On the hunt for an fresh car and I'm struggling.

Criteria :

Diesel - the more economical the better.

Comfortable over long distance for larger adults (100mile plus per day)

Electric windows

Air Con (pref dual zone)

Cruise control

Manual

Under 90K on the clock

Budget £6k-£8k

Now I'm looking at various offerings from VAG - Octavia, older Superbs, Passats, Jettas, Audi A4s with the 1.9 and 2.0 TDI engines.

I've even looked as Ford Mondeos and Volvo V50 2.0Ds.

But i'm confused, especially over the 2.0 tdi pds from VAG - which ones have a DPF?

Also, do the 2.0 TDCI mondeos have a DPF?

The Volvo one is Euro 4 compliant, which is supposed to be a DPF model, plus additive? Sounds like a faff and a major pain. It's not as fuel efficient as the VAG stuff mind you.

Is the ford unit still chain driven, or have they moved to belt driven cams as a result of the tie up with PSA?

And a few of the A4 TDI's have TDV in the description. There's a mix of views out there about this, with some suggesting this is Audi's way of saying DPF......true?

And finally, are the any options I've not considered?

Think everything you've listed has a DPF lol

I'd go for a Octy DSG myself

Everything Euro4+ has a DPF and probably a DMF too.

I think the Fords are belted now.

Have you had a look at Kia? Some of their used cars might still have 4yr of warranty left at that sort of price bracket.

I didn't think the 140bhp vag diesel had dpf? (at the age were looking at)

The PD140 didn't in most cases when fitted to the octy, but the PD170 and 8v PD140 (and possibly some others) do have it.

Edited 2 August, 201213 yr by cheezemonkhai

Is there a way to identify if an Octy has a dpf? Seen an 07 L&K estate 2.0 which is ticking the right boxes so far...

Also, any views on the Honda Accord 2.2 icdti estate? I believe these are chain driven cam, not belt, and non-dpf.

On paper, little difference in performance, though I am slightly disturbed by a review that said there was no dash display for fuel consumption/range in the Accord. I need to check that out.

And disturbingly perhaps, I find myself drawn to an 06 BMW 3 series 2.0D ES......costs the same to ensure as the Octy and the Honda.....chain driven etc.....certainly looks to hold it's value more. Should I?

Edited 3 August, 201213 yr by Gwilo

Honda 2.2d is a chain cam and they do have dpfs but I you'd need to check if the one your looking at does or not, especially if it's a round the 2006-2007 vintage when these things seem to come in.

you can get some idea of real world mpg here - http://www.spritmonitor.de/en/

I quite like them, allegedly they are boring but them most cars these days are a bit dull.

3 series drives very nicely, but do check for issues with flap valves, turbos etc.

I don't think an 07 L&K will have a DPF, but there is a code on the sticker in the boot. Take a pic of the sticker and then decode it via one of the online tools.

3 series drives very nicely, but do check for issues with flap valves, turbos etc.

I don't think an 07 L&K will have a DPF, but there is a code on the sticker in the boot. Take a pic of the sticker and then decode it via one of the online tools.

Top tip on the boot sticker, thanks!

I'll give it a try and see what happens. ex-fleet, so motorway mileage means should have done re-gen cycles properly and should have been well maintained.

I'm currently driving the old mans 54 reg 320d (E46) with no swirl flap issues. He has just had a new turbo, but at 123,000 miles, I suppose that's not too bad. Lovely motorway cruiser. As the one I'm looking at is an E90, I'd hope for the same sort of longevity. Currently on 88K, but serviced by BMW all it's life. I suppose I can always attempt negotiation on price to have the flaps bypassed by a local indie later.....

I think the flap issue has really been sorted on the E90.

Check which engine you have, the older M47N and M47N2 were susceptible to swirl flap failure, the newer N47 have a new cartridge design which does not fail.

Front wishbones/bushes can be a weak point but not the end of the world. Price, crap ride (on M-sport suspension / big alloys) and hassle of runflats might put you off and you'll hate the car if it snows; love it if it doesn't.

I like beemers bit the styling of the last 5yrs just doesn't agree with me.

SWMBO got a used (10) 1 series recently and I was surprised just how hard the dealer tried to get her business. She got a pretty good deal, better than she was offered on a similarly priced Vx Astra.

Well an 06 E90 would place it as the last iteration of the M47. The N47 didn't come online in the 3 till 2008 with the 'ed' ( a disturbing abbreviation if ever there was). So might still be vulnerable to swirl flaps, though the design was amended for the E90.

£250 to supply and fitmest of swirl flaps at a local indy in London, although reading around I'm not sure it's really that bigger problem especially on the later cars with the redesigned flaps. Maybe something I'll consider in the future. Mine has M-sport suspension and run-flats and Ive had no complaints about the ride (with lots of non-car aka fussy people travelling in it) and tbh, it's much more comfortable and compliant than my last few cars which all had "sports suspension".

I would

Chris