Best mini-barge?
Discussion
ZX10R NIN said:
Here's my pick:
Aristo Vertex 3.0 Twin Turbo same size as a 5 series & as quick with reliability to BMW weep
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/TOYOTA-ARISTO-LEXUS-GS30...
Or if it has to be a 5 series, get an Alpina:
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2015...
Or if you don't fancy the Twin Turbo Version how about the N/a Straight 6 Or N/A V8:Aristo Vertex 3.0 Twin Turbo same size as a 5 series & as quick with reliability to BMW weep
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/TOYOTA-ARISTO-LEXUS-GS30...
Or if it has to be a 5 series, get an Alpina:
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2015...
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2015...
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2015...
Looks like I'm actually going to buy a 130k miler 530 for the princely sum of £1350... I fancied the black 540 on carsandclassics, but I've decided that the 2.5 grand price difference will leave a fair bit for running repairs. Anyhow, I could pretty much afford to throw away (break/part-ex) a car at just over a grand; it'll tell me if I'm in the right place for size/speed/refinement/practicality and then I can decide where I'm going for my next long-term car. Of course, if the 530 behaves, it might be that long-term car!
Mike22233 said:
chris333 said:
Have a look at a last generation Lexus IS250..make sure its an auto with the multimedia (ignore the diesels).
Silky smooth V6 engine, loads of toys, 0-60 in 7-ish secs, will never go wrong. 24-27mpg round town, better than 35mpg entirely possible on a run.
How is that better than a 540 with a v8? Slower as wellSilky smooth V6 engine, loads of toys, 0-60 in 7-ish secs, will never go wrong. 24-27mpg round town, better than 35mpg entirely possible on a run.
Being a forum, that is OK and adds options for the OP to consider, I don't think there is a 'correct' answer
defblade said:
Looks like I'm actually going to buy a 130k miler 530 for the princely sum of £1350... I fancied the black 540 on carsandclassics, but I've decided that the 2.5 grand price difference will leave a fair bit for running repairs. Anyhow, I could pretty much afford to throw away (break/part-ex) a car at just over a grand; it'll tell me if I'm in the right place for size/speed/refinement/practicality and then I can decide where I'm going for my next long-term car. Of course, if the 530 behaves, it might be that long-term car!
530 E39 is a very fine car but even at that price check it carefully as there are a number of not that uncommon faults which will write it off. In particular, if it is an Auto check it goes backwards up a hill. Check the front pusher fan works with the aircon on if you want to be cool in traffic jams, it hasn't over heated in the past leading to an iffy headgasket, the VANOS works below 3000rpm once it is warm, it starts when warm, and check carefully for coolant leaks.
Also check for wobble when braking from about 60mph as it can be very annoying and a sod to solve.
They're great cars, but they're all old and no where near as well built and reliable as some fans would have you believe so go in with eyes open.
defblade said:
Looks like I'm actually going to buy a 130k miler 530 for the princely sum of £1350... I fancied the black 540 on carsandclassics, but I've decided that the 2.5 grand price difference will leave a fair bit for running repairs. Anyhow, I could pretty much afford to throw away (break/part-ex) a car at just over a grand; it'll tell me if I'm in the right place for size/speed/refinement/practicality and then I can decide where I'm going for my next long-term car. Of course, if the 530 behaves, it might be that long-term car!
Great stuff. I got parts and labour warranty via RAC to take the sting off the bills that will be coming. Mine has FSH.What were they wanting for the one on car and classics? Almost 4k???
Mike22233 said:
What were they wanting for the one on car and classics? Almost 4k???
http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C557843£3750. Not entirely unreasonable; I'd want to throw some more at it in terms of water pump, hoses, fluids and bushes given the low use, but then you'd have a near-new car.
confused_buyer said:
530 E39 is a very fine car but even at that price check it carefully as there are a number of not that uncommon faults which will write it off. In particular, if it is an Auto check it goes backwards up a hill.
Check the front pusher fan works with the aircon on if you want to be cool in traffic jams, it hasn't over heated in the past leading to an iffy headgasket, the VANOS works below 3000rpm once it is warm, it starts when warm, and check carefully for coolant leaks.
Also check for wobble when braking from about 60mph as it can be very annoying and a sod to solve.
They're great cars, but they're all old and no where near as well built and reliable as some fans would have you believe so go in with eyes open.
Please don't spoil my fun! Check the front pusher fan works with the aircon on if you want to be cool in traffic jams, it hasn't over heated in the past leading to an iffy headgasket, the VANOS works below 3000rpm once it is warm, it starts when warm, and check carefully for coolant leaks.
Also check for wobble when braking from about 60mph as it can be very annoying and a sod to solve.
They're great cars, but they're all old and no where near as well built and reliable as some fans would have you believe so go in with eyes open.
I had a bunch of problems on my last E46, so that's part of the reason why I'm buying cheap this time. I'm as sure as I can be it's a honest car as it stands though. On the bright side, I can fix most stuff myself (maybe not the gearbox....).
If this turns out to be a complete dog/PITA, I might just throw the whole towel in and get an Accord Tourer. Or a Jazz. Or an LS430 - seems they hardly break either
defblade said:
http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C557843
£3750. Not entirely unreasonable; I'd want to throw some more at it in terms of water pump, hoses, fluids and bushes given the low use, but then you'd have a near-new car.
Probably not unreasonable. Just makes me even more pleased at price I paid for mine. Guy had a used car evaluation print off from a website at £3200, but it would seem they're going for a bit more. I've got a bit of a fund for the car should it need anything major. Just hoping it isn't too major that it ruins it....£3750. Not entirely unreasonable; I'd want to throw some more at it in terms of water pump, hoses, fluids and bushes given the low use, but then you'd have a near-new car.
Maybe a little late, but how about a Merc W202 C-Class C280? Low-miles, 1 owner cars seem to pop up every now and again and they are comfy, refined and have more space in the back than a 190.
Splash some cash on proper rustproofing (the factory didn't bother) and they are very much the ideal mini-barge.
Splash some cash on proper rustproofing (the factory didn't bother) and they are very much the ideal mini-barge.
confused_buyer said:
530 E39 is a very fine car but even at that price check it carefully as there are a number of not that uncommon faults which will write it off. In particular, if it is an Auto check it goes backwards up a hill.
Check the front pusher fan works with the aircon on if you want to be cool in traffic jams, it hasn't over heated in the past leading to an iffy headgasket, the VANOS works below 3000rpm once it is warm, it starts when warm, and check carefully for coolant leaks.
Also check for wobble when braking from about 60mph as it can be very annoying and a sod to solve.
They're great cars, but they're all old and no where near as well built and reliable as some fans would have you believe so go in with eyes open.
Well, it goes into reverse OK. Check the front pusher fan works with the aircon on if you want to be cool in traffic jams, it hasn't over heated in the past leading to an iffy headgasket, the VANOS works below 3000rpm once it is warm, it starts when warm, and check carefully for coolant leaks.
Also check for wobble when braking from about 60mph as it can be very annoying and a sod to solve.
They're great cars, but they're all old and no where near as well built and reliable as some fans would have you believe so go in with eyes open.
The front pusher is looking suspect - it was twitching a bit so I'll see if it runs when the car first switched on - I'll check it out properly tomorrow; I changed the one on my E46 and this only looks a little bit more involved - taking off the bumper rather than the undertray.
No sign of mayo anywhere.
Runs fine at all revs at all temps.
No sign of coolant leaks.
I think it's got the usual PAS fluid leaks, so new o-ring and possibly hose clips if necessary.
Needs new wipers (judder).
Enough pixels out on the dash to be worth considering ribbon repair.
And I'm chucking in a new HU too - the OE one is almost unreadable/usable due to missing pixels. I would have done this anyway even if the OE was perfect!
Headlights adjust up and down but are set a bit low for my taste on 0.
Front tyres will need changing sooner rather than later.
Near 4 hour run home all the way down the M4 with it this evening. It was, quite simply, fine, quiet, comfortable and wafty. No problems with anything. For £1350, really can't complain about anything! I know it's technically above budget, but this is good shedding in my book. Should do me very nicely for the time being
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