After running a little Clio 1.5DCi for about 10 months while I was rebuilding my new S2000 I've decided I want to get myself a decent DERV that will be comfortable and reliable for a couple of years.

The option I keep coming back to at the moment is a mk5 Golf GT TDi with the PD140 engine.

I've also considered an A3 2.0 TDI Sport but I'm not sure I can get one I'd like for my budget as I only like them if they have S Line wheels or extras and don't want the 1.9 TDI as they're slow as hell.

I've also briefly considered an Alfa GT 1.9 JTD as they look bloody gorgeous...but I'm always worried that having an Alfa as a daily might not be the best of ideas given their track record for reliability!

The question is what are my other options (bar a Skoda)

Budget isn't huge, about £4k, want it to be about 2004/2005 with less than 100k on the clock.

 

Roids ran a skoda

We have a 2008 plate Gulf. It's a good motor tbf, had one issue with a bonnet switch but other than that 50mpg and the GT handles well for what it is. They aren't cheap though.

 

Get the Leon diesel equivalent of the Golf, same car, much cheaper.

 

I did think about that but for 4k it would be the older shape PD150 and I think they look really dated now.

EDIT: I just looked and there are a couple around for about £4500 but that's stretching my budget a little.

 

As mentioned ... Seat or Skoda with the VAG 140bhp diesel engine ... same reliability but not paying for the VW badge - that said in my limited experience looking at them the plastics are a lot cheaper in the Seat and Skoda ... but it depends what you want.

No shame in a Skoda these days !

 

I have not looked at prices, but big saloons, motorway barges were coming down in price really quickly, so E Class, 5 Series, Mondeo, etc, dunno if you can get a diesel one of them for less than £4k?

 

Civic.

 

CR-V

 

I used to run chipped Alfa jtd. No problems only with bushes. I was of the same mindset about an Alfa but asked myself how often do you see them broken down.

Plus a mate had a lot of trouble with a 150hp golf. Engine, turbo had to be replaced.

GT coupe mmmm. Plus I have a decat pipe in my garage.

 

Most problems with alfa's are poor maintenance/mechanics. I know a very good Alfa race mechanic in Aylesbury.