Advice on potential MPG PLEASE

[sarah9959]

Hi
Still trying to decide what to do about MOT failure 309 1.3l.

2 possible alternatives:

309 'trio 1.9l diesel with 197k on the clock. (£395)

or

205 automatic 1.6 with 43k on the clock. (£450)

Petrol consumption is big issue for us as do small trips for work mainly, any idea which would be most economical on that front?

Would we need to be concerned about mileage on the 309 (I'm thinking it will be good for many more miles, but not sure)

Many thanks

Sarah

[spider]

The 309D will be far, far more economical by a long way.

The 205 auto, although they are very nice (I could not find one when I was looking) are not that economical as its the XU unit as well rather than the TU (I'd prefer the 1.6 cast block TU tbh in these same as they did with some 306's) , petrol engines on short journeys will use a lot of fuel given the enrichment (choke in effect) . The XU petrol unit is not troublesome, however its more difficult to fix than the TU petrol.

The XUD if looked after including 5K to 6K oil changes, regular coolant changes (every two years) and fresh filters not to mention timing belt etc will last a long time indeed. At this age its worth getting a really good one.

Will await others thoughts too.

[Oldpug]

I agree with the choice of the 309 Diesel brilliant old cars,its done a lot of miles but providing its been looked after it wont be a problem.I still have an early 306 Diesel (same engine)that was my workshop courtesy car for ten years BEFORE! I retired.Its now the family "truck", done 170K,gets abused, and refuses to die,tuff as old boots.

[sarah9959]

Thanks for advice.

Went for diesel, really like it, feels like a tank to drive but I could do with some upper body exercise anyway!

Will change cambelt, oil and coolant as precautions and hope to have pleny of miles from the old girl.

Sarah

[spider]

Good one.

Might as well throw in a fuel and air filter while you are there too.

Does it not have power steering ? , some of the last ones did.