentioned might lose 5 or 6 k over three years, if you were to buy a 12 month old BMW 120d or similar premium brand I imagine you would be looking at losing only about the same (5 or 6k) in depreciation over three years as the initial hit has been swallowed by the first owner. Any 0% finance deals on any of the cars?"

I don't think he really wants to buy anything other than brand new, (I know, I know) so maybe best to disregard used cars for now.

Are the prices on the Focus and 206 reasonable or could they be undercut by a broker? I imagine Dad has only gone to the dealerships so far.

I've suggested the Fabia VRS, and I know the Polo 1.9 is not a bad car as a mate in the UK has one. Any other suggestions?

Anyone know of any makes/models on 0% finance around this kind of price?

Thanks!

[RC45]

I was going to say a powerstroke diesel crewcab duallie longbed - then I realized you couldn't do a u-turn on those damn tiny roads you have "back-ome"... hehe

[bmwmpower]

1,9 TDI is old engine, buy focus 1,6 tdci

[Ford Capri 2.8i]

I totally agrees with dani that the best choice below this price the best bet is the most sporty and fast turbo diesel car (Id say the diesel hot hatch though); in addition, its not a bad choice his cousin, the Skoda Fabia RS Tdi either

[TransAm]

My dad doesnt like the Skoda, that would have been my first choice.

Didnt realise V.A.G. had a 180hp diesel engine now :shock:

I know he doesnt like the styling of any SEATs (he is 62 though) which is a shame.

I am probably going to get a diesel when I move back to the UK, so will bear opinions in mind for my own car shopping in a year or so.

Thanks guys!

[Sir_GT]

There are so many options at that price range. He can actually get a diesel German car for that money.

[TransAm]

Yeah well if it was me I'd buy a 1-2 year old BMW/VW/Audi, but it's not me!

Did you get the d or the i ?

[mindgam3]

Any reason why he wants a diesel??

You could get a renault clio 182 trophy for that money

Other than the 182 i wouldnt go with anything french. Had my clio for a few years and its depreciated like a bomb and is falling a part.... much the same with my mates pug...

I'd go for a focus if german isn't an option

[bmwmpower]

Originally Posted by dani_d_mas Officially it has 160hp... but a spanish mag reached 182hp on a dyno with a testcar ... and it's the 'old' 1.9 8v TDI engine from VAG!! :shock:

Skoda Fabia tdi got 130 hp, !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[TransAm]

Originally Posted by mindgam3 Any reason why he wants a diesel??

He was an accountant for 30 years, does that answer your question

[RC45]

Originally Posted by TransAm Originally Posted by mindgam3 Any reason why he wants a diesel?? He was an accountant for 30 years, does that answer your question

Time for a career change then... has he ever considered.....



...becoming...



..a Lion Tamer?

[TransAm]

You'd never fit a lion in the back of a clio for gawds sakes!

[nthfinity]

Originally Posted by RC45 I was going to say a powerstroke diesel crewcab duallie longbed - then I realized you couldn't do a u-turn on those damn tiny roads you have "back-ome"... hehe

people love the powerstroke... a lot... it makes plenty of power/torque in its natural form, and has decent economy... there is a problem, however

it cant keep up with emissions standards... the 4.6 turbo diesle is being replaces with a 6.8... initial reactions are disappointing.

[RC45]

Originally Posted by TransAm You'd never fit a lion in the back of a clio for gawds sakes!

But didn't he recently get a lion taming hat from Harrod's? A hat with "lion tamer" on it?

[TransAm]

youve lost me there mate