… to VAG and Ford. The reliable bit, obviously, rules out anything French or Italian. Suggestions please.

Honda Accord
Toyota Avensis
Mazda6

Honda Accord tourer, I really rate mine. (2.0l petrol).

Stock response a Skoda Octavia

Skoda is part of VAG

mazda 6

No engine problems from my Diesel Rover 75 estate in the 8 years I’ve owned it(or get an MG ZT if you like a sporty look)

Avensis 1.8 petrol.
http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/road-tests/toyota/toyota-avensis-2012-road-test//

It is on my list for when our Yaris dies.

It doesn’t have a diesel particulate filter or a dual mass flywheel or an EGR or a timing belt or a turbo. Any or all of which can lead to tears between the 3rd and 6th years of car’s life.

Reliable?
This will still be going when the apocalypse comes.

CaptainFlashheart – Member

Reliable?
This will still be going when the apocalypse comes.

I like! 😆

I’d happily sell my kidneys, arms and legs for a 300TD in that sort of condition! RHD preferred.

Think big … Get a Toyota previa. You can stand 4 mtbs upright in to back.

Even had a Motox bike – with the front wheel off.

Had one 8 years and only changed the oil and brake pads

No votes for Volvo?

Mazda 6 here. Still got it two years in now.

BMW,Audi?

You’d rule out a 2.0HDI Peugeot or Citroen?

Peugeot or Citroen?

RE
LI
AB
LE

See?

ElShalimo – Member
Skoda is part of VAG

POSTED 53 MINUTES AGO # REPORT-POST

And isn’t the Mazda 6 a Mondeo basically too?

CaptainFlashheart – Member

I’d happily sell my kidneys, arms and legs for a 300TD in that sort of condition! RHD preferred.

Spare parts might be difficult to get and I bet the mechanic/garage might see you coming …

😆

This will still be going when the apocalypse comes.

I had one of those for a few years…lovely car. Sold it sbout 8 years ago and still regret it.

Dull, dull dull.

Get an Alfa.

Spare parts might be difficult to get and I bet the mechanic/garage might see you coming …

I have a W123. I also have a very good local specialist for older Mercs. 🙂

The reliable bit, obviously, rules out anything French or Italian.

Load of rubbish.

BMW with a big n/a engine.

Honda 2.4 accord here. Replaced a battery in 5yrs and routine servicing. No turbos, dpf, clutch (auto). Not too fast, economical or fabulous to drive but comfy and reliable.

Load of rubbish.

+1. 2 months of investigating clutch and DMF problems with diesel Alfas has revealed more Passats drop those and their gearboxes than 159’s.

Get a 159sw sport wagon OP. Live the dream. I’ve gone from dull essex Middlesex boy to this overnight:

Subaru Legacy

Dull, dull dull.

Get an Alfa.

+1 🙂

… to VAG and Ford. The reliable bit, obviously, rules out anything French or Italian. Suggestions please.

The 02 Citroen C5 estate I bought off here five years ago is still going strong. Bought at 60k now at 120k. I’ve only replaced tyres, brakes, an exhaust section, an alternator pulley, and a steering rack.

Best £1300 I’ve ever spent.

Mazda 6. Or put a Jaguar logo on a Mondeo.

But really, why not Ford or VAG? Might help understand what you’re looking for.

08 on Citroen c5 exclusive tourer huge car daft suspension surprisingly reliable. Mines on 120k now and has had a steering rack replaced at 90k thats it. Also take a look at the peugeot 508

My old 406 HDi survived years and over 100k of my neglect and abuse without complaining much. Is molly on here to remind us how reliable Passats are?

But really you should get an Alfa.

159 SW Q4. 3.2 V6 with 4WD

When vag and ford start making reliaBle motors your starement might be valid.

Best part about french cars is everyone believes they are all unreliable- hence i get bargains

Anyway – how about romainian – i give you the dacia locan. – not because i recomend itbut because it fits your blinkered criteria 🙂

aracer – Member
My old 406 HDi survived years and over 100k of my neglect and abuse without complaining much. Is molly on here to remind us how reliable Passats are?

He’s busy trying to work out what to do with the bits left over from his last ‘minor repair’…

159 SW Q4. 3.2 V6 with 4WD

This. Arguably the best looking estate money can buy with a good engine/platform under it, no mention of running costs/mpg so could be the ideal car… maybe.

On a budget, a Pug 406 hdi will run FOREVER – 200k+ with minimal fuss/cost easily.

If looks aren’t important, something Jap.. with big turbos.

Failing that… Lamborghini Miura

Volvo v70 – 54 plate 135k miles, had a little bit of tinkering – new rear calipers and handbrake mech rebuilt on both brakes, front wishbones but not bad considering it was rammed in a wall by my Mrs when we bought it 5 years ago (i rebuilt it myself with ebay bodypanels) and has done a few flat out euro trips as well as being massively overloaded for the wifes business on a daily basis.
Galved/zinc bodywork so no rust anywhere, great seats, very comfortable long distance cruiser, just ok in tight twisty stuff but its not built for that.

Easy to spanner, genuine parts arnt bad price wise.

BUT only the 2.4 petrol – big lazy 5 cylinder lump with no turbo or diesel related crap to go wrong. Flush the autobox every few years and it’ll last forever.

Awesome car would buy another tomorrow without a 2nd thought.

http://www.volvoclub.org.uk/hmc/index.php

The reliability thing was based on a number of friends and colleagues experiences with French and Italian cars – i.e. they’ve had some proper ‘mares, over the years.
VAG? Seems to be the “go to” but stories about post 3year electrical problems and all the usual diesel issues worry me as I’m hoping to keep the car for, at least, five years (or until I can convince the missus to give up the caravan).
Ford? I have one………it’s reliable but dull.
I keep looking at the Mazda 6, though……..

What age of car are you looking at?

I’ve had a 2005 Mazda 6 estate for the past 2 years. Odometer now shows 125k+ miles and it’s never let me down.

Wouldn’t say it was interesting though. Plastics in the cabin aren’t great but it’s comfy for me (6’6″) and been faultless.

Rear seats collapse flat without lifting the bench and it’s been a useful tip car.

Edit – should say 2.0L petrol. There were some question marks about early diesels iirc.

Looking at 2013-ish, whatever I finish up with.