Hello, I'm considering browsing for a new car and want a newer 306 than
i currently have. My budget is only £1500, which will get a decent turbo
diesel about 8 years old with around 70k on it, if i'm prepared to
travel. However, i'd quite like a HDi but they are generally starting at
£2000.

I'm wondering if I may be able to get a HDi in my budget at an auction,
but have never been to one and there aren't any in the BCA catalogues
for this week (the free ones on their website.) Am I being realistic?

Those who go to aucitons - do these come up much and can anyone
recommend a good auction in the north west?

I've read many times that auctions aren't what they used to be, and many
joe public buyers go and drive the prices up thinking if it's at auction
it must be a bargain. If it's possible, i'd like to go and observe at a
few and get a feel for it first, am I allowed to do this or do most
auciton houses only allow traders?


Thanks,
Paul

"P A Latham" <sonofbig (AT) redyonder (DOT) co.uk> wrote


Beware, HDi's although reliable, are *much* more expensive to service than
the XUD- especially at timing belt change. There are known fuel system and
engine electrical problems too.

I would always go for a late mint condition XUD than a slighlty ropey HDi.

Tim.

"Tim.." <the.farm.hates.spam (AT) btinternet (DOT) com> wrote


What's involved in the servicing? More expensive oil/filters?
(I can believe the timing belt being more of a pig, but am wondering what
else you need to do with it).

cheers,
clive

"Clive George" <clive (AT) xxxx-x (DOT) fsnet.co.uk> wrote


Filters are more expensive, timing belt is vastly more expensive due to
having to change the damper/pulley, and injectors are a service item at well
over 350quid roughly every 90k.

Tim..