Looking for a car

Last week I went window shopping for a new car. I had an idea what I wanted and (unhappily) had to visit three garages due to the fact that it's made centrally in Czechia. (see this article).

I tried Toyota first (source of my last 5 cars). Polite, pricey, easy to get the test drive, I liked the car. It was the petrol version, my preference was the 1400 diesel. Toyota don't do the diesel. Offered my thanks, left with his 'lets try and match any offer you get' his last words. As good as it gets with a car salesman is my view. Citreon next, who do the diesel. True bs merchant. Contradicted himself, caveated every offer, no test drive and managed to tee me off quite comprehensively within about six minutes. Mention internet prices and he seemed quite offended. I walked out.

The peugeot dealer matched the Toyota experience. I shouldn't have been surprised, it was the same chain. Polite, helpful, even suggested I look at the Peugeot 206; long in the tooth but same 1400 diesel engine (I think). Left him intent on researching the 206 and now in doubt about the one litre petrol. Seems the 206 has had problems in the comfort zone and gearbox or so the reviews noted. Either way I left happy. The sales guy even phoned me back yesterday as a follow-up.

My problem is that the internet price for a metallic diesel is far too close to the non px price that the Citreon guy offered me. I suppose I could go find another sales person, visit the nearest (except for my nearest one) which is seemingly only 18 miles away.

It leaves a nasty taste in my mouth though for Citreon in general.

(I'm looking at the high mpg figures and longevity of the diesel, considering a 120 mls per day commute). With petrol at 1.10 per litre it's becoming a serious issue in the UK.