Peugeot, Citroen, Vauxhall or Rover?

[Station]

I'm selling/saying goodbye three of my cars in the next couple of weeks and want to replace with a sensible diesel.

I like Peugeot 405s, Citroen BX's, Astra mk3 estate 1.7TD, and Rover 75CDTi's.

Peugeots have the reliability thing, BX is quirky which I like, but both have that French stigma, which I find stands for thin metal and rattly interiors, I already have a mk3 but they're solid and reliable and can't really fault them as a workhorse, and the 75 had the modern thing going for it (softer ride, lack of rust, more chance of long term ownership, etc).

Have I missed any out? I don't like any Fords or Italian cars.

[Rocket88]

Octavia tdi, or if you can find one, sdi, [PD engine and 5 speed box, autos are usually shafted much beyon 100k miles.] Seat bolster will be worn, abs light on dash is usually a cracked fuse that lives on top of the battery, diverter valves, air mass meters, and egr valves are usual suspects for poor performance/mpg, all fixed pretty cheaply. Not a lot else, really, should do 250k miles without breaking sweat [or bank]

[Junkman]

Not liking Fords is a problem, because the car you should buy is a Mondeo.

Out of the bunch you mentioned, the Rover would be my no brainer, although I should have said BX, of course.

[Rocket88]

Rover 75 is good.........apart from the hilarious clutch slave cylider set up................

[Station]

I'd go for an Octavia, but would prefer an A3 TDi. They're a bit too new though.

I'd have to say no to Fords as I don't like the sound of wind whistling through the gaps in the doors I'm afraid (amongst other things).

[Mr Lobster]

SEAT Leon / Toledo TDi ?

[dollywobbler]

I'm not convinced by the 75. It's a good car, but not a great car. Things like that stupid clutch set-up are very annoying. They are pleasant old buses to cruise around in though.

 

Peugeot 405s have many of the faults of the BX. Flimsy trim being the main one. My current BX is lovely though. Scarcely a rattle. The Green Tiger was improved dramatically by inserting a tiny piece of wood into the instrument binnacle surround (which is why VA, you must never remove it!).

 

Ultimate cheap motor has to be the Vauxhall Cavalier Mk3 with the Isuzu turbo diesel. They seem to run forever. Do consider the Rover 200/400 with the L-Series Turbo Diesel as well.

[Rocket88]

SEAT Leon / Toledo TDi ?

 

if you can find a good one, they don't seem as well built as their Skoda relatives.............

[Cavcraft]

Ok, using the figures you supplied, here's the logical conclusion:

 

75 x 3 = 225. 405 - 225 = 180. 180 x 1.7 = 306.

 

I have space in my inbox and can meet you at Chester station.

[Junkman]

Why on earth should a Rover 75 have a fuggin clutch slave cylinder?

One doesn't get up from the sofa and walk to the telly to switch programs either in this time and age.

[John F]

+1 for the VAG diesel here.

 

Unless you can find a nice Mk 3 Cav TDi.

[dollywobbler]

Why on earth should a Rover 75 have a fuggin clutch slave cylinder?

One doesn't get up from the sofa and walk to the telly to switch programs either in this time and age.

 

It's not just that it has one, it's the fact that it's INSIDE the bellhousing, so you have to drop the 'box to access it. To be fair, that's BMW's stupid fault, not Rover's.

[Rocket88]

If you replace the slave cylinder, the received wisdom is to change the master cylinder as well.............what a fun packed job that is!

[eddyramrod]

Why on earth should a Rover 75 have a fuggin clutch slave cylinder?

One doesn't get up from the sofa and walk to the telly to switch programs either in this time and age.

 

+1,000,000! I couldn't agree more, there's no place for such antiquated, outmoded, distracting manual labour nowadays. You need to keep your eye on the idiots coming at you from all angles with the sole intention of killing you! That's the reality of modern British road use.

 

Anyway, back to topic: Rover 75, with the proper gearbox. Says the bloke driving a manual Peugeot daily.....

[warren t claim]

You deffo need a Mk4 Golf. TDi In red.

[Lacquer Peel]

Peugeot 405s have many of the faults of the BX. Flimsy trim being the main one.

 

1993-on 405s are much better built inside, with a blander dashboard made from many fewer pieces, they are very rust-resistant too, and their pedal boxes don't break.

 

I've been thinking about pre-PD Skoda or SEAT TDIs for my next car, can't quite bring myself to buy VAG shit though. Will probably just look for the best XUD powered car I can find.

[skattrd]

No complaints from me with my pre-pd 110bhp bora or VAG powered Volvo, both have their merits.

The boring is averaging 58mpg and the Volvo is super comfy.

 

However if I was choosing another diesel motor, it'd likely be a Rover 75 cdti with a RoverRon tuning box.

Do your research before buying one though, as they can have expensive issues, injectors and other things.

Does anyone know what the autoboxes are like on 75 dizzlers?

 

An Isuzu powered Cav or Astra could be interesting, they can have their boost turned up quite a lot.

[Mr Lobster]

SEAT Leon / Toledo TDi ?

 

if you can find a good one, they don't seem as well built as their Skoda relatives.............

 

Don't know how good Skodas are but my Toledos been fuggin ace. Probably the best car I have ever had in terms of enjoyment, usefulness and not going wrong.

[Split_Pin]

Rover 75 for me, one of the few cars made in the last 10 years that has a proper character.

 

I think you'll find most Vauxhalls with hydraulic clutches had the slave inside the bellhousing as well, its just that the Rover item seems to have more reports of failures and therefore creating the stigma that has stuck with them for so long.

 

DOn't let that put you off. If the worst happens, take it to a garage that knows their shit, as it were, and you'll find that the 16-hour or so book time for a clutch change is nonsense. Joining the Owners Club is a must.

 

Even better find a diesel auto one (check reverse gear I think).

 

My folks neighbour has a diesel 75 tht he doesnt use much now and I'm keeping my ear to the ground about it.