Love affair is over... What next

[Ghost91]

These threads seem to be common so I hope you lot don't mind!

Last week I posted a thread asking about Lexus & 7 series BM's - I've got a bit of a v8 itch that needs scratching! But I decided against one of those as a daily - instead I've found myself a more sensible daily, and I'm looking to get rid of my classic Saab 900 in favour of something bigger and more brutish.

I've had a thing for Saabs for a while now but I think the love affair is coming to an end, I've had a 9000, 9-3, 9-5 and 900 and well, I get bored I guess.

So, I'm looking for a new toy/second car. I dont have a huge amount of cash to play with here as I overspent on my daily. I'll probably get around 1500 for the Saab so I'm looking to spend around that, no more than 2k - which I think for a big engined and possibly old car should get me something half decent, fun and a bit different.

Criteria - Different to the Saab - Fast! Nice engine, preferably v8 but not bothered as long as it's got plenty of power and sounds nice, must be good for long journeys, as while I won't be commuting with it, I live in the Midlands and need to make regular trips to see family in Southampton and Yorkshire, and we go for quite a few weekends away. Good looking is always a bonus, but it's more about the driving experience, comfort is still important - ruling out mx5's and the like

The options so far;
Jag of some kind,
Still tempted with a lexus ls430 as It would be lovely for long journeys but I'm not sure it can be considered a toy or novelty...,
BMW 740 - older one to be in budget,
Alfa 156 v6 (bit scared by these after previous alfa became expensive)
An old merc if a decent one can be found in budget - pillarless coupe mercs from the late 80's early 90's

Any suggestions please - I can think of loads until I'm actually looking to buy and then my mind goes blank! Basically anything fast and enjoyable for long weekend journeys. I'm all for an appreciating classic if it was right, and reliable enough. I don't particularly enjoy tinkering and I don't enjoy DIY mechanical stuff but will happily send to the garage for improvements or the odd repair.

Thanks

Edited by Ghost91 on Monday 29th June 17:52

[Ghost91]

Muddle238 said:

X308 XJ. In budget, comfy, and it's a jaaag.

I do like the XJ, proper Jaaag styling! I don't know much about them though, I'll have a proper look

[Ghost91]

Found a few nice XJ's so far!

Also this which looks tempting
http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&alt=...

[Ghost91]

If merc though would preferably like a bit older for the reliability factor, don't know much about mercs of this era..

[Ghost91]

Patch888 said:

All you need to know is it has parking cenors.

Looks like a lot of car for 2k though.

I know, usually any advert written like that gets ignored, but it does look quite nice! And I've seen a couple more as well

[Ghost91]

abitlikefiennes said:

I would suggest an Audi D2 A8 4.2 quattro sport but as one of your criteria is driving experience I don't think it'll offer quite the level of involvement you may be looking for.

It'll certainly get you there in comfort and understated style though.

Similarly-aged S8's at that price are probably money pits so best avoided.

These did cross my mind when I was after a daily... Perhaps I should try and drive one. I think it might lack the sense of occasion or something a bit different that I'm after though

[Ghost91]

defblade said:

Lots of tidy(ish) 5 series about, it's what I ended up with when setting out for a 7. I really like mine, 530i, £1350

Nice, I wouldnt mind a 540 perhaps. The thing is, for a weekend car I want it to be a bit different and I'm not sure the 5 series fits the bill, unless maybe I go for an older one. I think if I got a fairly modern 5 series id just end up driving it all the time for work and everything where as if it's a bit more ridiculous, huge or uneconomical then I can save and enjoy it for weekends. I did consider getting a 530 as my only car and being done with it - but did the maths and it works out a bit better having two - especially if one is out of action I can leave it until a more convenient time to fix. Being a contractor any time off work is money lost so I've found it handy having two cars for the last couple of years

[Ghost91]

Mikeyjae said:

I cant comment on your other suggestions but my Alfa 156 was great. It cost no money over a few years then general maintenance costs, I must of been lucky with mine as you have said you had a bad experience. The engine sounds good too but I wouldnt buy a 2.5 now Id only be tempted with the GTA which is over budget. I loved the 156 but it would require that 3.2 to own another one.

Mine was a diesel so perhaps I shouldn't tar petrols with the same brush - most of the problems I had with it were diesel related.

What's the reason for going for the 3.2 next time, just a power thing?

[Ghost91]

Mikeyjae said:

Im not sure ot be fair, the power and sound make the GTA special, its a totally different car. I know with the 156 being older now I just think it would take 3.2 for me to fall in love with it again. Saying that I own a Saab 9-3 Aero now. Even though the Saab is more refined and probably faster then my old 156 it just dosent drive or handle as well. I would buy a GTA tomorrow if I didnt need it as a daily.

You have a good taste in cars!

[Ghost91]

ZX10R NIN said:

Hey Ghost what did you end up buying as your daily?

This is a little over budget but it's a V8 & it seems to have been looked after, it might be worth a look.

It's a bit of a long story... I did decide on a c270 in the end! I was pretty impressed and as an all round daily driver it just fits the bill and looks quite classy too! Im waiting for a decent one to come along do I can buy one

Until then, my daily Is my mrs new car - she saw and wanted a VW Boring - so I'll be driving that until her Panda 100HP sells. What a palaver!

[Ghost91]

jeevescat said:

I just picked up a fully loaded Alfa 156 2.4 JTD 20v MJet for £995, full history and a mountain of receipts. Goes like a train, everything works and giving 45+ mpg.

What's not to like.

Nice, I had the 159 2.4! Loved it apart from injector and dpf probs

[Ghost91]

ZX10R NIN said:

Sweet at least you end up with a fun daily for a bit.

I forgot to show the link for the V8 535i so here it is:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2002-BMW-535I-SPORT-AUTO...

That looks nice!! I could possibly stretch the budget for something as nice as that... I'd rather not though!

[Ghost91]

ZX10R NIN said:

Haggle I reckon you could get that for £2250

Just showed a lad at work who's got a few BM's - he's showed me a clip of his mates 535 v8 with a straight through exhaust.... It sounds immense!

[Ghost91]

Jag X type estate caught my eye the other day - don't need an estate but it could be handy for the dog, and they look lovely IMO.. 2004 or 5 IIRC.

Not sure it's ridiculous enough for a second car.... And it's not v8....

Anyone know anything about these? I vaguely remember top gear testing a v6 AWD one and saying Its good

[Ghost91]

Went out in a colleagues CLK500 last night...

Might consider upping the budget. It was lovely, and the noise was fantastic!

Don't know if the 55 is any better or worse... Been warned about the CL's but I don't know if they're only problematic with the v12....

It's been suggested if I spend more that I consider a Porsche boxster but I'm not too keen on a soft top.

Going to try and arrange a drive of said 500 and see if I like them

[Ghost91]

ZX10R NIN said:

Don't go for a CL the ABC suspension is ruinous (this coming from someone who has an SL with the same suspension) I also have a Three CLK's so will happily tell you what to look out for if you go down this road.

I had heard to steer clear of a CL, i guess there's reasons they're such a good price...

Okay great, thank you! First step is to drive one, and if I enjoy driving one as much as I enjoyed the engine note then I think that'll be my mind made up