New car needed

[piggeh]

Well, I dont come in this section too often. Normally because, owning a Renault 5, cars are the last thing I want to talk about.

However, I'm fed up with my renault 5 now. Monday it wouldnt start, the stereo is busted, one of the seatbelt sockets has fallen apart, etc. In general, it's a bit of a mess. Not bad for a first car I guess, and it gets me from A to B (except on mondays). But I think it's time I look for something to replace it. Renault 5s generally have no street cred whatsoever as well.

I'm looking to buy a diesel car, as I do a fair amount of driving up and down the motroway to go and visit my mates and watch the football. However, apart from a Peugeot 306 TD, I'm out of ideas. I can only really go up to £1k maximum (and dont suggest getting finance - my status is 'bargepole' I think!)

Anyone have any nice suggestions for a fairly cheap diesel car? As long as it can get up to 80 without struggling, and gets off the mark fairly quick, is reliable, economical, and looks better than a renault 5 (what car doesnt?), then I'm open to ideas.

[Fox]

Peugeot 406 or Citroen Xantia TD.

Aircon, full electrics, decent TD engines and cheap to run.

[Knoxville]

Xantia TD.

Been looking at one myself since the TD 90 idea got destroyed by every insurance company I went near

[5lab]

how about something small? the french do a fair number of good little diesel cars..


or, failing that.. volvo 440 tdi? dirt cheap cos no-one wants them, but you should get change from £700 for an absolutely top-notch one, and being a volvo the insurance is CHEAP.

[Jiff Lemon]

I picked up a Citroen ZX TD for £400.
Goes like stink, handles fine for FWD and even when thrashed within a inch of its life round Milton Keynes, it still gives 35+ mpg.

[Tumble]

Been looking at one myself since the TD 90 idea got destroyed by every insurance company I went near

tried cutting out the middle man Knox? I'm with Fortis... 319 FC with an extra driver on... might be worth a try.. I suspect you're getting quotes around the £800 mark everywhere else?

[Knoxville]

£800 would be brilliant, as it is i've getting quotes around £1600 third party fire and theft :-/ will them give em a try tho man cheers

[schmunk]

Renault 5s generally have no street cred whatsoever as well.

What's that you say?

[Rave]

The Citroen ZX TD is basically a rebodied 306 is it not? Should be much cheaper though.

[Zak33]

If its to be a ZX (which is a good idea) try the normal 1.9 not the Turbo. Should be cheaper to buy and run and still better than the R5

[5lab]

wouldnt it be awefully slow?

[iMc]

I can vouch for the ZX, my stepmum had one. Very decent cars as long as the they are in good knick.

Should fit the bill nicely me thinks.

[Zak33]

wouldnt it be awefully slow?

no...I dream of that much power My Cav 1.7 D...now THATS slow

[McMav]

had a 1.9D ZX it wasnt lightning but the 50-60 mpg was very nice
Was however expensive for spares esp for suspension

[Rave]

If it's the same gas suspension as the Xantia etc. you can get reconditioned spheres reasonably cheap, certainly much cheaper than new ones from Citroen themselves. The last couple of issues of Car Mechanics went through the replacement procedure.

[Zak33]

ZX's use springs!!!