Regarding DMFs - a lot depends on the usage. I have heard of them lasting well - if you get one from new and do not regularly 'launch' it (Petrol-head-speak) it should last a long time (but if I ever got a used car with one, if it ever failed I would get a one-piece flywheel fitted). The main reason quoted for their intruduction was the very high torque of modern diesels; I still can't justify that as the heavy-duty clutches I have seen all seem to have quite robust shock springs in them.
As for other matters - on my Focus I had and on my current Rover I blanked off the EGR which has resulted in nice clean intake and only a slightly longer warm-up time in the winter months. At 132k plus miles no smoking under any acceleration and the two MOTs have shown excellent smoke test results. AFAIK even the latest diesels have blanking or bypass kits available. However, I am still apprehensive of the occasional problems people experience with, for example, some sensors and injectors. I reckon that up-to-date cars should not have to suffer with such things considering that the engine in my Rover is archaic by modern standards but is on all the original sensors (well, those that are fitted, not many!) and injectors. Progress? Bah...
Pete
PS and autos - how about £200 for the VAG DSG transmission oil change every 80k miles (so I am led to believe) Either very expensive oil or high labour charges....
Despite my comments, fully agree lilbob - I would never consider a petrol now, previous tuggers I had were a Renault 20TS, BMW 520 (carb) and Cavalier Mk 3 SRI. They were all good but the Rover 45 TDi is streets ahead for torque - we always had to rev the others too much.
Pete
Our previous Frontera diesels had lots of torque,pulled several FWD cars off wet pitches.
Our current Sorento has loads of mid range power and will easily get you into trouble if you don't watch your speedo!
We tried a Volvo XC60-they have some power(2.4TD) expensive though!
Petrol wise, I have had a 73 Land Rover 2.25, slow but would tow all day at 50mph, then a Range Rover 3.5 efi -that had some grunt and a thirst to match!
Ultimate for me is Range Rover TDV8.
We tried a RR sport with a twin axle Swift on the back at the NEC show a couple of years ago-awesome!!! ( Lot of cash to buy and run though!)
------------- DS-There's more to life than football!!!
Quote: Originally posted by Petemate on 23/11/2009
Regarding DMFs - a lot depends on the usage. I have heard of them lasting well - if you get one from new and do not regularly 'launch' it (Petrol-head-speak) it should last a long time (but if I ever got a used car with one, if it ever failed I would get a one-piece flywheel fitted). The main reason quoted for their intruduction was the very high torque of modern diesels; I still can't justify that as the heavy-duty clutches I have seen all seem to have quite robust shock springs in them.
As for other matters - on my Focus I had and on my current Rover I blanked off the EGR which has resulted in nice clean intake and only a slightly longer warm-up time in the winter months. At 132k plus miles no smoking under any acceleration and the two MOTs have shown excellent smoke test results. AFAIK even the latest diesels have blanking or bypass kits available. However, I am still apprehensive of the occasional problems people experience with, for example, some sensors and injectors. I reckon that up-to-date cars should not have to suffer with such things considering that the engine in my Rover is archaic by modern standards but is on all the original sensors (well, those that are fitted, not many!) and injectors. Progress? Bah...
Pete
PS and autos - how about £200 for the VAG DSG transmission oil change every 80k miles (so I am led to believe) Either very expensive oil or high labour charges....
Post last edited on 23/11/2009 14:41:27
Pete - VAG DSG is not an auto, but essentially a robotised twin clutch manual, so you still have clutch issues. A full auto should irradicate these.
As an example, if you have a Zafira 120 bhp diesel you have a 100 kg higher tow weight if you plump for the auto.
Re the extra sensors, blame the tighter EU emissions laws, I too doubt that Euro IV and Euro V rated engines will do the 500k miles that were possible 10 or so years ago.
Quote: Pete - VAG DSG is not an auto, but essentially a robotised twin clutch manual, so you still have clutch issues. A full auto should irradicate these.
Thanks Zafiral - I stand corrected and bow to your superior knowledge! Maybe auto (a proper auto) is the way to go then, with a nice cruise control. My arthritic left ankle maybe will win the OH over one day, as at present I can just manage the HD clutch on the Rover, albeit a slight strain in traffic jams. She hates autos. I love 'em personally - I was just misguided regarding the DSGs, which I will deffo give a wide berth.
Pete
on my second mondeo tdci 130 and they pull like a train solo or with the van on the back had first one for 2yrs and this one just coming up for 2yrs ready to change it and can't think what else would be as good to replace it in the same value for money any thoughts?
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Topic: tow car quesion
