I am just curious about this guys as I am far from decided on what car I will end up buying but I expect it to be around 8-10 years old. I do not need the extra mpg of diesel but it would be a bonus to have cheaper tax and now cheaper filling costs with diesel!

The main query I have is reliability. Obviously it varies from one manufacturer to another but I have heard that NA petrol engines are generally more reliable and cheaper to fix than turbo diesels. Things like blown turbos seem to crop up in reader reviews.

Any thoughts please? LL.B (Hons) - University of Derby
LOT (Lord of Time) - University of Gallifrey

Any offers? Perhaps some members have mechanical/technical expertise and knowledge and can comment from personal experience? LL.B (Hons) - University of Derby
LOT (Lord of Time) - University of Gallifrey

Personally I go for German branded big engines for my business use which is generally around 100k per annum
I change cars a lot usually six monthly
The v6 and v8 take the miles well and to date haven't had anything more than standard consumables to replace
The cars I buy are cheap as they are generally 50-70k miles and up to 8 years old as no one wants a 3litre plus car but he company pay my juice so I win all around
Bmw 6 series, 5 series 3series e500 clk350 merc, audi 3.2 and 4.2 had them all and loved them all
Just make sure it has a full history and all the expensive bits like discs, tyres and suspension is perfect to start with
No turbo troubles as you say in 99 percent of German petrol cars, don't need them with 300bhp,

Oh and that's why I drive a 3.2 Volvo powered freelander 2! - FL2 3.2 i6 - There is no Replacement for Displacement

If my wife ever sells my stuff for what I told her I paid for it, there will be some bargains out there!

Thanks for the input. I would imagine if I go petrol it would be a 1.8 or 2.0 engine at a guess because the running costs would be too steep for me on anything bigger. I suppose a comparison in German cars would be a BMW 318i vs a 320d for reliability. LL.B (Hons) - University of Derby
LOT (Lord of Time) - University of Gallifrey

The earlier 320i use a straight six and its a 2.2 litre, had a few and very smooth
Forget the 318, weak and underpowered with negligible fuel economy against the 320
Go for manual rather than auto if less than 2.5 litre, in my opinion you will have to work the auto box too hard if you like a spirited drive
Got an immaculate 2006 e46 325ci msport cabriolet in immola red and black leather on my path for sale at present if you fancy

 - FL2 3.2 i6 - There is no Replacement for Displacement

If my wife ever sells my stuff for what I told her I paid for it, there will be some bargains out there!

Thanks but I'm not ready to buy until March. Very nice car there though  LL.B (Hons) - University of Derby
LOT (Lord of Time) - University of Gallifrey

There's plenty of choice out there, I've always been torn between non German newer cars with lower miles or older german cars that have been meticulously maintained and started life as someone's £50k Pride and joy ready for me to buy for less than £10k just a few years later  - FL2 3.2 i6 - There is no Replacement for Displacement

If my wife ever sells my stuff for what I told her I paid for it, there will be some bargains out there!

I have just sold a Peugeot 207 1.6 2007
In 70 thousand in my ownership one cat £800 + over bits 😡😡
My diesel fl2 0 problems at 76 thousand miles except off road probs 😂😂😂
Tubes can be reconditioned 👍👍 2008 xs
Snorkel
raised axle/gearbox breathers
Mantec tank guard
Cb radio
Blanked EGR
Sump guard
Scratches
Snolkle