Young drivers and barges
Discussion
My 19 year old son wants to buy a new car. He's previously had yer typical teenager Corsas.
I'm trying to point him in the direction of a barge - we can buy a E34 24v 520i for about £600. Insurance is only about £600 a year. My experience of Beemers is restricted to E21 3-series which were mechanically a very simple car. Are E34's complicated? Any points to look out for?
I'm trying to point him in the direction of a barge - we can buy a E34 24v 520i for about £600. Insurance is only about £600 a year. My experience of Beemers is restricted to E21 3-series which were mechanically a very simple car. Are E34's complicated? Any points to look out for?
I've had a Volvo S60T5 since i was 19 (previous car was also a Corsa)... opinion of friends was laughter until I bought it and had 250bhp on tap along with the comfort and kit saloons bring. Now its more of a quiet jealousy, followed by "let me have a go"... and since not many T5s go sideways into hedges the insurance is not a eye-watering as you would expect...
as long as fuel costs aren't and issue go for it...
as long as fuel costs aren't and issue go for it...
Edited by jimbobsimmonds on Thursday 12th August 09:20
E34 is a very decent car, had one in 520i flavour 3-4 years ago (while at uni). Go for the manual if you can, the auto will be slow and very thirsty. Great on the motorway and surprisingly good in the twisties. Lots of interior space and a big boot.
I liked mine a lot. Bought for 450 with 12 months t&t.
I liked mine a lot. Bought for 450 with 12 months t&t.
I think its an excellent idea.
I'm currently 20 and I've always had barges and big cars.
They've always been nicer to drive, cheaper to insure
And it changes your driving because of the way they're set up.
I've never felt the need to drive inadequately in my previous cars because of how relaxed they make you feel.
Previous cars include:
1996 Audi A6 estate.
1998 Laguna executive
1995 Mercedes S320
Currently a 1999 Audi S4.
A totally different car direction than most 20 year olds.
I recommend it!
I'm currently 20 and I've always had barges and big cars.
They've always been nicer to drive, cheaper to insure
And it changes your driving because of the way they're set up.
I've never felt the need to drive inadequately in my previous cars because of how relaxed they make you feel.
Previous cars include:
1996 Audi A6 estate.
1998 Laguna executive
1995 Mercedes S320
Currently a 1999 Audi S4.
A totally different car direction than most 20 year olds.
I recommend it!
I ran a late facelift E34 520i touring manual. It was a great barge, surprising nippy for a 2 litre and not that thirsty.
Pretty easy to work on, oil changes being a doddle. The only thing that went wrong with mine in nearly 40k of mixed driving was the plastic impeller on the water pump degraded and the car got a little warm (but didn't boil over). I replaced with a steel one from GS&F. The other area to look out for is front suspension components depending on age and mileage.
Overall highly recommended.
Pretty easy to work on, oil changes being a doddle. The only thing that went wrong with mine in nearly 40k of mixed driving was the plastic impeller on the water pump degraded and the car got a little warm (but didn't boil over). I replaced with a steel one from GS&F. The other area to look out for is front suspension components depending on age and mileage.
Overall highly recommended.
I had a W124 260E at 21, was a perfect introduction to 'proper' cars and certainly had an impact on my car choices from that day forwards.
It was a great car, wish I'd kept it. Good luck with convincing him, in my experience, mates (and the girls) were more interested in being in a Benz than a cheap hatchback when we went out.
It was a great car, wish I'd kept it. Good luck with convincing him, in my experience, mates (and the girls) were more interested in being in a Benz than a cheap hatchback when we went out.
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