1.9 CDTI vs 3.0 CDTI?

[tom_p_2000]

I am selling my clio 182 as we are moving out for the first time and we need something a bit cheaper to run. I've had a 1.9 CDTI 150 before and that seemed to run on air - always hitting 48-50mpg. I'm also looking at the 3.0l this time round as i've heard lots of bad things about the 1.9 (swirl valve, EGR, DMF etc). The 3.0l also appeals as it is that bit quicker.

What mpg is possible out of the 3.0 (manual) for general driving and long distance?

Anything else i should know when comparing these 2?

Thanks

[m8internet]

How much does the Clio 182 cost per mile?
If you need to save money then the Vectra 1.9 CDTI 120 is the obvious choice
The insurance will be the cheapest out of all three and will return the best MPG, but not much over the 150

The combined MPG for each is about :
120 - 49mpg
150 - 47mpg
180 - 39mpg

I've had my 2005 3.0 V6 CDTI for three years now (it was 16 months old and 10K miles in 2006)
I test drive an almost identical 1.9 CDTI 150
There wasn't much between them
However the 3.0 V6 CDTI was much quieter, especially above 40mph
The 180 also has phenomenal acceleration above 50mph

Reliability on VX engines is somewhat hit and miss
Many can last 100K miles with no problems, others die as soon as they leave the showroom!

For that reason I went for the 3.0 V6 CDTI, as it is NOT a VX engine, but an Isuzu engine
However, from experience it has some flaws (although as a high mileage driver any car will)

It was an old engine design and apparaently not updated for ultra low sulphur diesel until 2006
So far no facelift owners have reported a problem
After about 4 years the engine suffers what is known as a blocked SCV
This costs about £1000 to fix, but once fixed it should not return as there are uprated SCV

The VX gearbox can't cope with the torque, it's right on the limit
Mine suffered clutch slip at high revs on overtaking, VX refused the claim early on as the clutch hadn't actually failed
However it finally went two weeks ago just a month before the expiry
That too is £1000 to fix

Finally is the cambelt, it is a £500 job
However as it is not a VX engine you can safely leave it to 100K miles
I inspected mine when it was replaced at last service (a little early) and it was almost perfect

As you can see when you do need your 3.0 V6 CDTI fixed each job is into the £00s

However mine spends more time on the road than my last Vectra!

Mine returns between 30 and 50 miles per digit on the fuel gauge
Each digit is about 7 litres (56 litre tank equivalent) and I fill up in those units
So that gives between 240 and 400 miles, depending on how you drive
Typically I get 32.8mpg (the trip computer hadn't moved much from that)

[tom_p_2000]

thanks for that write up. i definately need a 1.9 then lol. my clio 182 is averging 35-38mpg lol

[m8internet]

I could easily get 40mpg in my 3.0 V6 CDTI, but if I wanted that I would have bought the 1.9 CDTI 150
It's a good compromise between economy and performance

[gumanue]

My 150 signum is always between 42.8mpg and 43.8mpg on the trip computer with a heavy right foot, and 19" wheels reducing mpg a bit.

[david.aka.judas]

get a good spec 2.2dti, go forever, return 42-45mpg and that will save you money for mods.

[Celes]

In 20k miles my 3.0 averaged 46mpg. Lowest 39mpg, best: 56mpg

Very happy with the fuel cosnumption.

Quickish driving: 40mpg
Normal driving: 44mpg
Slow Economy driving: 49mpg

http://www.spritmonitor.de/en/detail/350947.html

[Maverick]

Having done high mileage in both a 1.9 150 Signum and 3.0 CDTi Signum, I'll give you my opinions.

3.0 Advantages

1) Sound, the engine sounds like a gem and is a good engine on the whole.
2) Drivability, Very Very smooth and effortless to drive.

3.0 Disadvantages

1) VERY expensive if they do go wrong (My fuel pump failed at 26000 miles and was £2400 for the pump alone, good job it was warranty). But this is a rare problem.
2) They will never get the same mpg as the 1.9, some will argue that if you drive them gently you will get 40+ mpg. Yes this is true, but if you drive the 1.9 just as easy you into the mid 50's.
3) They are not as good on the handling front due to the heavy engine compared to the 4 pot 1.9. I found this after driving both at the Nurburgring. on sperate trips. Point to point, the 1.9 is quicker.
4) Road Tax is £215.

1.9 Advantages

1) Very good mpg
2) Quick in standard form, you will find in practice that they are only a fraction slower than the 3.0, but if you re-map the 1.0 a 3.0 has no chance.
3) In my opinion, good reliability. 200,000 miles in four different 1.9 150's is what I base my opinion on.
4) Road Tax is £150.

1.9 Disadvantages

1) A small amount have been known to have EGR and Swirl flap issues, they that seems to effect early cars up to about 2007. Many that did have faults will have been fixed under warranty.

Thats about it.

In summary, I would say in the real world, expect an average of 36mpg out of the 3.0 and about 44/45 our of the 1.9 with all types of driving.

Both are very good in my eyes, the 1.9 will never have the same sound as a 3.0 and will always be that little more aggresive in it's power delivery.

You won't be disapointed with either.

What would I buy? If it had to be diesel, then the 1.9 while I do the high mileage but if it was normal mileage then I would for sure have another 3.0.

[m8internet]

3.0 Disadvantages
1) VERY expensive if they do go wrong

the 1.9 will never have the same sound as a 3.0 and will always be that little more aggresive in it's power delivery

I love how you didn't highlight that category!

I do agree, when things go wrong on the 3.0 V6 CDTI they seem really expensive when compared to other diesels
Even when you compare the 1.8, 2.2, and 3.2, their repair costs are about the same!

My 3.0 V6 CDTI seems very quiet, I don't know why everyone is on about this noise all the time
However when you stand at the front and compare to the 1.9 CDTI it sounds much more refined
Equally, drive with the windows down and the turbo has a lovely noise!
Those are the only times I can hear it, if I do want to hear it!

[mattv6diesel]

drive a v6cdti wouldn't bother with any other