Jaguar Or Mercedes

[MichaelBailey]

I think despite wanting the big engine being a mad car man I'll end up with a 2 litre diesel... I do want a big engine, something I feel good when I jump in it. And also on the big jump from a polo my car before that was an 88 mini so my polo feels like a rolls Royce, a big jag will feel like a cruise liner!

[LeighW]

Not sure I'd go for an S Class of that vintage, too much scope for real wallet raping problems. How about a CLK? I had a 2000 CLK320 for eight years; it was very reliable, and would return 31 - 32 mpg on a run easily, even with a heavy(ish) right foot. You have to watch for rust like any MB of that era, but mechanically they're pretty robust. Your budget should get you a mint example.

It wasn't as comfy as my Jag though...

[billzeebub]

Jaguar

[TTwiggy]

What about the 2.7d S-Type Jag?

[MichaelBailey]

For all your information by the way nearly all miles are motorway miles and very little and not too fussed about. I don't know what it is but the s type and x type don't do it for me... Though saying that I could see myself buying one in the current affairs.

[Baryonyx]

Definitely the Jaguar, of the two. It's a little more character and charm to me than the W220 S Class. The S Class is a fantastic car, but you've got buy carefully with them. All these big, old luxury cars have their foibles so do your research, try a couple out and see which you prefer.

If you are going for the Jaguar and economy is a concern, hunt out a 4.0. The 3.2 had a shorter gearing a differential ratio and tends to be slightly worse in MPG comparisons. That said, you should definitely not concern yourself with economy on a barge, those big V8's are meant to be enjoyed and even the diesel versions tend to be pretty thirsty. Aim for 25mpg out of a petrol V8 at a cruise and you'll be happy. Expect around 21mpg day to day.

[MichaelBailey]

Thanks for all the advice guys, I'll let you know what I settle on. Don't be surprised if I come back and say Ive got a Bentley turbo or something

[xxChrisxx]

TTwiggy said:

What about the 2.7d S-Type Jag?

Not my cup of piss, but it's a good engine.

[plasticpig]

Answer is buy a Jag with multi point LPG system fitted. You will probably only manage 19mpg but at 64p per liter your getting the equivalent of over 30mpg.

[giblet]

One key thing to remember is running costs. Other posters have mentioned it as well but from my experience keeping an old barge roadworthy isn't cheap unless you are handy with a spanner. I spent more than your budgeting on your car just keeping my XJR on the road.

[jamieduff1981]

Either will be a nice way to pass the miles but agree that you're going to struggle to see 30mpg.

Are you mentally prepared for people asking how retired you are?

[E65Ross]

What about a 6 cylinder 5 or 7 series? Both will eat motorway miles absolutely fine. I ran a 2000 BMW 728i for 2 years and it was a great motorway car and 30mpg on a long run was a piece of cake. Now running a 745i and I can get 30+ on a run but the 6 pot was noticeably better on fuel.

[mwstewart]

Jaguar for me, and I love the older Mercedes cars.

MB have really lost their direction, for example trim rattles in new cars, and suspension complaince, or lack of, and cheap styling. I guess they are aiming firmly at the PCP market.