2003/4 XUD Anyone?

[sirwiggum]

I think Alfa had the first common rail diesel on the 156.

SDis and TDis, I know one is turbo and one isn't, but isn't that basically the same engine but with or without common rail? I think some Skodas had them without, just normal "fire the diesel in" mechanism.

[Welly]

The reality is he would happily invest sensible money in something half the age / mileage, provided it didn't involve using only pump diesel.

The plan up to now was to get set up making bio & buy a newer car, (possibly a certain 2.2)

He's realised that even if a newer HDi is a bit more economical, he'll still need loads more veg oil plus additives and so on. Also, D8 1.9 TD estates only come in poverty, dire poverty and abject misery trim levels - his is an 'SX' a sort of run-out special edition with no toys, 'cept a/c & a CD changer, neither of which work.

Looking at the advisories on his MOT, it'll need rear upper link arms, (& the attendant grief of setting the camber), plus a CV joint boot, that'll turn into a 'wonder what caused that', wheel bearing failure a few months later. It's not the tidiest example you'll find, (doubles as plumber's van and dog transporter) and it only cost him £ 800, 3 years back.

Fair do's I suppose, good luck with the search!

[lozz]

best of both,

http://forum.club8090.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=12&t=64781

Dubpug

[gumby6371]

I've just noticed the comment on the 1.9 only coming in low trim spec, my old GLX had digital aircon, leecy windows all round, heated leccy mirrors, front fogs, rain sensitive wipers, rear sun blind and even a little storage cubby in the parcel shelf. Well that's what still worked when I got it so possibly not a complete list. Never did fix the remote locking!!!

Bung a nice interior in a 1.9 GLX and retro fit a trip computer and you'd have a pretty well specced car.
I always fancied a centre console with cup holders, black door cards and a half leather interior but haven't found one in decent nick for the right money.

[ally406]

I think you run out of options for "just pour it in the tank" type veg cars run out around 2000/2001 with the Nissan Almera. The 2000 plate Almera I looked at had horrendous rust in various places and I'm glad I bought a 406. After that you have various options on twin tanking, but that adds complexity and cost and you’re still limited to fairly old cars. The only other alternative is biodiesel, but it's more time, effort, involves chemicals and more expense. The upshot is you can drive a modern car, and time and expense might be offset by increased fuel efficiency (the XUD is a bit crap in this department by today's standards).

I would opt for a pre-emptive overhaul of the car you have. My 406 was an utter dog when purchased, but with all new suspension bushes, belts, fluids, brakes, 4 wheel alignment, new tyres and various other items it drives great and is utterly reliable. Total bill was around £600, but it's already more than paid for itself and will roll on for many more thousands of miles. Ebay is fantastic for picking up new old stock genuine parts for a fraction of their original cost. If you fit it all yourself it works out as great motoring value.

As another incentive check out misfuel. I collect mixed petrol and diesel from garages that have drained it from misfuelled cars. The XUD will munch this stuff blended in veg up to 30%. It's free, ready to use, and thins the veg out and makes it an all season fuel. It also speeds up filtering significantly. You can't do this with a modern engine.

[Doggy]

best of both,

http://forum.club8090.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=12&t=64781

Dubpug

Now you mention it, I was thinking of getting some stickers made up :-

' It's a Pug thing -
you wouldn't keep up'

I've just noticed the comment on the 1.9 only coming in low trim spec, my old GLX had digital aircon, leecy windows all round, heated leccy mirrors, front fogs, rain sensitive wipers, rear sun blind and even a little storage cubby in the parcel shelf. Well that's what still worked when I got it so possibly not a complete list. Never did fix the remote locking!!!

Bung a nice interior in a 1.9 GLX and retro fit a trip computer and you'd have a pretty well specced car.
I always fancied a centre console with cup holders, black door cards and a half leather interior but haven't found one in decent nick for the right money.

I guess you're right, just you can get a pukka 1.9TD exec saloon but the vast majority of 1.9 estates seem to be L or LX

I would opt for a pre-emptive overhaul of the car you have.

We're thinking along the same lines, (this is my bro's car). It's got 12 month's ticket at the mo & he would consider spending £3-400 to get it through next time, which gives him 2 years......

The conundrum is where to go next, he has 'plans' for bio, but 4 years in, he hasn't built the shed, much less installed the processor.
In truth 'just pour it in' is ideal for his general local motoring, but we'll be 'convoying' to Scotland in a week or so, just after that he's off to france for 2 months, Scotland again in September, south of France in October / November, so something a little less well-travelled might be sensible.