Here we go. I'm thinking of changing the car soon, and don't know for sure what to go for.
The ones in the running are, Audi A4 1.9 TDI 130, Mercedes C220D, Saab 93 1.9 TID, Volvo S40 D3 or 2.0 petrol, not totaly against the petrol options on the others either. I've done a bit of research online and read scary stories about all of them, but then you'd expect that when you google problems for each make. Anyone out there have any experience with any of these or recommendations ? Also looked at the Mazda6, but apparently the diesels are shite and the rear inner guards rust like fook on all of them. Although I had a 626 years ago and loved it. Also heard the Audi diesels can be scrap if they have been run low on oil by previous owners. Looking for something with reasonable fuel economy, not too hard to insure, decent handling and a bit of comfort.  Any mechanics or owners of any of these got any info ?

I have a 2.0 TDI Peugeot 407.   I've had it for 3 1/2 years now and it's been a great car. I'd definately consider another one, tho' probably the estate version.  There's plenty of room inside, comfortable, good boot space, it'll sit at a ton all day and is good on fuel.   I know it's not on your list DnS, and it isn't perfect, but i've no regrets from owning it. (it does have the turning circle of a small ship though, so parking isn't always the most fun part of the day!)                                                                                                                                                                             

Buy British
http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/front_website/gallery.php?o=0&id=365518
                                                                                                                                                                             

I cant believe you mentioned a Volvo are you a biker or an old man with tarton rug and dog gaurd ? lol  you'll driving it as a taxi next whilst towing a caravan get the merc                                                                                                                                                                             

Thanks for the replies, keep'em coming.

Weirdo.. Yep, I had a 406 diesel, a few years ago, it drove well enough, but I had serious problems with oil leaks, and niggly (not major) electrical problems so it kinda put me off French cars, although the 407 is probably a much better car.

Wheels.... My missus has a Rover 214 sei 16v, never again will I buy a Rover. lol   Its been a constant series of problems, inlet manifold, wiper motor, alternator, blown fuses, warped discs, leaky sunroof etc etc etc.

Wheely.... Volvo. LOL  My mates brother has a 2.0 petrol S40, 6 years old, it runs and drives sweet as a nut, and has a reasonably torquey motor, good fuel economy bout 40mpg (petrol), and isn't too hard to insure.  I quite like the shape of them also.

The Saab 93 looks good with a decent toquey motor also, but resale value isn't great and I've heard of EGR valve problems.  AFAIK they're based on the Vectra though, so parts might not be too expensive if anything does go wrong.  I'm tempted for the Merc meself, the only thing worries me is insurance and parts prices.  But I'm open to any more suggestions or info.

volvo = ford engines load a rubish steer clear dura torx nowt but trouble                                                                                                                                                                              

Get back to you later mate with some info. Highly advise you get a diagnostic report on the diesel system before you buy as injectors are 250 apiece re-conned & around 350 - 500 each new, I;ll find a reputable diesel specialist near you... busy at mo.

SKODA mate!!! we own two Vrs diesel is awesome and driven sedately will give 60 mpg too not bad cars at all! and they dont rust or break down! (much)!!!                                                                                                                                                                             

What's a car?                                                                                                                                                                             

Drift - I have a Saab 93 1.9 TiD Vector Sport and overall think it's a brilliant car.  However, Roachy has nicknamed it (perhaps unfairly) as the "Money Pit" for several reasons.

Firstly, you are absolutely right about the EGR valve issue.  Mine's gone twice.  The first time was sorted under warranty, with Saab agreeing to pay a third of the £700 bill for the second!!  However, I have since been informed that a good local mechanic can do the same job for a lot less.

Secondly, they are not based on the Vectra.  The Vectra was based on the Saab.  The history of this is that GM told Saab to make a new 93 based upon the previous Vectra's platform.  Saab took one look at it, decided it was crap and developed the Epsilon platform.  GM then decided to base a new Vectra around this.  The two cars share the same basic engine (a joint GM/Fiat development) but whereas the 93 has a Saab turbo, the Vectra has a GM one which apparently has a tendency to fail.  The 93 has different running gear and obviously a different body and internals.

The downside of this is that parts prices are not as low as you would hope for the Saab.  That said, apart from the EGR valve issues my car hasn't needed a lot and is sitting around the 100k mark.  Saying this, I am now looking at a timing belt change (~£250-300) and a new clutch and dual mass flywheel (~£750 gulp!).  But you could easily argue that these are normal maintenance costs for a modern car with this mileage.

If you do go for the Saab, I'd definitely recommend the Hirch upgrades.  Mine has an upgraded turbo and ignition map.  The car still isn't particularly quick off the line due to a low 1st and 2nd gear.  But once in 3rd or higher and the car really does fly and is easily capable of out accelerating a lot of "hot" hatchs and apparently has the same rolling acceleration of the petrol Aero model.

Comfort wise, you'd be struggling to find a nicer car!  It has some of the best seats out there (the Vector Sport has split leather seats), dual zone climate control, cruise control etc.  The only issue with mine perhaps is that with 17" wheels and firm suspension it rides a little hard over potholes etc and I really wouldn't go for the 18 inchers.

For further advice I'd recommend having a look at www.honestjohn.co.uk                                                                                                                                                                              

All I can say.. not having any technical knowledge.. is that i now own a mazda, and would have no hesitation owning another. It seems to just keep on going, looks good and is easy to work on.., that is peace of mind for me!!                                                                                                                                                                             

Wheely.. thats great info thanks..
 £700 for EGR valve !!  Foooook !!  I've heard from a mechanic they can be removed cleaned and refitted in an hour or so and can be bought for as little as £90.  I like the Saab and it appears to be a great buy if I'm going to hang onto it.  I hear they have a wicked sound system aswell.
My brains still frazzled with the info I'm getting a reading (good and bad points for all of them) so I guess the best bet is to go for the best/cheapest/newest/lowest milage of one of the makes above and hope its a good'un or move it on.

Hmm saab tickles me fancy there. Nowt wrong with the Audi or Merc but the Saab has always looked like a saab. All cars suffer problems and no one car is truly built better than another these days ( apart from some uber cars) As a side note to your rover, funnily enough they have been the most reliable I have owned, no headgasket issues, just usual stuff wearing.   Trouble is, unless you buy new you have no idea how a used car has been treated, a service history is good but doesn't tell you if the owner topped up the oil between services etc. Just pick what you fancy as its you that's driving it.                                                                                                                                                                             

I've got a green one ATM, is that any help?;0)                                                                                                                                                                              

You've a green one ?  You need to see a doctor about that mate.                                                                                                                                                                                

I did DS the cream cleared it up a treat.                                                                                                                                                                              

Don't buy a French car, nothing but trouble. Japanese cars are best, I would go for Honda or Toyota. What about a Honda Accord diesel ?                                                                                                                                                                             

got a BMW 1 series 2.0 ltr diesel coupe - nice and fast yet economical. not very practical, but great fun.                                                                                                                                                                              

I had an S40 for quite a while (bought for safety aspect with kids and because it came up at the right price as a reclaimed insurance theft).  Couldn't fault it, very economical, very quick and the boot was massive as well as it being comfortable to drive.  Volvo stereo was pretty good too lol.   When I left hubby I chose that over the Chrysler Voyager even though I had the kids.  Great car.                                                                                                                                                                             

Hi BM - I've got an S40 now, - the T4, bit of a wild monster... I would say a bit like me but that would sound very pretentiuous wouldn't it   As you say though really good car ----- still I have to say that when I bought my ex a brand new MX5 and she still left..............it feels better that way.