CrumbMC Posted September 9, 2011 Share Posted September 9, 2011 i've driven a lot of vauxhalls and they have all fealt borderline peugeout/citron-ish. by this i mean all the mechanical components feel like they are made out of flimsy plastic and i feel like im going to snap things while im driving it - not a nice feeling. My last car was a MK4 golf GTI. very reliable. platform isnt the most involving from a drivers point of view but the MK5 platform is supposed to be much better. IMO audis are just VWs with a badge that says, "im a **** who thinks he has a sports car coz i paid a 10 grand premium over a VW for a badge" plz dont argue, it's just my opinion. if i were stepping down from the Zed i would go for the beemer or a clio / meganne cup depending on your needs and where you're priorities lie, every beemer i have driven has fealt like it has good balance which makes more fun in the corners and renaultsport chassis are hillariously good fun (and would often embarras a Zed on a twisty road) - not sure about reliability on the renaults though, and BMs arent allways as reliable as percieved, older ones often have problems with window and door mechanisms. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rabbitstew Posted September 9, 2011 Share Posted September 9, 2011 Id go with the Golf. Ive had 3 of them, 2 diesels and 1 petrol. I started off looking at A3`s but for the same money you get a much better spec Golf and they are basically identical cars with a different bodyshell. I was getting mid 60mpg out of my diesel golf every week, more if I was on a long journey. Cheap to service, mine never rusted anywhere and held its value very well. They are quite nippy to, they did a 170bhp version of the diesel which didnt hang about. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nixy Posted September 9, 2011 Share Posted September 9, 2011 I couldnt imagine driving anything as ugly and as boring as a one series BMW one point eight diesel I know I am going to get slated for it and I do have a hatred of BMW cars that have been built over the last 6-7 years but I just have to get that out in the open - my names Col and I am a BMW hater To be fair he did say 'practicality' not prettiness........ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coldel Posted September 9, 2011 Share Posted September 9, 2011 Transit van it is then Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coldel Posted September 9, 2011 Share Posted September 9, 2011 Id go with the Golf. Ive had 3 of them, 2 diesels and 1 petrol. I started off looking at A3`s but for the same money you get a much better spec Golf and they are basically identical cars with a different bodyshell. I was getting mid 60mpg out of my diesel golf every week, more if I was on a long journey. Cheap to service, mine never rusted anywhere and held its value very well. They are quite nippy to, they did a 170bhp version of the diesel which didnt hang about. In the same vein get a newer shaped Seat Leon, essentially the same car but much better specced out. Just as long as you are not worried by the badge. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EH 370z Posted September 9, 2011 Share Posted September 9, 2011 Buy your Zed back and gas convert it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ekona Posted September 9, 2011 Share Posted September 9, 2011 I couldnt imagine driving anything as ugly and as boring as a one series BMW one point eight diesel But you suggested an Astra!! I suggested a 2.0T Astra or VXR, the VXR which is probably as quick as a Zed - you guys were going for a 118 Diesel! He also said he wanted good MPG as a must, which neither of the two Astra variants will do Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stew Posted September 9, 2011 Share Posted September 9, 2011 I couldnt imagine driving anything as ugly and as boring as a one series BMW one point eight diesel But you suggested an Astra!! I suggested a 2.0T Astra or VXR, the VXR which is probably as quick as a Zed - you guys were going for a 118 Diesel! He also said he wanted good MPG as a must, which neither of the two Astra variants will do He didn't request torque steer or a baseball cap either...... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coldel Posted September 9, 2011 Share Posted September 9, 2011 Just looking out for the guy, its going to be a big fall climbing out the Zed and into an 1800cc diesel... Torque steer is something old ladies worry about Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stew Posted September 9, 2011 Share Posted September 9, 2011 Is the 118d not a 2000cc????? I personally find torque steer one of the most frustrating things ever! I'm not a fan.... The Astra VXR performance wise is pretty credible but I personally didn't find them a good drive. A 1 series would be far more to my personal taste. If it were my own money though I don't know what I'd buy..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coldel Posted September 9, 2011 Share Posted September 9, 2011 Hmmm if it were my own money I am not sure either - I only suggested the vauxhalls to add to the current selection that had been suggested, I didn't actually mean it would be my number one choice. Personally, I think BMW have become a souless experience - the cars are generally quite ugly and uninspiring - granted they are german engineered so great, but personally I look for a little bit more than that - again after having a Zed which has such amazing character I would probably sit at the wheel and cry if I bought a BMW diesel Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stew Posted September 9, 2011 Share Posted September 9, 2011 I know where you're coming from! Throw it into the mix. E46 330d coupe...... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ekona Posted September 9, 2011 Share Posted September 9, 2011 If he wanted a bigger car, then absolutely. Great call Stew Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
leonk Posted September 9, 2011 Share Posted September 9, 2011 A friend of mine has just bought an Alfa 147 1.9JTD 08 plate with 30k miles for £7,500. Have to say, very impressed with it and it has a bit of character. Don't know about the reliability factor but thought it might be worth a mention? No doubt others will come on and slate it........ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kwak250 Posted September 9, 2011 Share Posted September 9, 2011 A3, I had one a fews past, there great little nippers and good on fuel cheap tax, and cheap to insure. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gangzoom Posted September 10, 2011 Share Posted September 10, 2011 The 1 series is very cramp in the back, and BMW is very good at making you pay extra for eveything. Hence theres lots of poorly speced used ones around. They are no doubt good to drive but not really convinced that a 118d/120d benfits much from been RWD with less than 200bhp on tap. A3s are just dressed up golfs, which isnt a bad thing given golfs r pretty good, but you might as well save a few ££s and buy a golf:) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
R35LEE Posted September 10, 2011 Share Posted September 10, 2011 Audi A3 TDI all the way Quattro S-Line Spec if you can Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
relentless Posted September 10, 2011 Author Share Posted September 10, 2011 thanks for all the input fellas.....(as well as the entertainment!) I had quick a look at a Series 1 yesterday, about 50k, FSH, dealer - £7600 but i just could not warm to the cabin at all. The past A3's and Golfs ive been in ive always liked them inside - with the 1er it just didnt feel right to me. Didnt take it out though, just a flying visit. The sound of a diesel it gonna be HARD to get used to!! I do really like the A3 S-lines. But seems really hard to find a low miler at a reasonable price? Theres a 1.9 TDI Golf up the road from me, 50k FVWH, looks very tidy, but its only a 1.9, the lack of grunt worries me. I was thinking at least a 2L TDI as the 0-60 is under 10s. I know the 120D is fastest of the lot though at under 8 seconds. Im now wondering if a lower priced petrol is the way to go, with the extra you pay for the diesel its so easy to get a newer petrol for getting on for £2k less. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
relentless Posted September 10, 2011 Author Share Posted September 10, 2011 Buy your Zed back and gas convert it could always add a trailer to it too! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
R35LEE Posted September 10, 2011 Share Posted September 10, 2011 You can get the golf remapped easy enough improving the Power and MPG. If you get me the Registration I will get you a price and figures and PM you it so you know what your options are Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
relentless Posted September 10, 2011 Author Share Posted September 10, 2011 You can get the golf remapped easy enough improving the Power and MPG. If you get me the Registration I will get you a price and figures and PM you it so you know what your options are PMed reg Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
relentless Posted September 10, 2011 Author Share Posted September 10, 2011 I did look at a 2008 SRI Diesel Astra the other day. Although it shifted a bit, the dash was made from reformed yoghurt pots, maybe with some margarine pots thrown in for good measure. Heard a lot of horror stories about astras - chocolate gearbox being one of them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
relentless Posted September 10, 2011 Author Share Posted September 10, 2011 A friend of mine has just bought an Alfa 147 1.9JTD 08 plate with 30k miles for £7,500. Have to say, very impressed with it and it has a bit of character. Don't know about the reliability factor but thought it might be worth a mention? No doubt others will come on and slate it........ thats sounds like a really good buy for an 08 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EH 370z Posted September 10, 2011 Share Posted September 10, 2011 thanks for all the input fellas.....(as well as the entertainment!) I had quick a look at a Series 1 yesterday, about 50k, FSH, dealer - £7600 but i just could not warm to the cabin at all. The past A3's and Golfs ive been in ive always liked them inside - with the 1er it just didnt feel right to me. Didnt take it out though, just a flying visit. The sound of a diesel it gonna be HARD to get used to!! I do really like the A3 S-lines. But seems really hard to find a low miler at a reasonable price? Theres a 1.9 TDI Golf up the road from me, 50k FVWH, looks very tidy, but its only a 1.9, the lack of grunt worries me. I was thinking at least a 2L TDI as the 0-60 is under 10s. I know the 120D is fastest of the lot though at under 8 seconds. Im now wondering if a lower priced petrol is the way to go, with the extra you pay for the diesel its so easy to get a newer petrol for getting on for £2k less. I have a mate who runs a garge that specialises in used VAG stuff. This is their website but he is always on the look out for cars. Point being if you have an idea of what you wanted and a price he might be able to find something for you? http://www.lawson-cars.co.uk/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stew Posted September 10, 2011 Share Posted September 10, 2011 Theres a 1.9 TDI Golf up the road from me, 50k FVWH, looks very tidy, but its only a 1.9, the lack of grunt worries me. I was thinking at least a 2L TDI as the 0-60 is under 10s. I know the 120D is fastest of the lot though at under 8 seconds. I wouldn't worry about 0-60 for a diesel. Look at the ingear acceleration. Once it's rolling thats when you'll appreciate if it's good or not unless you want to traffic light grand prix in which case your MPG will be shot! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.