Quandary between two cars

[rrobson]

Im in a slightly fortunate position where by ive currently got the choice of two 75’s, however I need to choose one. But I’m finding it difficult to do so! Here are my cars
1. 54 plate saloon diesel auto connoisseur, in cimarron green but runs great, is in generally good condition, 89000 miles and lots of service history

2. 04 plate tourer diesel manual contemporary in x power grey which is in equally good condition, 82000 miles but hasn’t got a shred of history.

The draw to the saloon is the gearbox mainly. Is the clutch a major issue with these cars? I’ve read many tales of woe and I don’t fancy the idea of one day changing gear to find the clutch pedal stays put and I’m stranded miles from home. Are the new kits really that bad?
The trouble is the tourer is 100% more useful to me, cost me less to buy, is cheaper to insure and tax by a considerable amount and will likely be slightly cheaper to run. However it is worth more at the moment in a sale, and is relatively unproven.

So given the choice, which one would you choose?

[trikey]

Cimarron over Xpower for me.

[coolguy]

Automatics are pretty robust - clutches are not.

[AndyN01]

Originally Posted by rrobson

...... The trouble is the tourer is 100% more useful to me...............

There's your answer

[planenut]

Tourer is more versatile, a van into a luxury limousine.

[rrobson]

The tourer is certainly the preferred choice of the two, it’s just the clutch that concerns me. With the tax and insurance saving I can buy a new clutch kit and still work out the same. The work doesn’t worry me, it’s just the ticking time bomb that resides under my left foot...

[stocktake]

The problem is Reece, you will always have at the back of your mind that the clutch is going to fail.
That said, if installed properly they are no worse than any other set up providing you can find quality parts and that is the rub with the manual.

Could it be that neither is the car for you and you are compromising?

What you really want is a low mileage diesel auto tourer....

[Coups]

There are stories of clutches going and of course they will. As they will on any old car. There are also stories of cars running many miles without clutch replacement. Really depends on how it's been used and driven over its life. As far as I can tell my 75 is on its original clutch and approaching 142k with no problems at all yet I know it's had an easy life commuting on motorways for the most part until the last few years when it's use has failed off. However my father in law managed to burn out 3 clutches within 5k on a brand new car by resting his foot on it constantly.

Have a drive and see how it feels. Don't let horror stories put you off. Forums are terrible for that as people only ever post about issues.

Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk

[macafee2]

I own both a saloon and Tourer, both manuals.

You say the Tourer is more useful but if it is because of load carrying could you fit a tow bar and use a trailer with the saloon?

Also consider your driving style, how do you use your gearbox, engine breaking for example?

I think when it comes to Auto V Manual, lovers of each will tell you that their choice is best and why.

macafee2

[rrobson]

Originally Posted by stocktake

What you really want is a low mileage diesel auto tourer....

Yes this is the perfect scenario, however beggars can’t be choosers!

I actually thought about advertising both and seeing which one sells first! Then I haven’t got to think about it

I decent suggestion, the saloon has a towbar, but small trailers are impractical and I dont have useable space to store one without having to move three cars and another trailer...

The tourer is going for mot next week so a “try before you buy” might be the way forward!!