New Car help

[James]

hi i plan to buy a new car soon (not showroom but a few years old)

at the moment i have skittled it down to two

the new shape onda civic
or a merc kompressor

however can any recommend a simialr to better relaible motor

ideally i want soemthign will be cost me less to run on

FTR - it has to be petrol , i don want a disel (personal preference)

i have seen 1.4 and prefer the 1.8s however sensible driiving mens the bigger tank will help me use the fuel, but i get quite erratic, downshifts etc., so think the 1.8 engine will cost me more to run. a 1.4 althought will loose less better but in the long term will help me with my fuel

anyone got thoughts

 

[Buzz]

If you prefer petrol, the only realistic option is to limit your engine size, and learn to drive better.

I'd suggest joining the IAM who can teach you to be a far better driver, and naturally, you'll save on fuel by driving smoother and more progressively.

Personally, I can get about 60 miles extra out of my mums 1.2 petrol punto when i really make an effort. That might not sound much, but its range is only 450miles normally, so its an additional 10% (or possibly more)

Also, if you are a high mileage driver, then i suggest a slightly more powerful engine. It does make it a lot easier and less stressful when you can get a shift on at the right times

However, if you could be tempted to diesel, you can get silly power and still have over 50mpg. Thats 150bhp or more, 0-60 in 8seconds, and 550 miles on a tank, as opposed to a small petrol with 75bhp, 0-60 in 11s, and 450miles on a tank.

Do the diesel You tried it?

Buzz
The champion of the Bravo 1.4
& now ex owner of a Bravo 1.8

 

[Anonymous]

i do about 50 miels a day max, prob a bit less say 40

is a diesel hard to look after, never owned one maybe thats what putting me off

 

[Buzz]

its no different to owning a petrol as far as maintenance goes. In fact, my local VW/audi specialist is £10 cheaper for diesel servicing! not sure why tho.

The engines are heavier, because they are built stronger, and a well maintained diesel will last twice that of a petrol engine.

With some makes/models, theres additional wear to front suspension, but anyone who's a keen or enthusiastic driver, will be changing components of suspension, ie the shocks, at least every 5 years anyway. Some every 2 or 3 years, regardless of fuel.

Honestly, i'm only considering a petrol runabout because i want a rover mini cooper, and there were no such things as diesels.

I dont know what to tell you about a diesel thats the same as a petrol. They are different, but as far as ownership goes? Diesels are more economical and more powerful at the same time. The real-world perfomance of a diesel with its associated torque makes it far more useful power than petrol. On a track, a petrol is almost certainly going to win, but in the everyday world we drive, a diesel wins. Just phone a couple of tuning companies and ask the guys on the phone what they drive. For years Nige at ANGEL TUNING was running about in an alfa 156 estate 2.4JTD, but i think he might have a merc diesel now.

Ask any of the others and i bet the majority own a diesel daily driver...

Buzz
The champion of the Bravo 1.4
& now ex owner of a Bravo 1.8

 

[beeson100]

Indeed, i'm looking at getting an Alfa GT JTD for the same reasons as mentioned by Buzz. Just makes more sense. Almost the same BHP as my Marea 2.0, more torque and better on fuel. Oh and it looks f***ing sexy

 

[Anonymous]

i have just gone back to petrol, 2.0 marea, filled up on monday lets see if it can match my diesel?? last fill on my diesel i did 350 miles although it was broke!!

i prefer to drive petrol but know from a fair few long trips to france diesel is what ill be going back to, when i get citroen fixed ill be getting it mapped

 

[Buzz]

Slightly OT, but whats wrong with the citroen in the end? i know you thought it'd be major...

Buzz
The champion of the Bravo 1.4
& now ex owner of a Bravo 1.8

 

[stephen01]

the citroen needs a new or S/H gearbox, cheapest 2nd hand one i have seen was 250+50 delivery, removal of my old box was approx 200, also while this is off i have been advised to change the clutch,approx 100 pounds for the parts, which i think would be a good idea tbh. also i have a mystry oil leak from where the g-box and engine mate up i was advised this could be a simple fix or could lead to something a lot more serious .

As the citroen was not in showroom condtion i decided to buy Robins car.
The wife has brought me a tool set for xmas so im going to attempt to change the box myself, never done anything like this before but i like a challange also haynes dont do a manual for the c5!! should be fun.

hopefully when the citroen comes out the garage it will be like a new pin, well thats the plan anyway.

 

[Buzz]

Isn't a rebuild possible with yours? ie, has it exploded or summat? When my 1.8 box went it was removed at a fiat specialist, shipped off to some guy about 30 miles away who rebuilt it and replaced some parts (seals and stuff i guess, g-boxes are like black magic to me) and sent back with an invoice for £300. A new clutch went in costing £120 and then refitted. Was like new after that and has done 40k since then. Total bill was a tad over £700 but its still goin strong including the clutch. (i've probably just jinxed the new owner mind you.) Whole thing took under a week.

Buzz
The champion of the Bravo 1.4
& now ex owner of a Bravo 1.8

 

[stephen01]

could do a rebuild but guy wants 175 to strip plus parts, i dont know what to do with it tbh if i send it off to be fixed and its gona cost 300-400 total what do i do?? or do i get a s/h box and hope for the best??

it will be in my garage soon (if it fits) and i can start work on it. im sure ill be on here asking for advise along the way while im on it will i need circlip pillars to remove a driveshaft? someone was telling me they are needed and as i have never done anything like this i dont know

 

[Anonymous]

No, you should not need circlip pliers to remove the driveshaft

 

[Anonymous]

BACK TO TOPIC PLEASE.

 

[Buzz]

apart from the cowardly anon poster, we're the only ones keeping this thread on the front page of BOO.

No-one has any suggestions. Its not exactly the time of year for getting much response anyway. Furthermore, your post didn't contribute anything useful either


Buzz
The champion of the Bravo 1.4
& now ex owner of a Bravo 1.8

 

[Anonymous]

is the kompressor supercharged?

 

[Anonymous]

thanks first annon