Buying Mk2 Galaxy/sharan/alhambra - Auto & Dpf Questions

[talldave]

Hi guys - I'm new to this forum. Thinking of buying a Mk2 Galaxy/Sharan/Alhambra.Planning on spending 4-6K

 

Ideally I'd like a 1.9 or 2.0 tdi auto - however having looked a bit on the various forums the auto boxes seem to be problematic - any thoughts?

 

I used to have a 2.0 petrol manual Renault Espace and am hoping to get something that does more mpg than that.

 

Do autos have a DMF (Dual Mass Flywheel)? I believe there can be problems with these on manuals?

 

Also I'd like one without a DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) as it may not get that many long runs. It will be used mainly around town in the week with longer runs at weekends (total about 10,000 miles per year).What year were DPFs fitted from? Should I be worried about the DPF not regenerating if I don't do many long journeys?

 

Any other advice also welcome.

 

Thanks in advance.

[gregers]

iirc mk2s dont have a dpf fitted.

on a mk3 some will some wont,if you know the reg of any car your intrested in take a looksie on the ford etis page for more info.

again iirc 1.9 will be mk2 and 2ltr will be mk3

do a general search on here for auto gearbox problems lots more then manuel box.

 

as for regen of dpf if you have a decent duel carrigway near you then every now and then you can give it an italian tune up for 10mins that should be enough to burn the crap out of it.think as long as it gets up to temp and you hold in 2nd or 3rd gear for a bit then it should be fine.?

[acecard]

thats what bothers me when eventually i will probably move to a mk3 - generally use in heavy traffic over relatively short distances so it dismays me to have to thrash the hell out of it once a week just to clear a dpf (dire problematical folly)