Cheapish, fast exec. saloon - ST 220 worth considering?

[Facefirst]

Hi All,

I'm all but giving up on my search for an M5 within budget at the moment - I need to put some more ££ aside for the car I want, so would like something to tide me over.

My car needs are pretty simple in some ways - I just has to carry me and be interesting to drive. However, I do like the mile-munching comfort of saloons, plus the toys they usually have. Not too fussed about MPG for the right car, but if I'm compromising on performance etc then I don't want to be sticking a bucket-load of fuel in it.

Anyway, I've seen some early ST 220's up for about the £4k mark (mix of lower mileage pre-facelift and 100k facelift cars). I'm considering the higher mileage facelift cars due to the resale and would like some opinions on reliability and running costs.

My old man has said that Mondeo's of that era are a bit pants, suffer subframe failure that can cost a fair amount to fix, and to avoid. Any advance on that? Anything else to consider?

Cheers in advance,

FF

[Magic919]

Never heard a subframe fail, but new rear subframe bushes for about £60 take an hour or two to replace on the Mk3. I think a 6 speed facelift might hold money better. Nice enough car and will do the job until you can buy the M5 you want.

[Facefirst]

That's what I was thinking re: the facelift cars.

I've done some reading and it seems the subframe bushes wear pretty poorly - some people seem to suggest that they are non-replaceable but others say that you can get powerflex replacements. Lots of conflicting info out there.

[MGZRod]

MG ZT V8? Not sure if in your budget though. Meant to be 'not dull' to drive and quality is usually fine.

[RobCrezz]

E36 328i sport?

[sklar]

I'd get a year or so older 330i saloon/touring over the ST. Loads about so can find a good spec.

The amount of rust on a not so old Mondeo really puts me off them.

[Magic919]

Facefirst said:

That's what I was thinking re: the facelift cars.

I've done some reading and it seems the subframe bushes wear pretty poorly - some people seem to suggest that they are non-replaceable but others say that you can get powerflex replacements. Lots of conflicting info out there.

We've just fitted the Powerflex bushes to a (family) Mk3 Zetec. Never needed any on the ST220. Dealers want to have the car sit for 24 hours for the bonding glue to harden.

[Fordo]

MGZRod said:

MG ZT V8? Not sure if in your budget though. Meant to be 'not dull' to drive and quality is usually fine.

left field choice- should be far more interesting than the mondy. Bet they'll hold value now, they seem to have hit the bottom of they're depreciation curve.

not that quick from what i've heard, but must be a great way to munch up the miles. If your wallet can cope with the fuel costs

[Dimski]

sklar said:

I'd get a year or so older 330i saloon/touring over the ST. Loads about so can find a good spec.

The amount of rust on a not so old Mondeo really puts me off them.

I'm not sure a BMW will be that much better, TBH. There was certainly less rust on my ST TDCI estate than a pals M3 of the same era, and my ST had twice the miles. And lived nearer the sea.

Got to say though, I think a 330 would also be a fine choice, and (may?) lose less value, although given the mondeos rarity, they are probably similar.

I think that a 100k car from either marque will have little bits and pieces (like bushes) that will be on their way out. They don't last forever, whatever the manufacturer is.

[bazking69]

Definately worth making the shortlist.

[texasjohn]

how about a legacy 3.0 saloon? Similar performance to the ST, 240hp/220lbft, 4WD and lots of spec standard...insurance just under £300 p.a.

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1935895.htm

Edited by texasjohn on Sunday 15th August 19:18

[sklar]

Dimski said:

sklar said:

I'd get a year or so older 330i saloon/touring over the ST. Loads about so can find a good spec.

The amount of rust on a not so old Mondeo really puts me off them.

I'm not sure a BMW will be that much better, TBH. There was certainly less rust on my ST TDCI estate than a pals M3 of the same era, and my ST had twice the miles. And lived nearer the sea.

Got to say though, I think a 330 would also be a fine choice, and (may?) lose less value, although given the mondeos rarity, they are probably similar.

I think that a 100k car from either marque will have little bits and pieces (like bushes) that will be on their way out. They don't last forever, whatever the manufacturer is.

I take it all back - after doing some research it seems E46's have certain little rust issues too. Strange isn't it, you'd think that all cars are pretty resistant to the tin worm nowadays. Still 330i tho. As long as it had the red leather same as the ST