Recommend me a diesel estate for a daily driver

[macafee2]

Originally Posted by BigAde

Phew, glad it's not just me... I do feel a bit like a traitor even considering something else, but needs must. Out of that list (Astra/Focus/308) I think the clear winner has got to be the Focus. Never owned one, but driven a few and have always been impressed how easy and good to drive they are.

wife has a 64 plate focus, no way on gods earth would I swop it for my 2006 75. She likes it but admits the Rover is more comfortable.
Having changed a Honda Accord 2.0 SE Executive for the Focus, it will be years and years before we break even on costs.
Accord 29mpg at best, Focus about 50 mpg I dont really know
car tax, don't know, £150 cheaper?

Have had 2 fords in the past an Escort Ghia and an Orian Ghia so I am not anti ford. Good cars but the Focus is not for me.


macafee2

[BigAde]

Originally Posted by coolguy

Vauxhall Insignia? Look very good value, but I don't have any experience of them (yet!)

Never even been in one I don't think... perhaps a short taxi journey, but nothing that really sticks in my mind. But after the Astra I had it would have to be pretty exceptional for me to consider another Vauxhall. My biggest gripe with Vauxhalls has always been the awful seats, but I'd certainly consider one if the seats are improved.

[Comfortably Numb]

I've had 2 A4s, a 1998 110bhp TDi, and a 2003 130bhp TDi. Both excellent cars to drive, both very reliable over high miles, but the seats on both did my back and hip in on long journeys - no lumbar adjustment. The 1.9 is a better designed, and more reliable engine than the 2.0, and VAG carried on fitting them to Skodas long after they had changed to the 2.0 on VW and Audi models. Personally, I would seek out a well maintained, rust free, pre-project drive 75 Tourer, with genuine low-ish (under 100K) mileage and FSH. You know what goes on them, so should be able to buy a good one. I'd do without the leather interior, avoiding the Connie price premium. T4d to higher output. The Ford/Mazda/PSA 1.6 diesel has a reputation for ingesting its turbo impeller due to oil starvation. Mondeo DMFs fail early, and I often see a trail of black smoke with a Mondeo in front of it! I know several people who swear by their Insignias, excellent long distance cars, comfortable, relaxed and very economical.

[myfirstrover]

BMW 5 series ?

[BigAde]

Originally Posted by myfirstrover

BMW 5 series ?

Nicely engineered car, but I'd never live down the ribbing at work if I did that

[grout20]

I drove a Hyundai i40 for 3 years . 2012 plate so one of the early ones I think. Brilliant car. Nice to drive and looks just a little bit different.

Lots of gadgets even on the "middle" level spec, and they always worked. 90,000 miles on a manual diesel.

Not sure what they cost on second hand market but perhaps try a test drive and see what you think. Get a white one because it looks really good!

They brought out a saloon the year after I got my i40 but it didn't look as good in my view (sorry if anyone here has got a saloon! )

Good luck in your search Ade

Regards

John

[BigAde]

Thanks John - don't know anything about them, but will add them to the list to check out.

[ashy90]

Sorry but no Focus Astra or Peugeot etc is a worthy replacement to a 75/ZT.

I've only just started driving a 75 after years of 200's, 400's and 45's amongst other cars. What a lovely car it is. Im doing a 62 mile round trip to work every day - I work in a Ford and Mazda dealer by the way, and I love getting in my 75 after work.
Mine is only a basic 1.8 manual. I would imagine a bigger engined model would be great. The diesel auto would probably suit me down to the ground, or it I was doing less miles then the V6. They are comfy, quiet, lovely cars and the diesel fairly good on fuel and bomb proof. With this in mind I have to ask why do you want to change it? The car is probably capable of doing double the mileage it has done.

Sent from my moto g(7) play using Tapatalk

[Discofan]

VW Passat or Skoda Octavia / Superb would be my choice.
We run fleets of Skodas in work, they really are excellent. Conversley we also have loads of Vauxhall Astras and Insignias, they are souless and dul dull dull.

[BigAde]

Originally Posted by ashy90

Sorry but no Focus Astra or Peugeot etc is a worthy replacement to a 75/ZT.

I've only just started driving a 75 after years of 200's, 400's and 45's amongst other cars. What a lovely car it is. Im doing a 62 mile round trip to work every day - I work in a Ford and Mazda dealer by the way, and I love getting in my 75 after work.
Mine is only a basic 1.8 manual. I would imagine a bigger engined model would be great. The diesel auto would probably suit me down to the ground, or it I was doing less miles then the V6. They are comfy, quiet, lovely cars and the diesel fairly good on fuel and bomb proof. With this in mind I have to ask why do you want to change it? The car is probably capable of doing double the mileage it has done.

Sent from my moto g(7) play using Tapatalk

Believe me, nothing would please me more than to keep the ZT-T as a daily driver, but my life right now is a chaotic, busy hectic family rush. I just don't have the time to keep doing the little jobs this car requires (not to mention the respray it desperately needs). Maybe if I could find another mint condition low mileage 75/ZT diesel tourer in a good or monogram colour then I'd go for that... but I've been looking and what few there are get snapped up way too quickly for me, or they're at the other end of the country.