I'd avoid the Toyota diesel if I were you. Although Toyota have quite an enviable reputation for reliability, not so their diesel engines. I had considered both Toyota & Lexus (posh Toyota) diesels in the past, but after a bit of research it would appear the Toyota diesel is far from being the paragon of reliability.

They're also pretty dirty with a much higher C02 rating than I'd have thought, compared to a wheezy VAG 1.9 of an older pedigree.

We know the cars that the Manufacturers build to be Fleet cars for Sales Reps. (Travellers as i still call them. 'Travelling sales people')

 

These are the Motorway mile munchers that have all the bits and pieces as standard that are needed for high mileage drivers.

The world is your oyster which manufacturer you go with, but Ford & Vauxhall have a good choice.

 

george

I ran an Astra diesel for over 12 months.  The 1.9 has some issues, the 1.7 less so, being an older, proven design (adapted Isuzu).  It's not the most athlectic block, but it is reliable and good on fuel.  My only concern is that visibilty out of the rear, with those thick C-panels might turn out to be an issue over time ( as it became for me).

 

Steer well clear of the Mondeo (and this might apply to the focus too)  The DMF on them is notorious for going, with little warning and when it does, it means a new clutch, flywheel and starter motor.  You're looking at a bill for anywhere between £1100-£1700 to replace.  On a car that's racking up the mileage and depreciating at the same rate, such a choice might be financial suicide.

I bought a Mondeo TDCi for £6500. 12 months, 24K later, book value  at trade was max £2800.  Replacement DMF etc made it uneconomical to repair. 

 

Try and stick to VAG.  The 1.9 at least doesn't have a DMF.has solid flywheels available (For AFN and B-series codes, still looking for AWX compatible parts myself for the future).

where was the accident Big Jase? I nearly hit a flood on the Glen Section of the A75  the other day. Dark, west bound carraigeway in the dip. Could not see it till nearly upon it I was lucky no none was beside me as I managed to swerve to avoid it. A BIIIG puddle it was too.

A volvo with a D5 lump in it

 

Older Euro 3 would be best though. No DPF to worry about.

where was the accident Big Jase? I nearly hit a flood on the Glen Section of the A75 the other day. Dark, west bound carraigeway in the dip. Could not see it till nearly upon it I was lucky no none was beside me as I managed to swerve to avoid it. A BIIIG puddle it was too.

M74 southbound after abington on a newly re-surfaced straight around the vosa weighbridge

I see must have been scary!

Oh yes he was as white as a sheet

Whatever the most popular make of taxi is is usually a good indication of functionality and reliability.

 

That'll be a Skoda then probably.

He has found a volvo s60 apparently?

Whatever the most popular make of taxi is is usually a good indication of functionality and reliability.

 

That'll be a Skoda then probably.

 

+1 Taxi and or plod.

. A year or so later, the turbo went, following that, ECU issues and various electrical gremlins.

 

 

 

 

let me guess- flat tyre warnings, headlamp bulb warnings, shorting indicators and a cruise control that would turn off mid journey? 

possibly, I remember Startins being in Redditch when I was a kid!

 

 I remember the Startins in Erdington where my nan lived at the time. A selection of god-awful Austin Rovers out front 

If what ever is the best Taxi is a good guide,

then getting the Universal Best Taxi might be an idea as a mile muncher,  4-5 grand will get a Mercedes Heavy Oil user.

(might be getting on for or over 100,000 miles, but if you get an  Motorway Miles one, or an ex Airport Taxi, you can still be fine for the same mileage again plus many more.)

 

Plenty used and in budget kicking about Scotland.

Owners of good ones do tend to hold onto them though.

 

george

+1 Taxi and or plod.

 

Well 'round here, that'll be an Astra then. :think:

 

Hyundai i30 estates are becoming more prevalent now though.

Mazda 6 - very underated cars.

+1 Taxi and or plod.

Vauxhalls here! Don't do it!

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201309058640751/sort/default/usedcars/radius/1501/make/volkswagen/onesearchad/used%2Cnearlynew%2Cnew/engine-size-cars/4l_to_4-9l/postcode/st163jg/page/1/model/passat?logcode=p

 

 Under budget too

But neither diesel nor economical as per the OP's brief....

But neither diesel nor economical as per the OP's brief....

 

 

 Details... Save on purchase price, spend on fuel.

Edited 24 December, 201312 yr by sparks03

let me guess- flat tyre warnings, headlamp bulb warnings, shorting indicators and a cruise control that would turn off mid journey? 

 

Yep that's about right!

Mazda 6 - very underated cars.

Don't these suffer with DMF problems too?

Sure I heard that somewhere

From all the suggestions, it has to be the Octy 1.9 for me, and not just because it's a Skoda

Don't these suffer with DMF problems too?

Sure I heard that somewhere

Mines on 71k and running like a dream.

My suggestion would have to be a 2.4 D volvo either S60, S80 or V70. All brilliant cars and will easily do 400k plus with just service items.

Mines on 71k and running like a dream.

My suggestion would have to be a 2.4 D volvo either S60, S80 or V70. All brilliant cars and will easily do 400k plus with just service items.

I think thats what he is going for

Volvo s60 2.4d

A lot cheaper and better specced than an octavia believe it or not

I think thats what he is going for

Volvo s60 2.4d

A lot cheaper and better specced than an octavia believe it or not

And a lot more reliable than the 2.0. My next car is going to be a V70.

Oh and the aftermath of his current car

Hit standing water, car spun 180 degree's hit the central reservation backwards and then shot off into the barrier on the hardshoulder

He was rather shaken up, and to make matters worse the 5-0 slapped him with £100 fine and 3 points just to kick him while he was down

 

That's stood up well if you ask me. I'm assuming it was not a concrete barrier, but slightly surprised that it's a write off.

 

What was the reason given for the points?

 

I admit if the weather is bad you should be driving more slowly for sure and also driving to the conditions.

Some of the roads however have been pretty aweful, with huge puddles just there on otherwise clear roads, due to drains that have not been cleared in ages.

 

On one road I used to travel, they resurfaced the road and now every time it rains quite heavily there's a huge flood across the carriage way.

 

Still I guess that cuts both ways, you know they're likely bad, so drive slow.