Decided to buy a diesel

For the best fuel consumption, yes.

Okay if you want the ultimate in fuel consumption, then a Citroen AX or Saxo, Peugeot 106 or Metro 1.4 or 1.5 diesel is probably the way to go given your mileage.

These little tinkers have just about the best fuel consumption going, but...

For a grand you can buy something Mondeo sized and diesel. Yes, it'll be a little bit thirstier, but it will be a darned sight more comfortable on your route...

I ran an AX 1.5D a few years ago. Did 70 mpg on a run and servicing was a piece of cake. As with any diesel engine, regular oil and filter and fuel filter changes and proper coolant changed regularly and bled properly are crucial.

Have also run a Mondeo 1.8TD. It did about 45 mpg but was a bit of a dog. A good Citroen ZX 1.9D should see you sorted, or a Rover 218SD also with a PSA engine.

The message from "Stuart Gray" contains these words:

I'm about to scrap my diesel Maestro!

One of my mates mentioned the ZX - do you know what mileage it gets? Uses the same engine as the Pug?

Shudder !!!! I used to have a petrol 1.3 LX Maestro, engine was fine with intensive servicing to keep it in tune, but the electrics !!!!!! Oh Boy !!!! I bought it at 6000 miles/ 6 months old for £6000 ( I think) and sold it 2 years later for £500. Electrics went, gearbox went, driveshafts went, I went !!!! Worst car I ever owned after the Talbot Solara I bought ....... hmmmmmm.... just noticed the 666 thing - never saw that before I typed this out. Explains a lot though.

The message from "Stuart Gray" contains these words:

D'yer know, of all the things I've ever had go wrong with the three Maestros we've had (and not an awful lot's gone wrong) electrics ain't one of 'em.

The Montego I've just bought however has a history of electrical prombles.

Last meastro i ever touched rusted so much it was like a contest between metal that hadnt been beaten to death by rust and the rust as to which wieghed the most in the car :) mind you we did live near fleetwood when we owned that car :) but the 1.3 on the motorway was true dog with all 4 gears getting you no where slowly! :)

thereabouts

Not the French 1.4D which is prone to head gasket eating,

Hi Stuart

That's her problem, make her walk, i wouldn't dump a favourite car over a mother in law!!

LOL !!!! No chance of getting rid of the Volvo - It's my 4th one and I love 'em !!!!!!

Mid forties.

The 1.9D will be slower than the TD but cheaper to run, insure and buy. It is the same engine as the Pug and the Rover 218D. As I said before evidence of past servicing is everything. These engines will take high mileage with plenty of love and attention.

Cheers Doc, I'm more or less settled on the Pug 205 1.9 D ie. non turbo. Some really good prices out there, and loads of spares about. The Pug actually handles quite well too even with that lump of iron in the front. Does anyone know if power steering is built in? I know one of me mates old

We had a clio diesel from new until a year ago when SWMBO changed her job and needed a 'city' car. Clutch heavy, steering heavy at low speed (unless you get one with power-steering, which I would recommend). But otherwise a cracking trouble-free little car. Shoe-horn a 1.9 diesel into a small car and its a bit of a pocket-rocket but with the clio's legendary 'big car feel'. Very economical, we did nearly 100k in it and would still have it now were it not for the change in circs. She sees it from time to time around the city and it's still going strong.

In news:40a51c6b$0$20507$ snipped-for-privacy@news-text.dial.pipex.com, Stuart Gray decided to enlighten our sheltered souls with a rant as follows

Peugeot 205 XRAD Van.

Fastest known thing to mankind, but I've never seen one in a petrol station..

must be good on fuel..

Agreed to a point... but I was just on about absolute best fuel consumption.

our

Found a Polo 1.0 petrol, 11 months MOT, new exhaust, 1 months tax, not a pretty car - but going for £150 (friend of a friend) that should keep me motoring cheap while I look for a good diesel. Can't go wrong at £150. Might even keep it for No.1. son who's just turned 17 if it's worth it. Will check out the car tomorrow hopefully. At least it means I can retire the Volvo from daily commutes.

scrub the above - just got a 205 1.8D N Reg, 68,000 on clock, no rust, all history for £690. 1 Year Mot, 6 months tax, oh and I got a set of GTI rims thrown in too. Happy Bunny time !!!!!! Anyone looking for a cheap Polo? I know where one is !!!!! LOL