What's The Best Used Diesel Car?

[rixalex]

Just wondering what would be a good used diesel car.

I've noticed the Passat TDi in the used car market, and it seems to represent pretty good value, especially when considering its high new list price.

Anyone with experience of this car, or for that matter any diesel? Can be any size or model, but i am interested in cars as opposed to pick-ups.

And furthermore, with LPG and NGV conversions available, are diesels worth looking for, bearing in mind they seem quite scarce?

The attraction of diesel as i see it is that diesel motors are long-lasting and reliable, and if you get one with turbo, they can offer quite decent performance too.

So, your thoughts on used diesel cars please...

[Plus]

Passat is probably the only used diesel car in the market, Benz, BMW, and Ford are still new entrants, I doubt you'll find many of them and they won't be cheap.

Converting diesel to LPG or NGV doesn't make much sense unless you drive a lot. Passat should economical enough as it is.

[rixalex]

Passat is probably the only used diesel car in the market, Benz, BMW, and Ford are still new entrants, I doubt you'll find many of them and they won't be cheap.

Converting diesel to LPG or NGV doesn't make much sense unless you drive a lot. Passat should economical enough as it is.

Thanks for your thoughts Plus.

I think you might have slightly mis-understood my comments about LPG/NGV. I wasn't suggesting converting a diesel car to NGV or LPG, but rather questioning what would be the better option, a petrol car that's been converted to LPG/NGV, or a diesel.

Anyway, Passat isn't the only used diesel i've seen out there, but you're right that there aren't many. What about Audi and Volvo?

Experiences anyone?

[Plus]

They, just like Benz and Bimmer, started selling diesels only a couple of years ago. There's also diesel Pegeout, for that matter.

[geoffphuket]

It's always baffled me as to why, in a land of diesel pick-ups, there aren't more cars available.

Ford might introduce their 'new fiesta' in Thailand later this year, lets hope if they do, they'll be an oil burner.

[INTJ]

Just wondering what would be a good used diesel car

1970's Mercedes Benz 240D/300D (W123 series).

[Gary A]

Unfortunately there are very few diesel cars in Thailand. A friend of mine had a Nissan diesel put in an old BMW. Replacing a guzzling gasoline engine with a diesel is something to think about.

[nakhonsi sean]

Just wondering what would be a good used diesel car

1970's Mercedes Benz 240D/300D (W123 series).

I have a 1977 300D, has about 700,000 km on it and its still going strong. Probably the best diesel car ever made considering the period it was produced. Sure, the new turbo diesels are more refined and faster but dought they will last as long.

[VocalNeal]

What nobody like the Focus TDI?

Focus TDI

136hp and more torque (talk) than a ThaiVisa forum poster.

[rixalex]

What nobody like the Focus TDI?

Focus TDI

136hp and more torque (talk) than a ThaiVisa forum poster.

Sure, great cars, but we are discussing good used buys, and the Focus is too new to make a reasonable used purchase. Maybe in a few years yes.

[VocalNeal]

Oops .

Given the current "climate" I would think adding LPG to any used car would outweigh the benefits of driving a diesel. Of course if one wishes to buy a car and drive it into the ground then maybe a diesel. But BKK taxis get 300,000kms on LPG OK some are a bit rough but others are good.

Some people experience a slight drop in power with LPG but one would also suffer the same drop, car for car, if the diesel is not turbo charged.

I would be interested in anyone who runs a diesel car who can tell us the fuel consumption.

[Plus]

Passat is a good, solid car and with diesel it will be as cheap as LPG. The only problem is VW unclear strategy in Thailand - it might reflect on service and spare parts cost.

Also I believe Thai Passats still have only "first" generation diesels, the ones VW introduced about ten years ago.

[nakhonsi sean]

Oops .

Given the current "climate" I would think adding LPG to any used car would outweigh the benefits of driving a diesel. Of course if one wishes to buy a car and drive it into the ground then maybe a diesel. But BKK taxis get 300,000kms on LPG OK some are a bit rough but others are good.

Some people experience a slight drop in power with LPG but one would also suffer the same drop, car for car, if the diesel is not turbo charged.

I would be interested in anyone who runs a diesel car who can tell us the fuel consumption.

I get between 10-16 km per litre in my old Merc but the fuel prices now are hurting me. If I did not buy another old Merc diesel I would go for LPG for sure. (Just love these old Mercedes, so probably an old 230E or 280E) Had three LPG converted cars back in Europe, Land Rover, pug 504 and a granada estate, all excellent.