Jobs in the Bag What Car ?
Mar 3rd 2013, 5:31 pm
#47
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Aug 2010
Location: US
Posts: 4,224
Re: Jobs in the Bag What Car ?
I had a Diesel Oldsmobile and I liked it. Once when I was driving long distance I got up one morning and the diesel fuel had turned into a gel so the car wouldn't start. I had it towed to a garage and they waited for it to liquidify as the temperature warmed. I never hear of that happening now so I wonder if they have changed the composition of the fuel?
Mar 3rd 2013, 6:45 pm
#48
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 2,606
Re: Jobs in the Bag What Car ?
I had a Diesel Oldsmobile and I liked it. Once when I was driving long distance I got up one morning and the diesel fuel had turned into a gel so the car wouldn't start. I had it towed to a garage and they waited for it to liquidify as the temperature warmed. I never hear of that happening now so I wonder if they have changed the composition of the fuel?
We always used Heet in our gas powered cars to stop water from freezing in our petrol tanks.
I remember the Diesel Oldsmobiles as I worked for Chevy, Olds, Cadillac dealer in those days...
Mar 4th 2013, 4:00 am
#49
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 433
Re: Jobs in the Bag What Car ?
I believe that diesel is a lot better able to cope with low temps now - certainly the ones likely to be experienced in the UK.
Mar 4th 2013, 4:42 am
#50
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Aug 2010
Location: US
Posts: 4,224
Re: Jobs in the Bag What Car ?
They may have changed, it I dont know, it was common to have semi trucks stuck in winter when I lived in Wyoming, Welding trucks would come along and thaw out the lines.
We always used Heet in our gas powered cars to stop water from freezing in our petrol tanks.
I remember the Diesel Oldsmobiles as I worked for Chevy, Olds, Cadillac dealer in those days...
We always used Heet in our gas powered cars to stop water from freezing in our petrol tanks.
I remember the Diesel Oldsmobiles as I worked for Chevy, Olds, Cadillac dealer in those days...
Mar 4th 2013, 4:41 pm
#51
BE Enthusiast
Thread Starter
Joined: May 2012
Location: Nebraska by the Sea
Posts: 987
Re: Jobs in the Bag What Car ?
Yep, I read that, plus:
Diesel cars cost more to buy
Repairs cost more
There are a couple of interesting articles that show the "tipping point" beyond which you recoup the higher cost of a diesel. You really need to drive a lot of miles and keep the car for about 5 years.
They are better for towing though, and more durable engines, and I think if you particularly want a diesel you should get one regardless of price. My next car I am considering buying a diesel engined car just to try it out (I usually buy cars 5-8 years old, < £5k).
If the OP is interested in a mini-MPV/multi-use car, I was looking at some review videos on YouTube for the Fiat Qubo - looks like an interesting car ... ideal for anyone who wants room for carrying stuff. Citroen Berlingo Multispace is a similar car/van hybrid, but looks a bit like Postman Pat's van ... I don't mind the look of them too much but notice many of the taxis in Glasgow are Berlingos.
Diesel cars cost more to buy
Repairs cost more
There are a couple of interesting articles that show the "tipping point" beyond which you recoup the higher cost of a diesel. You really need to drive a lot of miles and keep the car for about 5 years.
They are better for towing though, and more durable engines, and I think if you particularly want a diesel you should get one regardless of price. My next car I am considering buying a diesel engined car just to try it out (I usually buy cars 5-8 years old, < £5k).
If the OP is interested in a mini-MPV/multi-use car, I was looking at some review videos on YouTube for the Fiat Qubo - looks like an interesting car ... ideal for anyone who wants room for carrying stuff. Citroen Berlingo Multispace is a similar car/van hybrid, but looks a bit like Postman Pat's van ... I don't mind the look of them too much but notice many of the taxis in Glasgow are Berlingos.
Mar 4th 2013, 6:35 pm
#52
Forum Regular
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 140
Re: Jobs in the Bag What Car ?
Yes thanks for that suggestion. The diesel debate is an interesting one. Last time I was in the UK for any length of time I used to drive around in a Peugoet 205 diesel. It was a great car and lasted for years. But I am researching myself whether diesel would be a better option or not, jury is still out for me. I don't need a big car but would like economical like everyone else. I like to hike/climb a lot and will be revisiting all the old favourites in Snowdonia, The Lakes and possibly even Scotland - Glencoe etc in the next few years so will need economy. Definietly leaning toward the Skoda's and Hyundais of the world. Quite shocked actually at how much Toyota's and Honda's cost in the UK. I also have in mind if I get a smaller car I can indulge in a toy - motorbike for myself - purely for fun - no commuting.
I found the 2 Skoda diesels we own are very economical and have lots of torque which are found better than petrol engines when we driven in steep terrain such as the hills around the lakes. I travel at least 18 000 miles a year and found diesel cars really robust and reliable. We have a Fabia estate and Octavia Scout which have good load capacity and can easily carry camping equipment etc for a family of 4.
To get your money of of a diesel car you need to drive a lot and expect to keep the cars for a good few years. Our Fabia diesel is 10 years old and the body work/engine is in good condition and the mileage was clocked 175K last week. I understand the VW TDI engines have been known to clock 300K+, with the record being held at 562K in a Diesel Jetta.
Hudd
Mar 28th 2013, 4:25 pm
#53
Ping-ponger
Joined: Jul 2002
Location: Dreich Alba
Posts: 12,006
Re: Jobs in the Bag What Car ?
If the Superb was that good, it makes the Fabia and Octavia look even better. the Superb is only available as a saloon (or hatchback, can't recall) and is somewhat of a bland/budget version of the other Skodas (has received some pretty bland reviews for that reason - decent performance, decent price, decent kit, all-around decent car, i.e., relatively unexciting).
Mind you, I think it was Jeremy Clarkson who said all of that so what do you expect?
Mind you, I think it was Jeremy Clarkson who said all of that so what do you expect?
First what did you decide to get? Are you going for the Skodas?
Second, I had a "duh" moment - the Superb isn't the budget car (in fact it's the top-end family car!) - it was the new Rapide that I was thinking of. Apparently very reliable but bland, bland, bland.
And last, Skoda has another VAT-free offer going, worth taking a look:
http://www.skoda.co.uk/finance/finance-offers/no-vat
Mar 28th 2013, 10:39 pm
#54
BE Enthusiast
Thread Starter
Joined: May 2012
Location: Nebraska by the Sea
Posts: 987
Re: Jobs in the Bag What Car ?
Thanks for the link I am certainly going to look at Skoda's not sure yet. I saw on another thread someone said nearly 70mpg for a VW Polo, I am going to check that out. Certain irony there as when I left the UK it was a VW Polo I was driving 
I am certainly going to look at Skoda's not sure yet. I saw on another thread someone said nearly 70mpg for a VW Polo, I am going to check that out. Certain irony there as when I left the UK it was a VW Polo I was driving
Mar 28th 2013, 11:57 pm
#55
Ping-ponger
Joined: Jul 2002
Location: Dreich Alba
Posts: 12,006
Re: Jobs in the Bag What Car ?
Skoda Fabia Greenline does over 80 mpg combined and is so low on emmissions it is road tax free.
Mar 29th 2013, 9:00 am
#56
Forum Regular
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 140
Re: Jobs in the Bag What Car ?
The best I have achieved out of my 1.9 TDI Fabia is 74 mpg and that is for a 10 year old car. I currently gets 60-64 mpg on my 30 mile drive to work. I would expect the new TDI's to be more efficient and expect in a new Fabia get 10 mpg more than I currently car. We are considering buying a new TDI Fabia the 1.6 TDI.
Hudd
Mar 29th 2013, 11:32 am
#57
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 4,100
Re: Jobs in the Bag What Car ?
Dunroving
The best I have achieved out of my 1.9 TDI Fabia is 74 mpg and that is for a 10 year old car. I currently gets 60-64 mpg on my 30 mile drive to work. I would expect the new TDI's to be more efficient and expect in a new Fabia get 10 mpg more than I currently car. We are considering buying a new TDI Fabia the 1.6 TDI.
Hudd
The best I have achieved out of my 1.9 TDI Fabia is 74 mpg and that is for a 10 year old car. I currently gets 60-64 mpg on my 30 mile drive to work. I would expect the new TDI's to be more efficient and expect in a new Fabia get 10 mpg more than I currently car. We are considering buying a new TDI Fabia the 1.6 TDI.
Hudd
Mar 29th 2013, 12:02 pm
#58
Ping-ponger
Joined: Jul 2002
Location: Dreich Alba
Posts: 12,006
Re: Jobs in the Bag What Car ?
Bear in mind also that a UK gallon is larger than a US gallon so UK cars appear to have a slightly higher mpg for that reason.
Mar 29th 2013, 12:04 pm
#59
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 4,100
Re: Jobs in the Bag What Car ?
No - mixed use mileage is typically about 40-50mpg for a small to mid-sized petrol engine and 50-60 mpg for a small to mid-sized diesel. Also, note that independent tests usually show true mileage is about 80-90 % of the manufacturers' advertised mileage.
Bear in mind also that a UK gallon is larger than a US gallon so UK cars appear to have a slightly higher mpg for that reason.
Bear in mind also that a UK gallon is larger than a US gallon so UK cars appear to have a slightly higher mpg for that reason.
Mar 29th 2013, 1:00 pm
#60
Forum Regular
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 140
Re: Jobs in the Bag What Car ?
No - mixed use mileage is typically about 40-50mpg for a small to mid-sized petrol engine and 50-60 mpg for a small to mid-sized diesel. Also, note that independent tests usually show true mileage is about 80-90 % of the manufacturers' advertised mileage.
Bear in mind also that a UK gallon is larger than a US gallon so UK cars appear to have a slightly higher mpg for that reason.
Bear in mind also that a UK gallon is larger than a US gallon so UK cars appear to have a slightly higher mpg for that reason.
hudd