Save some money and buy a Skoda Fabia 1.9tdi. You save a fair bit over a VW but it's pretty much the same kit. However trying to find a second-hand one is difficult, I believe something about rocking horses may be appropriate. Because they're such solid cars, people often don't part with them. Skoda's are great sleeper cars because there is still a stigma attached, but you can tune loads underneath the bodywork, but you can still work on the outside as I think the Fabia has quite a nice shape.
How about a Ford Focus 1.8TDDi? Some argue the older version is friendlier to tune than the newer TDCi, but a remap and Bluefin and you'll be pushing out some good power with a nice kick from the turbo as well. Plus they're much more plentiful and at reasonable prices. Get a Ghia or Zetec model and you'll have plenty of nice extras. I'm still amused by my electric adjust seat.
Diesels are up and coming with performance and economy. You might not get off the line as quick, but you get there as you move up through the gears. HDi Fun is right that servicing etc. will be more, but you can do the maths to work out what you might save in other areas like fuel and Road Tax. |