Small engines; 200kms/day @ 100km/h?

PitCrew · 28-09-2014, 01:25 AM

Hello All,

Trying to save money so thinking of getting a smaller car (1.4L engine) as the daily driver.

Currently do 200km/day, 60% at 100km/h (country), with the remainder being city/suburb driving.

What do you think, is this engine just too small and would not last?

Any helpful feedback would be appreciated.
Thanks
PitCrew

82XD393.3v · 28-09-2014, 01:56 AM

most new or newish cars a very reliable buzzboxes are a thing of the past

mik · 28-09-2014, 02:11 AM

i think if it is a well made car to start with(having the runs on the board for longevity) and it is serviced properly it should last ok and be worthwhile.

On the other hand , buying an economical to run piece of crap that falls to pieces and will be in the workshop more often than a politician shafting we the people ........... not a good move.

Yellow_Festiva · 28-09-2014, 06:40 AM

The small engine will last just as long as any large engine, as long as you treat it right.

baboon · 28-09-2014, 06:56 AM

Yes it will last, keep oil/filter changed every 10k, plugs every 100k, coolant up, tyres to correct pressure, plus regular maintenace will be fine. Our '05 Toyota Echo (1.3L) 5sp manual has done 300 000kms now from new and the major change was alternator (bearings).

Good luck.

new2ford · 28-09-2014, 07:10 AM

A couple of years ago in Europe I was driving an Octavia with 1.9 l TD. It had 200,000 on the clock and I did another 12,000 in 4 months, mostly at 130-150 km/h (and often overtaken by smaller buzzboxes doing 160!). Solid as a rock. As the two previous posters said - just look after it properly and it will serve you well.

I started my driving life legging it across great distances in western NSW in an 1100 cc Mini in the good old days of the prima facie "speed limit". The car lasted well but I don't think I could quite get it to the old ton!

borough · 28-09-2014, 07:57 AM

Before I purchased my XR6 in 2011 I had a 2005 Suzuki Swift manual and was driving 120kms a day. When I traded it in the Swift had done 190,000km and never missed a beat. Saying that I don't think I could ever go back to driving a small car long distances every day.

SumoDog68 · 28-09-2014, 08:28 AM

Small diesel will be even better - something like Focus , i30 or Octavia. They drive much better at highway speeds as torque is spread lower in the rev range compared to small NA petrol - bonus excellent fuel economy.

Yellow_Festiva · 28-09-2014, 08:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SumoDog68

Small diesel with be even better - something like Focus , i30 or Octavia. They drive much better at highway speeds as torque is spread lower in the rev range compared to small NA petrol.

And people who haven't experienced them dismiss them so quickly...

My daily driver is an 07 1.25L Punto Diesel, 6sp manual....

it's sitting at 5.5l per 100 around town and that equates to 900km per tank.

On the freeway it hovers at mid-high 3's/ per 100. Haven't taken it to Melb or Bris yet but would love to see the range under those conditions.. circa 1350km!

Sits on the freeway in 6th and pulls from 80km/h no worries.

ozpacman · 28-09-2014, 08:47 AM

+1 for the small diesel on the highway.

They motor along beautifully and you'll certainly notice the financial benefits at the bowser. Wife's car is an i30 diesel and we love it.

Russ

Trump · 28-09-2014, 09:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yellow_Festiva

And people who haven't experienced them dismiss them so quickly...

My daily driver is an 07 1.25L Punto Diesel, 6sp manual....

it's sitting at 5.5l per 100 around town and that equates to 900km per tank.

On the freeway it hovers at mid-high 3's/ per 100. Haven't taken it to Melb or Bris yet but would love to see the range under those conditions.. circa 1350km!

Sits on the freeway in 6th and pulls from 80km/h no worries.

That is seriously impressive! What are maintenance costs like?

new2ford · 28-09-2014, 09:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yellow_Festiva

Sits on the freeway in 6th and pulls from 80km/h no worries.

What most people don't appreciate in Australia with its retarded speed limits (NT excepted), is that most modern cars would be designed for European driving and that there is therefore a need to call on a sudden burst of power even when you're already driving at high speed. And that burst is very much there.

An example - I'm "toddling along" in my Octavia at 130 overtaking a truck and I see in the distance in my rearview an Audi/BMW/Merc closing quickly at 210 (I kid you not)! So I suddenly need 160 to complete my manoeuvre and get out of the way. And the Skoda delivers it straight away without hesitation (thank god)! At about 6 l/100 at those speeds.

To be honest I'm not worried at all by smaller engines nowadays. They're quite different from the old days. Durable too if you look after them properly.

99AUXR · 28-09-2014, 09:20 AM

Im going to steer clear of this thread best I can manage is 9ltr/100

.

Yellow_Festiva · 28-09-2014, 09:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Loud_Noises

That is seriously impressive! What are maintenance costs like?

It hasn't hand a lube service as yet due to the fact I have only had it for 7,000km and it was just done prior to purchase but I will buy all my consumables from OS or from bulk suppliers and then just take em to my mechanic and get him to do the labour.

Having said that, I can tell you that I did the front pads / rotors and brake fluid for $380 about 6 weeks ago at my mechanic.

What really puts the service costs through the roof is when you take the car to a 'brand specialist' and ask them to do the work.

I would hate to think what the above would have cost if I took it to a "Fiat / Alfa" specialist.....

I also have a 96 Fiat Cope Turbo and do the same. Get all consumables shipped over well before they are due and get them done at somewhere I can trust at a hourly rate.

Did the water pump and timing belt for around $650 all up and I can recall that when I called the local 'specialist' they wanted more than double for just the belt. Adding the Water pump and a flush nudged the price to almost 2 grand!

If you know where to get parts, know a good mechanic and plan ahead they shouldn't cost any more than a regular car.

Thank God for Ebay!

I don't know of any other car where the 'low fuel' warning light comes on with 265km DTE!

And that's after driving 776km (a mix of freeway and surburban trips)

At a very low average speed of 46km/h.

She also pulls 5-600kg with no sweat:

Very underrated car

Franco Cozzo · 28-09-2014, 10:53 AM

I'm averaging about 6L/100km in my TDCI Focus, average speed of 70km/h showing so I'm mainly doing highway work.

Turns over 2000 RPM in 6th at 110km/h and I don't need to change down for hills either, chuck her on cruise control and it'll pull itself up hills.

Diesel is the way to go if you're getting a small car, small NA petrol engines are poo and I'd never go back to an NA 4 cylinder engine, just try to avoid getting something with a DPF, even though it probably wouldn't be an issue for someone who is doing long highway trips, but I'm not keen on them.

It hasn't been expensive to service but I've never taken it to Ford, the local mechanic has been doing it all for me, I've been buying filters from Ford, the most expensive one so far was a fuel filter which was like $60, the oil filters are like $25 retail from Ford.

Since I'm out of warranty and I have access to a hoist I've been doing it myself now.

The only thing I'm not happy with is the A/C, it won't go lower than 17 degrees on a 40 degree day coming out the center vents, where as my Falcon goes down to 4 degrees coming out the vents lol.

baboon · 28-09-2014, 11:31 AM

If you're going petrol, it may not be as good as the diesel, but the 1.3L petrol echo will pull up a hill in 5th from 60Km/h to 100km/h no probs.

Good luck.

cheap · 28-09-2014, 12:12 PM

IMO, the decision shouldn't be about saving $20 in fuel per week. Small things like the diff, gearbox, flywheel, clutch, brakes, rotors, bearings, electrics, air conditioner, power windows, universals, windscreen. Any one of these small things going wrong and you'll soon forget about the $20 of fuel you saved. Throw in servicing and spare parts and out comes your TCO. Most of the motoring organisations publish cost of ownership guides. Finally what's the point of buying a tiny car if you need to visit a chiropractor once a week?

jpblue1000 · 28-09-2014, 01:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cheap

IMO, the decision shouldn't be about saving $20 in fuel per week. Small things like the diff, gearbox, flywheel, clutch, brakes, rotors, bearings, electrics, air conditioner, power windows, universals, windscreen. Any one of these small things going wrong and you'll soon forget about the $20 of fuel you saved. Throw in servicing and spare parts and out comes your TCO. Most of the motoring organisations publish cost of ownership guides. Finally what's the point of buying a tiny car if you need to visit a chiropractor once a week?

How is this different to any car? They all wear out!
My falcon DID not last as long as my 'buzzbox'!
And the buzzbox did track days and over 330,000 km's when I sold it Falcon ute needed new engine at 285,000 and I tell you now the small car cost less over 13 years of ownership. The motoring bodies cost of ownership guides usually prove the smaller car is cheaper to run per year, well the RACV, NRMA, RAA ones I have read have anyway.
As for chiropractor, how do so many people survive in these small cars and not complain, perhaps your back is to blame not the car!.
JP

danzvtil · 28-09-2014, 02:51 PM

I have a 1.4 turbo cruze as a work car, ive never had any probs on the highway overtaking, 110 kays cruise speed, plant foot upto 150kays plus to overtake (allegedly, so ive been told ;) )
And don't get hung up on its RPM at 110k crusing speed, a buzz box doing 3k at 100kph is still using less fuel than a falcodore doing 1.5k rpm.

ZH For Me · 28-09-2014, 03:12 PM

+1 for the diesel approach. A mate has a TDCi Focus and the thing runs on the smell of an oily rag, and my own Mitsi Triton uses 8.5L/100km with a mix of city and highway driving - Yes, I know it isn't a small car, but it shows the virtues of diesel. Having owned a Hyundai Elantra in the past, I'm just blown away at how much better the economy is on diesel, and the Elantra didn't exactly drink the fuel either!

Itsme · 28-09-2014, 04:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jpblue1000

How is this different to any car? They all wear out!
My falcon DID not last as long as my 'buzzbox'!
And the buzzbox did track days and over 330,000 km's when I sold it Falcon ute needed new engine at 285,000 and I tell you now the small car cost less over 13 years of ownership. The motoring bodies cost of ownership guides usually prove the smaller car is cheaper to run per year, well the RACV, NRMA, RAA ones I have read have anyway.
As for chiropractor, how do so many people survive in these small cars and not complain, perhaps your back is to blame not the car!.
JP

I think Cheap comment was about maintenance costs of the car, fair comment as some cars can be expensive compared to others, a lot of people do not consider this when buying cars only to learn later with expensive repair/service costs.

XR Martin · 28-09-2014, 07:09 PM

You havnt said what you currently own and how much you want to spend.

Keep in mind that often you lose more money in depreciation than what you ever spend on fuel...

Example.
New Corolla at $20k, after four years with 200k kms on it would be lucky to be worth $10k. Also you would have had to service it 20 times over that period. (worth $3-4k)
And over that period you would have spend $21k in fuel. (assuming 7l/100km average or 10.5c/km)
So over four years you're in the red to the tune of $35k.

Would keeping your current car be more expensive than that?

Oh if you're going to do that many kms and you are buying new, get something with 5 year/unlimited km warranty.

Itsme · 28-09-2014, 07:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XR6 Martin

You havnt said what you currently own and how much you want to spend.

Keep in mind that often you lose more money in depreciation than what you ever spend on fuel...

Example.
New Corolla at $20k, after four years with 200k kms on it would be lucky to be worth $10k. Also you would have had to service it 20 times over that period. (worth $3-4k)
And over that period you would have spend $21k in fuel. (assuming 7l/100km average or 10.5c/km)
So over four years you're in the red to the tune of $35k.

Would keeping your current car be more expensive than that?

Oh if you're going to do that many kms and you are buying new, get something with 5 year/unlimited km warranty.

Like all high K's cars, you will be paying for reliability no matter what you do.

nitro50th · 28-09-2014, 07:34 PM

The missus has owned a '98 Mazda Astina since new and its just hit 200k. The most expensive thing so far has been the timing belt change at 100k ($900 at the Mazda dealer). My brother-in-law will be doing the timing belt again soon for much cheaper.
All the drive-line is original, even the clutch. Has been a great car, very reliable.

The only thing that annoys is that it sits on 3500rpm at 110km/h, and the engine starts to get a bit rowdy at these speed and anything higher. Tends to be a bit tiring on longer trips but this is just me, i'm used to my engines (in my falcons) just ticking over at freeway speeds.

In Focus · 28-09-2014, 09:16 PM

Diesel would be a good choice, but don't dismiss a turbo petrol. I can get into the low 5's if I drive Miss Daisy (doesn't happen very often, though...)

BPXR6T · 28-09-2014, 11:12 PM

Bike? Good option if you don't mind a bit of roo dodging and eating a few bugs...

PitCrew · 29-09-2014, 12:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XR6 Martin

You havnt said what you currently own and how much you want to spend.

Keep in mind that often you lose more money in depreciation than what you ever spend on fuel...

Example.
New Corolla at $20k, after four years with 200k kms on it would be lucky to be worth $10k. Also you would have had to service it 20 times over that period. (worth $3-4k)
And over that period you would have spend $21k in fuel. (assuming 7l/100km average or 10.5c/km)
So over four years you're in the red to the tune of $35k.

Would keeping your current car be more expensive than that?

Oh if you're going to do that many kms and you are buying new, get something with 5 year/unlimited km warranty.

My current car was a Daewoo Leganza 2.2L and has just died, so need another car. Looked at some cars and there was a lot of crap cars out there and lots with high km's and high $$$$$

Before the Daewoo died, the rocker cover gasket went (repaired), crank seal went (repaired), thermostat stuck (repaired), few other minor things (repaired) gearbox selector died (repaired) I was spending more time fixing the car than enjoying the weekends with my 2 boys.

I enjoy working on cars but that was getting annoying and didn't want the same thing to happen, so thought I would go new, mainly for the warranty, increased safety, reliability and fuel economy.

Was thinking of a Kia Rio (base model) as it has 5year/UNLIMITED km warranty. But was concerned the engine would be too small for my requirements.

My other cars are:
Ford Explorer (Family Taxi)
Holden Opel GSI (in pieces in the shed, aim to rebuild when I get time)

Bike would be good but not really an option.

Thanks for all the feedback it has helped greatly, please keep them coming as not made up my mind yet (but will soon). Will re-examine the diesel option but the service was a lot more.

XR Martin · 29-09-2014, 06:34 AM

IMO the KIA Rio is good buying. It does have a 6speed manual unlike alot of its competitors.

cheap · 29-09-2014, 06:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jpblue1000

How is this different to any car? They all wear out!
My falcon DID not last as long as my 'buzzbox'!
And the buzzbox did track days and over 330,000 km's when I sold it Falcon ute needed new engine at 285,000 and I tell you now the small car cost less over 13 years of ownership. The motoring bodies cost of ownership guides usually prove the smaller car is cheaper to run per year, well the RACV, NRMA, RAA ones I have read have anyway.
As for chiropractor, how do so many people survive in these small cars and not complain, perhaps your back is to blame not the car!.
JP

Falcons were the mainstay of taxi fleets, where they'd go on and on and on. My back is fine, it is well supported by a strong spine. However being over 6' tall, with a large frame, I find small cars crammy after a hour or two. I also think it looks a little odd when a big guy steps out of a very small car. But maybe you're a small person suited to small cars.

**Polyal** · 29-09-2014, 08:05 AM

Ive been looking at a Alfa 147 JTDM..theres a really nice white one for sale at the moment for $10k with 50,000ks on the clock.

Im super impressed with our current C4 aswell...averaging 7/100 around town doing all the kids stuff. No other 7 seater gets close for the daily commute. Obviously not about to go off road with it but we are not at the camping stage yet so all good.

If your looking for a cheap daily the dont discount a LPG AU either...about as cheap and reliable as it gets at that price point.

Also EU cars resale falls like a mofo so if your savvy enough you can pick up one thats newish, low k's for a good deal.