Economy & reliability

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Omega

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I know there have been lots of threads and comments on car-related issues but I need advise on a specific question.
I'm upgrading my 1999 Corolla diesel later this year and am utterly confused by the vast array of choices out there. I can get a new Skoda 1.9 diesel for the price of a 2-year old Avensis - which? - or should I get a 2-year old Octavia? I need a reliable car to do about 18,000 miles per annum, with a very strong emphasis on economy. Are these 1.5 litre diesel engines (Hyundai, etc.) any good or are they just not powerful enough? I'm not looking for style, looks, etc. but want a safe, reliable economical car. Any comments? Thanks.
 
For your mileage def. Diesel. Generally the bigger the car the more stable and more comfortable it is on the road, so an Octavia sounds good to me, but because the new model octavia is out about a year or so, there should be very good deals out there in the older model.
General rule of thumb, avoid buying new , try 2 or 3 or more years old low mileage diesel.


Check
www.carzone.ie
 
Octavia has a 1.9 TDI {Diesel} Volkswagon engine your really getting a VW but at a discounted price. The Skoda has come a long way

What's Good

New Octavia on Audi A3/Golf V PQ35 floorpan with same range of engines, plus entry 75PS 1.4 16v. 4,572 mm (15’ 0”) x 1,769 mm (5’ 10”) x 1,431 mm. Luggage capacity (5 seats up): 560 litres. Luggage capacity (rear seats folded): 1,350 litres. Kerb weight: 1,420 – 1,545kg (excluding driver). Braked Towing Weights (12% slope): 900 – 1,400kg. Well received by press. Good to drive ands good value. 105PS 1.9TD probably the most sensible choice; obviously slower than TDI 140 but still does 120mph so more than fast enough for most people. TDI 105 DSG a bit disappointing. Can't be driven quickly without constantly changing gear, but reasonable at lower speeds.

4 star NCAP occupant safety rating, 2 star pedestrian impact rating and 4 star child protection rating.

Launched Frankfurt Show September 2005 in UK December 2005, 200bhp vRS hatch has a 0-60mph of 7.0 seconds and top speed 149mph. Torque is 280Nm at 1800 to 5000 rpm. Available in hatch and estate versions. Estate does 0-60mph in 7.2 seconds with top speed 148mph.

Road test Octavia 105 and 140 diesels at www.honestjohn.co.uk/road_tests/index.htm?id=132

More at www.skoda.co.uk

What's Bad

Wiper rain sensors over sensitive; individual climate controls may not work properly. Plastic timing belt tensioners of 1.6 16v engines now failing regularly, though fortunately the belts are rarely flung off when this happens. Software problem with electro-hydraulic power steering system. Reports of battery leakdown drain from radio.

What to Watch Out For

See above.

Good Luck ;)
 
Definitely go with the VAG 1.9 TDi engine if you can get one (i.e VW/Audi/Skoda/Seat).

Try and get a trip computer too... great for extending your fuel economy. Wouldn't pay extra for it as an option on a new car, but on a second-hand car it's a "gimme" really.
 
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