opinions needed - ae100 shape diesels

[.:O4AGTZ:.]

Are these any good? EG what are they like in terms of fuel consumption and reliability.

Trying to figure out in my head whether it is worth looking into depending on how much driving I actually do (RUCs as well obviously).

Cheers!

[BZG Wagon]

My flatmate had one and it was as basic as anything, slow, rattled to death. One hell of a workhorse though.

Never had any issues with it - diesels in general are bullet proof. GF's parents auto diesel caldina recently flicked over 380,000 kms and just required a new head gasket. Other then that it's had no big issues.

[Lloyd]

Pretty good cars really, if you just want something to get from A to B. Will be a C series diesel, CE100. Check the pump isn't leaking, and cambelt is done and it has antifreeze in it. The basics really.

[fuel]

I had a CT190 Corona with 2C non-turbo, and for a miserably bland sh*tbox it was actually not a bad car. I just did what was asked of it without issues. Fuel economy was alright for what it was, but couldn't help but wonder if it could be any better. You could definitely tell it was an old Jap diesel by the lack of power, rattleyness of the engine and amount of smoke which came out the back.

If going with a diesel daily driver I would look at the Europeans like the Peugeot 306 and 406 diesels, similar capacity but much more powerful and very frugal on fuel. Just as reliable too, which a shame that can't be said about the car surrounding the engine. Though that's the price you pay for something which is more entertaining than a dishwasher to drive.

[matt dunn]

Just hope they dont shit the alternator,