Hi all,

Good forum- I have read most of the stuff, but still have a question.  I have a 2 l (X20XEV) GLS on a P and am looking for something newer.  Having had the fun of changing DIS pack, crank sensor, head gasket (plus of course timing belt etc ), I am fairly comfortable with the 4 cyl, and have been looking at late 2.2 cd/cdx.  Should I be widening my thinking to the 2.6, or are there any real downsides to the V6 (or am I just being worried about things going wrong?)  How do running costs compare (auto box)?
I would welcome any advice/ideas/opinions.

Many thanks

Gary

V6 every time for me... fuel bills are a little higher for sure, especially with autobox, but not other running costs e.g repairs etc. A bit more time consuming for DIY because the engine is a tight squeeze (the 4-pot sits more comfortably in the middle of the huge engine bay), but not too bad really. Worth it in my opinion. On the other hand Auto_Addict has a 2.2 and seems very happy with it...

EDIT *** TheBoy bit me to it...

having a 2.2 manual for 6 months then having a 2.5 v6 auto as a project car i can safley say the v6 does drink more... but it depends what you do in terms of millage.

If you do 90% motorway use then a V6 would be better, however if its town use... then maybe stay with the 2.2.

On a run back from Swindon my 2.5 V6 Auto averaged 27.2 mpg... mixed town and country roads and me taking it easy. On the way down my dads 2.2 auto averaged 32.4 mpg.

V6 does make a brilliant noise though 

As TheBoy says the V6 bay is a lot more cramped.... you can have a small party in the 2.2 engine bay!

No question. Get the V6.

2.5/2/6 should return mid 30s on decent runs. It is the best balance of power and economy across the range.
Tunnie, you need to check that engine mate! 

Also, V6 is not too bad to work on really, once you get used to it.

Quote:


Project A is not in the best state i will admit...

After driving it and getting back into my 2.2 i was pleasntly supprised at the power, i thought it would feel like bus after driving the v6 for the weekend.

The 2.2 will shift just have to push it harder than a V6, and runs out of puff after 75/80.

The 2.2 is perfectly capable of sitting @ 80 on the motorway all day long. Sit at the national speed limit and it will return 37 mpg...

If i was looking for another megga i would prob go 2.5/2.6, buts cause i would like more pace - the 3.0/3.2's are too thristy unless lpg or its not your main car.

i did find myself screaming at the autobox to "change gear" when i wanted it to....

Thanks again for all the advice and info - in the end I went for a 2.2 CD with service history (right price, with full history and dealer receipts including recent cam belt & water pump change).  Had a run down to Portsmouth this week and still happy, but thinking about changing the autobox fluid shortly (last owner was caravn club member  )  and will get the geometry checked when I put new front tyres on after another 1000 miles. ......
Will let you know how it goes.

GB

Sounds like a fair deal, Gary, provided the purchase price was not too high. 

Would agree with the autobox fluid change.  If it hauled a heavy 'van through windy uphill/downhill lanes, then its earned a change and a drink!!

B