£2000 motorway cruiser

[junglie]

I have seen many threads discussing 'Bargain Barges' but I have a more specific question. I am running an E36 328i SE which I got for a reasonable price and I am very happy with it. We bought a Ford Cougar V6, which was fine for the commute, but it needs a new clutch or perhaps slave cylinder and release bearings so not really worth the expense. We will run 2 cars for about 2 years before buying a new car (Audi A4 3.0tdi Quattro Avant is what I want) to avoid racking up the miles. I have always had chain driven cams so have never had to worry about changing belts. However, as it is harder and harder to track down an E36 or E39 for a good price with a good level of kit I have expanded my search and have come up with these 2:

http://search.autotrader.co.uk/es-uk/www/cars/VOLV...

and

http://search.autotrader.co.uk/es-uk/www/cars/MG+Z...

What do you think about price and are there better alternatives. I have read the threads about the MG and they are either very positive or very negative but most of the post about C70s are positive (very aware that people will always post more negative threads/issues than positive so not too blinkered!).

Thanks for your help

[MG511]

You don't say how many miles you'll be doing on those motorways. Ride on the ZT is rather firm, of the two I'd have the Volvo. Does image concern you? otherwise you'd be suprised how much Mondeo or Vectra £2k buys you. Vectra the cheaper of the two and maybe a better motorway car.

[junglie]

Will be doing approx 600 miles per week - all of it on dual carrigeway/motorway.

Have had an ST24 as well as the V6 Cougar but do ot want another Ford - nothing against them but just fancy a change. Not hugely keen on the interior of the Vauxhall range but they are good cars.

[irf]

cant say nothing on the price but i do know that you will not feel 600 miles in a week in the volvo. supremely comfortable.

[Kermit power]

Are you able to claim the fuel? If not, you might be better off going for a diesel ZT. They have supposedly reasonable performance, which can be significantly improved. Google "Rover Ron" for that.

In terms of comfort, the seats are really good. Mine is a 260, so the suspension is completely different, but from people who've owned both, the hardness of the ride is very similar. I've done 500+ miles in a day on a few occasions and felt absolutely great by the end of it.

[Motorrad]

What about an Omega?

http://search.autotrader.co.uk/es-uk/www/cars/VAUX...