Cupra(180) or tdi(150) ? ?

[zan]

Hi every1. Just though id ask for your opinion here. I'm currently a student but have saved up a few pennies and can now afford a newer Leon. I am looking to buy either a 04 cupra(180) or an 04 tdi(150).The problem is I start college again in september and I am a bit worried about running costs of the cupra(inc road tax,insurance etc..) as my income will be limited.So maybe the tdi is the better option economy-wise.However,the extra performance of the cupra would be nice
Just wondering what you would do in my situation??

 

[Snoopcousins]

The Cupra TDI wouldnt be far behind in performance and would be quicker post-remap....
You could pick up the petrol version a bit cheaper than the TDI but running costs (petrol) about 30% more.
What is your budget?

 

[zan]

My budget would be around £7500-£8000.After buying id maybe have just enough to cover insurance and road tax for the year then just running costs to worry about.Being a student id only have around £50 a month for fuel.I dont cover too many miles a week though...

 

[jonjay]

The modding potential for a TDI is as good if not yields better results post remap than a 1.8t 180. Of course there are many factors that have to be considered when purchasing a TDI 150.

1) They cost more to buy but do more miles per tank
2) Have smaller brake discs, 288mm as apposed to the 1.8T 180s 312mm
3) You have to change clutch with a TDI 150 when remapping

HOWEVER

1) TDI's hold their value better than the 180's
2) post remap you will get as good as Cupra R speeds
3) Economical
4) Cheaper insurance
5) Cheaper maintenance.

I would personally go for 150 TDI.

 

[zan]

thanx for the feedback guys...this ones been baking my noodle for a few weeks now!The tdi is sounding more appealing already,iv kinda been swaying towards the cupra lately but glad to hear some more views...

 

[RobM]

There's a handy post at the top of this forum with lots of good info in to help you decide

 

[zan]

Thanks Rob il take a look.. .

 

[Fastbaz]

gotta go for the tdi makes sense fair performance especially mid range on the wave of torque and the fuel consumption is silly mine is doing around town with a heavy right foot around 40 mpg on a run at 70 its doing upto 60 mpg.... cheaper car tax cheaper insurance although it does eat front tyres with the massive amount of torque...

 

[stuart86]

voted tdi because i love my mpg

 

[WaveyDaveyGravy]

Cheap road tax too don't forget. I had the choice when I bought mine new and I don't regret the diesel at all. Has given me lots of entertainment but with realistic costs of ownership.

 

[Punch IT!]

Hi there if you dont do too many miles then why the hell not get the cupra?
I know i would.

but then ive never been a fan of the loud tractor noice diesels make.

 

[zan]

Cheers punch it i was wondering when some1 was going to back up the cupra!I must admit i do like the sporty sound of the petrol. Still undecided though,the tdi seems to be the favourite so far

 

[TeMpTeD]

I've just bought the Cupra TDi coming from a Civic VTi and it's the best decision I ever made. It's a great car and I love it to pieces!

Oh yeah, did anyone mention that it's cheaper Tax, insurance.........and....oh yeah, 40-50MPG!!

Yeah baby. Very good performance for a diesel. The beauty is that you can just cruise around effortlessly and just cain it at the tip of a toe!

 

[bandit77]

come on diseaseal winning the poll sad times. hehe... never mind economy, buy a petrol they dont sound like tractors and unless your doing loads of miles you'll never really notice the price difference on fuel . also the tdi s cost more to buy. i vote petrol 180

 

[Punch IT!]

yeah i can do that too at a tip of the toe but a little quicker

 

[Punch IT!]

im not worried about fuel coz at the end of the day money spent on fuel is nothing compared to the great driving experience you get in the cupra imo.
Plus that diesel only comes into play if you do high miles and you dont so jump on board and buy the beast 180bhp i love mine to bits. Cant wait for my supersprint exhaust and remap soon.

 

[zan]

it's very tempting...i guess the extra cash that it costs to buy the tdi could be spent on petrol instead

 

[Punch IT!]

Thats the thinking i like go on son give in to the dark side....

lol no but honestly do the maths and if it makes sence, or if deep down u feel you want cupra then just get one! cool otherwise you may regret it.

 

[bandit77]

i agree. my mate traded in his cupra petrol for a diesel bora, to save money. he didn't notice being any better off, and is now driving a cupra r.

 

[zan]

Yeah,the maths seems to point towards the sensible option of the tdi...and I agree with what you are saying about regretting it one day down the line for not getting the cupra.Then again,im sure i could live with the tdi for a while then be a little less sensible and go for a cupra r when funds are a bit better