A Quandry AKA I want a T/D

[Tim Leech]

I went to look at a possible Ecosse Challenge candidate yesterday (DTR estate) which turned out to be scrap fodder sadly, so my thoughs are what to do, ive booked the time off next year etc so just need a car now.

So I need a turbo Diesel, hatch or estate, im looking to buy one cheap and spend the next 6 months readying it, shell condition is important but not the cosmetics or mechanicals (within reason), colour and model also doesnt matter.

There is a DTR tubo hatch in Derby which would be ideal but the vendor seems rather loathed to part with it!

I could use one of my 4, but the only diesel on I have I woldnt want to use and is rather pedestrian!

[mds141]

Personally I'd take the DTR Tim. We won't be setting any land speed records up in Scotland. Some of the highland roads are quite challenging, so a steady plodder will be just fine and we won't be climbing to the same kind of altitudes we did on the Classic Challenge. Personally I think it would do the DTR good to have a good run out. Nice turbo diesels are, as you know, thin on the ground and you could end up spending a small fortune turning one around. Or you could just buy a XM 2.5 td estate, plenty of sleeping accommodation in the back of one of those. Take the DTR mate, you'll enjoy it.

[Dollywobbler]

I'm with Mark on this one. I did the BXagon in an NA diesel and it did struggle with some of the steel climbs. I've taken the same BX around Scotland (and my 2CV for that matter) and it's much easier. Would be great to have some Mk1s on the trip.

Mind you, knowing what I'm like, my TXD Turbo could quite easily be on the market by next June!

[Tim Leech]

Thanks for the input, I wont use the Mk1 DTR (I would rather use the GT), ive spent far too much on the cosmetics to want to do that on it, plus with 65bhp its proper slow, and would drive me mad, like it did in the TZD in France.

[mat_fenwick]

What about Can't remember if that's an auto or not but if it's a manual your consumption won't be much less than mine. Plus cheaper fuel per litre!

[Kitch]

The savings you'll make in fuel costs with a diesel will be more than lost with the purchasing and getting up-together of a new car, so I'd take a petrol (the GT.....it's the best one to drive).

Or take the DTR. It's not exactly going to be a fast run and if you can't keep up you're driving wrong.

Personally I'd stop being so precious mate....cars are there to be driven and enjoyed.

[ghaddon1701]

My TZD turbo will be up on ebay very soon. There are various pictures of it in the gallery. It has done a 190,000 miles. Hopefully it will have a fresh 12 months MOT. The list of things that have been done is quite long.

Cambelt, Tensioners and waterpump recently changed. Less than 20,000 miles ago.
rear arm bearings done a couple of months ago.
Front to rear hydraulic pipes changed.
Two new driveshafts.
New boost compensator.


Plus other things that I can't remember at present.

Graham

[Tim Leech]

The TRS is a 1.6 manual, regarding being precious, I do use the DTR, but its a plodder and nice to use for steady runs and on motorways it sits at 75 all day long, ive never actually owned a TD for more than a week or so so quite fancy one, ive driven one but never had one to use.

[mat_fenwick]

The savings you'll make in fuel costs with a diesel will be more than lost with the purchasing and getting up-together of a new car, so I'd take a petrol.

It's not exactly going to be a fast run

Unless you find something suitable you can make money on, if you have to use a lot of professional labour you'll lose out financially as I doubt it's going to be more than 1000 miles in total.

In the far North a lot of the roads are single track anyway, so your speed is limited by how much you can see in clear rather than the performance of your car.

But up to you in the end, whatever gives you most pleasure.

[Kitch]

The TRS is a 1.6 manual, regarding being precious, I do use the DTR, but its a plodder and nice to use for steady runs and on motorways it sits at 75 all day long, ive never actually owned a TD for more than a week or so so quite fancy one, ive driven one but never had one to use.

75mph not fast enough then? Have you seen the majority of BXers. Speed isn't a consideration - the most popular model is a diesel!

Like I said mate, GT. I know my Dad's averages 35-40mpg if you're being kind on a run and it'll keep up easily. It's also nicer to drive than a diesel, so assume yours is the same.

I plan on doing this too, and will likely take the 16v but I might be able to swing the GT once it's had it's resto.

[Philip Chidlow]

Tim, take the GT (and Kitch too if you can!). It deserves to be used. It performed well in France when we went to the conservatoire a couple of years ago. I'd even go far as to say, the GT would benefit from some patina/weathering gained from use now you've got the DTR as a showcase.

[Tim Leech]

I understand your points chaps, I just fancy a new project now the DTR is done pretty much, and I really, really want a TD!

[Defender110]

I can't believe you don't want to usethe DTR, now you have it finished it is time to enjoy! I wouldn't hesitate in using my TGD Auto for this. That's not a commitment BTW, I can't commit to anything next year yet.

[Tim Leech]

I do use the DTR, quite a bit! but I want a Mk2 TD, as after going in Pauls Hurricane........

[Mickey taker]

Buy a nice cheap petrol hatch with a good body and do a dtr conversion to it