Quote:
Originally Posted by lowglider
If your iS is in good condition (will not need costly repairs in the near future) then I`m for LPG all the way. Because you get to keep all the fun while driving a lot cheaper, not to mention that LPG is friendlier to the enviroment and also to the engine, you can prolong oil changes with it.
Getting another used car is always a lottery and diesels under £1000 are prone to rattle, leak, smoke, understeer and be a pain in the arse way more than a 318iS can ever be.
As from personal experience, years ago I went from an E34 to a 1.8Td Mondeo and although the Mondeo was 6 years younger, driving it was always a sob story compared to the joys of the BMW, not to even start mentioning the build quality difference and repair nightmares.
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That’s very fair comment you make..I simply cant afford a new enough Ford/mazda/toyota to get the same feeling of quality.
Certainly the element of “ better the devil you know” makes keeping the iS a prudent option..wonder how much a 320d lump is?
Quote:
Originally Posted by euromodder
Given the premium for diesel in the UK, I suggest you look for something fairly light and extra-frugal like the VW / Seat / Skoda TDi - maybe even audi if you can get a decent one in that price range.
You're not going to like the SDi versions - frugal but agonizingly slow. 
If you pick the right TDi, you can run on biodiesel. |
I’d thought of that, but the PD/various engine codes can be a nightmare to work out..
the Sdi on the other hand in say, a Skoda Felicia Estate on coilovers.. could be a hoot!
Quote:
Originally Posted by euromodder
Are the conversions that cheap in the UK ?
Here you'd be looking at 1500-2500 euro.
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I’ve fired off some emails for a quote..
If I assume 35mpg on LPG (I know it drops mpg circa 10%), and a cost of £0.70 a litre, then 18000 miles costs £1636.56…So even at £1000 it pays back in a year
Quote:
Originally Posted by ConnClark
get a 1982 to 1985 Mercedes 300D with a five speed manual. Then import an American engine with the turbo. The turbo models got better mileage and had more power . Its weird they never sold them in Europe.
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That’s an awesome suggestion!
Except for 3 things:
1. I already have a very old daily driver (my 1988 320i) so get my fix of hammer based maintenance
2. The W123/124 tend to be pretty rotten over here now, especially in my sub £1000 price bracket
3. The burd wouldn’t drive it! The iS is currently her daily, so whatever replaces it must be liked by her.